Rotary Whakatane gets Edgecombe Flood Update from DG

 
Thank you to Rotary Whakatane for the following item which appeared in the bulletin covering this week’s Rotary meeting:
 
Not the usual Three Minute Talk – however, DG Keith Owens spoke about the appeal fund that had been set up by the District at the time of the Kaikoura earthquake but which, not being needed at that time, had been redirected to assist with the Edgecumbe flood recovery.
 
 
All the Clubs in the District supported the decision that the money in the fund (which had been contributed by Clubs and by individual members) go to the Liveable Homes Project. The sum of $24,000 has been deposited on behalf of the District and will be put to extremely good use. DG Keith thanked all the Clubs both within the District and throughout New Zealand and all the individuals who contributed to the appeal fund. The appeal fund will be kept open for future donations.
 
Whakatane Mayor and fellow Rotarian Tony Bonne thanked Rotary for their generosity and advised that he had been overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone throughout New Zealand who responded to the Edgecumbe flood disaster in so many ways.
 
John Pullar (Liveable Homes Team Leader and fellow Rotarian) thanked Rotary for the donation on behalf of the Liveable Homes Project and advised that the project will help the whole community.
 
The remedial exercise is massive and will involve several stages.  The first stage was to create a safe environment by controlling and removing contamination.  The project is now moving to stages which will involve:
 
  • Stripping out and disposing of flood-damaged wall linings and floors, to allow the building structures to dry out
 
  • Gibbing and stopping plywood floors and sealing wet area floors and walls
 
There will be a manpower need and this will be managed by project leader John Pullar (from Rotary Whakatane West). 
 
As part of the remedial work, the Eastern Bay Energy Trust has agreed to provide at no cost underfloor insulation for all flood-damaged homes which means people will return to warmer and healthier homes.
 
The generosity received from Rotarians so far has been amazing.  Our District Appeal fund remains open and further donations will be gratefully received.  Please lodge these to the bank account of Rotary District 9930 – account number 03-1552-121120-000 and reference the payment for Edgecumbe and the depositing source (i.e. your club name)