Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children is a combined Australian and New Zealand multi - district Rotary initiative.
Started in 1988, after a Rotarian and a group of surgeons visited Fiji, they saw a need for restorative surgery for children, creating healthier outcomes for children and families from the Southwest Pacific.
The specialist surgery is performed here in Melbourne, and other medical centres across Australia, whilst engaging the child and their family into the local Rotary community, with Rotary clubs funding all levels of support required. The surgery may be one of a course of operations, and it may be some weeks to months for the children to endure.
ROMAC has no paid staff, nor office rental, and is operated entirely by volunteers. Volunteers in the island communities of the Southwest pacific organise the medical checks, passport and visa applications, enabling families get on the plane in time.
The pediatric surgery can be life saving, dignity restoring and generally not accessible for these children in their native country.
ROMAC is a non for profit organisation now comprising many different types of volunteers from plastic surgeons to those who just want to open their homes and offer a welcoming home for families for the time of the surgery. Re assimilation back into their home communities is an important part of the recovery, and the before and after photos Jill and Betty showed us at our meeting on 27th were breathtaking.
Every day, somewhere in Australia or New Zealand, a Rotarian or ROMAC supporter performs a voluntary act of kindness and support for one of ROMAC's patients. Fascinating & inspiring stuff...
If you would like to donate, you can give to "Romac Australia", BSB 633000, Account number 154008676 - remember to enter your name when donating for reference.
Alternatively you can organize your own fundraiser or send a cheque to: ROMAC, P O 779, Parramatta, NSW 2124
Jill Oliver and Betty Kitchener presented to our club a couple of weeks ago.