At our last meeting, we welcomed guest speaker Rajendra (Raj) Gautam, President-elect, Rotary Club of Kathmandu, who joined us to speak on “Empowering Communities” – Success stories in Nepalese Community Development.
Our club assisted with funding support, along with other clubs, for the Rural Health Hub project in Nepal, initiated by Raj, and the Thaplung Women, Children’s and Community Health Project which Jess Wooffindin and Julie Dockrill, from our club, along with Tina Hewitt, a midwife from Christchurch, delivered in Nepal, in March 2024, to educate Rural Health workers in basic hygienic practices when delivering babies.
We were also joined by 3 members of the Waimate Rotary club, and Diana Jordan from Zonta, two of the clubs who contributed funds, along with Basil Ensor and daughter Anna.
As Raj was a Guest speaker at Rotary Pacific Zone 8 Conference at Queenstown the week prior, it has been a wonderful opportunity for him to stay on, he has been to Mt Cook, and fishing (thanks Anna & Mike), helped with wood deliveries, explored Timaru, (thanks Bev), seen the little Blue Penguins, (thanks Jess), visited Geraldine vintage car museum (thanks Ashley), joined the Cyclists and was proud of his effort of 20K’s – the furthest he has ever biked!! (shame about the gashed leg though, gravel is not very forgiving). Moeraki and Oamaru, plus “Get to the Point” (thanks Annette and Geoff), walk at Peel Forest (thanks Andrea) fishing (no fish!! - thanks John Rushton), Dairy Farm visit and horse ride (thanks Jenny & Gilly). Lionel and I showed him the Industrial area of Washdyke, along with Clandeboye, on our way to the Lincoln club, enjoying a Real fruit ice cream at Ashburton on the way, finishing with a couple of days exploring Christchurch with Julie & Tina, prior to flying back out to Nepal. Raj was very appreciative of everyone who made him most welcome in their homes and contributed to some wonderful memories he will take back with him.
It has been great to finally meet Raj, after many years of communicating via email and social media. We wish him well in the many projects he is involved in, and for his Wedding in January.
Wow, the conference in Queenstown was great, some amazing speakers, shame about the weather, we even had snow on Saturday afternoon, to the delight of RI President 2025-26, Mario and Denise de Camargo (who Lionel and I were 'Aides' for) as Denise had never been in snowfall before (they do live in Brazil!). We were very proud of Jess Wooffindin and Julie Dockrill who also spoke during Raj’s presentation. The theme for the conference was “Dream/Dare/Deliver” as they said, they dared to dream and with the help of many they delivered.
Recently Robin Peterson, Lionel & I represented our club and joined members of the Altrusa club, to check the progress in the refurbishment of a room at the Mokihi Hauora Trust building. Between our two clubs, we have donated $4,000.00, which will cover window furnishing and painting costs. Light fittings and other unnecessary fittings have been removed/replaced and painting is almost complete. There is still a lot of work required to update the facility, which was previously the accommodation for the Sisters of Mercy Nuns, no decorating has been done since it was built, early 80’s…. still some very interesting patterns on the walls and floors.
November 6th down at the wood project, the team was treated to an 'appreciation morning tea' from Family Works/Presbyterian Support Refugee Services. Some lovely messages of appreciation from some of the recipients of the wood were conveyed, and a poster also presented with more of the messages, along with a Certificate of appreciation. A Huge thanks to everyone who contributes to the success of this project, especially Tony Henderson who coordinates and donates the use of his Ute, without which the job would not run so smoothly. Did you see the article in The Courier this week too?
Santa Parade: - Sunday 1st December, 2pm. – please notify Greg Sugrue if you can help with marshalling traffic, Lionel if you can help with Health and Safety, and Jess if you have someone to wear a costume and be a character in the parade (eg, Minnie Mouse, Minion, Dinosaur)
Xmas Dinner: - 10th December – Austins 92, Temuka – don’t forget to let Lionel know if you intend to come along, by 2nd December - also let him know your menu choice.
Next Meeting will be our AGM and club forum on 26th November.
