This week 28 Members and guests attended, Sergeant Jim raised $141.50 for the Sunshine Fund and the caterers changed the menu!(Fish will be back when available and a special desert monthly).
Guest Speaker - Unfortunately our scheduled speaker Huia Hanlen from Brainwave Trust was unable to attend due to a last minute family event but at short notice we were treated to a delightful presentation by Finlay Cameron. Finlay is a Clan Cameron exchange student from Scotland being hosted by the Haggitt family. We learnt about Finlay's family history, the area in Scotland where he was raised and his passion for the Bagpipes since the age of 14. In addition to explaining how he builds and restores bagpipes Finlay treated us to a few short tunes. He is now in his last month in NZ having spent the summer attending Highland Games and Scottish events throughout NZ.
We are very grateful to Finlay standing in at such short notice.
Shorts - What started out as a joke between two members ended up with a controversial debate on our dress code. There was much laughter as the matter was discussed and as I always understood it was generally agreed that shorts are acceptable at our Rotary Meetings during daylight saving time. Shorts are fine not only just for watching cricket or mowing lawns but also for Rotary during daylight saving! No offence was intended, we will now move on and concentrate on the projects that matter.
Salvation Army packing. Our next packing days are Wednesday 29th March, one more person required and April 5th five people required. Please contact Ed Mitchell edmitch@orcon.net.nz if you are available.
Kevin Tavir, International Student. I spoke this week on Kevin's progress to date, his final year as a Prefect and life post Wesley. We are now assisting Kevin with planning for his future. Academically he is on track for UE and ideally would like to stay in NZ and study to be a Clinical Psychologist working in Mental Health. The problem is funding and Immigration. He needs a pathway to gaining Residency in New Zealand. There are of course other options to be considered. Any advice or assistance on these issues will be greatly appreciated. I have had a few calls from newer members enquiring about Kevin's story thus far and how he ended up in NZ with Remuera Rotary. If you are interested there is much online. Google or You Tube "Kevin Tavir, the boy from PNG saved by Auckland Surgeon" or visit www Rotary 9920 The Kevin Tavir Story, a ROMAC success.
Kevin and I have spoken to several Rotary Clubs, including RC Remuera and have another one booked on April 13th at RC Henderson.
Wesley College, despite the recent publicity, in the three and a half years Kevin has been a pupil we have been very impressed by the dedication and sincerity of the staff and the manner in which they promote Christian values and encourage learning. Kevin has never been subjected to any violence or abuse and during his time misbehaviour of this nature has been dealt with swiftly. Kevin remains staunchly proud of his School and participates fully in activities both inside and outside the classroom. Since the Royal Commission the College has communicated regularly with parents, held meetings and enforced a zero tolerance of bullying with enhanced 24/7 security.
Our speaker next week promises to be very enlightening, Helen Sergeant from Hearts 4 Kids, a low profile charity operating out of Starship taking Specialists and Surgeons, mainly to Fiji setting up clinics for life saving heart surgery. If they can't operate over there they bring them to New Zealand. Inspirational and wonderful achievements. Ideal Partners night!
Have a great week and remember, if you have dietary requirements and need a special meal it needs to be ordered through me by 11 am Monday.
