Kevin,who will shortly be taking time off for medical treatment, welcomed all.
- He briefed the meeting that we had been fortunate to receive a further grant from District. Their $2,500 will be matched by the Club. He advised that meant that the Discovery Foundation would not receive an increase in funding, but would be under pressure to take the programme to a higher level to meet our commitment to District. Chris who graciously provides the venue each year – without charges – noted the established early second term dates for Discovery might have to be adjusted. Glen Taylor School would be launching its Well Being Programme, involving Butterbean and Dr Sharad Paul in mid-late March. Blair has necessary info.
- Trees for Survival. Trees to be planted locally this year. Murray has stepped forward to co-ordinate the move to a local planting, integrating it with the NIWA water quality testing kits provided to Glendowie School. Via separate input from Megan, who had been in touch with Shelley Katae, a senior executive at TRC. Katae recommended consultation with a local historian before going any further. Kevin noted that the source of the Omaru Creek was, until the extensive pipelaying and building around Tamaki College, (a Rotary Auckland East school, so needs notification thereof to club) was likely threatened, because the school’s famous Wet Garden had dried up. Murray has identified other creeks in the area. A compromise first project might keep the trees being grown by GD Primary and planted, with advice and Auckland Council approval on the siting on the banks. The GDC ‘Global Issues’ group. Alex Gatt can be tapped for support again this year.
- Dictionaries in Schools. Kevin will meet with Allison Hamilton, principal, Ruapotaka School to discuss their participation in this, Junior Citizenship and Have-a-Go, later in September. They are the poorest school we deal with and might need transport funding again this year? She has all the necessary info for contacting the schools. Global Atlases need to be assessed and budgeted for.
- Toothbrushes/paste in Schools. Penny L will continue to focus her efforts on St Pius School where she replaces toothbrushes each term and encourages the recipients to take their older one home. The programme achieved great success over many years in Otahuhu. She has access to a $3,200 Trust Fund. GI School and Ruapotaka both want to be on board. Penny to send info to Graham with a view to getting possible support on cheaper toothpaste sources. She has all info on project.
- RYLA - Although promoting RYLA 2019/20 began nearly a year ago, Tom wants to get going this calendar year, contacting local businesses to increase the sponsored attendees we put forward in 2020. He also needs additional support in casting our net wider to increase the quality of attendees. Alex to budget again.