Photos: Marine Reach
Over many years, the Rotary Club of Tauranga and the people of Tauranga have supported the humanitarian organisation Marine Reach as they take dental, eye health, general medical and community development assistance to the people who live on the small islands of the Pacific.
Because these people do not have ready access to the services that people in New Zealand take for granted, their health and life expectancy is significantly reduced.
Marine Reach has been taking these services to the Pacific for over 25 years using small specially fitted hospital ships.
Their current ship, the MV Pacific Hope, has recently arrived back to its home port Tauranga, after her first voyage of mercy to the Pacific. View the video of her first voyage and about this great organisation by visiting www.marinereach.com.
Two years ago Tauranga Rotary and its sister Rotary clubs in Japan and Australia provided the equipment to furnish the dental clinic aboard Pacific Hope.
Tauranga Rotary, again with the support of its sister clubs and others in New Zealand and international, including a Rotary Foundation Global Grant, have set a goal to now furnish the ophthalmology clinic.
The fundraising project has set a sum of $90,000 as it target. Already there are commitments of around $75,000 with additional donations being received daily.
Tauranga Rotary, whose motto is “Service Above Self”, invites the people and businesses of Tauranga, New Zealand and overseas to come aboard and join us as we make a difference to the lives of our neighbours in the Pacific.
Donations can be sent by cheque to P O Box 609, Tauranga or via Give a Little using your credit card via https://givealittle.co.nz/org/tgarotary.
All donors will receive charitable donation receipts and donors of over $500 will be recognised by an inscription on a panel to be installed in the ophthalmology clinic.
For more information, contact Project Coordinator David Garland on +64 7 543 2012 or david.beverley@paradise.net.nz.
