Rotary promotes peace and service

STAFF REPORTER

PORT Alfred Rotary Club inducted its 29th president, Colin Maclachlan, at a glittering evening at the Port Alfred Ski-boat Club recently

Outgoing president Gunther Johannsen reported back on the activities of the past year. His theme for 2011/12 was "The Rotary Wheel rolling through our town”, which was not just a figure of speech but referred to what Rotary achieved last year through hard work during Johannsen's presidency.

The Rotary Club donated a number of wheelchairs to retirement villages, Hospice and deserving individuals.

HANDING OVER THE REINS: Outgoing president of the Port Alfred Rotary Club, Gunther Johannsen (left), handed over the chains of office to new president Colin Maclachlan at an induction dinner at the Port Alfred Ski-boat Club recently Picture: SUPPLIED

Many residents may be unaware of the work being done by Rotary in the community. Some ongoing projects include helping the House of Happiness centre for the aged in Nemato, vegetable tunnels being erected at Enkuthazweni school, and the establishment of community development projects Ingubo Trust and Sillycomfa.

The last project was especially close to the heart of incoming president Maclachlan. Another major achievement for the club during 2011/12 was the formation of the Station Hill Community Corps.

At the end of Johannsen's speech, the chain of office was handed over to Maclachlan. Rotarians expressed pride in both the outgoing and incoming presidents and all they have and will achieve, holding high the Rotary ideals of "service above self”.

Maclachlan announced that the theme for 2012/13 would be "Peace through service.” He reminded fellow Rotarians that even though there will be challenging times ahead, it will be exciting and all should work towards achieving a state of harmony between people or groups of people.

He said this included the importance of working together in the club and in the greater community.

Maclachlan reminded all present what Mahatma Ghandi said: "The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace.”

He challenged to all Rotarians to set the example and demonstrate that it is possible to do things differently.

The new board for 2012/13 are: Past president - Gunther Johannsen, club service - Delene Hawkins, finance - Peter Hains, international - Ivan Schafer, membership - Neville Henley

public relations - Ren Retief, secretary - Wim Slieker.

See what the Port Alfred Rotary Club is doing at