On Sunday, May 4th, 2024, the Rotary Club Papatoetoe Central hosted its Annual Indian Diaspora Fundraising Dinner at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre, a gathering that showcased the power of community service and philanthropy. The event brought together leaders from various sectors to support charitable causes, making a tangible impact in local and international communities.
Rotary, a global network of 1.4 million individuals, envisions a world where people unite to create lasting change. With over 46,000 clubs worldwide, Rotary members collaborate to promote peace, fight disease, support education, and address societal challenges. As founder Paul Harris famously said, "Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves."
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Members of Parliament Hon Jenny Salesa, Honorary Consul of India Bhav Dhillon, Honorary Consul of Nepal Dinesh Khadka, Past District Governor Allan Smith, his wife Sue Smith, and Michael Wood. Rotarians Jennie Hearing, Raj Chand, and District Governor Elect Vidhya Nand also joined in support of the cause.
Ashima Singh, Chair of the event, expressed gratitude to the over 200 attendees for their support, highlighting the significance of the occasion in raising funds for charities. She extended special thanks to those who generously contributed and dedicated their time, emphasizing their commitment to community welfare.
Photo Supplied
The evening commenced with Raj Pradeep Singh, President of Rotary Club Papatoetoe Central, presenting an overview of the club's initiatives and achievements. Raj highlighted successful projects executed throughout the year, both locally and internationally, including the club's recognition at a conference in Fiji for its exceptional contributions.
Raj also shared upcoming projects, such as Pink Ribbon, book donations, and support for SPCA initiatives, showcasing the club's ongoing commitment to positive community impact.
A substantial portion of the funds raised will be donated to End Polio Now and the Mental Health Foundation, demonstrating Rotary Club Papatoetoe Central's dedication to addressing pressing issues.
The event also featured the presentation of Community Awards to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to their communities, embodying Rotary's ethos of service and goodwill. Dedicated Rotarian and community servant Vidya Nand was honoured for their outstanding service and commitment to uplifting others.
Photo: Supplied
The prestigious Paul Harris Awards, Rotary's highest honor, were presented to recipients Gurpreet Kaur, Rachna Dave, Nidhi Bhasin, and Karnail Badhan for their significant contributions to humanitarian and educational objectives, reflecting Rotary's commitment to service and goodwill.
The evening concluded with an exhilarating auction, where participants enthusiastically supported Rotary's goals. The event concluded with a dinner, raffle draw, and heartfelt gratitude to all participants, reaffirming Rotary's mission to make a positive impact on communities worldwide.
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