Quota International of Bundaberg members have been helping disadvantaged women, children, the hearing impaired and others across the Bundaberg Region for three decades.
Yesterday the group celebrated its 30th birthday with pearls in recognition of their long-standing members.
The charter was founded in 1989 and has been active in the Bundaberg community through times of need and in helping individuals with hearing loss, all while forming firm friendships between members.
Long-serving member Jas Haster said the pearl anniversary was a great achievement for the small local club, which she said was “punching above it weight in the community”.
“Regular beneficiaries include Phoenix House, RACQ LifeFlight Rescue Helicopter Service and Edon Place where we regularly provide care packs of toiletries to women and children escaping domestic violence,” Jas said.
On Saturday night a number of women were honoured for their dedicated service with Bundaberg Quota.
These included Joanne Anderson for five years of service, Jeannie Roberts for 15 years, Rose Fraser 20 years, Donna Somers 25 years, Olga Rosolen and Gaye Steemsonrogers both 30 years, and Olive Lyons who was one of the founding members celebrating 35 years of service this year.
Helping the hearing impaired
Quota has had a long-standing connection with Hear and Say, an organisation that provides support services to deaf and hearing-impaired children.
In 2007 Quota International of Bundaberg helped local teenager Ceilidh O’Sullivan raise money for a cochlear implant.
In 2013 the charter was instrumental in helping a young Bundaberg girl, Alana Reid, fundraise $100,000 to go to the United States to give her a chance of hearing because the medical procedure was not available in Australia.
Members also assisted local families in need after the devastating floods earlier this decade and more recently bushfires that threatened homes.
“We assisted many local families after the floods in 2011 and 2013 and recently provided supplies to some bushfire-affected communities,” Jas said.
“We have also just sent a donation to the Quota Club of Townsville for assistance with flood relief.
“Sending a donation to Quota friends to disperse in a community that they live and work in ensures the funds will go to those in the greatest need.”
Jas said she wasn’t able to quantify just how much Quota International of Bundaberg had raised and given out in 30 years, but as a not-for-profit organisation all the funds were raised by members through various ways in the community, and the money always went to worthy causes.
“Another recent group project was to supply numerous bags of toiletries to Share the Dignity with packs aimed especially at homeless teenage girls,” she said.
“Then there’s the Quota Student of the Year when we help students with a bursary and we also help the Make-a-Wish foundation.
“Funds are raised through bus trips, cent sales and other activities.”
Quota International of Bundaberg member Jeannie Roberts said this year was also special for Quota International, which celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Bundaberg Regional Council community and cultural services portfolio spokesperson, Cr Judy Peters, attended the 30th anniversary celebrations and said it was a tremendous effort from the local group.
“For any group to have the dedication of 30 years is just outstanding,” Cr Peters said.
“Quota Bundaberg members inspire others by giving their time to help others.
“They create projects that make an impact on our community and right across the world.”
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