180 DAYS’ REFLECTION AS THE 33rd PRESIDENT
Greetings into the new year my Rotary Family. As we wound 2021, I must say the past 180 days couldn’t have been better for RC Hurlingham. We started the Rotary year with a lot energy and vibrancy thanks to the preparation my Board and I had. Starting with great trainings the district trainer lined up for us as Presidents and various committees, an all members’ Club annual retreat for a health check, while setting up 2021/2022 goals set a very good tone to start well.
My time as a Rotarian of 8 years has been tested in the last 180 days to lead leaders and volunteers of this great and ‘Happy Club’. I have grown, learnt (and unlearnt) and most of all, the ride has been nothing but FUN! My network has grown tremendously, one of the things we get back from giving your time in Rotary.
We have had great fellowships engaging our members and guests, formal and informal. Hosted inspiring guest speakers including RI Membership Director Brian King, PDGs Patrick Obath and Pearl Ijeona in a Mega Joint Fellowship on membership which attracted 278 Rotarians, Rotactors and guests.
We work hard and play hard too (A bird whispered to me that all he has heard is about RCH projects we are never seen at parties). Family of Rotary kept us busy too. The Kids Art Day was epic, a social /induction event at Ngong Road Sanctuary followed by an evening of Kenya @50 Game rounds, End of Year Koroga at Goan Gymkhana were great activities to unwind and get to know each other better.
We have achieved great milestones in the last 6 months;
- Foundation contributions of $3,304 surpassing our target of $3,000, with four new Paul Harris Fellows.
- Membership grew by 10%, 3 new members with more being inducted in 2022.
- Fundraising goal achieved by 50%.
- We automated our admin tasks and subscriptions invoicing by implementing TRIO, a club management system.
- We have greatly increased our impact to the communities through projects;
- Handed over Phase II of St. Dominic’s Primary School Mwiki, tuition Block renovation, a joint project with RC Nairobi our mother club in July.
- Marked September Literacy Month by donating text and exercise books, a year’s supply of sanitary towels for the girls, a mentorship session with the learners and planted 70 trees at Kyenze Primary School in Yatta, Kitui County.
- Visited and donated food stuffs at Njoo Dada Safe House, Kiambu County.
- Planted 130 trees at Kamangu Primary School, Kiambu County while presenting Best Teacher Award jointly with Elle Life Events, to teacher Consolata of the Special Needs Section.
- Marked December Disease and Prevention Month in the best way possible, with a Medical Camp at Kikopey Dispensary partnering with many, to educate, prevent, diagonise and treat the residents of Kikopey Nakuru County and its environs. 634 residents received free service, engaging 98 committed volunteers and many partners.
What a way to wind up the second quarter!
I challenge you all to be committed volunteers, as one writer, DeAnn Hollis said “The heart of a volunteer is never measured by the size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Happy 2022 to our readers and well-wishers. May you enjoy good health, prosperity, happiness and abundant love to you and your families.
One Love!
~President Veronica Ndumbi
Enjoy the read https://issuu.com/rchurlinghamnairobi/docs/issue2-hurlingham-mambo