Andrews, Mehigan to do more for community

Bob Andrews and Lynne Mehigan hope to achieve a year of success as they begin their reigns after their induction as the presidents of the Rotary Club of Benoni van Ryn and Rotary Anns of Benoni van Ryn at Lago Puccini Café and Lounge in Parkhaven recently.

Andrews becomes the 53rd President of the Rotary Club of Benoni van Ryn after succeeding Charmaine Cole-Niven. Mehigan took over from Cheryl Jennings to lead the Rotary Anns.

Past and current presidents, family members and beneficiaries of the organisations’ many projects attended the event.

More projects

Mehigan has committed to doing more projects for the senior citizens and babies in the community.

“The Rotary Anns are a dedicated and formidable group of ladies who can turn their hands to almost anything. With these ladies behind me, l hope to achieve another good year,” she said.

“I believe in giving back and paying it forward. This year, I want to do more projects for elderly people and babies in our community. There is a need in Benoni. If we can achieve in some small way making people’s lives a little bit easier, that would be in keeping with our motto of ‘service before self’.”

Giving her autopsy of her year on the presidential seat, Jennings reflected on the club’s successes, including buying lenses for Tambo Memorial ophthalmic surgeon Dr Agnes Risko-Kenyeres and 30 desks for the Rotary Tutu Project.

Furthermore, they helped at the Korsman Conservancy, bought jerseys for 80 Laerskool Goudrand learners, distributed soup packets to various schools and organisations and donated 300 knitted knockers to various oncology centres.

“Taking on the role of president of the Rotary Anns of Benoni van Ryn is daunting. It is a strong club of amazing women with hundreds of years of Rotary experience between them. This past Rotary year, they continued to do what they do best by offering support and assistance to people in need in our community,” said Jennings.

She wished Mehigan well, saying, “I know she will do an excellent job and wish her a most successful and enjoyable year.”

Impactful year

Andrews said they will have an impactful, fun-filled and meaningful year. He has committed to doubling their membership, income and impact.

“I have two beliefs that keep me motivated in my Rotary endeavours. Number one is that when we do well, the universe backs us up and blesses our efforts. My second belief is that when we talk about our problem, it grows. But when we talk to our problem, it goes away,” he said.

“So, we don’t talk about our challenges and weaknesses. We talk about our strengths and opportunities.”

In her presidential report, Cole-Niven thanked the Rotarians for a successful tenure and wished Andrews more success.

She highlighted some of their successes, which included supporting the Pauline Davis flats, Kids Haven, and Eyes on Foundation.

Furthermore, they supported Urban Ruins, upgraded the Salvation Army kitchen and their Meals on Wheels initiative, and their fundraising efforts were successful.

Leornard Ngobene of Kids Haven received the district governor award. Cole-Niven awarded Grace Mabelane from the Eyes on Foundation and Sibusiso Mashinini for making a difference in their communities.

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