On August 24, our Club met for the fourth time in this Rotary Year. Our speaker talked about U.S. China relations and what the future holds. Meanwhile, we had quite a number of visitors: we welcomed back Past District Governor YC Ho who yearned to join our meeting after years of absence due to Covid-19; Immediate Past District Governor Norman Lee, who came specifically to thank Past President Antonio and Pat for making a significant donation to The Rotary Foundation at the tail end of this past Rotary Year; Helen and Natalie from our service partner Yuk Chi Resource Centre; and Crystal Lee, former tutor and Rotaract Advisor of our Rotaract Club of HKU Lap Chee College International.
With the generosity of our District, the “Rotary Hong Kong Vocational Scholarship” has been established to provide financial assistance for VTC needy students, who care for the community and show leadership potential, to progress from Diploma and Bachelor degreeprogramme, and nurture aspiring vocational and professional talent with moral character and a positive attitude for contributing to the industries and society. Charter President Patrick and Past President Antonio attended the Rotary HK Vocational Scholarship Awardees Sharing Sessionon May 12.
On April 13, our regular lunch meeting was held at Regal Hong Kong Hotel. Because President Eliza was still traveling in Taiwan, President Elect Jason wore the Presidential Sash as acting President for the day. District Governor Norman paid an unannounced, surprise visit. Six Club members attended. Due to the low attendance, our speaker program was postponed to the coming weeks, with details to be announced soon. Many Rotarians were absent as they were either out of town or bedridden due to sickness. President Eliza (Taiwan), Past President Kay (Italy), Past President Dora (Korea), Past President Mark (New York), President Nominee David (Edinburgh) and Rotarian Tony (Shenzhen) sent their apologies from abroad. All three Rotarians (Past PresidentAntonio, Past President Mark and Rotarian Tony) who were scheduled to be on duty were out of town and unable to perform their duties. Thankfully, they found three willing replacements (Past President Webster, Immediate Past President Sam, and Rotarian Fei) who calmly reported that not much duty was needed as the meeting turned into an intimate gathering where conversation flowed freely. District Governor Norman gave a summary of past and upcoming District activities. In the end, Rotarians and our District Governor wished those who…
On August 3, President Sam, Past President Antonio and Pat, Past Presidents Grace, Angela, Dora and CK, and Immediate Past President Mark, supported Past President Lily and Past President Patric’s Suicide Prevention Services Charity Concert – “The Familiar Strangers”. It was a lovely night of piano duets and tango music. The gift bag was also beautifully curated, containing washable masks, coffee drip bags, postcard and a well-designed program book. An early fellowship dinner was arranged by President Sam at the City Hall Chinese restaurant.
On March 25, our Club met via Zoom. It was a regular Club meeting that happily coincided with our Club’s anniversary. To mark the special occasion, all five of our Charter Members who are still active in our Club today: Charter President Patrick, Past President Charles, Past President Peter, Past President Kay and Past President Antonio, were invited as special speakers to share their memories of the early days of our Club. Several special guests also attended, including our Honorary Member Professor Tim Tong. Past President Eric Wong, our Club’s second President, also attended. As did Past President Douglas (our 14th President), Past President Veronica (our 15th President), and Gilbert Chan, a past member who was active in the early days of our Club. From service projects and youth development to sports day and overseas trips, members shared their memories of being a Hong Kong Harbour Rotarian. The meeting ended with Past President Douglas thanking our Club for supporting his fundraising event at his current Club in the United States, Rotary Club of Walnut Grove, and wishes to maintain active connection with our Club through his Rotary and community work in the United States.
On January 15, more than a dozen Hong Kong Harbour Rotarians and spouses were present at the naming ceremony of Patrick SC Poon Amity College at Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. Patrick SC Poon, of course, is our Club’s Charter President and well-known philanthropist. During Charter President Patrick’s speech, he mentioned that Rotary philosophy of service above self is one of his chief guiding principles when he does philanthropic deeds. Plenty other District dignitaries were present, including District Governor Wilson Cheng, Past Governors Moses Cheng (Chairman of the University’s Council), Anthony Hung, Jones Wong, Peter Wan, Ada Cheng, YC Ho, and District Governor Nominee Keith Chow.