The speaker said ...
You can capture the essence of what our three International Youth Exchange Students had to say to us by reading David Pine's article here.
Snippets
Lynne Phillips – International Youth Exchange Chair and Rotarian from Takaro Club in Palmerston North joined us to listen to the first two and then 3 students from the Exchange Programme. Lynne is delighted that the programme is growing again and she talked to us about the importance of the programme over the years. Co-incidentally (or not) we were offered the opportunity to look at information about two potential students who are keen to find a club for the next Rotary year. We will see information about another two students next week. Both Lynne and our own Ken Gardner (International Chair) emphasised the value of this programme. There are seven students living overseas this year from District 9940 and we are aiming for 12 – one from each cluster in the district. Note: Rhys said that it was nice having “grandparent” aged host families as you had them to yourself (and there is always the home baking!) Amandine just smiled.
President Jenny gave us a short report from the Board meeting held the previous evening. We are looking to work with Kapiti Rotary Club to put in a water supply system in Taveuni primary schools. There is also the opportunity to travel to Taveuni later in the year to assist with a rebuild situation that will provide accommodation for pregnant women and families where children are in hospital - similar to the McDonald House model in New Zealand. The Board has approved the purchase of two Emergency Response Kits to assist families, following the devastation of Cyclone Gita in Samoa and Tonga. And, following discussions with Porirua City Council,
The Outside World
In the mountains of Poland, 26 children traumatized by violence get a chance to be kids again at Rotary camp.
Visitors
In addition to Lynne Phillips from Palmerston North and two Honorary members, Jim and Ian, we were treated to a visit from some of the Sinké family who came in support of Rhys' talk. Grandparents, Peter and Linda, parents, Fiona and Chris, and sister Myah.
This week’s happenings
Graeme Tongs has updated the membership list as there have been one or two changes (shown in red). Two resignations have occurred so you may notice that Richard Anstice and Alistair Taylor no longer feature on the list and Jim Dearsly's name has been moved to the Honorary list. You can find a .pdf of the list on the Intranet page.
Alison Cox reminds us that the Red Puppy Appeal is crucial to the breeding and training of guide dogs for the blind. Peter will be looking for volunteers for this appeal on Saturday 24 March at Porirua New World from 10.00-5.00 pm. Please offer your support when he taps you on the shoulder.
You may have noticed some changes on our website to bring it a more modern look. In the background, Phillip Reidy and I are now working with Flightdec's Chief designer on the Te Ara Piko and the Garden Trail sites to do some quite major transformations. This will take time but will be well worth the effort we believe.
What’s coming up in February and beyond?
Tuesday 27 February - Jerram Watts, CEO of Child Rescue, will talk to us about his organisation which is responsible for raising awareness about child sex trafficking.
Tuesday 6 March - Time for Planning Meetings again.
Sunday 11 March - Mana Zonta is holding a breakfast to celebrate International Women's Day. The speaker will be Louise Nicholas OMNZ. Here's their flyer.
Tuesday 13 March - Phillip is still finalising a speaker for this evening
Saturday and Sunday 17-18 March - And then it's the Book Fair. Are you doing all you can to promote the event? Get ready to volunteer your valuable time. Whilst there has been a lot of coverage on this Allan Nichols reminded us that we need “all hands on deck” and that Friday and Sunday afternoons are the times that most help will be needed.
Tuesday 20 March - Steve Lowe will talk to us about Angel Flight - improving lives, one flight at a time.
Tuesday 27 March - Les is preparing to welcome us to Whitby Bowling Club, this time with a twist. Check it out.
Parting thought
Derek Oldershaw gave us the parting thought from Winston Churchill, 'If you are not a liberal at 20 - then you have no heart. If you are not a conservative at 40 - you have no brain
Who’s on duty for the next month?
Unable to do your duty? Please find a replacement and inform Philip Mottram.
Please arrive at 5.45 pm if you're on Door duty or on Introduction duty to greet the Guest Speaker and be his/her host for the evening.
Need to apologise or bring additional guests?
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