Tooting for Tucker for Christmas

UPCOMING: Christmas is coming.

For some it’s a very happy time of year. For others it can be a time of desperation and despair. You can help to make sure that every family in Porirua has enough food to make Christmas a happy occasion.

On Tuesday 4th, Wednesday 5th, Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th December Big Red and Yellow Fire Engines will be cruising the streets of Whitby between 5.30 and 7.30, tooting for tucker.

This initiative will be taking place simultaneously throughout the area but the fire engines cruising through Whitby will be from the Plimmerton Volunteer Fire Brigade and will be followed by cars and trailers, driven by Plimmerton Rotarians.

(Photo) Snr Firefighter Johnny Johnson, Rotarian Wendy Betteridge, Station Officer Tony Satorius and Snr Station Officer Dave Anderson of the Plimmerton Volunteer Fire Brigade prepare to Toot for Tucker
Photo by Derek Paterson

They will be knocking on doors and seeking items of non-perishable food for the Salvation Army Food Bank in Porirua. If you haven’t got any food items to give, then you can donate cash and they will buy food with your donation.

Please be ready to donate. When you go shopping in the next couple of weeks, slip a few extra items into your basket, items that will help to stock the shelves at the Food Bank.
Things like tins and cans of meat and fish, baked beans, cereals, pastas, jars of jams and spreads, plastic pots of fruit – anything that won’t perish. No fresh food please.

We look forward to seeing you. And if you want to come and help us to collect, then ring Mike Scott on 2336556 and let him know.

www.plimmerton.rotarysouthpacific.org

Police Recruits get some unusual training

Seven Police Recruits had some unusual crowd control practice and training experience on 17 November.

Recruits Buck Raines and Benjamin Luders endeavour to keep Roger Robati, aged 5 from Cannons Creek School, under crowd control with Recruit Michelle Brough in the background
Photo by Elizabeth Taylor

Forty-five children from Decile 1 schools in Porirua East were picked up by coach to attend the annual Christmas Party which is put on by The Plimmerton Rotary Club at The Royal New Zealand Police College in Porirua.

On arrival the children were greeted by the seven recruits and two instructors from Kelly Sports who provided some high activity games on the lawn. It was wonderful to see the Police Recruits totally involved with the children. They all participated in the games with equal enthusiasm and disregard for the rules.

Recruits Buck Raines and Benjamin Luders endeavour to keep Roger Robati, aged 5 from Cannons Creek School, under crowd control with Recruit Michelle Brough in the background
Photo by Elizabeth Taylor.

After burning up heaps of energy, the children were entertained by Harry the Clown, who had the children, the recruits and the adults laughing and shouting back on demand.
Wholesome food was produced, BBQ sausages, hot chips, drinks, ice cream and jellies. This food was quickly devoured and everyone had a new burst of energy to welcome Father Christmas, who arrived in all his glory with a present for every child. Presents were soon opened to shrieks of delight.

Father Christmas throws the lollies while
Plimmerton President Bob Austin and Recruit Manu Heketa look on
Photo by Elizabeth Taylor

Father Christmas delighted everyone by conducting a lolly scramble which concluded the party. The coach arrived to return the children safely to their homes.

The Plimmerton Rotary Club sincerely thanks not only the teachers who selected the children to attend but also the Police Recruits and the Kelly Sports Instructors who gave up their time to make a real contribution to the success of this great day for very special kids.


More photos on https://www.dropbox.com/sh/exh8gqwfo48drh3/KnFRrinZ4i


www.plimmerton.rotarysouthpacific.org

Trees For Survival – Rotary Club of Botany East Tamaki Inc. and Mission Heights Junior College

 

At Mission Heights Junior College, there are fewer textbooks, no computer labs, no rubbish bins, Classrooms are well lit with harvesting lights. The walls are mostly made of glass, and children wear smartcards around their necks. It sounds like science fiction and you know what, it pretty much is” according to PC World magazine when it visited this school just after it opened in 2009.

The Rotary Club of Botany East Tamaki Inc, who include this school among the schools and colleges in its immediate area that it incorporates in its programmes, spent this Monday night at the Junior College, meeting some of the pupils and staff, and following up on progress of the “Trees For Survival” unit the Club sponsors.

Pupils are encouraged to work collaboratively together. They use Sun Microsystems Ultra Thin Client computers mounted  on the back of large screen monitors, and the student Smartcard system installed gives teach student access to any workstation in the College.

