A shame that Sharon Zollner is not available. However, well done to Heather for managing to secure Arnie Pallentin, who is a researcher for NIWA, to speak on Coastguard in Wellington, instead. The Coastguard plays a huge role in search and rescues, keeping our waters safe and coastlines well protected.
Meanwhile, a message has come through from ShelterBox to advise that Rotary’s ShelterBoxes are being provided in Ukraine around Kyiv, providing ‘winterisation and hygiene kits’. Following the earthquakes in February in Turkey and Syria, 528 Rotary tents have been flown into locations there. Thousands more, and essential household items, are being supplied so that people in Turkey can set up temporary homes. In Idlib in Syria, Rotary is providing warm jackets, blankets and mattresses to people displaced by war. In Aleppo, tents and household items are being provided. Rotary ShelterBox is seeking donations to facilitate providing what it does as well.
However, closer to home, from addressing homelessness to providing food for refugees arriving in Wellington (thank you Marc for coordinating this collection) and for Wellington City Mission, to House of Grace providing supplies and the haven for teenage mothers, and, our primary cause, Lifting the Lid for mental health issues, what an array of significant difference we, as Rotarians, are helping to effect.
A little help each goes a long way. This may be in the form of ‘manning’ the Rotary table Eden has secured to promote Rotary and Port Nic in particular at the Sunday markets, to assisting with tree planting, the Board and weekly meeting roles, attending these and encouraging others to as well.
David Shackleton and I have met with 3 Rotoractors, and are working with them to facilitate their desire to have a closer relationship with our Club. This will be ‘fleshed out’ more at our next meeting.
Congratulations to Carol Green, Area Governor Rotary Mt Victoria, who has been appointed District Governor Elect for District 9940.
Like millions of others around the world, we have just watched King Charles III be ‘Coronated’ with full English perfection of pomp and ceremony. It won’t be as impressive, but don’t forget to diary our Changeover at 6pm on 21 June!
Dawn
President
