Greetings in Rotary,
An interesting night listening to Malcolm Pierce from Habitat for Humanity. As we have supported this organisation in the past it was good to hear that our money is being used wisely.
A big shout out to those who were able to help out on Wednesday 14th October at Ngāmotu Golf course with the BBQ and drinks selling on the 12th and 6th holes. Murray, Des, Mike, Tony, Dennis and myself gave 10 hours of service to our community. We were ably assisted by Michael Archer and his wife. It was a difficult day for the golfers but interesting watching how they tackled the holes.
We have been asked by the Cancer Society to help with Christmas Wrapping at Centre City during December. What will happen is two people will be on, maybe for a 2 hour session, throughout the day for a week. We are on for the week 5th to 12th of December. Please let me know as soon as possible when you are able to assist so i can put together a roster. A sheet will go around on Monday at our AGM.
Remember that we need to reply to communications to fulfil our Four Way Test, especially
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships.
By the way I received a communication from Lisa Grigg at the Cancer Society the other day and they have nominated our Rotary club for a Volunteers award with Volunteering New Plymouth. We should hear soon if we have won an award. Keep up the good work. Service in our community is important. Congratulations to everyone.
Yours in Rotary
Sally Morch
President
Rotary Club of Ngāmotu
0274738554
The Guest Speaker: Malcolm Pierce Chairman Habitat for Humanity, Taranaki was introduced by Harry Duynhoven and thanked by Murray Gillespie.
Habitat for Humanity is a global christian not for profit charity which started in 1976.
There are 12 affiliate organisations in New Zealand (started in 1996). Not only is Malcolm Chairman of Taranaki Habitat for Humanity he is also Vice President of New Zealand Habitat for Humanity.
He's a Lepperton farmer with a Diploma of Agriculture from Lincoln and has lead 9 Habitat teams overseas to India, Pacific Islands and The Gulf Coast of USA building emergency homes.
The 39th Habitat home to be built in Taranaki will be at Waitara.
Habitat provides a hand up for vulnerable people who would never be able to afford home ownership. The selected family (the procedure is rigorous) must put 500 hours (sweat equity) of their own time into the construction of the house. This is made possible by the provision of material at cost by local building suppliers and volunteer labour.
Weekly payments are no more than the equivalent rental(currently $300.00/week) for the first 5 years.
The house is then sold at market value (last one $320,000) with a sale and purchase agreement for 10 years with no interest payments. Credit against the capital value is given for all rent paid and the 500 hours labour put into construction. After 10 years and approximately $100,00 paid off the owners then apply for a bank mortgage for the remaining debt over a 20 year period.
The reason Malcolm is so passionate about the concept is that he sees families go from living in shoddy cramped conditions, often unemployed on assisted state allowances to living with dignity, having home ownership and moving to paid employment.
Every house built in New Zealand enables 2 houses to be built in other countries, through subsidies (for every $1 raised $5 is provide by the government). These homes provide basic shelter after natural disasters and help train locals to build houses.
Habitat has been instrumental into the government providing $400Million into a progressive home ownership model. A pilot programme ($14Million - loan money)nwill see 30 houses built in Northland, Waikato and Nelson.
In closing Malcom thanked our club for the$2000.00 recent donation, which was greatly appreciated and encouraged the club to consider a further partnership in future.
General Business:
Food Bank Annual Collection Drive: Monday 5th December
on Tuesday 6th December
We are assisting with sorting donated goods from the annual drive. Members to advise Sally preferences for time of day available to assist.