President Gordon's Comments
On Tuesday 22nd November we had our AGM which to some may be a boring formality but in reality, it is a time to pause and reflect on the club affairs of the previous year. For those of you who were unable to attend here is my reflection of the meeting. While listening to past president Jim’s report I felt a sense of pride in many of the things we have achieved and certainly the financial support we have given back to the community and beyond.
If you haven’t had a chance to hear or read Jim’s report, I suggest you do so. It is available on request online from either Greg or I. Thank you Jim for your effort. The financial reports were also very good thank you Graham. Both the Club and Charitable Trust accounts are in a healthy position. Rob Roy explained very well, the affairs of the Vince Ashworth Education Charitable Trust and the contribution and grants given. It is encouraging to see the improving interest on the capital reinvestment.
The Central Otago Lend a Hand Foundation Trust is looking forward to the support of a new major sponsor in Pulse Energy Alliance which from April 22, 2023 will contribute $20,000 plus an extra $2000 for operating costs, along with Alexandra and Cromwell Rotary Clubs donating $3000 each. This will enable the Trust to support worthy applicants. With the combination of these 3 Trusts a great financial contribution is made throughout our community.
Elections were a formality but we do congratulate and welcome Jillian Jopp as our President elect for 2023/24 year. Thank you to all who made the evening flow so well.
At our November 8th meeting we welcomed back Jean Bonsor our catering lady from her trip to her land of origin - South Africa. Our guests were Ashley West and Emily Attfield whom we had supported to attend a National model United Nations convention in Wellington. They were appreciative of the experience they gained and the support given.
Congratulations Rhys Jenkin on the success of the Letts Gully garage sale and a fine contribution to the Ukraine Appeal combined with the Sunflower seeds in excess of $2500 will be forwarded to the International Appeal.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Christmas Lunch Sunday 11 December at The Packing Shed. The Club will subsidise $20/head. There will be an email re attendance coming from John. Come along and enjoy an afternoon together.
Movie Night December 2nd 7.30pm - $20/ticket to support the Polio Appeal/ There are still seats available so please invite friends or neighbours
Bike Appeal - Red Cross Invercargill. John has had a reasonable response to this but more bikes would be welcome.
Loud Shirt Day - This is coming up again in February supporting the Southern Cochlear Implant programme. There will be more information about this next year.
Next and final meeting of the year 13th December - same time and place.
BOOK SALE January 2023 - the preparations are going well. Please register your availability for set up, clean up and sale day duties.
I am assisting Andrew with the Christmas Day Community Dinner. There will be requests for helpers and BBQ so if you are able to assist, please contact either Andrew or I.
Director’s Meeting 22nd November.
There was still no confirmation on participants for the RYLA course in Queenstown.
We continue to support Dunstan High School Christmas Cake Initiative by funding the ingredients and they bake and distribute the cakes in the community.
The Salvation Army Community Garden has offered a load of firewood to sell or raffle which could probably be used at the Charity Dinner Silent Auction in May.
Directors felt it is timely to review the amount donated to the Dunstan High School Dux as it has been the same for many years…. comments welcome
As this will probably be the final Bulletin for the Calendar Year, I will take this opportunity to wish you and your families a pleasant and happy Christmas and New Year. Enjoy and keep well.
