Rotary District 9930 Newsletter ~ November 2017 (Nov 12, 2017)

District Governor said what a pleasure it is to visit every club in the district

I have been on my journey for a quarter of this Rotary year – and as we all say “Where has the year gone?”

This journey has not been about places but people – extraordinary people - Rotarians! I have been privileged to meet amazing people, heard amazing Rotary stories, seen amazing Rotary projects and have been made to feel so welcome in every Club.

Every Club is involved in projects large and small, and I am amazed by the dedication and enthusiasm of the people who call themselves Rotarians. It is not just the range and scope of projects that impresses me – it is also the diversity of individuals and groups that are being helped as a result of these projects.

I am in awe of the ability of Rotary and Rotarians who continue to Make a Difference every day.

Following the increasing trend of orphaned Bornean elephants into the care centre, the biggest challenge faced by the Sabah Wildlife Department is to provide best husbandry care for the babies.

These baby elephants were rescued throughout the elephant habitat across the state by the SWD’s Wildlife Rescue Unit. Currently, these orphans are being cared for at Elephant Care Unit, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

The SWD through its Rescue Unit has been working hard to reach out to corporate bodies for collaboration in assisting the department fund for daily care and feeding of the babies.

In southern Mexico, migrant workers fleeing poverty, civil war, and gang violence are increasingly falling victim to beatings, kidnapping, and even murder.

Measures designed to safeguard human rights and secure Mexico's southern border have made matters worse for these individuals and families trying to carve out a better life.

Rotary scholar Levi Vonk spent time in migrant shelters learning their stories and explains how Rotary's funding of scholars is helping shed light on the complex issues involved and equipping people of action to pursue solutions.

Rotary Rotorua Charities Fun'Raiser

Guest speakers Gemma Slack and Ken Yu informed Rotary Hamilton East about “Seed Waikato”.

An organisation they started about a year ago, with the aim to help young people aged 18 to 30, to live in the Waikato.

Who can join the group, their strategy, and vision for the future.

They organised events and their promotion through an active website. Gemma and Ken spoke about who can join the group, their strategy, and vision for the future. Their presentation was complemented by two videos).

Rotary World Polio Day Livestream

Our fifth annual World Polio Day event co-hosted by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation brought together more than 100,000 viewers from around the world for a global update from health experts and celebrities on our progress to eradicate polio.

If you missed the Livestream , you can still view a recording.

Breathe ~ A must see!!!

Award for David Campbell of Rotary Maketu

District Governor Leonie Tisch and husband Lindsay made for a very special evening on Tuesday with an official recognition to David Campbell for his article in Rotary Down Under (April 2017)

David was awarded The Ken Scheller Award for his literary contribution of outstanding merit which best exemplifies the principles of Rotary.

The Olesen’s hosted this fabulous evening of great food, fun and friendship finished off with a Chinese tea ceremony.

Congratulations David.

District Conference 2017-18

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN

The Rotary Club of Taradale was greatly saddened to hear that Past President Ian Kepka had passed away after a long illness.

Ian’s life was an amazing success story, as he triumphed over early adversity.

Ian was born in 1934 in the province of Bialystokin, Eastern Poland and bordering Belarus.

He lived a normal childhood until war broke out in 1939. Nazi Germany had signed a non-aggression pact with Poland, so it was a shock when they invaded Poland, and early one morning soldiers called at the Kepka home.

Go Baby Go,” is a program that provides modified, ride-on cars to young children with disabilities so they can move around independently.

These modified toy cars give children with mobility difficulties a chance to play and socialize with their peers more easily.

The cars which were handed over to 11 deserving children from the Waikato, were the result of fundraising by the Combined Rotary Clubs of Rotary Clubs of Hamilton, Otorohanga, Waikato Sunrise, Frankton Te Rapa, Fairfield, Hamilton East, and Huntly.

J D (Jack Dunlop, Past District Governor (Rotary Club of Ahuriri).

Jack passed away on 22nd October,

He was District Governor 1982-1983 - the year of Rotary International President Hiroji Mukasa (theme "Mankind is One - Build Bridges of Friendship throughout the World").

Jack is survived by his second wife Marie and his funeral was held Thursday 26th October.

Eulogy to Jack Dunlop, 1921—2017 It is said that old Accountants never die they just lose their balance.

Rotary Interplast's Surgery saves Shayal's arm

Shayal,

a young girl from Fiji, has maintained the use of her arm thanks to a visiting Interplast surgical team.

Eleven-year-old Shayal and her older sister live with their father in a little cottage in Lautoka on the west of Fiji’s main island. Shayal’s father grows vegetables for a local school.

Last November Shayal’s father noticed a lump the size of a peanut on the right-hand side of her neck. The lump was soft inside and grew internally to the size of a tennis ball.

11 October – Our first successful “Auction Night”.

With a wide variety of items in the live and silent auction, the bidding was very exciting.

The auction was split into 2 sections with an interval were 3 outstanding sports people were interviewed by the MC and prominent event organiser Ronny Phillips.

The guests were Black Fern player Sosoli Talawadua, javelin thrower Stuart Farquart and famous rower Eric Murray.

Rotary Te Awamutu Memorial Tour

Te Awamutu Rotary is conducting a memorial tour open to all cars, ancient and modern on 18 November. Be part of this mystery tour to see parts of your countryside that you may never have seen before.

Vintage car enthusiasts will be at Selwyn Park from 12noon for a show and shine event following their mystery tour.

Vehicles will arrive and depart in the morning (from 9 am) and will return around midday for a showcase and food trucks with Curbside Cuisine.

Parking is limited in the area so please park elsewhere around Selwyn Park and walk to the venue.

Hosted by Te Awamutu Rotary.