You may have seen RC Johnsonville's Facebook post about their 12 October meeting on the subject of Shelterbags. Guests who attended the meeting by special invitation came from Rotary Clubs of Tawa, Wellington and Wellington North. The presentation featured Major Mat Badger from the Salvation Army in Johnsonville, which had been given 40 bags.
Mat shared very positive feedback on the warmth and waterproof qualities of the Shelterbags and their observable impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of the individuals who received the bags. The bags were considered very practical, being the size of a large duffel bag and able to be carried (and stored) quite easily. Mat said one individual had valued his bag so highly that, after being allocated permanent housing, he carefully cleaned and returned it, to ensure someone else could get the same benefit.
Looking at the prospect of extending the distribution of Shelterbags to Salvation Army outlets across Johnsonville, Tawa, Porirua and the Hutt Valley, Mat confirmed a target of 100. He is very willing to speak to any club that would like to hear from him further. The trial run, using supplies funded with help from ROZOPS, has emphatically proven the value and impact of the bags.
RC Wellington representatives told the meeting that its members had delivered 57 bags (47 from ROZOPS and 10 from Wellington) to the Compassion Soup Kitchen in central Wellington and had been assured that a further supply in the order of 100 would be very much welcomed. RC Carterton provided 3 Shelterbags to Kim's Way in Masterton - whose response they described as 'ecstatic'.
In combination, the Salvation Army and the Compassion Soup Kitchen have affirmed a desirable target of 200 Shelterbags for the coming winter, working as our partner agencies in the project.
We are asking our District to help spread the word to every Club from the Kapiti Coast to Upper Hutt and across Wellington City. A small contribution from many clubs at $150 per bag will easily spread the load.
Yours in Rotary service
Geraldine Needham-Girven, RC Johnsonville
Christine Hurley, RC Wellington