Annual Synopsis - 2008-2009
2008-2009
President - Stewart France
"Make Dreams Real"
The Book Fair,run under Nelson Cullen's guidance, involved an immense input of time and energy and was our stand-out fundraiser. Club members assisted once more at a Te Rapa Race Meeting to fund the Book Fair premises.
Dinners for Six and Christmas Puddings also featured, while the Club again assisted at the ‘Hamilton 400 car races to raise funds for the Hydrotherapy Pool.
The Club achieved Charitable Trust status with major input by Colin Sheppard. Splendid work by the Membership Committee brought about a gain of six members and a net 4% increase. Work was done towards developing 'Friends of Rotary’ and Associate Member status.
Two Emergency Boxes were completed with a further two approved.
Student activities included RYLA and Science Summer School.
After Veronica's corrective surgery, the club, and in particular a team of committed members, continued to provide support during her convalescence with Ian and Diana Wood. A splendid success story!
Local activities involved a Mokau Trip, a Korean Evening organised by Deniss Yeung and an annual quiz night run by Doug Haigh. Amped for Life was funded for an anti-drug presentation at Fairfield College. The College was also donated $500 for Book Prizes.
The Claudelands Shelter/Paver project was on-going.
In response to the DG’s call, $6500 was donated to Rotary Foundation’s Annual Programme and $1000 to the Bill and Melinda Gates Challenge Fund.
Doug Haigh and volunteers spent two weeks in Fiji helping with the construction of Rotahomes. Doug also led the repair and packing of wheelchairs for despatch to Fiji. Other overseas assistance included $1300 for a biogas cooker.
Fairfield Club hosted the official District Welcome to the Turkish GSE Team.
Fairfield Rotary Readers continued with their excellent work, Dictionaries were presented to Fairfield Primary School’s senior pupils. The Club and the JR McKenzie Youth Education Fund assisted a school trip to a Butterfly Farm, earning the school’s gratitude. The Children’s Christmas party concluded a very active school year.
Ken Collier and Bruce Sinkinson were honoured as Paul Harris Fellows and Alan Jones was presented with a Paul Harris Sapphire Pin.