October 23, 2020 saw the learning garden project fully realised with the joyful opening event at Stanhope Road School.
The Junior School students sat beneath the magnificent 60-year old tree 'Oma' which was planted at the foundation of the school. The historical link built right beneath this new development was most fitting. There are timber teepees, planter boxes, a stream and bridge along with all sorts of other inspiring features. School never looked this cool in the past!
The students gave the 25 or so guests thanks through performances and speeches including those from the gardener, landscape designer and driving force, Susan Hall and Deputy Principal Jenny Bristow (Principal Zane Wilson had been called away).
The ribbon cutting was shared by Bob Stubbs and a young student, followed by the plaque unveiling by Cathy Clark (in Bill's absence) and Trustee of the Ray and Ernie Johnston Trust, Sylvie Wilkinson. The club is extremely grateful for the support of Bill and Cathy Clark, Savory Construction and the Ray and Ernie Johnston Trust.
It's worth noting that Bill Clark was a foundation pupil at the school.
This exciting project was masterminded by Susan and managed by Bob. Both were evidently proud of their achievement and no doubt relieved that it is now done.
The children however, are the final arbiters of its success and it certainly seemed like they were loving it and will prosper from its addition.

Rotary Traditional Christmas Puddings are made from only the best fruit, spices and wholesome ingredients to a time-proven recipe that everyone loves year after year.
Rotary Traditional Christmas Puddings are great to share with family and friends or to say thank you to your clients or staff. Gift them, share them or hide them until you’re alone – they’re just so good!
Whatever you do, make sure you order your supply today. Each one you buy includes a substantial donation to Rotary projects and community projects in your area. Proceeds from sales, shared with participating Rotary clubs throughout New Zealand, exceed $1.8 million since the project began.

To place your order or find out more click on the link below.

Since 1988, we've seen a 99.9% worldwide reduction in polio cases

In August 2020 the World Health Organisation African Region was officially certified free of wild poliovirus.
 
With the African region certified as wild Polio-free, FIVE of the six WHO regions – representing over 90% of the world’s population – will be free of the wild poliovirus.
 
This progress is the result of a decades-long effort across the 47 countries of the African region. It has involved millions of health workers travelling by foot, boat, bike and bus, innovative strategies to vaccinate children amid conflict and insecurity, and a huge disease surveillance network to test cases of paralysis and check sewage for the virus.
 
In 1996, Rotary and our partners joined with Nelson Mandela to jumpstart Africa’s commitment to polio eradication with the launch of the ‘Kick Polio Out of Africa’ campaign. Mandella’s call mobilised African nations and leaders across the continent to step up their efforts to reach EVERY child with polio vaccine.
 
Since 1996, nine BILLION doses of oral polio vaccine have been provided, averting an estimated 1.8 million cases of wild poliovirus on the continent - thanks to the dedicated efforts of thousands of Rotary members, health workers, traditional and religious leaders, parents, and country leaders.
 
Rotary and its members have contributed nearly US$980 million to eliminate polio in the African region.

For more than three years, we've seen wild polio cases in only two countries. Currently 37 cases in Afghanistan and 65 in Pakistan. Well done Rotary END POLIO NOW and partners!

A big pile of new dictionaries as part of the "Dictionaries in Schools" programme were distributed to some very excited children at Bailey Road School.

Ellerslie Sunrise club members have focused on an area of child poverty they could address. The club have donated $2600 worth of pyjamas to the Middlemore Foundation for their Jammies in June drive to give 2 - 14 year old South Auckland children their own pyjamas. That cash has purchased over 300 sets of new flannelette pyjamas. Club members have also donated hundreds of dollars worth of brand new slippers to go with them.

Every child going into Middlemore's Kids First is given a new set of pyjamas. A new set is also given to every sibling child.These will make the winter of more than 300 children a lot more healthy and comfortable; and will assist in keeping them out of hospital.

Let's see what we can do this coming June.