2011 Rotary Challenge Camp

Each year a camp is held by Rotray Districts 9910 and 9920 for physically disabled student.  This year it was held 16 to 20 May.  The Rotary Club of Waitakere Inc (District 9910) hosted the camp at Vaughan Park, Long Bay and it was again an outstanding success.  Each 'camper' was matched with a Rotary International Exchnage student and all had a tremendous time taking paret in activities such as 10 pin bowling, vsiting the Waiwera Hot Pools, a trip to see the Wheel Blacks at practice ... and have a go themselves.


To view a slideshow of the Challange Camp in 2011 .

DEtails from the Rotary Club of Waitakere Inc website 

Shoe Boxes of Love - Showing we care

There's plenty of love in Wanganui for the residents of earthquake-stricken Christchurch, if the number of "shoe boxes of love" is an indication. Around 250 of the gift-filled shoe boxes descended on Whanganui MP Chester Borrows's Wanganui office at the weekend. Mr Borrows said "shoe boxes of love" was an initiative launched by Taupo MP Louisa Upston to show the people of Christchurch that New Zealanders cared about them. "Each shoe box contains a gift - it might be babies' clothes, little toys, handcream, fancy tea-bags, or a book." Each box is sealed but many were decorated with paper, words and ribbons. Each one is marked as suitable for a particular age.

The shoe boxes were collected by Rotary Clubs throughout the country, and they will be responsible for getting the shoe boxes to Christchurch where they will be distributed. Mr Borrows said Wanganui's "shoe boxes of love" came from all parts of the community, although Wanganui Intermediate School and Jane Winstone Retirement Village had been particularly generous. Mr Borrows said Wanganui had produced the greatest number of shoe boxes in the country. He said he had been "overwhelmed" by the response. "It really captured people's imaginations. "But Wanganui has always donated generously, no matter what the cause is. I think Wanganui people should be very proud of themselves."

Updates on this project will be at http://www.rotaryresponse-christchurcheq.blogspot.com/ 

Shoe Boxes of Love - the Auckland collection

Jessie Jarvie of National MP Nikki Kaye's
office

Throughout New Zealand individuals, couples, families and groups are putting together shoeboxes of items for the people of Christchurch.  In Auckland 154+ (majority from Waiheke Is) were collected from CABs, National MPs and area offices and Bay Audiology by the people of RDU and delivered to Freight Link who have generously donated the freight to Christchurch.  Rotarians in various centres around New Zealand are providing similar assistance with collections and transport.

These boxes contain a wide range of items with examples being:

a box with men's toiletries

Nationl Party office
Greelane

a box with soft toys for young children

a box with ladies 'necessities' (whatever that may be)

a box with food items.

In most cases these are wrapped with care and many have messages of support for the people of Christchurch, often penned by children.  Some examples are:

Soft Toys - chocolate bunny and puppy need two needy children to love and cuddle them lots and to keep them company

To Christchurch - feel safe, don't worry, be happy, enjoy life



Smaller of 2 pallets at Freight Link
- thanks guys



Hello - we are all heart-broken and we just wish you all the best and hope you will recover from the earthquake soon.  Just call on God for help and healing

Rotary putting Northland New Zealand on the multisporting map!

Putting Northland New Zealand firmly on the multisport event map in only its second year is the Kerikeri Rotary Club’s Top Energy Northern Crossing. It attracted 174 competitors to the start line on Saturday 7^th May. Professional athlete and trainer Sam Goodall (26 of Paremoremo) returned and successfully defended his 2010 title in the solo multisport event in a time of 5:13:19   Real competition this year happened out on the water as the Kayaks raced up the Hokianga Harbour from Opononi to Rawene. Second placed Craig Newton of Auckland pipped Sam’s time in the kayak leg by 1 minute 51 seconds. This was in part due to Sam leaving his spray skirt at home. No spray skirt equals liquid ballast being shipped on board from the initial choppy conditions on the harbour. However Sam’s strong running legs and fastest cycle leg in the event ensured his victory.

What if? New bike = healthier lifestyle

This is the story of what Rotary is about. Taking a big idea and planning to make it happen. It is a story of making a difference for new generations and it is a story of Rotarians working collaboratively together across Rotary clubs.

In May 2009 the 2010-2011 conference for District 9980 was being planned and the initial focus was on who would be the inspirational speakers. I believed that as the theme of the conference was “Show your True Colours” we needed to make sure this was evident in what we highlighted. An idea of having Rotary in Action as part of the conference programme suggested and the idea of making a difference for 100 children and their families was born. 

The plan to give 100 local 8/9 year olds a new bike and support them to develop a healthier lifestyle was developed.

U Save and Rotary Gains

Yes - that's right and just launched on 6 May.

The current District Governors have agreed to have Rotary in New Zealand associated with the following shopping web site.

The way it works:

You register and nominate that you support Rotary,  25% of the commission goes to Rotary in New Zealand and will go towards national multi-District Rotary projects.  25% goes back to the community by way of prizes, competitions and a million dollar charity give away.  The remainder of the commission goes to the product supplier.

This site gives you access to discounted items as well as on-line 'garage sales'.

Check it out here ...

Yet another way Rotary is increasing its profile in our community as a charity of choice.

Submitted from: http://howard-actionscount.blogspot.com/

French speaking e-Club chartered

On 30 April 2011 the new District 9920 club of Rotary e-Club 9920 francophone was chartered in a ceremony in French Polynesia.  The new club has 26 active members and one honourary.  Members come from all over the world including; French Polynesia, France, Congo, Mauricius and Gabon.  They have already the first 'action' (project) being a contribution towards the ambulance for Taveuni Island.  Next is a project for cancer - see their website (in French) at http://www.rotary-eclub9920francophone.org along with a literacy project for 6 to 12 year old children.  A large project is scheduled for May 2012 where a Miss Rotary e-Club 9920 francophone competition will be held with proceeds towards the Polio Eradication project.

Submitted by:  President Laurence Linsenmaier, Rotary e-Club 9920 francophone, District 9920