1997 – 1998 Christopher M. Wong
Membership: 43 – 39
This year, PP Uncle George was once again invited to be an Honorary Member. Membership was quite weak. Four members resigned – three of which due to heavy business commitments and Rtn. Ronald Chu, the last Charter Member of the Club, due to health reasons. And unfortunately, there were no new members.
In a drive to enhance attendance, President Christopher revived the Welcoming Committee which received good support from the members. As well, he placed emphasis on Rotary education by having talks on Rotary Information. This was conducted by PP Peter Scholz who shared his knowledge through periodic talks.
The year’s programme was strong also, with VP Harish leading the way. It will be especially remembered by a live RTHK broadcast from our regular luncheon meeting where a special guest panel of politicians Andrew Wong JP and Christine Loh, as well as the government economist was interviewed to comment on Hong Kong’s economy with the members and guests invited to ask questions.
On fellowship, Rtn. Papu generously hosted an exciting evening at his home. We also had a Cajun Night arranged by President Christopher and a year-end-bash at the Kowloon Club organised by PE Bruce.
On Vocational Service, we visited Stanley Prision and the Shek Kwu Cha Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre.
On Community Service, our Club organised an extremely successful fund raising ball – Ascotasia – which raised HK$1.2 Million to launch Camp Quality – Hong Kong. Camp Quality – Hong Kong is a charity for children with cancer. The idea is to bring the children out of the hospital environment allow them an opportunity to experience activities (mainly in groups and outdoors) which is normally not available to them. This was our Club’s major Community Service project. Other projects included a donation of 4 sports wheelchairs to the BM Kotewall Memorial School, a massage table (with the help of PP Peter Scholz) to the Spastics Association, a facsimile machine to the Kely Support Group, HK$128,000.00 to The Hong Kong Cancer Fund, HK$100,000.00 to The Terry Fox Run, and HK$47,000.00 to Youth Outreach through their bike-a-thon. In addition, our Club was extremely active in regards to our Interact Club. Both The Terry Fox Run and the Youth Outreach Bike-a-thon was well participated by members and Interactors. Our Interactors also attended one of our regular luncheon meetings in July. Aside from these, our Interact Club participated in their own projects as well including selling flags to help The Warehouse Teenage Club, Limited, visiting the Mothers’ Choice and Chuk Yuen Children’s Centre, visiting the Kowloon West Crime Report Centre (999), visiting a home for the elderly, and making crafts to sell at the JIC Bazaar in aid of UNICIEF. Our Club also sponsored three individuals for the RYLA Camp, two of which were Interactors.
On International Service, our Club made PE Bruce a Paul Harris Fellow for his work as the Ball Chairman. Also, Rtn. Bill Benter made a Major Donation of US$150,000.00 to The Rotary Foundation through our Club. Our Club supported The Rotary Foundation, District Assembly, and The District Conference.
In other areas, we arranged a few special luncheon themes including Secretary’s Day Lunch, Christmas Meeting, Mid Autumn Moon Festival Lunch, and Chinese New Year’s Lunch (the latter two with special thanks to PP Gary). Also, Rtn. Diane helped our Club establish a box for our name tags. Number spaces were auctioned to members and extra funds were raised for charity. Finally, our Club received a US$10 Improvement In Club Per Capital Annual Giving Award from Rotary International and a Presidential Citation.