Next Rotary Generation was set up as a sub-group of Milford Rotary to attract new members.
With Milford Rotary meeting weekly on a Tuesday evening, often does not suit people with young families, who work late or have sport and other activities after work. Enter, Next Rotary Generation North Shore (NRG North Shore) - a more flexible organisation than traditional Rotary clubs. “We meet once a month in the mornings (7am at Smales Farm Colombus – February 13th and 27th this month),” says spokesperson Kristina Ineson, “and once a month in the evening for a more social meeting, so meetings are fortnightly. We also do not have a formal structure to our meetings as per a normal Rotary Club.”
The group’s objective is to gather together a membership of like-minded 25 to 45 year-olds to give back to their community through fund-raising, running projects that will benefit community groups, networking with people in business to find solutions to community needs, and most of all having fun doing this.
It is not all about dipping into your own pocket, the group emphasises; it is more about volunteering an occasional bit of time and effort to deliver solutions for community needs.
NRG North Shore’s recent events and activities have included its Christmas Collection. “This is the second year we have run this,” says Kristina. “The local community donated good quality used (and a few new!) handbags and toiletries. Alongside the Transition Centre from Wairau Valley Special School, the toiletries were sorted into handbags and then the packages were wrapped as presents and donated to women through Shine, Women’s Refuge and De Paul House.”
NRG North Shore was also a part of Front Up for Hospice with Hospice North Shore – fundraising for Hospice through pop-up op shops and movie nights and then participating in an Amazing Race style event around Hospice Shops on the North Shore.
“We are currently planning events and activities for 2018,” adds Kristina, “and are open to all ideas as long as they fit Rotary’s ethics: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?"
She adds that there are a number of benefits to becoming an NRG member. You not only have fun and meet people while doing good in your community; you are also a member of Milford Rotary and therefore able to go to other Rotary meetings (locally and internationally) and access all that Rotary has to offer; and it’s an opportunity to build relationships with like-minded people, networking and making new friends, acquaintances and business associations. There are also many opportunities for personal development: to lead, speak, motivate and learn from others as part of the group’s events and regular meeting activities.
NRG North Shore is open to everyone, and Kristina invites anyone to join them at their meetings, or register interest to help out with upcoming events through the Facebook page – NRG North Shore.
