St. Johns Rotary Bulletin - June 1st 2020 (May 26, 2020)

I hope everyone has had an enjoyable Queens Birthday Weekend despite the dodgy weather. Who doesn’t love a long weekend - followed by a short week?

Thanks to those who were able to join us last week at 7:30am with Parafed speakers Yann and Gabbi. Yann zoomed in from the office and shared the powerpoint, while Gabbi so enthusiastically zoomed in from the car (as Mum drove). Gosh we are getting good with this technology!

We have one more socially distanced Zoom meeting to enjoy this week which has been booked for 7:00pm to accommodate politicians Chloe Swarbrick and Paul Goldfinch. Zoom is enabling them both to join us despite Parliament being in session this week. Please look out for the email link on Wednesday and diary to join us for what should be a very stimulating evening as the build up to the Election starts.

I am delighted to announce our physical meetings at the Golf Club will resume on Thursday 11 June. This will be a breakfast meeting. We will notify everyone of any variance in catering and meeting details closer to that date. Please be assured we are also exploring ways to keep the Zoom participation option up and running for members far and wide to continue to join us this way.

I am looking forward to seeing you all (and partners) via Zoom on Thursday evening and please feel free to pass this meeting link on.

Warm Regards

Robyn

President – Rotary Club of St Johns

022 0200 171

Meeting in Review - May 21st 2020

We had thought that last week was our last Zoom Meeting, however, this turned out to be our second to last meeting with the last, (hopefully), now scheduled for Thursday the 4th of June. This will be a very informative meeting and we are looking forward to seeing a good turn-out.

22 members and guests enjoyed the meeting on the 26th when we were treated to a talk from Yann Roux, CEO of Parafed Auckland, (supported by Gabbi). Parafed is the leading charity of sports and recreation for people with disabilities. Yann shared with us the many challenges that Parafed face, and the need for fundraising is a significant activity. For example one wheelchair that can be used for wheelchair Rugby or Netball can cost in excess of $18,000 each!!!

Gabby (16), shared with us the huge positive impact that Parafed has had on her life over the last four years, and her story was profound and we wish her every success in her many sporting endeavours ahead.

Parafed are now looking for additional funding for a new van to replace their aging model which is now costing over $5,000 a year in maintenance and it is often out of service due to mechanical issues. The van is used to transport participants and family members safely to sports events and recreation opportunities. Several members were able to suggest possible sources for assistance with the van, which Yann was very appreciative of.

Thank you Yann and Gabbi for sharing your stories.

Club Activities & Other Important Dates to Diary

THURSDAY JUNE 4th:

Evening "Zoom" Meeting - 7 pm. As the New Zealand General Election looms closer and the election campaigns begins to ramp up, the Guest Speakers on the night, Chloe Swarbrick and Paul Goldsmith will make this a very important and interesting meeting. Check your email on Wednesday Evening for the Zoom Link.

FRIDAY JUNE 26th CHANGEOVER:

This event is one of the most important dates in the Rotary Calendar. Please diary now and we will be hoping a return to the Remuera Golf Club. Should this not be the case, a "Plan B" is being considered and details will be shared should it be necessary.

Changeover Date to Diary

Thank You from Glen Innes Food Bank

Received by email:

Dear Robyn,

I am writing this to thank you most sincerely for your recent generous and thoughtful donation to the Glen Innes Food Bank. As I am sure you are aware the need for the Food Bank is becoming greater and greater and the community of Glen Innes is particularly vulnerable.

Your recent donation will allow us to continue to meet some of the needs of families and individuals in our area.

Once again thank you for your concern and generosity.

Yours Sincerely,

Julia Unka

Glen Innes Food Bank Team

Message From Editor

Firstly my apologies for the lateness of this issue of the Bulletin, and secondly for the limited content this week.

We, plus family, including four Grandies planned to celebrate our first weekend away after lockdown at Pauanui. However we ended up going from one lockdown to another with the last 72 hours being rain, more rain, more rain and wind and in fact we are still here as we wait for the floods to clear!.

Not complaining, but please no more Monopoly, Jigsaws or Card games for a week or too. We probably don't need another CNN "Breaking News" story for another week or two either.

Ed. trust that all Aucklander's who stayed home, enjoyed the sunshine!!

Time for a Smile!

My wife just stopped and said … “You weren’t even listening, were you?”
I thought to myself – “that’s a pretty strange way to start off a conversation”

Have a wonderful week with many *smiles*.