Bulletin 23/04/20
Posted by Bev Maul-Rogers
Virtual meeting via Zoom, Thursday 23 April, 5.00pm
The theme for this week’s Zoom meeting “At the Races” (as this was the night originally scheduled for Race to Raise Funds) resulted in lots of innovative creations from background shots to those in their racing “finery”. See below.
President Robyn welcomed all members, and past exchange students Laura from Austria who was our exchange student in 2012-2013 and from Sweden – Oscar – with us in 2015-2016. Luiza from Brazil (2017-2018) wasn’t able to join but hopes to do so next week. Also welcomed were a number of partners and prospective member David Partis.
Laura spoke about what she’s been doing since her exchange year – she has been involved in university studies not only in Austria and has travelled and caught up with Kiwi friends over the years. She is due to do her Masters in South European Studies soon. Laura gave an insight into what its like in her country during the lockdown.
Oscar was wearing his Rotary shirt. On his return to Sweden he finished high school and spent 6 months in Italy skiing. He is now studying Industrial Engineering and Management. Hopes to go to Australia for a time. He also gave an insight into the restrictions in Sweden during the COVID-19 lockdown.
BOARD DECISIONS
Garden Festival 2020
President Robyn reported that the Board, on the recommendation of the Garden Festival team, has decided to cancel the event for 2020 for the following reasons:
- Difficulty getting enough properties
- The target audience for attendees is mainly in the 60+ age group and they may be hesitant to purchase tickets due to COVID-19 risks
- Property owners may be hesitant to allow 1000+ people through their properties given COVID-19
- Time has been lost for people to work on their gardens due to the drought and the lockdown
- Marketing has not been able to go ahead
- Uncertainty around whether current sponsors will be able to now commit
We look forward to the Garden Festival happening again in 2021. A number of property owners have indicated they would be happy to be involved then. Thank you to Carey and her team for the huge amount of work done so far.
Taste Waikato promotion
The Board supported the proposal for Jan Bilton to go ahead with a further Taste Waikato promotion in time for Mother’s Day. The promotion will be done via social media and the website. Every purchaser will go into a draw to win a food hamper worth over $100. Books will be posted to avoid physical contact.
Salvation Army Food Bank collection – contributions of unperishable food
President Robyn has been reading that the Salvation Army is running very short on supplies for their Food Banks and suggests that members may like to contribute an item of unperishable food to the collection boxes when they go to the supermarket. Collection boxes are stationed at Countdown and Fresh Choice. People can also go online on
https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/help-us/donations
This is one way we can make a difference to families in need at this particular time and help our community.
Call for help from Hospice Waikato
President Robyn received an email from District Governor Peter Maxwell who had been approached by Hospice Waikato for help. As you know their shops have been shut down for the last few weeks. They are now looking ahead to their re-opening and they need help with sorting stock, moving furniture, washing bric-a-brac, hanging clothing, dusting etc.
The Board OK’d this request to be sent out to Rotarians, on the same basis as an earlier request from Neighbourhood Support that anyone who would like to help make contact as an individual. Please be aware that social distancing and other health measures will be required.
If you would like to assist please make contact directly with the Cambridge Store Manager - Justine Webb-Elliott - 027 3422383
NOTICES
Firewood delivery
Firewood delivery is being investigated for when the country moves to Alert Level 3.
Cyclone Harold and call for Donations for Emergency Response Kits
A reminder that Stuart Batty of RNZWCS has sent out a call for donations for Emergency Response Kits (ERKs). The appeal is for stock in preparation for the next adverse event and to replenish stock following distribution to affected communities following Cyclone Harold. The cost of a kit is $600 but any donation will be gratefully received with a certificate issued to the donees. To make a donation - online banking 03 1702 0192208 01 ref 308 or go to
www.rnzwcs.org
Covid-19 and lockdown
Trivia Quiz – answers next week
General Knowledge
- Which supermarket launched an online-only dedicated store on April 16?
- Who was Vice President of the USA when Barack Obama was President
- Hoiho, Pokotiwha and Korora are breeds of what animal?
- Which of these golf majors has Phil Michelson notoriously never won?
- Who is the founder of food delivery service My Food Bag?
- Queen Elizabeth II made a rare speech recently outside her Christmas messages – she last did this for what, in 2002?
- What is a triangle that has two sides of equal length called?
- Which female boasts the most Grand Slam singles tennis titles, with 24?
- Snow, the best-selling beer brand in the world, is a lager beer from which country?
- Which Kiwi nurse did British PM Boris Johnson credit as one of those who helped him return to full health recently?
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
World Immunization Week and Rotary
As scientists work to find a vaccine for the new coronavirus, we can do our part to keep our communities healthy by helping Rotary spread the word about the importance of vaccinations during World Immunization Week, 24-30 April.
Immunizations save millions of lives every year and are widely recognized as one of our most successful and cost-effective health interventions.
Yet outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases continue to put children’s health at risk around the world.
Rotary knows firsthand that #VaccinesWork.
Since 1985, we’ve contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children from polio. When children receive the polio vaccine, their pinkie fingers are marked with purple ink so health workers will know which children received the vaccine. Today, only two countries continue to report cases of polio caused by the wild poliovirus: Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Take action in three easy ways: Raise awareness of vaccination and polio eradication efforts by painting your nails — or pinkie — purple, or customize our new End Polio Now artwork with your signature and words of support. Post your pictures on social media using the hashtags #EndPolio and #VaccinesWork. Download Rotary’s World Immunization Week Toolkit to get graphics and sample social media posts. Donate to Rotary’s PolioPlus Fund. Your contribution will be tripled, thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
