Our Co-Presidents welcomed twenty three members keen to enjoy a good breakfast and an introduction to special guests, Margaret and Jinny Cain, More from Jinny below, but firstly a few club notices;- Club Services Director Robyn reconfirmed a great line-up of speakers and activities are in the wings between now and the end of the Rotary Year in June.
- President Elect Gary was delighted to share with us some details from his participation in PETS Weekend last week, where he and Co-President Graham spent 13 Hours on Zoom Meetings from Friday to Saturday. That was some marathon gents - well done!
- Gary also confirmed that he and Graham should be in a position to announce "their team" at this weeks meeting - be there to hear it first hand. While on his feet, PE Gary also advised that "Have A Go Sailing" is still scheduled to go ahead over the first two weeks of May. More details and confirmation to be advised.
- The District Conference is still scheduled to be held in Wellington over the Matariki long weekend. St. Johns are keen to have a good presence so if you are interested in attending please let Co-President Penny know. No commitment required at this time, just an indication that you may be interested.
- Beryl briefed the meeting on the Webinar that she recently joined. The Webinar was titled "Women In Action" and "Building A Sustainable Future". Two very worthwhile events with the keynote speaker being Jennifer Jones - Rotary International PE Elect. Beryl has heard Jennifer speak on previous occasions and her presentation was once again first class!
Our guest speaker at the meeting was Margaret Cain who introduced us to Jinny, a puppy currently living with Margaret and Miles from "Blind and Low Vision New Zealand", previously the Blind Foundation. Margaret, (not Miles) has the pleasure of exposing Jinny to a very wide range of everyday activities, with people, children, traffic, all means of transportation, food and whatever else confronts them in their day to day activities. Margaret's brother has hosted three guide dogs and she has been a financial supporter of the Foundation for years, so she is well versed with what's required. Her biggest challenge is Miles who tries hard to help, but it sounds as if he is more of a hinderance than a help - hard for members to contemplate, but seems to be the case!
Of the 120 puppies placed in the programme each year approx. 50% are successful. If not successful the dogs may be used for breeding or as a companion dog, or even offered back to the host family if they are interested.Apart from the hundreds of hours committed, there is no cost to the Cains other than chewed hats, sox, shoes etc.
A big thank you to Margaret for a very interesting presentation. Please bring Jinny back to see us again soon.