Community
25 July, 2024
Rotary launches free cleaning to give back
MEMBERS of the Terang and District Rotary Club are launching a new endeavour to assist those in need of a helping hand – free of charge.
As part of the club’s commitment to giving back to the community, members Wayne Reicha and Paul Blain have unveiled plans to assist members of the community in cleaning out their split system air conditioning.
Mr Blain said the concept for the cleaning had stemmed from his previous employment, knowing how much of a difference a cleaning could make to both how effectively a home could be warmed or cooled, and how efficient the results were.
“Servicing air conditioners was part of a previous job I had,” he said.
“I know the difference it makes, and I thought there would certainly be people in the area who need assistance doing it.
“The usage of power is significantly higher if the filters are dirty - the system is working flat out to get nowhere.
“You clean the system, it becomes much more efficient.”
Mr Reicha said all were welcome to book in to have their systems cleaned, with a particular emphasis on those living with a disability, older members of the community or just those who need a helping hand.
“We’re hoping to help people who are older or disabled, anyone who doesn’t have someone there to assist them, or even just don’t have the ability to do it themselves,” he said.
“A lot of people don’t realise they have to be cleaned and how it impacts the efficiency between being hot and warm.
“We’ll do a day of it, going around to as many homes as we can – we’ll make a phone call beforehand saying when we’re coming – and do the cleaning out.
“We’re just trying to do a service, and if it goes well we can do it twice a year – once during winter, and once during summer.”
Mr Blain said regular cleaning of filters was essential to keeping power costs down and getting the most out of your split system.
“The cost of living plays a big part in heating,” he said.
“In past jobs I would go in to places where older people did not want to turn their systems on because they could not afford to run them.
“Sometimes it would turn out their system is all blocked up, so the system was having to work harder and longer to get any heating going.”
Mr Reicha encouraged those interested in having their systems checked to get in touch, as the free service was all part of Rotary’s efforts to give back.
“Giving back is part of our community service,” he said
“Some things cost money, but some things we can do manually for free.
“It’s all part of Rotary – we may be an international group, but people in our club want to do as much as we can for our local community because plenty of people here need help.
“Don’t be shy – we’re here to help.”
Those interested in booking a cleaning are invited to do so at Reicha’s Drapery, located at 74 High Street, Terang, or contact Wayne Reicha directly on 0429 921 091.