On Thursday 2 July the Rotary Club of Wynberg celebrated the Induction of President Justin Schonegevel and his board for the Rotary year 2020 /2021 via their first virtual Induction held over Zoom.
Inductions were traditionally in grand, face-to-face settings to celebrate the occasion, but with the onset of Coronavirus this was not possible, and a plan was made for a Virtual Induction.
Despite the limitations of the need to social distance, Rotary Club of Wynberg truly set the bar high this year with an evening Zoom event that included a performance from violinist Kezia Dawson of Beau Soleil Music Centre, one of Wynberg Rotary Club’s past fundraising beneficiaries, a rap from Past President Mike and a one-liner battle between members Mike Schreiber and David Barnard, which ensured the evening was well enjoyed by all who joined.
The formal hand over of the President’s chain from Outgoing President Keela van Niekerk, who was the youngest president in the Clubs history inducted at age 28, to Past Wynberg Rotaract President Justin Schonegevel, took place in front of the historical shed doors at Groot Constantia, done from a safe distance the weekend before, and shown in video during the evening Induction event and Facebook.
Past President Keela van Niekerk used funds from the Induction to donate blankets and gifts to Maitland’s Cottage Hospital in Newlands.
Rotary International President Holger Knaack’s theme, Rotary Opens Opportunities, speaks to the various opportunities that Rotary offers individuals, youth and communities. Rotary Wynberg leads the way with providing youth development opportunities through 8 Interact Clubs at high schools, educational opportunities via bursaries to learners of 7 schools in the Lotus River and Grassy Park Communities, and health treatment opportunities through much-needed medical equipment donated to Victoria Hospital and a response vehicle to Community Medics.
Justin Schonegevel hopes that in his Presidential year, the Club will be able to increase its membership and provide more opportunities for growth within each member. Rotary is a fantastic organization to get involved with, it encourages inclusive engagement, and seeks opportunities to better the community around it.
To find out how you can get involved with Wynberg Rotary contact admin@wynbergrotary.org.za
