President Jill Elias opened the meeting at 6.30 pm on 31 July 2023.
Welcome to our guests, Susan Saleeba, Christopher Makokha, and Michael Elias.
John Thornton led the meeting in singing the National Anthem, which he scored 7.5 (out of 11).
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Question: What are the official languages of Belgium?
Answer: Dutch (Flemish), French and German.
Answered by Bruce Fiegert.
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FAMILY AND FRIENDS:
Kevin Jackson attended a recent Rotary Club of Nedlands breakfast meeting and has information about the mobile shower facility for the homeless, costing approximately $90,000, for which the Nedlands Club is looking to raise funds.
Jill Elias reported that their youngest child, Edward, graduated from UWA on Friday with a Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree. Also, their oldest child, Sam, flew to England on Saturday to start a six-week student experience with Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Service as part of the Don Watt scholarship he won at Curtin University in his final year of paramedicine.
Tom Langley's grandson, Tom Ward, was awarded his Degree in Biomedical Science, on the same day. Pictured with very proud parents Peter and Nardia Ward.
CLUB AND COMMITTEE REPORTS:
International Service (Michael Bisset) Michael spoke about the success of the fourth annual book drive. A record number of 106 boxes were sent to the Buk Bilong Pikinini Foundation in Papua New Guinea, and 25 boxes were sent to an education foundation in West Papua (Indonesia) called Black Pearl. Special thanks this year to Rotarians David Miller, Anita Bourke, Susan Watson, Ken Ilett and Win Jones for their efforts and especially Michael Bisset for his enthusiasm and organisation of the book drive again. We also have a fantastic transport partner in Sadleirs Global Logistics, who have supported us yearly in moving the books to Brisbane. The books are donated from the generous school communities of the primary schools of Dalkeith, Cottesloe, North Cottesloe, Nedlands, Freshwater Bay, and Floreat Park, as well as donations from Christ Church Grammar School, John 23rd and Save The Children.
Environment Services (John Bolto) John advised that the tree planting will occur this Friday, 11 August, at Lynwood. So far, there are seven volunteers. John will provide further information in an email.
ROTARY MOMENT: (Jill Elias):
A new toy drive at Christmas will be organised for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Warwick.
The Save the Children book sale is next week, and the organisation needs volunteers; an email will be sent with the request to all members.
SERGEANT SESSION: (Trevor Gorey):
Fines were dispensed for the following:
Bob Davis because his son-in-law won the footy tipping this week.
Neil Wilkie for his letter in the Post.
Craig James for his beach sprinting activity.
The successful bowlers, Kent Warburton, Peter Marfleet, Geoff Cahif, Bruce Fiegert.
Michael Elias, even though he was a guest, for coming second in the Hampden Hotel quiz night.
No fine but an acclamation to Jason van Straalen for his role as auctioneer in raising $30,000 for the Motor Neurone Association.
GUEST SPEAKERS:Susan Saleeba and Christopher Makokha, Nakuru Hope, Kenya – introduced by Susan Watson
Susan founded the Nakuru Hope – Gabriel School and Orphanage. Christopher is its School and Orphanage Director.
Four blocks of land were bought in 2011 for the centre.
The motto of the centre is Where Everybody is Somebody. All 42 tribes of Kenya and religions are accepted at the school, and there are no class distinctions. There are 300 students at the school who are taught Swahili first as a central language and English.
The school is in Nakuru and is approximately five kilometres from a rubbish tip and slum of 270,000 people in Kaptembura, where many orphaned children have been located after being abandoned and regularly rummaged through the tip to find food.
In 2015, the centre was awarded a global grant to provide water for the school and the community. Every day, members of the community request access to the water.
In 2016, further land was purchased to start a farm that produces kale, potatoes, onions, carrots and various vegetables. 2,500 meals are provided to the students and members of the community each week.
Congratulations to Susan and Christopher for their work, which epitomises the Create Hope in the World theme.
REMINDER OF NEXT ROSTER:
Monday 14 August 2023
Jonas Edner Welcoming members and guests.
Lindsay Dry Table duty.
Tony Chien Registrar 1.
Geoff Cahif Registrar 2.
Michael Bisset Introduction of guest speaker.
Neil Wilkie Pass the microphone.
REMINDER OF COMING EVENTS: (President Jill Elias)
14 August Ann Bray, Life Talk.
21 August John Atkins, Life as an Agent General.
28 August Mathilda Hontoir, Rotary Exchange Student.
THANKS:
Thank you to the Staff of the Nedlands Golf Club.
RECOGNISE OUR VERY GENEROUS SPONSORS:
Lizzi Bee - supplier of flowers
Dry Kirkness Chartered Accountants (Butler Settineri) – Hon Club Auditors
Accura Accounting & Advisory Services for providing Xero Accounting software and
Sharesight Portfolio reporting software to the Charitable Trust.
MEETING CLOSE:
Recognise RI President Gordon McInally's Presidential theme for the year: Create Hope in the World
