Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora hosts virtual induction

The Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora held their first virtual president’s induction on July 3.

Sonja Shear, president of the club, was elected to run as president for a second term, as well as Rotary Anns president Janice Carter, while the club has elected a new Rotaract president Keanan van Moerkerken, who will take over the responsibilities of former president Marcé van Moerkerken.Shear said over the past year the club has had some successful fund-raising events which assisted them in making a difference in the lives of those in their community, particularly during lockdown.

“We have kept the club going by introducing weekly online meetings, which have been successful.

“As we enter a period of the unknown, I am confident that we will continue to work hard together.

“I look forward to the year ahead with Benoni Aurora,” she said.

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During the induction, she announced her board for 2020/2021 as president elect – Yegalan Chetty, secretary – Butch Wilson, new generations – Heidi Tucker, foundation – Jenny Pailard, membership – Garth Smithard, fellowship – Andy Wright, community services – Gail Wilson, fund-raising – Denis Brandjies, treasurer – Yolande Moseley and IT and training officer – Kevin Norris.

Gail Wilson and Marcé van Moerkerken received the Service above Self award, Butch Wilson was announced as Rotarian of the Year and Robert Stamenkov received the Stirrer of the Year award for stirring up energy in the club.

Carter said last year was a productive year for the Anns.

“I am incredibly proud to be part of them and to be their president again this year.

“Covid-19 made it difficult and almost impossible to reach out, but now that the restrictions are less strict, we are reaching out more than ever.”

Former president Marcé said it had been an honor to have taken on the role of Rotaract president for a second year.

“We at Rotaract have learnt so much about the community through helping those in need.

“Reflecting on the past year is exciting as we strove to bring the joy of what we do to SPCA with helping to paint fences and feeding the animals, as well as bringing food parcels for the animals.

“We also did a clean-up at Homestead Dam and attended the Toy Run to help with the collecting and sorting of the toys.”

Rotaract’s main project was to help out at Benoni High School as it has over 100 families who were in need of food, blankets and clothes.

He added that in her second year she was happy to make Rotaract a memorable experience for current members.

“We created more awareness around Rotaract and polio within the online community.

“We also invited more young people to get involved in the various ways we help those who are in need of special care and support.

“You have my commitment that I will continue to represent the club in the roll as a Rotaract with the utmost dignity and respect.

“Thank you for the opportunity, I am and looking forward to working with you all during our new year,?”he said.