Project Kidney - help create a future

Catherine Healy, editor of the East & Bays Courier introduced us to “Project Kidney” the latest fund raiser by the Suburban Newspapers Trust and the Mad Butcher in conjunction with the East & Bays Courier.                                                                    

Catherine focused on the heartbreaking story of little Violet  Woodward and her mum and dad, Roxana and Robbie. Violet was born with severe kidney problems and subsequently both had to be removed. She is now dependent on peritoneal dialysis to rid her body of toxins. She and her mum are now in Auckland from Christchurch where her dad has had to remain for his work. They live at Ronald MacDonald house and spend many hours at Starship Hospital for Violet’s treatment.      

The object of “Project Kidney” is to raise $132,000 for the purchase of 4 new haemodyalysis machines to be installed in a dedicated children’s unit at Starship Hospital. Currently they have only 2 and the ward is stretched to the limit. Violet, once stabilized will go on the transplant list to await a new kidney, which will have a lifespan of around 15 years so she will require constant medical care all her life. We wish her well for the future.
                                                                                                                                                                  We thank Catherine for her heartfelt presentation and wish her all the success with the fundraising effort.

PS:  We have a son with a kidney transplant so hope you will consider supporting the above.  Colin and Beryl

RYLA candidates on a high

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards programme brings together young adults who have evidenced leadership qualities and will benefit from a seminar covering a balanced programme of lectures, discussion groups and interaction over a week long period.       
      
This year there were 126 participants and our club sponsored 6 of these.   Julio Seric, Nicola Francis, Chris Pemberton, Izac Hancock, Simon Exeter, and Emmeline Croft were the very worthy recipients. Each entertained and informed us with an account of their experiences. Nicola was impressed with the high calibre speakers who gave accounts of their life’s setbacks and how they overcame them and continued to live life to the full.     

Izzac, Emmerline, Chris Nocola, Andy F, Slavica S, Julio

                                                 
Emmeline came into the programme with absolutely no idea of what to expect and found the week exceeded her expectations by far. Her insights for a fulfilling life were perseverance, drive and leadership. Izac described the “create a business session” and has learnt lots about the process of business had many insights into his own personality and began many new friendships.  Chris explained the outdoor endurance event which pushed them to their limits but has provided them with great leadership skills.             
                           
Julio told us of the work they did Kids Help Camp and other work in the community. He was very motivated to help others and has developed great skills for his career. He was selected as Co MC at the final dinner attended by around 270 people.       
                   
They thanked St Johns Rotary for sponsoring them and Andy Francis in particular for the time given for the interview and selection process. 

For more information about RYLA go to http://www.ryla.rotarysouthpacific.org/

Learning new skills

One of the advantages of Rotary membership is the opportunity for personal development.  Colin and Beryl attended the recent Visioning facilitator training which had been available for all Rotarians to take part in.  There were 23 attendees from 4 districts for a days training (and great networking).  "Visioning" is explained below.

Taking part in a mock project priority assessment exercise

A strong and effective Rotary Club is vital to retaining and attracting quality members. Vision Facilitation (or "Visioning") is about strategic planning for Rotary Clubs. Something few Clubs do effectively! The Rotary International Club Leadership Plan recommends every Club develop a long-range strategic plan. It's about continuity and consistency of leadership and programming. A strategic plan sets the stage for future progress.

Visioning helps a Rotary club design its own VISION, and then set out the steps necessary to achieve that vision. The result is not a vision decided by the Rotary District or by Rotary International. It is a vision designed and endorsed by the Club's own members.

Visioning is not just another membership programme. It addresses all aspects of the life of a Rotary club. It is not a program just for struggling Rotary clubs. It is a programme which can benefit any club. 

  

Specifically, Visioning gets club members to focus on:

  

• Continuity of leadership, vision and process
• Consistency in programming
• Consensus toward solidarity and unanimity in purpose and action

The outcomes from the Visioning must follow normal club protocols for ratification and implementation.

Visioning is the "where do we want to go"  and Rotary Leadership Instituite is the "knowledge need to get there"

St Johns Bush - a small piece of natures paradise

“In times to come it will be as beautiful a place as the heart can wish”          Quote Bishop Selwyn’s wife Sarah

Thanks to the commitment of local resident, Margie Hatrick-Smith Johns Bush behind the St Johns Theological College was preserved through the purchase by the Auckland City Council of the two blocks of land from the College —3 hectares in 2002 and 1.1 hectares in 2004 thereby saving substantial areas adjacent to the main bush from new housing development.                                                                                

Much work has gone on since then to establish the bush to what it is today. The trees were scheduled with size and variety. Another 1000 trees and shrubs have been planted. Around 160 species of plants and fauna have been identified including native fish in the streams. There is a 150 year old Kauri tree along with native and exotic tree species. Pest control for possums and rats has taken place. Vast amounts of undergrowth have been removed mostly by hand. Pathways have been installed and signage to attract visitors erected.

Our own Toni Millar has been heavily involved along with TV celebrity entomologist, Ruud Kleinpaste. Our club has supplied identification plaques for many trees. Open days have been held to help recruit volunteers for routine maintenance of paths, weeding and general tidy up of this wonderful asset to our community.     

The vision of Margie and others has come to flourishion and the bush will endure long into the future for the enjoyment of all.                                                

The club’s community Committee is looking at how the club can continue an association with the bush, probably through some form of hands-on conservation project.  For all it is recommended as a place to take the family for a walk, and a club picnic next summer is a distinct probability. .        

Feedback

Another great meeting today!  There were three visitors along having a look at the club and learning more about Rotary.  One has submitted her application to join and another will be back next week for a second look and the third, on his first visit made the following comment:

I really enjoyed it. What a great atmosphere and lovely people.
I was very impressed by the work you do.
I hope to see y’all in the future.

- Dr Trevor W

... he is so right.  We need to keep on inviting good people along.  Thanks to those who are ... there are several new people coming over the next couple of weeks.

VARAYAME— farewell and birthday wishes.

Left to right:  Roger (ROMAC), President Miles, Varayame, Gary

After successful treatment and rehabilitation, Varayame is heading home. Many thanks to all involved in this life changing event in a young man’s life and also to Neil Dewar for his huge contribution to dental work for both Varayame and his mum.

Varayame and his mother have in place, thanks to Roger and the club, the ability to gain educational skills that when completed will enable them to earn a living.

The Italian Affair

What a great evening we had to celebrate this year’s changeover.  Members and partners enthusiastically entered into the spirit of the theme and a wide spectrum of Italian culture was represented.  The mafia attempted to control the evening but alas, the clergy prevailed and had them mend their ways.  

A number attempted to conceal their identity behind masks but fooled no-one. Yet others donned the colours of the flag looking very Italian. A few dapper Italian Gentlemen were in attendance and raised the dress standard considerably!! 

The evening’s stand out’s were the Gondoliers. Two crews competed, but one (who won best dressed award) were unfortunately left up the canal without a paddle!!  The formal part of the evening included the departing  address from President Bruce with a presentation to each of the outgoing officers  with thanks for their work and dedication throughout the year.

The increase in membership during the year was recognized and again, congratulations to Beryl Robinson for her outstanding efforts to bring this about.  President Bruce was presented with the customary cartoon caricature.