Winni's Vocational, RYPEN & the Kindness Collective
Last Tuesday’s meeting
We enjoyed another visit by the DG, and several visitors, along with a memorable line up of speakers for the day. Solving each problem as it comes along in true Rotary fashion, President Dave secured the lectern banner with a kitchen knife that doubled as a make-believe microphone, stole our speaker’s thunder with his latest [very funny] pass-it-on kindness experience and - at the end - produced an ersatz kind of cheque [cheque?] for our speaker– kindness personified.
Winni's Vocational
First we had a job talk from our new member Winni Kanangarra Senior Partner at BNZ with responsibility for their Business Partners Team. Originally from Sri Lanka, Winni highlighted his world, from Invercargill to Brisbane to Sydney and then to Auckland. 
In introducing us to his whanau he re-emphasised the well-established Rotary principle of family first – and then passed over a series of financial slides that made any business eyes present water. BNZ have been generous in permitting the use of their Business Partners Centre for recent interviews for RYPEN [Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment] and RYLA [Rotary Youth Leadership Award] candidates. Thanks Winni – and welcome.
RYPEN Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment
a week long leadership camp for Year 11 and Year12 students.
Then we had presentations from the recent RYPEN weekend students we had supported – Jarrod Seko and Matthew Fasavalu from St Peters and Katerina Collier-Tanielu and Janet Tuimauga from Aorere College. They reminded us that that weekend is designed to promote friendship, teamwork and participation. Activities include hiking, rafting, and rock climbing. All four expressed appreciation of their experiences, acknowledging the considerable confidence boost gained. Special appreciation – in her absence – to the ongoing chief organiser and co-ordinator, Aine Kwok, of the St Johns Club. Thanks Aine.
SARAH PAGE : the Kindness Collective
Our speaker was Sarah Page founder and CEO of the Kindness Collective, introduced to the meeting and thanked by our own Ariana Andrews, a member of Sarah’s Board. Recently New Zealander of the Year, Sarah & The Kindness Collective received the “Community of the Year 2023” Award. Sarah reminded us of the current stats – around 200k children living in poverty and deprived circumstances. In a very personal introduction to her talk, Sarah spoke of her own family journey, her autistic son and the moment in 2014 – suffering from post-natal depression - she decided to do something practical for her community, supplying a local women’s refuge with food and support. 34 presents for 34 children in 2014 has now become 35k new toys for a similar number of deserving children in 2022. Operating on referrals, the Kindness Collective helps 110 community groups around the country in 39 cities and towns. Family essentials, food and toiletries - Sarah described “moments of joy” for all those involved in this transfer of goodwill.
She described the local Christmas Joy Store, supported by club members last year; the current winter pyjama drive – target 20k pairs; the $1.5m Cyclone Gabrielle relief moneys donated by the Collective to flooding victims – whiteware, bedding and assistance to some of those uninsured.
The Collective works with Community-lead projects, including school gardens, embracing the whole school community.
A moving presentation – responded to by President Dave with the presentation of the aforementioned $5k “cheque” from the Club and the Trusts. Indeed Big Wig Ed
Next meeting
Tuesday 23rd May, 6.30pm at the Remuera Golf Club. Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Nicola Willis, responding to the Budget. If you are thinking of coming, register NOW [or you may be too late].