It is great to see so many turn out tonight over 55 in attendance thank you for coming together to celebrate the year past. What a strange year with Covid continuing to take its twists and turns, War in Europe, high inflation in New Zealand and the world and our own personal trails and tribulations our successes and challenges. However, our passion for service is still as bright and our purpose for service is still intact. Experiencing the true gift of servicing others in sustainable and transformative projects and developments in turn creating the ability to connect people throughout the world, truly this is indeed the pathway for Peace in our turbulent world .
Those within our world with more than they need giving to those who may have less can change one and many lives. We at Pakuranga Rotary are a small team- of tireless volunteers who this year like every other year keep things moving and we all should be proud in acknowledging the difference our service to others matters. We started out the year to meet in person have fellowship share meals with each other and have some fun whilst continuing our work as Rotarians we have raised limited funs and supported our young people in Rotary projects, we are gearing up for our Fun carnival to raise funds and promote Rotary within the community.
Thank you all for supporting our communities. Rotary is lighting the path in this different and challenging world. Thank you, Pakuranga Rotarians and friends, for giving so many food items this evening, which is amazing the items will be passed onto the Salvation Army - thank you
This time of the year brings friends and family together to reflect on the year past and look forward to the New year . It is a time to reflect on those that have passed those that have had there own personal and health challenges, providing support and comfort. We often overlook this time together and often lack in the way we communicate within our families, during this time it is ever so important that we listen to each other respect each other’s differences and communicate our feelings towards each other particularly our young folk. We must put aside any negative thoughts to embrace diversity, each other’s beliefs and cultural differences and respect the opinions of our young folk. The year ahead will be very challenging for our young people who have yet to experience a turbulent world with high inflation , increase costs in living and interest rates not yet experienced by our younger generation. We have been through these challenges over our years, and we have pulled through, it is our role to support our young folk listen to there concerns take on the differences and provide guidance based on our life experiences.
I would like to thank Ian and his family for providing a great evening of fun, entertainment, gifts, and fellowship thank you so much. To our Sgnt Duncan as always providing the humour to make us laugh- and help raise funds. To Peter for running our raffles and Dennis and the management team who are the engine behind the club thank you so much . Our executive team Govind, Kim, Dennise , Graham, Allan, Philip, and Andrew thank you for your help and support . I nearly forgot thank you also Santa for taking time out to visit the Rotarians of Pakuranga.
Kim and I wish you all a happy and safe time with your friends and families over the Xmas be safe and we look forward to seeing you all in January.
Kind Regards
Mike Collins