Today we celebrate Rotary’s 117th Birthday! On February 23, 1905, Rotary started with the vision of bringing together professionals with diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.
Past President Anthony Ngai, chair of the District Preserve Plant Earth (PPE) Committee and member of Rotary Club of Hong Kong South, was our speaker. His topic was “Supporting the Environment”, Rotary International’s 7th Area of Focus. In our District, there are a number of initiatives, such as tree planting, beach cleaning, sustainable seafood, PPE education and newly-added PPE project advisory for clubs. When asked, Past President Anthony believes it is not too late to adopt green practices to reduce carbon and plastics. In terms of beach cleaning, Past President Eddie brought up a point that educating people about plastics and responsible waste management is even more important than physically cleaning the site. Past President Anthony also gave an example of a cutlery renting service to reduce plastics consumptions. This service will be pushed to large District events to minimize plastics use, and Past President Anthony encouraged our Club and Lap-Chee College Rotaractors to consider this service in our activities. Our meeting was visited by Rotaractors from Rotaract Club of HKU Lap-Chee College International. Rotaractors included a majority of the incoming 2022-23 team: President Thomas, International Vice President Siqi, External Vice President Subaita, Si Man (International Service), Katherine (Professional Development),…
On January 27, our last meeting before the Chinese New Year, we had a double bill: Rotarian Sammy shared with us his vision of the “Year of the Tiger”, while District Rotaractors, including District Rotaract Representative Elect Wayne (Rotaract Club of Victoria), Rotaractor Victor (Rotaract Club of HKUST) and President Elect Dennis (Rotary Club of Victoria), shared with us upcoming District Rotaract activities such as District Conference, World Rotaract Week (FF Bazaar on March 12-13) and District Service Project (a mental wellness project).
On January 19, representatives from our Club and Scouts Association Hong Kong Island Region met on Zoom to kickoff planning for Island Scout Trail Walk 2022. The race is tentatively scheduled for April/May 2022, subject to pandemic conditions and government regulations.
In the eighth episode of “Serve to Change Lives”, a series airing Mondays on Metro Radio from 1 to 2pm, our own Past District Governor Belinda talked about The Rotary Foundation and doing good in the world. Examples were given to illustrate Rotary service programs around the world, including those from Kenya, Canada and Mongolia to local projects in Hong Kong (e.g, STEM education). Past District Governor Belinda also shared her personal experience with Home Care for Girls, our long-term service partner. A recording of the broadcast is available here: https://www.facebook.com/metroradio.com.hk/videos/1607567509576273
On January 13, our speaker was District Governor Keith Chow, who spoke about the various youth programs of our District. Due to the raging pandemic, our Club meeting was conducted via Zoom. Among the many insights and information offered by District Governor Keith was Junioract, a new program designed to serve children aged 6 to 12. The program was established since RY2020-2021. Upon parental consent, children are provided with opportunities to broaden their horizon and to serve others. During the meeting, we also had the privilege of inducting our newest member, Rotarian Tony Tang, who is a business development executive with deep experience in China, charities and philanthropy. We enthusiastically welcome Tony to our Harbour family!
On December 23, our Club held its Club Assembly x Annual General Meeting. During Club Assembly, various members brought up current issues for discussion, including our Endowment Fund as well as our 35th Anniversary Party. At AGM, other than the usual round of business, our Club elected a President for RY2023-2024 — Rotarian Jason, and other Board members for RY2022-2023. Thereafter, Club members and family members enjoyed an evening of fun and good food. We also played our usual rounds of lucky draw and Bingo, with the sound of joy reverberating throughout the evening.
On December 19, Rotaract Club of HKU Lap-Chee College International organized a Christmas fun day with children at Caritas Ngau Tau Kok Community Centre. President Sam, Past Presidents Grace and Lily, Immediate Past President Mark, President Elect Eliza, and prospective member Tony went to support our Rotaractors. Our Club was a supporting Club in this Rotaract project.
On December 12, President Sam, Past President Grace (and mom and sister), Past President Webster (and his two sons), Immediate Past President Mark and President Elect Eliza went to support Interact Club of King’s College in their participation in CDMF’s Carol Singing Festival at the newly renovated Central Market.
President Sam started the meeting with a welcome and proceeded to the Rotary song. In anticipation of Past President Grace’s birthday on the 20th, Past President WT led the birthday song. Charter President Patrick brought two visitors to the meeting, Professor Heiwai Tang, an economics professor at HKU Business School, and his wife, Joyce. A report was given on the past two weeks of activities and upcoming Club/District events. Past President Grace then introduced the meeting’s speaker, our newest member Rotarian David, the founder of Health Integrated Medical Group. Rtn David is very familiar with Rotary as a former Interactor (IAC St. Joseph’s) and Rotaractor (RAC Victoria). Rotarian David received his medical degree from Chinese University of Hong Kong and a bachelor’s degree in Chinese medicine in Guangzhou. As a practitioner of both Western and Chinese medicine, his topic was about these different but complementary systems. Past President Dora gave our Club’s vote of thanks at the end of Rotarian David’s talk. Rotarian David uses the scientific approach of his family medicine specialty together with Chinese medicine principles to provide patient-centered care. While there are strengths and weaknesses to Western and Chinese medicine, they can be used together in a…