At a time that Rotary initiatives such as the Rotary Exchange programme are unable to occur its timely to remind ourselves just how important those programmes have been.
I have just received an email from Richard Molitor who was a Rotary Exchange Student 1975-1976. [Bothell (Seattle), WA, USA.]
“Thank you for the ongoing updates from the PRC! In this rather unusual era it's great to follow a group of individuals that continue to function and thrive despite the additional challenges this pandemic has produced.
But more importantly, I would like to congratulate (on behalf of all past exchange students) the Pakuranga Rotary Club for its 50+ years of service not only to the community but to those of us who learned from their experiences in Pakuranga and turned themselves into movers and shakers around the world. The inspirations and life skills I received 45 years ago have never left me and have definitely served me well. Being able to stop by and say g'day a few years ago was one of the most special moments of my adult life.
I wish The Club and its members many more years of successful programming, community leadership, and a continued commitment to the students of the world. I look forward to coming back to my second home when this pandemic is history and life gets back to normal.
Cheers,
Richard.”
The day it all started for me. Auckland International Airport. The Frank Brown family (my first hosts), Ron Bird (from the exchange committee) and Bob Ritchie (ultimately, my third kiwi "dad"). I was escorted to the Lance Brighouse home in Whitford for a week while the Browns hosted and participated in the Auckland Competitions.
You might recognize the Edgewater College summer uniform (yeah, I know, where's the tie?).
Well, I learned how to tie the neckwear and developed my great study habits in the 7th Form Common Room.