Kia ora tātou, hello everyone,
The start of a new month & the beginning of Autumn. I hope that we get some better weather over the next few months as summer appears to have been missing in action.
Directors held the first meeting of the year on Monday 16th February and I am pleased to advise that a recommendation from the Project & Services Committee to donate $5,000 to the Cold Kids project at Community Link was supported by both the Directors & Trustees.
Last week the Rotary Club of Wānaka literacy project was launched at all our local primary schools. On visiting Tarras Primary School one boy who was six, stated that he could be five again so he could receive a literacy pack as they looked cool. At Holy Family we were warmly welcomed, with one of our Rotarians having special connections with the school. Another Rotarian advised that it was one of the most rewarding experiences since starting in Rotary, handing out the packs & observing the children’s excitement & pleasure at discovering what was inside the new literacy packs.
All new entrant teachers’ & senior school staff expressed their sincere thanks & appreciation for this amazing gift from our club.
The next cohort of five-year-olds will start school on the 16th of March & further packs will be delivered to schools prior to this date. I have been extremely proud of our club & I am thrilled that we have been able to provide this new initiative to some of our youngest members of our Upper Clutha region. The magic of Rotary continues to unite our Upper Clutha community. Thank you to everyone who has been involved with this project. If you hear any feedback about the literacy project, could you please let us know so we can record & reflect on the community feedback.
It was lovely to hear the success story of Vera Yakzhik, Alpine Blooms and hear her personal experience from Russia. I think we raised about $90 for the lovely flowers that she kindly bought along to share with us.
Geoff Mc & Rod are off to Dunedin this coming weekend to attend the President Elect training. Safe travels & we look forward to their return with lots of new ideas & plans for the future of our Rotary Club.
With change over happening towards the end of June, I invite all Rotarians to reflect on their current committee, how long they have been on that committee & if it is time for a move to share experience, knowledge & skills throughout our club.
Remember tomorrow night we are off to the Lavender Farm at 1600 hours & then Monkey Farm for drinks & food.
It is going to be a busy few months ahead, so keep smiling, have fun & keep warm.
Hei konā mai, goodbye for now.
Marie
.jpg)
17th March
