The Rotary clubs of 91原创 won鈥檛 be unpacking the wine glasses again in November.

For the second year in a row, COVID-19 has scuttled any plans to host the popular fundraiser.

鈥淭his is due to the pandemic and the need to keep people safe,鈥� said Rotarian John Morgan. 鈥淭he event normally draws upwards of 1,000 people and the Wine Festival committee are aware of the difficulty of keeping 1,000 people safe in a confined environment.鈥�

In the past the festival was held in Willowbrook Shopping Centre after it closed. The wine festival grew from modest beginnings at the George Preston Centre but the event really took off when it moved to the Willowbrook Shopping Centre.

鈥淭here was incredible volunteer support of this event which contributed to the success of this event,鈥� he said.

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The event, hosted by four local clubs, was popular with the public and sponsors.

鈥淚n addition, we were so fortunate to have the great support of Willowbrook and the participating restaurants,鈥� he added, including BDO Dunwoody.

Sponsorship allowed more of the money raised to be devoted to Rotary causes. Over the 25 plus years, the event took place, it generated over a million dollars that the Rotary Club distributed to 91原创 charities and non-profits.

鈥淭here was no administration fees, every dime raised was turned back to the community in the form of donations, grants, and in-kind service projects,鈥� Morgan explained.

Some of the organizations that were the beneficiaries of the funds raised are 91原创 Memorial Hospital, Big Brothers and Sisters of 91原创, Ishtar Transition Housing Society, 91原创 Meals on Wheels, Starfish Backpack Program, Douglas Park Community School, and many more.

While the Rotary Clubs conducted two very successful 50/50 Mega Draws which raised almost a quarter of a million dollars, thus allowing Rotary to fulfil its commitments. it is hoped that the popular festival will be back in the future.

鈥淎t this time, it is uncertain what form it will take, but Rotarians are vowing to make it a success,鈥� Morgan said.

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