Rotary PR event with a fellowship spinoff

For the past 15 years, the Otahuhu shopping area in South Auckland, NZ has not had a Santa parade, as during that time it was deemed culturally insensitive. However, in 2013 the Otahuhu Mainstreet Association decided that it was time to bring back the parade which turned out to be a magnificent event with 25 groups putting in entries or floats.

The Rotary Club of Otahuhu decided to support this celebration event, using it as a PR exercise to inform the local community that Rotary is still alive and well in Otahuhu. We were indeed a colourful group in our new hi-viz vests, and our usual Panama hats, plus we had fun and fellowship filling the blue and yellow Rotary balloons with helium so that they could be handed out to the children lining the route.

The Rotary entry was fronted by Adrienne Davies and Sue Fitzpatrick who carried the Rotary banner, followed by Rotarians Alex Rohde who drove his magnificent homemade MG replica, and Merv Ah Chee who towed the Rotary Wheel trailer.

The turn out from the public on December 7 was most encouraging. New murals added a refreshing look to the town and there appeared to be a real sense of community and revival.

The Otahuhu Santa Parade was a great community event, enjoyable for our 20 members and partners who were there on the day, and it resulted in excellent Rotary PR.

By DGN Jennie Herring, Rotary Club of Otahuhu