Saying "well done" is also a part of service

The Rotary Club of Alfriston, Auckland, NZ held an “Appreciation meeting” recently to bring together all those individuals and companies who have donated goods, money and goodwill throughout the last year and the organisations and individuals who have benefitted from the club’s activities.  This was the second year the club has run the event using a power point presentation which gave graphic displays of all the fundraising events, the donors for each event plus the recipients of moneys raised where appropriate.  All the Club’s other activities were also included in the presentation.

Over 28 visitors were present plus the 15 members and partners.

Neither the donors nor recipients appreciated just how much the club has done in the community and were staggered to learn how much the Club has raised (including grants from various Rotary Trusts) which was returned mostly to their local community.  Nearly $100,000 in the last three years.

President Ray Parkes presented cheques to Totara Hospice in memory of past member John East, a cheque to the South Auckland Health Foundation for equipment that will be used for research into child cancers and a TV monitor for Manurewa East School library.  Many other smaller donations had been made throughout the year including to Sean Pyke who represented New Zealand at the Asia Junior Wrestling Championships in which he won a silver medal.  The most emotional presentation of the evening was that of a specially imported Triton therapeutic wheelchair for 13 year old Bailey who suffers from cerebral palsy and epilepsy.  His parents were very appreciative and there weren’t too many dry eyes in the audience!

Also in attendance were two students from Manurewa High School who had attended the Rotary National Science & Technology Forum together with the school Deputy Principal
11 Certificates of Appreciation were presented to donors and several indicated they would like to consider more seriously the opportunity to join the Club.

Another highlight was the presentation of a PHF to Sherrin White by District Governor Alan Eyes for the many years of wonderful service she has given to the Club as the wife of member Colin White..

It was an exciting evening with a lot of fun and well worth the effort of getting everyone together.  All the donors present guaranteed their continued participation with the Club.