Our District Governor’s Latest Letter
(Keith & Tony asked me to include this letter in today’s Chat dated April 8th which members have received from our DG in order to ensure our Friends and Associates are kept informed.)
Two weeks down, two to go.
For the last two weeks we have focused on how we can remain connected within our Clubs, and with our friends and family. Perhaps time to look outside our bubble.
This is an email I received from a Rotarian in Greymouth. Denise has a contract to deliver meals to the aged in the Hokitika and Greymouth areas, and reports:
“I would like to do an update each week so our members can see what is happening out in the community. We are going out to so many people and our elderly are so confused, its heart breaking.
One gent today lost his best friend from natural causes (he was 96) and lives in Chch. My gent couldn't understand why he can't travel to Chch for his funeral. He was crying and I couldn't give him a hug. I spent an hour in his driveway, fully PPE’d up, and sitting 3 metres away so he could tell me about his friend.
I wonder if this is a thing that Rotary could do, talking with people on the phone with permission from clients.”
Rotarians are good at talking - is this an opportunity to look outside our ‘Rotary Bubble” and engage with those who will feel isolated and lonely? Here is a start:
Age Concern New Zealand National Office Phone: 04 801 9338 Email: national.office@ageconcern.org.nz.
I have rung most club presidents and am delighted most have tried ZOOM and are connecting with each other. About 90% of clubs are able to use the software.
Here a few snippets:
# Cashmere has decided to use the weekly bulletin to keep in touch, and is presently running a Baby Photo competition - 70 yr. old baby photos??
# Jan Boustead has Linwood Woolston up and running with a regular club ZOOM meeting. Coaching was done on line to get everyone started.
# Many of you are trialling a full club Zoom meeting. The feedback from several clubs is to start small, with club clusters, to get used to the idea. Keep your club meetings focused with a good speaker, and a firm moderator.
# District administrator Ken can set up a zoom meeting for you and post the link out, using the new district licence. If your clubs wants its own, a 20% discount is available through Rotary Rewards or via this link.
# You are invited to visit the E-club of Melbourne to check out a full E (Zoom) Club. Click here to get the meeting times.
Best wishes - stay safe:
Gary Hopkinson