Week 11 Sampler

Our Rotary clubs really are fabulous. Here is a taste of some of the wonderful projects we do from our Week 11 visits.

Johnsonville Johnsonville Rotary club, hereafter called JVille R. C. provides vital support to The House of Grace, a home for pregnant teens providing support and education up to and after the birth of their baby. The Home was set up by Marcus and Treena van Rijssel in 1999 who had a vision of a maternity home for teens and young women. Why do they do it? " We have a passion and heart for pregnant teens - to see their lives changed for good and to have a purpose and direction in life". Humanity is in a Rotarian's DNA.

I meet up with a former Ministry of Works employee Doug Inch. Doug was District Training Officer at one time, responsible among other things, for training transfers. " Where did I send you? " he wanted to know with a hint of a smile.

We were shown around the House of Grace by Jaci, the Manager

Tawa

Tawa Club is a keen supporter of projects in the Pacific Islands, have participated in projects in Tonga, and wish to continue the relationship already established by assisting Ma'ufanga school in Tonga to carry out a water-harvesting project.

Frances and Doug Burrus received PHFs at Tawa. President Richard Hutchinson joined us for a photo opportunity.

 Porirua Sundown

Porirua are strong supporters of all Youth programmes and have excellent relationships with Primary and Secondary schools in the district. They displayed a Emergency Response Kit at the last Mayoral Showcase in Porirua with collection boxes at the ready achieving great results in terms of both interest and donations. An innovative approach to fundraising for ERKs involved skyping with beauty queen Miss Samoa ,Jolivette Ete, ) who has now been inducted as a member of the Rotary of Apia. Jolivette is passionate about developing children's literacy. ( see August issue of RDU)

Board meeting at the Crow's Nest, Whitby. At right President Kylie Wihapi, just back on duty after maternity leave. Acting President Wendy Creurer is next to her.

Eve Casagranda and IYE student Bianca Lombardi from Argentina

My Whanau were present to support me at Porirua, Sister Pat, nephew Michael and brother-in-law Rob, a former member of the club

Plimmerton

Our visit to Plimmeron corresponded to the funeral service of PDG Graeme Press. What a wonderful tribute was paid by a number of speakers to a wonderful man and Rotarian, and an engineer to boot. I didn't know Graeme very well but his contribution to Rotary and society has been enormous.

At their Board meeting which followed the service I was informed about a very impressive list of projects Plimmerton undertakes. Among these are the supply of defribulators to suitable locations in the city - 2 in medical centres, 1 in a supermarket, 1 in a Porirua City Council library/event centre and 1 in the Lighthouse Cinema.

I presented a Centurion Club Certificate to president Nick Walmsley

 

International Exchange student Peter Kongsbak is a keen golfer and plays off an 8 handicap.