Otaki Rotary, in conjunction with Manakau School, are once again on the pavements, selling tickets in our ever popular Trailer Raffle. Tickets are $1 each, or a book of 6 for $5. This is our major fundraiser for the year for a range of youth and Community projects. When you see our trailer, outside New World or McAndrews Menswear, please dig deep, and perhaps take home the Trailer and the load of Groceries when it is drawn close to Christmas.
On 3rd, 4th, and 5th October, Our nominees, Shane Dinnan, and Joel Taranchokov from Otaki College ventured forth to the Kawhatau outdoor centre, Taihape, to take part in the Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment, or RYPEN. Along with 50 other young people from around the North Island, they endured and participated in a range of testing team activities, (and a hell of a lot of fun!) that built character and friendships.
Both young men reported a great time, and many friendships and contacts made. And a little more known about their own capabilities!
Otaki Rotary Members recently raised over $800 at a shared meal, held specifically to celebrate the Rotary led campaign against POLIO. Each $1 we raised was matched with $2 from the Bill Gates Foundation, so that is $2400 total that goes from here to help end POLIO. Now only three Countries in the World still have POLIO, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria.
On Wednesday 22nd of October, The Otaki Rotary Shelterbox team were at Te Horo School, demonstrating the survival package that Rotary send to emergency situations around the Pacific and further afield. We are aiming to gather enough support and funds from the 4 Schools in our area, to send our own traceable Shelterbox, valued at over $1500, and then give updates and news of its whereabouts to the pupils, as an ongoing project through coming years.
On November 1st, Otaki Rotary will once again be feeding participants and supporters at the BIG BANG ADVENTURE RACE. This is a great fundraiser, and an enjoyable day for Members, who band together to set up camp, prepare food, set up BBQ’s and tables, and then feed the athletes as they complete the endurance aspects of this very popular event.
All too soon, it will be Christmas party time, and another year of Community service completed! Thank you to our Community for your continued support. Do come and join us, contact Grant Robertson on 364 8350