July Meeting

This month it was a pleasure to welcome some new faces to our Club dinner. We hope you enjoyed the evening and we look forward to seeing you again.

Juanita Willems from Foster Hope Otago/Southland was our guest speaker. She told us her story being a child in the care of the State, and about the work she does now to support the many hundreds of children who are placed in foster care in Otago and Southland each year. Our members had brought along new pyjamas and knitted slippers for Juanita to add to the care packs that her and other volunteers make up to give to children who may arrive at a new home with no clean clothes or hygiene products such as a toothbrush or shampoo.

We were very moved listening to Juanita’s journey, which made us realise how much need there is to support these young vulnerable children. With her enthusiasm and positive outlook, the children may have a little comfort and security in their lives. We were very pleased to be able to help her provide this.

You can read more about Foster Hope on their website www.fosterhope.org.nz/

Lynette told us about Zonta’s International Conference recently held in Hamburg, Germany. Several New Zealand delegates met in Christchurch and joined the conference by Zoom over a few days. Although not quite as good as being at the Hamburg venue and meeting international friends face to face, the New Zealand members enjoyed their engagement with the proceedings and fellowship with members of other clubs.

The Ukrainian delegation received a particularly warm welcome at the conference venue in Hamburg. Some of our Dunedin club members are meeting to attend the benefit concert for Ukraine in the Dunedin Town Hall on Sunday 17 July at 4.30pm.