Submitted by ccharlier on 28 April, 2010 - 15:41
On Sunday 25 April 2010, Anzac Day, Sydney City Rotaracters braved weather more typical of London to volunteer at Sydney Rotary's BBQ in Hyde Park, Sydney. Rotaracters Carl Charlier and Rachel Caton attended the 4:15am dawn service in Martin Place, where thousands gathered to pay their respects to the ANZACs who fell in World War I. "It was the first time either of us had attended a dawn service before" Carl said after the service. "It really impressed upon me the sad and terrible loss that war brings upon a nation". Rachel Caton, Sydney City Rotaract's newest inductee, questioned her sanity at getting up at 3:30am to attend the service. "I fell off my chair when Carl told me how early I'd have to get up!" 
Anzac Day 2010: Rachel serving up a smile!
After attending the dawn service, Carl and Rachel walked up Martin Place and watched a Scottish marching band play to several hundred onlookers. "Rachel impressed those around her when she picked the name of what they were playing - "It's a long way to Tipperary". Carl and Rachel helped set up the Rotary stand at 5:45am and with fellow Rotaracter Amelia Mercer and Sydney Rotarians helped with the cooking and serving of the BBQ from 6-9am.
Anzac Day 2010: Carl and Rachel with Sydney Rotarians
From 9am onwards Elaine Lim, James Farrar and others unnamed continued the effort. All reports suggest the day was a terrific success. In fact rumour has it that Rotaracters were spotted heading to the pub afterwards! Thank you to all who helped out and made the day a big fundraising success for Sydney Rotary!
