re-elected director Tassal.

 

GUEST SPEAKER: CATHY BOOTH.

 

Cathy Booth, spoke on her founding of Umoja Orphanage in Kenya.

Started from nothing, in 2011 holidaying in Kenya was impacted by the poverty and the need for a children's home, returned three times before purchasing 15 acres of land after many meetings in Kenya.

134 volunteers, mostly Rotarians, backbone of project, raising money step by step.

Except for houses, everything built by volunteers. First structure was a caretaker's house in 2014 commenced building the first house, which was finished and ready to receive children in 2016. In 2018 commenced fundraising for second house, a family home, not a dormitory.

Orphanage is involved with community assisting in medical treatment and workshops in agriculture.

Proceeds from farm cattle and chickens and vegetable gardens providing funds for orphanage.

Children have been abandoned or sexually abused and chosen by Government Department to attend orphanage.

Last year drought followed by floods lost crops. COVID-19 Safari Business had no clients, sponsorship decreased.

Seeking contributions towards second home and sponsorship of children. Slowly the farm is recovering and able to sell harvest.

In Kenya every 15 seconds a child is orphaned, with 2 million orphans. Vulnerability of orphaned children to abuse.

Pride in staff.

"We are achieving the extraordinary".

REPORTS

P.P. TERRY BRENNAN:

Terry reflected on Graham Hodge as a member of Rotary, with Graham greatly involved in every working bee or event, working willingly for the club and achieving 33 years of 100% attendance.

 

SECRETARY SALLY ROSE:

Details of President Elect training.

Rotary Health news bulletin.

 

JULIE ANDREW:

District grant of $2,500 towards shade cloth at pool.

Shade Sail grant submitted as well as a submission for a Shire grant for the Community Table.

On its first day, Community Table delivered 320 meals, 98 to St Josephs and 212 to Secondary College, far exceeding the 30 meals budgeted for.

 

P.P. LOU HAMON:

Honored to be asked by the Hodge family to speak at Graham Hodge's funeral on behalf of Rotary.

Australia Day nominations for Citizen, Junior Citizen, Organisation, Event and Art & Craft or Environment of the year called for. Numurkah Australia Day Committee request Rotary Club to auspice the committee.

Art & Craft Committee AGM discussed whether to proceed with 41st Annual Exhibition in 2021 and voted unanimously to go ahead. Office-bearers elected and coordinators appointed.

 

P.P. KATE HODGE:

Kate read an update from Tinja Nakki.

Dear Rotarians,
 
Everything is going well here in Finland. I’m slowly adapting to my life back at home. The weather has been lovely and sunny this week but winter is coming and the weather is getting colder. I’m really missing the warm weather in Australia.
   It’s been lovely to catch up with my friends after a year. My family has been very excited now when I’m back at home and I’ve spent a lot of time with them. 
   School is going well and I’ve gotten a lot of new friends. I still hang out with my old friends too, which is really nice. My school days are long and I have to take my studies seriously but I’ve managed them quite well. Even when the covid is around we’re doing onsite learning. Everyone is wearing a mask and it works pretty well.
    I held a presentation about my year in Australia to my host club a week ago. They really enjoyed hearing about my experiences. Also,  I really enjoyed telling about all of my good memories for them. 
    I’m still thinking about Australia every day and I’m overly greatful for the year I had. Thank you for everyone for being a part of my year and making me feel welcome. I hope you all have a good rest of your year and I can’t wait to come and see you when the situation with corona gets better!
 
Best wishes,
Tinja