Volume 09 Issue 06

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Dear Fellow Rotarians,

Lunch Meeting 12th June

There was a good turn-out today despite the gloomy weather which cheered the atmosphere and provided support for our speaker from Handicap International, Jean Van Wetter. Also attending was IPDG Peter Wong, Grants Chair Kenneth Chow, two visiting Rotarians – David Shelton-Smith from RC of Macau and a prospective member who has moved to HK from RC of Belgrade in Serbia, Eastern Europe together with Nancy Wong a guest of PP Ian.

It was good to see PP Bill who is on his way to the RI Convention in Birmingham UK.

President David announced that we had won 4 District Awards:

  • Literacy and Education – for the Guangxi Eye Screening Project
  • International Service Project – for the Sichuan Earthquake Rehabilitation Project
  • Reduction in Child Mortality – for the CNCF Mongolia Project
  • New Adopt a School – for the RAAS ProjectView the award certificates (PDF Format)

RCKN was also granted a Presidential Citation and PP Ramesh was recognized for his work as a District Official. Well done to all involved with these projects.

Jean Van Wetter spoke about the Joint Project which we have supported with funds from our sister Clubs and the District.

He outlined the process of analysis of the problem by using a survey which produced a list of 1000 people needing help as a result of injuries sustained in the Sichuan earthquake of May 2008. This survey was then used to assess resources which were directed at the survivors – most of whom are living in temporary or make-shift accommodation, often consisting of tent villages while new homes are being build.

Jean described the terrible conditions in which many of the badly injured were living and how Handicap International is helping to improve the situation. Most of their work now involves physiotherapy and psychological support but they are also getting villagers together to help each other.

The talk was concluded by an invitation to visit the region to witness the work of HI. Pres. David committed to join the visit and to review the short-fall of costs for the works of HI after 2010.