So we are just about to complete the first 6 months of the Rotary year – and what a 6 months!

 

At the start of my presidential year, I thought our Rotary activities would be severely restricted by the dreaded Covid-19 situation.

While Covid-19 has had some effect, mainly the cancellation of our bike show, I am amazed as to what we have achieved so far this year.

 

The ERK box packing was an outstanding success. Papakura RC volunteers contributed 182.5 volunteer hours with 50 volunteer visits over the 32 days of packing. We were the second most ‘helpful’ club (behind Ellerslie Sunrise who contributed 226.5 volunteer hours) However, if I ignore the club who had one volunteer attend on one day for 4 hours, The Papakura RC volunteers had the highest daily average at 3.65 hours per volunteer visit. Thanks to all who were able to help with this fantastic project.

 

The Salvation Army food packing, at both Manukau and Papakura, has been extremely well supported. Thanks and congratulation to all who have been involved in this. I know the volunteer support and reliability of the Papakura RC teams have been much appreciated by the packing organizers.

As Covid-19 allowed, the helpers at the Edmund Hillary Breakfast in schools have toiled away feeding (very) hungry children on a weekly basis. Thanks for your dedication to this worthwhile cause. We also shifted a truckload of sand into the sandpit at the Whanau Centre.

 

In addition, who could forget the magnificent Christmas Parade and BBQ we organized and ran earlier this month. I understand it was the highlight of Father Christmas’s year.

Congratulations to the Education Trust team for your work in organizing the awarding of 10 scholarships this year. A lot of work and an outstanding result.

 

Many clubs have readdressed their meeting frequency (partly in response to Covid-19) and I am getting feedback that some feel that, as a result, they have lost some of the drive for Rotary. I am personally pleased that we have retained the status-quo and feel that our meetings are very well attended with a good range of interesting speakers (thanks speaker team).

We also have some exciting things planned for the next 6 months. Watch this space.

 

A very big ‘Thank You’ to Anne for her work in producing our weekly bulletin. An outstanding result Anne, and very much appreciated.

 

Finally, Lois and I wish you and your families a Very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Please look after yourselves and we will see everyone in January.