President Ray welcomed everyone to the meeting particularly guest speaker for the evening PDG Stuart Baty, Executive Director of Rotary New Zealand World Community Service (rnzwcs) and Lynne Joseph from Rotorua Sunrise. In addition he welcomed Andrew Newman back after a period of leave of absence and also visitor Silvio Ribeiro, an e-commerce specialist who had been living in New Zealand for three years including one year in Cambridge. Silvio’s father was a long-standing Rotarian in his home city of Brusque, Brazil.
Speaker – PDG Stuart Baty, Executive Director of Rotary New Zealand World Community Service
At the outset Stuart referred to the Rotary Theme in his 9910 District Governor year – “Look Beyond Yourself” which fitted well with the humanitarian aid provided by Rotary New Zealand World Community Service (RNZWCS) which is a charitable company. RNZWCS handles significant funds ($12M) from the New Zealand Government which went towards aid and the Polio Plus programme in the South Pacific. One of the key areas was to provide Emergency Response Kits (ERKs) - the box and contents to disaster-torn areas in the Pacific. Once a year the boxes were packed by Rotarians in Auckland and stored in a warehouse generously given by David Levene - ready for fast, effect distribution in Islands affected by cyclones etc.
Other areas of the humanitarian aid are wide and varied, including:
- rebuilding after a disaster – projects such as schools, teacher housing and houses to replace those burnt down. “Ronald McDonald” type houses for expectant mothers who travel from outer islands to be housed close to a hospital prior to their delivery
- supporting families with disabled children and improving the lives of disabled persons
- providing housing for the homeless
- raising funds for an ambulance each for both Tonga and Samoa. $7,500 buys an ambulance including facilities on board and donations are being sought
- improving water and sanitation
- cataract surgery in Fiji
- Polio Plus Programme
Notices
BOOKARAMA 2019 Wednesday 8 May to Sunday 12 May with set up 5, 6, 7 May
Dennis Finn reported on two good days of selling at Bookarama and thanked those that had helped and those that have put their names down for the next few days. Wednesday saw sales of $7,600 compared with last year of $6,200 while Thursday was $3,000 plus. Last year sales were slightly higher for this day. So to date total sales were in round figures $10,000 (2019) compared with $9,500 (2018).
Vocational Visit – Thursday 16 May
Andrew Bateman reminded members of the vocational visit to C & R Developments in Hannan Road, Hautapu to view the Muscle Car Museum which is filled with classic cars and tractors. This is a partners evening with finger food provided. The evening will commence at the usual time of 5.30pm and apologies and attendance of partners to be advised by the deadline of 12 midday Wednesday. Directions to be advised.
Bylaws Amendments:
President Ray has circulated the draft amended Bylaws which will be voted on as advised at the Club Forum on 30 May. Any questions please contact President Ray.
Matching Grants
Opportunities for matching grants available. Members are encouraged to see Doug Lang if they have ideas for a community project for which the club could apply. Every idea will be considered. The Rotary Foundation will match the money contributed by our club. At this stage we just want ideas.
Taste Waikato – special promotion
Don’t forget the Mothers Day promotion of Taste Waikato being embarked upon. There is a chance to win a free cookbook through Facebook by sharing with friends. Also read the latest DG’s newsletter with an article on this project. Please click here.
Honorary Membership – Peter Parr: The Board has made Peter Parr an Honorary Member given his long and exemplary service as a Rotarian for 50 years and his contributions at both club and district level including serving as a District Governor. The Board is planning to present the Honorary Membership to him at a club meeting in the future.
Honorary Membership – Paul Stephens: The Board accepted Paul’s resignation with regret at its last meeting. Given his long service and contributions over many years as an active member of Rotary Cambridge, Paul was made an honorary member. He has sent his thanks and appreciation and hopes to attend meetings when he can.
Grants round: Applications are now open for this year’s grants round. It has been advertised in the newspaper. Forms are available through the website or from Bev Heron.
Quiz night – Fairfield Rotary Club: Annual quiz night is being held at Sky City Monday 27 May. Bar Service and finger food from 5.40pm with the quiz commencing at 6.00pm (until around 7.45pm). Cost for those partaking in the meal will be $20 a head. Quiz only $4.00 per head Anyone keen to set up a team of four to represent Cambridge Rotary please contact Bev Maul-Rogers on beverleymaulrogers@gmail.com and advise whether they will be joining for the finger food – by Friday 17 May.
Congratulations – Don Wilson
Don has announced his engagement to Ailsa Henderson. Well done Don and we wish you and Ailsa every happiness.
Rotary Club of Cambridge – changeover - will be held on Thursday, 27 June.
District Changeover – 30 June, Morrinsville
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