New Zealand has experienced several catastrophic disasters this past year with three devastating Christchurch Earthquakes followed by thousands of aftershocks; a deadly tornado in Auckland; weather bombs resulting in several land- slips causing fatalities; serious flooding and even snow (! )in August.  Through all these disasters we have seen outstanding courage, strength and human survival in these communities and Quota has been there to help where it can.

The District membership donated 2,178 hrs. of community service; donated over $55,600. to various local and national charities including $1,352.22 to the Queensland Floods.

The District purchased a GPS system and supported Michele Yonetani, Specialist Resource Teacher at van Asch Deaf Education Centre who was the recipient of Quota’s South Pacific Area Scholarship for 2009-10.  Following the earthquakes, students from the centre were relocated to other schools or returned home until the school was deemed safe to return.  Michele and her team had to travel to the students offering coaching and support.  The much needed and used GPS assisted in locating students in various locations throughout the island.  Friends of Quota have donated 35 hand knitted beanies and 20 bicycle helmets and high vis vests to the students at the Deaf Education Centre.

D37 has been strong and continues to grow at a steady pace.  The Listening Tours highlighted areas we need to work on and also pointed out that there are young people in our communities who want to become involved in ‘service to the community’.

QI Takapuna – has grown from 3 members to 5! This club may be small but is very active with hands-on-service assisting the Raikatauri Music Therapy Centre which works with children with disabilities. The members participated in and helped raise funds during the Auckland ‘Walking Round the Bays’.  Several pamper nights have been held and prospective members have been invited.

QI Auckland – is very involved in supportingThe Hearing House through hands-on-service and fundraising.  ‘A Picnic in the Park’ for the Children and their families was organised during Quota Cares Month.  30 families attended and the children enjoyed face painting, outdoor fun games, a sausage sizzle and a very colourful Clown entertained the children and parents alike.

QI Papakura – experienced a resurgence in their Annual Antiques Fair. Fearing that after 22 years, and a very unstable economic climate that the fair  may not be as successful as previous years, the committee made a few changes, did things a little differently,  keeping things simple and the result was overwhelmingly successful with over $11,000 raised over the weekend.  Plans are underway for the 23^rd Annual Antiques Fair in 2012!

QI Opotiki – received an ‘Honourable Mention for Quota Cares Month’ for their one-day ‘WOMEN’S WELLNESS DAY’.  The club brought together in one venue, experts from various health and wellbeing areas.  Blood pressures, blood sugars, hand-massages, make-up, hearing tests and an impressive line-up of professional women were all part of a very successful day.  The club’s Annual Book Fest held over summer hols raised over $11,000.  QI Opotiki is our fastest growing club in membership and has challenged the other District Clubs to beat them!

QI Rotorua – hold a very successful 2-day Annual National Mah Jong Tournament and also do the catering!  The club held a Spring Fling luncheon which included fashion and musical numbers throughout the afternoon with proceeds to the Leukaemia Foundation.  The club also hosted the D37 Conference in May.  The club set goals at the start of the year 2010 achieving the following: 1. Raised Club Awareness 2. Produced a very professional looking and informative Club Newsletter 3.Provided a more stimulating Club environment and 4. made contact with their Friendship Club in Cupertino.

QI Whakatane – is D37’s largest club with 50 members. The club organised a very successful Christmas fundraiser ‘ An Evening with Astar’ a popular TV presenter who created 6 Christmas centrepieces while entertaining the crowd in her own very humorous way dressed as a red Christmas Fairy complete with tulle petticoats and graceful ballet movements!   Locally owned businesses were involved with Christmas displays and items for sale in the foyer. Over $5,000 was raised for the local rescue helicopter.

All in all D37 has  had a very busy year holding a Training Day in March for new Board members; chairing the District’s 3- day  conference in May and facilitating very informative and participative president’s meetings in July 2011 and 2012.

Robyn Towersey, District Club-to-Club Coordinator requested craft items to be brought to the District Conference to go to Ba, Fiji!  Hoping to received enough goods to fill a suitcase, Robyn was overwhelmed and very delighted to send off 4-large boxes of craft items to Dhaerya Prakash, President  QI Ba.

I look forward to learning more about our D37 clubs during our District Team’s Club Visits in September.  The D37 Team is very positive and proactive and I’m very fortunate to have Shona Browne, LT Gov. and Sammy Wilson Sec/Treas on my ‘Team’ and I thank them for their support and encouragement.

Karla Hammond QSM

District Governor D37

Quota International – New Zealand

011 647 322-8028

Mobile 011 642 7496 1718

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