Each student at Mission Heights Junior College and the adjacent Primary School owns a Smart Card worn on a lanyard around their neck.

This card is used to access the Sun computers and is printed with the child’s photo, acts not only as an ID tag but also a unique access point to the computers. The card is not only for identification, but also data storage which allows the child to have an instant refresh that allows each child to move freely from computer to computer without needing to remember to save their work. All they have to do is plug the card in, and they are instantly back to where they were. No more carting lots of books around.

The main purpose of the clubs visit however, was to see our “Trees For Survival” unit and hear what the children looking after the unit thought about the project.

Over the last two years, they have grown a variety of vegetables which are used by the school in other projects and by other school groups as part of a wider appreciation about our ecology and sustainability.

Prior to visiting the unit, we were treated to a Power Point presentation  showing the project which enabled us to see what the progress of the unit has been over the last 2 years and see a video of the children in action last year on Tree Planting day. It was clear that planting day was a great day for the children participating as not only did they get a day out of school, they also got to see the status of the year before's planting effort and how much the trees had grown in 12 months.

It was pointed out that the children participating not only grew and planted trees to stabilise land and re-establish native Bush, but they had also established vegetable and fruit gardens at the school to learn more about where our food comes from. This has lead to other groups within the school, Science and Food Technology classes, wanting to participate in this garden project and expand the produce grown for consumption and study at the school to a wider group.

Mike Jaggs article in Presidents “Mike’s Mention” weekly report:

Any concerns we may have still had on the effectiveness of our sponsored “Trees For Survival” growing unit at Mission Heights Junior High School were well and truly laid to rest following tonight's visit. Whilst we may justifiably harbour some concerns over the TFS organisations ongoing communication, it was extremely satisfying to see how the teachers and children of the school have not only embraced this project, but have in just a two years completed 2 plantings and won awards for their schools “Enviro Club”

The five year 8 students, Connor, Shene, Amanda, Friyan and Harleen, provided us with a great presentation of their schools efforts and future goals. It was also great to taste their 'appetisers' baked using fresh vegetables from their own school garden. I for one was very impressed with how the school and students have integrated the “Trees For Survival” project into their curriculum and then extended it to the school garden which works as a teaching aid and provides fresh vegetables and herbs for their Food Technology classes. So impressed, I shall be recommending to some trusts that they invest in the schools latest project to build a new and larger self sustaining garden facility.

Library to Go – New Mobile Libraries

In a New Zealand first, Christchurch City Libraries will introduce two additions to their line-up of libraries – Mobile Library, a pair of specially-equipped vans that will provide a portable social, recreational and learning space from Monday 3 December.

The vans – each fully kitted-out to deliver familiar library services such as books, magazines, DVDs, CDs and free Wi-Fi – will help fill the gap left in library services after the earthquakes lead to the closure of Bishopdale, Central, Linwood, South and Sumner Libraries. A trailer able to transport additional furniture and equipment will be also available for special events and programmes.

Operating on a weekly schedule that sees them visiting a range of hand-picked locations across the city, Mobile Library will be launched in the New Brighton Christmas Parade on Saturday 1 December and will be in service from Monday 3 December.

Rotary New Zealand sought and received funding for this project after identifying a need in post-quake Christchurch for the more flexible library services the vans provide. One van is funded by Rotary International, and the other through a partnership with Rotary and the Cotton On Foundation.

With the existing Mobile Library bus marking its final day of service on Sunday 25 November, Libraries and Information Unit Manager Carolyn Robertson says the donation is a timely and welcome addition to the library fleet.

“Since the earthquakes, the existing Mobile Library bus has been unable to reach certain parts of Christchurch because of its size. One of the advantages of the new, smaller mobile library vans is their ability to visit these places.

“We’re looking at solutions for getting our closed libraries back on-line, but the introduction of Mobile Library will definitely take some of the sting out of their loss. These vans aren’t a stop-gap measure – they’re attractive, they’re novel, they’re stacked with features and we’re intending for them to have a long life. They’ll be new favourites for a lot of people.”

Mayor Bob Parker says Mobile Library is a huge step towards reducing isolation in certain communities.

