Meeting in Review Mar 9th 2023
A small, but committed group of Rotarians attended the meeting on March 9th.
Co-President Gary opened the meeting and introduced guests; Exchange Student Pauline from Belgium, and CEO Troy Elliot and Sammy Maa, from “I Am Hope”. More about our speakers below, but first other Club Notices.
One of the highlights of any Rotary Meeting is the induction of new members and it was Gary’s pleasure last Thursday to
induct Grace Cox. Congratulations Grace. Great to have you as a member of the Rotary Club of St. Johns.
Co-President Graham reminded members of the need to pay monthly invoices promptly, and he advised the meeting that in the near future a reminder letter will be introduced and will be sent to members who have overlooked paying the monthly invoices by the due date.
The Golf Tournament is all set for Friday March 17th with a sell-out field of 28 teams. If any members can assist Lesley making up the players goody bags on August 15th, please contact her asap.
Co-President Gary announced that grants of $4,000 and $1,000 have been made to Glen Taylor School and Colin and Beryl Robinson respectively. The grant to GTS will support costs associated with students attending the school camp, ensuring that all 71 students will be able to participate. The Grant to the Robinsons will help to cover out of pocket expenses related to their participation in the Rotary fund-raising event “Bangers to Bluff”.
Our Guest Speakers were introduced to the meeting by Penny Mc. and what an inspirational story Troy Elliot CEO, and Sammy Maa, Hope Ambassador, shared with us.
“I Am Hope” has one goal - positive societal attitudinal change. We know our youth struggle with distressing self-talk and overthinking, often leaving them feeling isolated and alone.
Over the past 10 years, I Am Hope have spoken and listened to over 300,000 kids in schools from the top to the bottom of New Zealand.
One of their most successful programmes is GUMBOOT FRIDAY which offers free and timely counselling for young people across Aotearoa on their mental health journey.
When they started going into schools, they quickly learned that some kids needed more than just a chat. As their budget for sponsoring kids' counselling blew up, they knew something had to change. From this, Gumboot Friday was born. Since its inception, Gumboot Friday has spent over 3 million dollars on counselling for over 10,000 rangatahi, and it’s only getting bigger.
Mental health is a community problem and needs a community solution. That’s why all across the country, amazing Kiwis are working with I Am Hope, making a difference as part of the team. Their dream is that one day soon any child in New Zealand can quickly get the help they want when they need it - no questions asked.
Our sincere thanks to Troy and Sammy for giving up their time to share their story with us, and a huge thank you for all the good they do in the community.
THURSDAY MARCH 30th - BREAKFAST MEETING - GUEST SPEAKER: HELEN SARGENT, Heart 4 KIDS. 
The Salvation Army Food Box packing has rolled up again and St. Johns have once again been asked for support.
