New president for Kimberley Rotary Club

THE KIMBERLEY Rotary Club hosted their annual induction ceremony on Saturday evening, welcoming Mary-Anne Daubermann as the new club president. The event, held at the Kimberley Club, commenced with a warm welcome from the master of ceremonies, setting the tone for an evening of celebration and reflection.

In his outgoing president's report, Johan Cronje highlighted the advancements and achievements of the Kimberley Rotary Club over the past year. He emphasised the enhanced connectivity facilitated by digital technology, which has significantly broadened the reach and impact of Rotary International.

Cronje also praised the club’s monthly newsletter, the Griqua, which has been a vital communication tool since 2012, providing updates and archiving the club's activities and projects.

Cronje outlined the club’s mission of “service above self”; detailing numerous impactful projects. These include the educational initiatives at Platfontein and Ebenezer, the spectacle project in collaboration with a local optometrist, the ongoing wheelchair project, and various community support efforts like the Hospice Fete and the Tree of Joy for Bophelo Children’s Home.

He also acknowledged the visits from distinguished guests and keynote speakers that enriched the club's activities over the past year.

One of the key challenges highlighted was membership retention. District 9370, which includes the Kimberley Rotary Club, has seen a significant decline in membership over the last 11 years. Cronje stressed the importance of growing the club’s membership and engaging members in meaningful projects to foster a sense of value and commitment.

Following Cronje's report, the newly-elected president, Mary-Anne Daubermann, took the stage. In her incoming speech, Daubermann expressed her pride and commitment to the Rotary mission. She underscored the unique global network of Rotary clubs and the organisation's significant achievements, including its work towards eradicating polio.

Daubermann outlined the club's focus areas for the upcoming year, which include promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, supporting education, growing local economies, and protecting the environment.

Daubermann introduced the board for 2024/25, praising their dedication and enthusiasm. Ken Quinn will serve as treasurer, managing the club’s finances with precision. Johan Aucamp and Vernon Daubermann will continue their roles as club administrators, while Colleen Fairweather and Vernon Daubermann will co-ordinate projects. Barry Downs will serve as secretary, and Cherie Dreyer and Johan Cronje will lead membership efforts.

The new president highlighted key local projects, such as early childhood development initiatives, support for Galashewe schools, and ongoing efforts for the retired community at Ons Huis and Belgrave Lodge. She also stressed the importance of the eye project and the wheelchair project, which have significantly impacted the community.

“We are committed to securing another consignment of wheelchairs and are actively seeking sponsors to support this initiative. I am currently in discussions with the Northcliff Rotary Club to arrange for the shipment of additional wheelchairs.

“This project has been immensely successful, and the demand continues to grow, with recipients from as far as Mossel Bay and Springbok benefiting from our efforts. Sponsorship is crucial to meeting this high demand. We will need funding in the amount of R 25,000 to R 30,000.

“This will cover the transport costs by boat from the UK, working out to an average of approximately R600 per wheelchair, which we loan out to those who are in need. This is a fantastic help to the community, as there is such a need and a shortage.

“I would like to acknowledge the support we received for our initial consignments, which arrived by boat from the UK. The financial assistance from Nocci members and individual contributors made this project possible. We meticulously record all donations of wheelchairs and pushchairs, ensuring accountability and transparency. A special thanks to Robyn Rodger for diligently attaching the Rotary logo to each wheelchair, symbolising our commitment and care,” she added.

Fund-raising was another critical focus, with Daubermann calling on Rotarians, Satellite Club members, and Rotoractors to brainstorm ideas for generating substantial funding to support their initiatives. She emphasised the importance of having realistic targets and plans in place for the upcoming year, encouraging members to lead by example and serve the community with dedication.

The induction ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Kimberley Rotary Club, with Daubermann at the helm, promising continued service and impactful projects for the community. As the evening concluded, the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among the members was palpable, setting a hopeful and ambitious tone for the year ahead.