The guest speaker at last week's meeting was Julie Sawyer, from PBF - the Paraplegic Benefit Fund. The PBF is an Australia-wide membership organisation, with accredited charity status, which works in 2 ways:
- Education to try to prevent the occurrence of spinal cord injuries, particularly in young men
- The payment to members who suffer a spinal cord injury, of $250,000, to help out with the immediate costs incurred when this severe injury impacts on someone's life
The PBF has a close relationship with Rotary in Australia, and for Rotarians, single membership is only $27 per annum. This amount can be paid at the start of every financial year, along with the Rotary subscription. Family membership covers Rotarians, their spouse and any dependent children.
The PBF is not accident insurance as such, and can be paid in addition to any insurance policy held by a member who becomes a paraplegic or quadraplegic. Membership not only has the benefit of a quick pay-out if an eligible injury is incurred, but also funds the employment of disabled staff who have incurred spinal cord injuries - giving them employment opportunities, particularly in the area of promoting the awareness of how easily spinal cord injuries can be sustained.
Pictured: Bob Hoskins, Charter Member of the RC Nunawading, and a member of the PBF for over 15 years; Julie Sawyer, PBF Business Development Officer; President Janette Etherington.