Father Frank Bird’s powerful presentation should be heard and seen in schools throughout the motu. The issues the children from Myanmar face in order to even be selected to have an education are extraordinary – as are the efforts the Marists are in providing what they do to address this situation – right through to employment. See the Reporter’s account. It makes for sobering reading and reality. The other aspect which was surprising was how many at our table alone, had had to do with Myanmar/or the refugees. Joy mentioned to Father Frank about the possibility of getting some of the Usborne Dictionaries to them.

On that score, thank you Mark for ensuring that the pantry is filled for the next lot of refugees arriving in Wellington. It makes for an easy way to ease them into their new life here.

Helping to improve end of life care through giving to the Mary Potter Hospice appeal is more vital than ever, when hearing in the past few days of the fact they have had to lay off some staff and are financially struggling. Thank you to David for coordinating our appeal collectors. Several other Rotarians from our Club and others were visible over the collection period.

More inter-Club participation was manifested in the photo of Dennis Small in our last Bulletin, helping Paula with our Rat Trap clearing, albeit only from mice! We can do without them too.
 

The tree-planting project is imminent, collaborating with the Tawa Club and others, including hopefully Rotoracters, and will take place on 4 June. Discussions are continuing with the latter and a Memorandum of Understanding drawn up for RCPN to take over their administrative tasks, as they align more closely with our Club and activities.  Ultimately this could lead to an influx of younger members.

On a sombre note, the number of people who know those missing or directly affected by the horrific fire in Loafers Lodge is sobering and desperately sad. Our thoughts are with all the families and those connected to them. It makes our assistance towards homeless and underprivileged people all the more pertinent and poignant.

At the same time, our role in the LifeFlight Trust fundraising as part of the District’s key project, along with Lifting the Lid, are addressing other incredibly meaningful and essential causes.

All the best to the Perambulators in Ohakune and those attending the Rotary International Conference in Melbourne. As many of our guests mention, what we achieve and offer as a Club is exceptional. Garnering more as members is another challenge. Thanks to Eden and Philippa for encouraging interaction with people at the Market. More initiatives and potential members are very welcome!

Dawn
President