“Libraries frequently take on a role as the heart of the community, and to have even one closed is a tangible loss. Mobile Library will work as a band-aid of sorts, increasing participation and delivering a world of knowledge. Christchurch is hugely grateful to Rotary and Cotton On for this incredible gift.”

For a schedule of the mobile vans’ stops, please visit www.christchurchcitylibraries.com/Mobiles

Media Advisory

Media are invited to attend the launch of the Library Mobile on Saturday 1 December, and to explore the vans and interview key figures from Christchurch City Council, Rotary New Zealand and Cotton On Foundation.
From 11.30am
Saturday 1 December
Outside New Brighton Library

Adopt-a-Family project supports families with children in palliative care

The Rotary Club of Ellerslie Sunrise Inc, Auckland, have for some years supported the Guardian Angels Trust and more recently the Adopt-a-Family project.

The project supports families of children who transition to palliative and / or end-of-life care, a time of extreme stress for these families.  The project works with club members contributing on a regular basis  non-perishable items, whether food or household consumables (eg. dishwashing liquid) and these are collected at the club and delivered periodically.

The impact and appreciation of the recipient families is huge as shown by the following quotes:

From club member and organiser Win Wilson to members: “Last week I delivered the first lot of groceries and met our new family.   Mum is bringing up 3 children on her own - 2 boys aged 11 and 14 and a girl aged 17.   Ben who is 11 years old has a terminal illness.   A delightful family who all support each other and share in the care of Ben demonstrating much love.    I received an email this morning from the Mum which I want to share with you all. 

It goes like this :

"Thank you very much for the grocery items.   Please pass on my appreciation to the Ellerslie Rotary Club for the very generous donations.   It is very heart warming and inspiring to know that there is such kindness and generosity in our community.”

In addition the club presented the Trust with a cheque for $1500 from the Club on Friday to support the work that the Guardian Angels Trust perform.    This money will be used to purchase Pak ‘n Save vouchers which will be distributed by Jess to needy families.
Anyone or organisation wanting to undertake a similar project can contact Jess Jamieson, Senior Social Work Practitioner, Paediatric Palliative Care Team, Starship Children’s Hospital, 021 946 299  or Win Wilson, Rotary Club of Ellerslie Sunrise, 09 521 4838 or 021483655.

Note that it is possible to offer other extra practical forms of support.

Big DIK push for Samoan Literacy

A container of knowledge has arrived in Apia and been well reported in the Samoan Observer. This Donation in Kind (DIK) follows a request from Debra Gibbs of the RC Apia.

District Literacy Champion- Mary Ann France has coordinated the supply of books and educational supplies over many months. Together with Louise Main from Auckland Libraries, Angela Jowitt (senior librarian of the University of the South Pacific), and several Rotary clubs across Auckland, 500 cartons of Books & stationery and school furniture and carpet tiles were sourced.

The highlight was 80 cartons containing 2000 Rotary Dictionaries funded by Rotary NZ World Community Service Ltd, the Howard Thomas Trust and Rotary Clubs of Newmarket, Remuera, Somerville Howick & Papatoetoe West. Some $18,000 in value.

The Polynesian Shipping Line very generously arranged to ship this container at no charge to Apia.
District 9920 World & Community Team put many hours into collecting, sorting & packing cartons and the container. We are also grateful to Ian Jenner for again donating his warehouse space.
This will help populate the Rotary Libraries in Samoan schools and enhance schooling.

Rotary GSE exchange helps keep Alaskan Eskimo babies warm

During the recent Alaskan GSE team visit the needs of certain Eskimo communities were discussed with Rotary host Penny Leyland and others.

This led to RC Otahuhu taking the lead and mobilising their knitting ladies. Over 100 knitted baby bonnets have been produced in a wide range of styles and colours. 4 other clubs are keen to join in the action.

They are on their way to help in the northern winter. This was a great example of the practical benefits arising from a vocationally oriented GSE team. The team also gave and learnt a lot in the area of maternal & child health during their visit.

Big “A” Community award to Rotarian Quilters

Rotarian Mary Ann France leads a Quilt- Stitch group of 13 volunteers who work with the Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility 6 times per month. They help the women develop practical skills and with this art form assist in the rehabilitation of prisoners.
The group recently won the big “A” Prison art Community Award. Judges described this as “an excellent grassroots initiative”, calling quilting a “perfect activity for community engagement” They were awarded their prize Bernina sewing machine in Wellington by Dr Pita Sharples.

