And just like that, another week has flown by
This week we held our first club meeting, and I believe it was a great success.
We heard from Pat about his incredibly challenging work supporting the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. Stories of adversity and trauma are never easy to hear. They can be confronting, and they remind us of the importance of looking after our own wellbeing. It's vital that we acknowledge difficult feelings, share our concerns, and reach out for support when we need it.
One of the things I'm most grateful for is the sense of family I've found in Rotary. There is always someone willing to listen, offer support, or simply have a conversation. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me or any of your fellow members if there's ever anything we can do to help.
This weekend I'm heading to Auckland to attend the GPNZ Conference, one of New Zealand's largest gatherings of healthcare professionals. It's an opportunity to explore the future of healthcare, advances in primary care, and how the changing world around us continues to influence the way healthcare is delivered. I look forward to bringing back some insights and sharing an update with you all.
We also have our annual Food Drive Stcok the Pantry coming up, and it is needed now more than ever. Thank you =Carolyn for leading this once again.
This week I learned that one in three families struggles to put food on the table, and one in five people in our communities runs out of food each week, often skipping meals or going to bed hungry. This is alongside 21% of children in New Zealand do not have access to enough food or age appropriate nutrition.
The cost-of-living crisis is affecting people from all walks of life, not just those on lower incomes or out of work. Food has become increasingly expensive, and feeding a family can be a significant challenge. Right here in our community.
I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who is contributing by donating a can or two of food. Every contribution makes a difference. Together, we're helping families facing hardship and ensuring that children and families have enough food to get through the day.
With many exciting events and opportunities ahead in the coming weeks, I wish you all the very best. Please take care of yourselves, stay warm, stay healthy, and remember that if there's anything I or the team can do to support you, we're only a phone call or message away.
“Looking after each other is one of our greatest strengths and perhaps the most powerful expression of what it means to be human”
Quote by…me!
Warmest regards,
Michael
