If Rotary is about Service Above Self, our guest speaker Merv Stewart certainly fits that brief. Merv was introduced by Honorary Member, Peter Barnet, with Merv speaking about the Sunrise Wanderers - a group that has grown to over 2,000 men in just two and a half years.
The Wanderers started with Merv putting an ad in the <ount Martha Community Grapevine noticeboard for anyone who would like to join him for a 5 kilometre walk - to meet him at 6.15am outside Mr Curtis in Mount Martha.
And they came, enjoying a walk and then a coffee. These walks are monthly and are open to men who wish to join in. Merv talked about the “hum of connection”, the people with social anxiety and those who are lonely.
The group has also been involved in community service with over 400 hours of community service assisting Mornington Community Support centre with their bread run on a Monday night and with Fusion working bees.
They have become verty involved in the Fusion Village Project and with over 2,000 valuable connection they are a formidable force.
We saw the Fusion Village Project video and heard about the aim to raise $10M to cover $3M of building costs and finance for ongoing costs. This project assists young vulnerable adults with children and provides accommodation and support. There is no question that Merv is inspirational and you just feel compelled to get involved!
