Although another relatively small group, (23 members and 2 guests), it was great to see a few faces who we hadn't seen for a few weeks and all enjoyed a lively and entertaining meeting.
President Allan presided over his last meeting and he was very pleased to be able to reiterate that our next meeting, (Change-Over), is sold-out with 91 members and guests registered. If you are one of the few who haven't responded, but would like to attend, do get in-touch with Brian or Robyn, just in-case there are any late cancellations and we are able to accommodate late starters!
Our Guest Speaker at the meeting was Dr. Julie Lincoln who originally spoke to the club in 2015. Julie (a Kiwi), primarily works for Millenium Relief and Development Society, (MRDS), as a Health and Development Consultant in Nepal. When time allows she also works for many other NGO's in Nepal where she has been based for the last 13 years. Nepal is a relatively small country, approximately the same size as New Zealand's South Island and it is home to 25 million Nepalese, made up of 125 Ethnic Groups who speak 125 different languages.
The work undertaken by MRDS is wide and varied and very much needed. Some of the projects undertaken includes; assisting to implement ODF areas, (Open Defication Free), Children Hygene Camps, Clean Water Systems, Disaster Relief & Development, to name but a few. When needed, MRDS can mobilize more than 2,000 volunteers, as was the case following the last major earthquake in April 2015.
It was an excellent presentation and we look forward to welcoming Julie back again at sometime in the future.