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It’s an international partnership that has combined some impressive numbers; two Rotary Clubs, three shipping containers, 1000 desk and chair sets, 20,000 books and over a million apples! Yes that’s right, apples!
Over the last year or so The Rotary Club of Stortford Lodge in Hastings, New Zealand have been volunteering their time to arrange the collection of assorted school furniture and reading books from local New Zealand colleges and primary schools.
They have now managed to complete the delivery of three full containers to the Rotary Club of Apia for distribution among schools in Upolu, Savai’i and Manono.
Getting the donated goods to Samoa was made possible through a partnership with a local company Emerson Transport Ltd and from Mr. Apple.
“We were fortunate to have the help and support from Mr. Apple NZ who kindly funded container freight costs,” says Brian McClay.
Mr. McClay heads International Projects for the Rotary Club of Stortford Lodge.
He is visiting Samoa with his wife Trish to coincide with the delivery of the third and final container, and has been working closely with
Apia Rotarian Louise Main in coordinating the distribution of the furniture and books.
They hope to try and visit some local schools with Louise before they head back to New Zealand on Saturday morning.
Mr. Apple representative Alistair Jamieson has also joined them on this trip and will be engaging in continuing meetings with government officials to discuss seasonal employment for Samoan citizens working for Mr. Apple.
Accompanying Alistair is his wife Liz who coordinates training and life skills for seasonal workers employed by Mr. Apple.
You may be asking yourself the question, who is Mr. Apple?
Exporting 25per cent of NZ’s apples, Mr. Apple is New Zealand’s largest vertically integrated grower, packer and exporter of apples and one of the largest employers of Samoan citizens working temporarily in New Zealand under the
Recognised Seasonal Employers scheme (R.S.E).
“It’s another example of community spirit and fellowship working together for those in need,” says Apia Rotary Club President, Tony Callaghan.
“Despite the obvious distance between the two clubs and all the time and energy put in by members, keeping our eye on the goal and understanding the genuine benefits this partnership can bring to our schools here in Samoa is what drives a successful project like this.”
The Rotary Club of Apia wishes to thank Brian and Trish McClay, the Rotary Club of Stortford Lodge, Alistair and Liz Jamieson from Mr Apple NZ for all the dedication and support they have given to the school children of Samoa.
If you would like more information regarding this project or if you are interested in becoming a Rotarian here in Samoa please contact us with an email to susanf.rotary@gmail.com. You can also visit our website or follow us on Facebook.
“Manu’s just the same. He stays with some old friends and they go outside playing touch rugby together. We were playing touch rugby together in our village at home”