Ongoing Projects
Reading Assistance Programme (Rotary Readers)
The programme was initiated by the Wanganui Rotary Club in 1997. It operates in 12 Wanganui Primary Schools
Four “Rotary reader” volunteers are allocated to each school. They attend one morning per week for 2.5 hours and listen to, and assist children on a one to one basis with their reading.That's about 120 volunteer hours every week.
The response from the children is enthusiastic. Some of the children get little opportunity for similar reading experiences at home.
Not all the volunteers are Rotary Club members.Other volunteers are recruited on a ‘tap on the shoulder’ basis to ensure suitable people are recruited and so there is a reasonable gender balance of volunteers.
Scrap Metal Collection
The club needs funds for its projects. One of our members, Ed Boyd, organises scrap metal collection, sorting and sale in conjunction with the Wanganui Vintage Car Club.
Club members are always on the lookout for scrap. A pile of old junk in a backyard, at an industrial site, on a farm: Ed and club members are there to pick it up. Often several tons are picked up.
The scrap is all sorted,whiteware and electronic gear dismantled so the different metals can be separated
Over the years the club has received nearly $20,000. The vintage car club much more as they are the major partner .
The Food Bank
The Club has a scheme to assist the Wanganui Food Bank.It is administered by the Club's senior committee
A table is set up at the door where members enter and are welcomed to the regular Monday meeting. At the table there is a box where members can donate a food item and a basket where they can make a gold coin donation.
Contributions are taken to the Food Bank at the end of the meeting. Over $35,000 has been contributed since the scheme started
Supporting our Community
Much of the money received from our Fundraising activities go towards supporting our commumity.
Young people following their dreams, community groups involved in health, youth, welfare etc are usuually chronically underfunded so we help them out
Here are some recent examples
Young People
A girl to Outward Bound
A boy to the World golf Croquet Championships
A young man to a 5 day Rotary leadership course
An ATC cadet to a World event in The Netherlands
A girl on the Spirit of Adventure
A UCOL scholarship
A girl to a national Science Forum
Five students to Nagaizumi in Japan
Community Organisations
Autism Wanganui
Arthritis NZ
Heart Foundation
Community Education Services Wanganui
Matipo Community Development Trust
Women's Refuge Wanganui
City Mission
Wanganui Medical Foundation
Hospice Wanganui
Parkinsons Association
Wanganui Brain Injury Association
Jigsaw Wanganui
Sarjeant Gallery Extension Fund
Children's Ward Wanganui Hospital
Plunket Wanganui
Age Concern Wanganui