Each year, approximately 50 women take part in the programme. The skills taught include sewing, measuring, designing and embellishing their quilts. Learning to use a sewing machine is an option. The prisoners start small, learning to use a needle and thread before progressing to cushions, wall hangings and making quilts for sick babies at Middlemore Hospital. In the process, the volunteers foster self-esteem, numeracy and literacy among the women, and model acceptable social behaviour.

Two Rotary Clubs initially supplied money for materials and instruments, and now people from all over New Zealand, including members of the Quilters Guild, donate fabric, thread and quilt blocks.

Rotary Associates Program - one club's approach to appealing to youth

During early 2011 as President Elect of the Rotary Club of Papanui I decided to introduce the club to a full visioning exercise to give us a clear picture of who we were and where we wanted to go as a club and a clear mandate for my year and beyond.

From this exercise it was concluded that we were an aging club and in much need of younger blood to revitalise us and take us in the direction that we identified as an essential for survival of our club.

The problem appeared that we had no direct appeal or access to youth, and youth in general were motivated to causes not clubs.

At this time Lane Perry an Ambassadorial Scholar was attached to both the University of Canterbury and our Rotary club so we sat down together and conceived a program that we felt would meet both the needs and expectations of young people and provide our club with the results that we were seeking.

We named our project the "ROTARY ASSOCIATES PROGRAM"

The resource pool from which to draw our proposed candidates from was to be the "Emerging Leaders Program" at the University and the test target was to be the Papanui greater community.

It had been clearly demonstrated after the Christchurch earthquakes that there was a desire to contribute to the community by young people and the example of this was the well documented performance of the UC Volunteer Student Army.

Our concept was as follows:

    1)    our pilot program initially would select only four students from the University Emerging Leaders Program
    2)    They would commit to the program for the University year
    3)    they would attend a full Rotary meeting as our guests at least once every term - minimum
    4)    During the year they each would contribute a minimum of 20+ hours of community work under the direction and banner             of our club
    5)    During the year each candidate would have a fire-side meeting (an informal meal) at the home of a senior Rotarian to             discuss the principals of Rotary, our community, and their views on the development and effectiveness of the program
    6)    At the end of the period each candidate would address our full Rotary meeting and give a full presentation of their involvement and experiences during their association with Rotary at work

In return we supported the candidates when ever possible and this included

    1)    Discussions and general mentoring
    2)    We sent two of our candidates to "The Aspiring Leaders Forum" which is held annually in Wellington
    3)    We nominated two students to represent us at RYLA in January 2013
    4)    each candidate was formally presented at a full Rotary Meeting with a certificate jointly signed by the current University  Coordinator and myself to recognise their contribution and achievement

We had a lot of fun working with the students over the year and the results and benefits of this association far exceeded our initial expectations for this program. Together we worked as a team on projects such as - Packing Emergency Boxes, Maintenance and gardening for a widow of a Rotarian, Fund raising projects, Christmas Gift Wrapping at Northlands, Business directory survey, Beautification program trees for Christchurch, and two of our students developed, coordinated and produced a "Big Day Out" family day and picnic for disadvantaged families which was a great success

From this experience we have identified the strengths of our program and areas which we felt could be improved. Using the original four candidates as coordinators and mentors for next year we intend to expand and take this concept to the next level prior to presenting it to the wider Rotary Community as a successful working scheme that they can individually adopt and benefit from as we have

I am confident that at sometime in the future all our candidates will become active and very productive Rotarians and New Zealand's future Leaders

Tony Taylor
Rotary Club of Papanui
Director Youth & Community

Young Totara Award

Young Totara Award
by the Rotary Club of Papanui, Christchurch, NZ


It is many years since the club has presented this award and it was therefore, with much pleasure that Arie Geerlofs (our President Elect) introduced Ollie Norman and outlined his fight to overcome serious medical problems to achieve good things in the community.

Ollie is now working in a part-time capacity as his health permits and in addition to this is dedicated to assisting his mother operate a soup kitchen and drop-in area for the disadvantaged folk of Christchurch.

He has established a good rapport with a number of young people using the soup kitchen and is committed to helping the less fortunate.

Well done Ollie! You certainly deserve this award.

ADG Richard Green congratulated Ollie and presented him with his Young Totara on behalf of the Rotary Club of Papanui