Rotary Club of Auckland East has a long term relationship with its local school, the co-educational secondary school in Glen Innes, Tamaki College. Tamaki College has a well-run Driver Training Scheme to prepare students for work.
In 2017, the college’s existing vehicle was reaching the end of its useful life. The school asked the Club if they could have a new car to reduce on going running and maintenance costs. The Club sprang into action.
As a result of this major effort to raise money for a replacement, students at Tamaki College can now learn to drive in a safe, modern vehicle.
Gary Langford initiated the project and Graeme Emerson and Dennis Millard drove the fundraising campaign in conjunction with their satellite club's formation. From its research, the Club found out that that the most popular vehicle for driver training currently is the Suzuki Swift.
The club started a fund-raising drive to buy a replacement for the existing 15 year old Nissan Bluebird.
- With satellite club Tamaki Rotary, club members were asked for donations.
- Local companies are approached for contributions.
- A Give a Little page was set up.
- The club donated $10,000
Through its connections, Rotary Club of Auckland East was able to obtain the vehicle at a very competitive price; Tamaki College then approached the North and South Trust, a local charity, which agreed to fund the balance to enable the new Suzuki Swift to be bought.