Thanks to Past President Webster, we enjoyed a sumptuous dinner at Chez Moi in Causeway Bay. It was our Club’s first fellowship dinner in this Rotary Year. On occasion, we celebrated the August birthday boys and girls.
President Eliza and Past President Webster (Membership Director) attended the District Membership Seminar, which was a very informative and inspiring one. The Seminar focuses on the “Six Rockets” to grow our membership: Readmission Rotarians, Rotaract Club, Corporate members, Chambers of Commerce and Toastmasters, Satellite Clubs and Rotary Alumni.
In the 3rd regular meeting of the Rotary Year, our club invited our friends from the Rotaract Club of HKU Lap-Chee College International (“RAC HKU LCCI”) to be our speakers. President Thomas, Andrea Komguep Leoue (International Service), Subaita Mahadia (External Vice President) and Crystal Lee (Club Advisor) joined our meeting. Charter President Patrick brought his grandson, Derek, as his guest. After singing the Rotary Song, President Eliza invited Immediate Past President Sam to pin Rotarian Tony. Previously, Rotarian Tony was inducted during a Zoom meeting on January 13, 2022. We then sang “Happy Birthday” to Past President Samuel Chung, whose birthday was on August 11. The speaker program included two parts: President Thomas’ Year Plan and Rotaractor Andrea’s talk “From Paris to Hong Kong.” President Thomas began by reviewing a past activities. Rotaractors in December 2021 conducted a Christmas service day and in April 2022 there was the Get Creative! Handcraft workshop, both programs focused on interacting with ethnic minorities children. In April 2022, Rotaractors had a vocational talk about trending technology and Blockchain. In this Rotary Year 2022-23, President Thomas plans to have an installation ceremony on September 21, followed by orientation activities including welcoming night, recruitment briefing and…
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 September 9, Assistant Governor Sunny Chen visited our Club. The main purpose was to prepare our Club for District Governor’s visit (to be held on September 30). Assistant Governor Sunny shared with us this year’s District focus, mainly: Membership, Youth, TRF, Health and Public Image. “Each One Bring One,” Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta’s membership theme, is central to District Governor Keith’s goals this year. President Sam noted to Assistant Governor Sunny that our new member, David, was an Interactor, Rotaractor and RYLA participant, which surely will score big points in District Awards. Finally, Assistant Governor Sunny reminded President Sam to complete reports for District Awards and Club Citation, as this is a recognition for all members of our Club.
On August 23, our first fellowship dinner of the year to celebrate August birthday stars (Charter President Patrick, Wendy, Past President Samuel, Past President Angela, Kelly and President Sam) took place at the Shun Tak Fraternal Association restaurant. Thanks to Past President Grace and Vice President Kelvin/Winnie’s arrangement. Paul Harris pins were also presented by Past District Governor Belinda and President Sam to Past President Ricky (PHF+1) and Immediate Past President Mark (PHF+3, PHF+4). At the end of the dinner, a lucky draw was conducted to give out Suicide Prevention Services souvenir stamp booklets, organic tea from Holy Cafe, and a special “PPE” lucky draw of takeaway food boxes.
On July 24, District successfully held a Membership Seminar at CC Kwei Wah Shan College, North Point. Past President Grace attended on behalf of our Club. Membership and new club development was central to the seminar. This year cause-based clubs, satellite clubs and Rotaract clubs are all major focuses. In a “Each One, Bring One” Rotary year, District provided many pointers on how to attract potential club members, promote meaningful club experiences, and increase the engagement of existing members. This year incentives and rewards are given to proposers and Clubs to encourage membership growth.
On August 22, District successfully held a Membership Forum online. Several members attended, including Charter President Patrick, President Elect Sam and Rotarian Eliza. President Mark and Past President Lily dialed in from Holy Cafe. One of the most exciting breakout sessions was about Virtual Rotary Exchange Program. Past District Governor YK Cheng and Past President Silva Yeung of Rotary Club of Kowloon Golden Mile detailed how Virtual Rotary Exchange came about during our Rotary Connects the World Forum, hosted by our District, back in June. In that Forum, an idea to innovate existing Rotary programs was germinated, including the prospect of a virtual exchange program. With a virtual exchange, young participants no longer have to take time off, often at the beginning of their careers, to participate. They can log on after work, at their leisure time, in their own home, and connect with other exchange participants thousands of miles away. The opportunities to make new connections, to facilitate cultural exchange and to encourage international understanding, are endless.