Thank you to Geoff Thompson for his very generous birthday shout much appreciated by the members present.
We had several guests with us including Kirsten Hawke who has been a very helpful go to person for both Alison and me in matters pertaining to District. We also had guests from the Salvation Army Donna Hedley, Kate Hambly ,Tiana and Neil Henderson.
Donna gave us a brief overview of work in the Northern District outlining the 4 Pillars the Salvation Army work to support, these include Food, Welfare, Addictions, Housing and then introduced Tiana and Neil.
Tiana and Neil are the new team here in Howick so it was really good for us to be able to meet them and get to know a wee bit about them. They talked to us about their work and the inclusivity of Salvationists who do not turn people away from any of their services including foodbanks.
Drop in centres are a part of the services provided and they offer the opportunity, especially for the homeless, to access food parcels, hot showers and a hot meal as well as safe place to just “chill “. Their dream and passion is to see change for the better in the community so our own 2021-22 “Serve to Change Lives” resonates with Tiana and Neil.
Covid had a huge impact. Many Salvation Ministries had to close doors and it is lovely to be able to open those doors again and try to help those in need, often through referrals for budgeting, for support with addiction and so many other social issues. The support is ongoing and always within the relevant context.
Food parcels are very important and within the support they provide there is the underpinning aim to help people become independent. Working closely with people through interviews helps to identify what the specific needs are and then channel them to the appropriate service.
A new initiative is to try and provide support packages within our area and developing and strengthening relationships with other community services such as STAND and Sowers Trust, will help build connections and support the initiative. Tiana and Neil were very focused on the notion of “A hand up not necessarily a handout “
It was a pleasure to meet the team and I am sure there will be numerous opportunities for us as a club to work with them to support our community.
Some points to note.
1. Please remember to put in your apology if you are going to be absent.
2. Movie night next week will be at the home of John and Heather Savory.
3. Change Over Night ( Gliding On ) will be of course a partners night, with limited guests this year and there will be some Awards of our own .
4. There will be only minor tweaks to committees for the coming year. Directors will make contact once all is settled.
5. Next meeting at the Club will be 14th June when Christopher Luxon will be our speaker.
Kia Tupato,Kia noho haumaru. Take care, stay safe.
Madeleine East MNZM
President.