Background of DIK (Donations in Kind)

The Donations in Kind program grew out of the compassion and concern of returning Rotary Volunteers from the Solomon Islands School Rebuilding project in 1988 who saw an urgent need to equipment and materials to be used in the buildings they were constructing. Since then, the program has grown to cover a wide range of goods donated by Rotary Clubs, schools, hospitals and other organisations for distribution to developing countries.The objects of the program including matching the goods received with requests wherever possible;maintaining the quality of the goods despatch; and ensuring that all goods are dispatched to appropriate areas of need.

Close liaison is maintained with the Rotary Clubs and aid organisations at the receiving end so as to have an appreciation of their requirements and to minimise any problems that may be encountered. Some examples of past, current and planned DIK projects in Western Region include:

More than 900kg of medical equipment for Lesotho (DIK Coordinator)

A container of medical equipment for Zambia (RC of Willeton, D9465)

School furniture and supplies for a needy Zulu school in South Africa (RC of Darling Range, D9465 (Project WR707-2008)

Hospital beds and children's books for Samoa (RC of Heirisson, D9455)

Autoclave (steam sterilizer) for Vietnam (RC of Rockingham, D9465)

While our Western Region focus is primarily the Indian Ocean rim, this does not preclude assisting other countries when the opportunity arises.

Medical -- instruments, technical equipment, furniture, linen, dressings etc.

Education -- furniture, equipment, books

Tthere are DIK not only for the Western Region but also for the other regions of Australia, including Central Region, Eastern Region, Northern Region.