Posted by David Black
In the lead up to Christmas, our attention turns towards our families and loved ones. It is also a time when we also look to our communities, and those who are in need of our help. We live in towns and cities where we have the networks and resources to make projects happen which benefit our local communities.
We are also members of a global community and an international service organisation, and we are very fortunate that, as Rotarians, we have access to countless opportunities to lend a helping hand to those who live outside of New Zealand. The need for help is great, but they live in communities that may have little or no access to the network of knowledge, skills or financial and other resources that are required to fulfil their needs.
    
Rotary New Zealand World Community Services helps to connect Rotary Clubs with projects overseas and acts as a conduit to assist clubs who wish to undertake international projects, but may not be sure how to go about navigating the often complex process of trying to engage with an overseas community in need of help.
There are a number of issues that need to be considered, and the logistics of co-ordinating with other aid agencies, government departments, transportation providers and even Rotary clubs in another country can be complex, but this is where we are here to help your club to achieve its project outcomes.
About us:
Rotary New Zealand World Community Service (RNZWCS Limited) was formally established as a Rotary International Multi District Activity on 28th October 1985. Its original name was Rotary Overseas Aid Projects (ROAP). PDG Lou Robinson was District 9980’s Inaugural Director. For the past 33 years RNZWCS has been supporting clubs and facilitating partnerships between clubs worldwide. Its activities fall into two categories – Humanitarian (which includes Emergency Response Kits (ERKs) and Community Development. Included in its objects;  
  • Encourage Rotary Clubs, Districts and others to participate in meaningful World Community Service projects;
  • Co-ordinate the World Community Service activities of Rotary Clubs and Districts
  • Seek and select suitable World Community Service projects
  • Encourage professional administration and reporting of projects
  • Promote the use of The Rotary Foundation and government assistance to enhance the effectiveness of World Community Service projects.
 
In addition, RNZWCS Limited is an advocate for PolioPlus which has resulted in grants in excess of NZ$10 Million from the NZ Govt. in their recognition of the support from New Zealand Rotarians.
 
In addition to ERKs, following each cyclone, flood, tsunami in the Pacific, RNZWCS has obtained major grants for rebuilding communities and livelihoods with the most recent after Cyclone Gita in Tonga and Samoa. These grants are only made possible with matching donations from New Zealand Rotary Clubs.
   
 
What our District 9980 clubs have been doing:
 
The Rotary Club of Timaru have supported RNZWCS Donations in Kind activities sourcing school equipment and books and arranging transport to Christchurch where along with other education and health resources, they are containerised and sent to Pacific Island countries. More recently, Rotarians from Invercargill arranged storage for locally sourced goods until freighting them to Christchurch to coincide with the packing of a container for Fiji.
 
RNZWCS is supporting the Rotary Club of Taieri in raising funds to provide aid, supplies and future training in the field of foot health care in Samoa. With little resources or training in this field, medical personnel in Samoa are witnessing a high incidence of amputation following the non-treatment of diabetic related infection. Contact Peter Williams pfwilliams@xtra.co.nz for more detail.
 
RNZWCS is not only supported by Rotary Clubs, but also non-Rotarians, some who make substantial personal donations on a regular basis for projects that they select in the RNZWCS portfolio. RNZWCS has MOU’s with VSA, ROMAC, Interplast and RAWCS.
 
As you can see, clubs in our district are getting involved in the wider global community, and are making a real difference. If you have an idea for an overseas project that you want help with, or you would like to discuss a project concept that is not yet fully developed, don’t hesitate to contact me to have a chat about what your club is thinking about doing.
My e-mail address is: projectstarfishnz@gmail.com
 
Take time to check out project opportunities at: https://www.rnzwcs.org/special-projects/
   
 
Best Wishes to you and your families for a safe and happy Xmas.
 
David Black
District 9980 Director - RNZWCS