Paarl Rotarians have been hard at work packing boxes of educational toys and teaching aids for educare centres and primary schools. Here Hester Visagie (centre), president of Paarl Rotary, presents some Eduboxes to Ronwe Primary. With her are (left) Veronica Whatney (principal) and Gail Jacobs (teacher). Read President Hester's report below.
TIME has flown and we now find ourselves meeting in a modern new venue, the FFG building overlooking the Berg River! I trust that members find the venue refreshing.
In spite of Covid restrictions, and extremely hot weather conditions, this year's Winelands Cycle Race drew well over a thousand riders. Thank you to each one who assisted in making this race a success. Since Covid restrictions have mostly been lifted, we hope to be able to provide refreshments next year, so that cyclists and families can once again relax together after the race. It is likely that masks and screening will no longer be required.
The work of our projects committee continues full steam. Thanks to those Rotarians who spent much of their time packing and arranging for delivery of the Eduboxes; this has brought in a substantial amount to fill our coffers.
We are also grateful to the Bensheim Rotary Club in Germany and to the Wenhold Trust for their generous donations. It remains an honour to be able to support various organisations in our Valley, and beyond. The Board has approved a donation of R5,000 towards the Trauma Room at Riebeeck West police station, R10,000 to the KZN Hunger Relief Programme (after the riots) and R10,000 to Rotary International for assistance to Ukrainian refugees.
Our Wine Auction is set for the 9th October, and will be held at Laborie wine estate. Rotarians are currently collecting wine and hospitality donations for the event. It would be greatly appreciated if each member could network amongst colleagues and friends for similar donations. We really do rely on you.
With the learners back at school again, our youth beneficiaries (Interactors) could attend the Rotary youth leadership camp in Franschhoek from 18 to 21 March and we received extremely positive feedback from them afterwards. A fun day will be arranged for them in August.
Welcome to new member Adele de Almeida. We trust that she will find Rotary rewarding and fulfilling. We also wish to thank Kevin Sterling, who has decided to step down, for his many years of service and assure him that there will always be an open seat available, should he decide to return some day.
After contracting Covid, I urge each of you to think about getting the jab, if you have not yet done so. I am convinced that it “saved” me from being hospitalized. Covid approaches one like the leopard in Paarl Mountain – unseen!
Until next time
Hester