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District matters – Pandemic storm up

Dear ALL Rotarians in Hong Kong

January has been a very difficult month for everyone as the fifth wave of Covid has spread rapidly throughout various parts of the community, particularly within the housing estates.  The Government has had to impose tough measures to control the further spread of the disease, with all gatherings of any sort being strongly discouraged and, preferably, canceled.  Physical meetings of our Rotary Clubs have had to come to a halt as it is important that our clubs and Rotarians should comply fully with government regulations and guidance, both in letter and in spirit.   I hope everyone of our dear members will stay safe and take extra precautions to protect yourselves and your families as well as your staff and colleagues.  Apart from the risk to Rotarians, we certainly do not want either our meetings or community projects to become an epidemic cluster spreading out into the community. With the advent of the more transmissible Omicron variant, this is a time for more than ordinary caution in order that Hong Kong can control the further spread of this disease.   Therefore, I strongly urge every Rotarian to avoid any unnecessary gatherings, seminars or events, both private and public,  so that none of us will be exposed to the virus.   We understand the Omicron is highly contagious and even a slight contact carries the risk of infection.    Any projects involving contact with the public through community service should be put on hold until the situation improves.   Of course, we all understand that we would like to serve the community, particularly with such things as elderly home and school visits, but under the circumstances, it would be far too dangerous to carry on with such projects.  As we are responsible citizens of the community, I’m sure we all understand the necessity of these restrictions at present.   

In a few days, it will be Chinese New Year. I know it is customary for families to come together to celebrate, but I hope all of you will keep the family gatherings to minimum, as we simply cannot be not sure of their safety, and we know that every encounter, especially the larger ones, create the possibility of further infection.   This is especially crucial with families who have elderly members and young children, because even without getting the virus, one may end up in the quarantine center, which would be very unpleasant for them.  

On the matter of how to maintain connect with fellow Rotarians during such times as these, I hope Presidents and Committee chairpersons will organize regular online meetings with each other, especially to give each other support and encouragement to ride through the harsh economic situation, knowing that the restrictions are affecting many members’ livelihoods, in some cases quite severely.

When the situation eases, we hope that we can find projects to honor those who work on the front line of the battle to protect the community in such an unusual and difficult time.  

Lastly, I cannot emphasize enough that I encourage all of our members to be fully vaccinated, and also get the booster shot, i.e. the third dose of vaccination, when you are eligible.    We must act diligently to diminish the chances of getting the virus and we all know that the vaccine is highly important, both to protect ourselves from serious illness and to protect our families and the wider community as well.   Please also help to encourage any of your friends and family members to get either fully vaccinated as soon as possible as this is the best protection for all of us. 

District Conference

Initially we were planning to hold the District Conference of 2022 in Macao, and in view of the Covid 19 situation, we have decided that it will be held in Hong Kong instead.  As for the venue, this will be announced at the end of February.

Postponed/ canceled events

活動	原定日期	最新狀況
2nd PI Seminar	15 Jan 2022	Postponed Rescheduled to 2 Apr 2022(Sat)
Mahjong King Competition	15 Jan 2022	Cancelled
Rotary Blood Donating Hero Day	16 Jan 2022	Postponed Rescheduled to 6 Mar 2022(Sun)
RHKUM & Rotary Service Day	29-30 Jan 2022	Postponed Rescheduled to 22 May 2022(Sun)
Rotary Centenary Challenge Cup	16 Feb 2022	Cancelled
District Golf Tournament	21 Feb 2022	Cancelled
RYLA	5-8 Feb 2022	Postponed

I wish every Rotarian of the District well during this challenging time.

DG Keith Chow

DGN Candidates Forum 

Date: 29 December

On this date, the 2024-25 DGN Election Forum was held.  All of the three candidates – namely: (1) PP Cassy Cheng from Rotary E-Club of District 3450; (2) CP Jimmy Lau from Rotary Club of Star Avenue; and (3) PP Nigel Lo from Rotary Club of Hong Kong North –  shared with us their respective backgrounds, visions and values that they hope to deliver to our District, as well as their insights on District-related affairs. 

Governor-nominee for RY2024-25

The 2024-25 DGN Election Committee (the “Committee”) has reported that PP Nigel Lo of Rotary Club of Hong Kong North has received a majority of the valid votes cast by the clubs in D3450. Accordingly, I hereby declare that PP Nigel Lo to be the Governor-nominee for Rotary year 2024-25. Please join me in congratulating PP Nigel Lo for being elected to lead our district in 2024-25. 

Online CNY Gathering 

Feb 3, 2022 04:30-5:15pm

Due to the pandemic, we have to avoid physical meetings. But it can’t stop us from wishing each other a blissful new year of the tiger! ALL PDGs, AGs, Ps, PEs & DOs are welcomed! 

Please register:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsdemrrj0sHdwkggq-hVtkb-W2c5_QOBSK—–

7^th JPM 

Thank you all for the birthday blessing

A wonderful time with all the AGs, Presidents and District Organisers. Thank you so much for your thoughtful gift!

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION 

Intercity Meeting

Intercity Meeting had been held on 7 December 2021 to express our gratitude and appreciation to those who contribute to The Rotary Foundation. I would like to extend special thanks to our fellow Rotarians from Rotary Club of Hong Kong Harbour. 2021-22 is the 35th anniversary of their club and they are so generous to share their joy by setting up a $250,000 Endowment.   

Up till today, we have 17 new Major Donors; 166 Paul Harris Fellows and 8 clubs which raised over $120,000 for End Polio. Myself and the district foundation are deeply thankful for the generosity of our Rotarian to contribute to the foundation.  

Rotarians are People of Action. What we are pursuing is not only donations; we are also urged to take action. Donation is only the first step. What  matters is how we move further, applying for the funding, and then utilizing the funding for appropriate beneficiaries and functions, using appropriate methods. 

PUBLIC IMAGE

Rotary Serve to Change Lives Radio Program Series扶輪以服務改善人生電台直播系列

For 11 Mondays 1-2pm between 6 Dec to 14 February

Engaging stories about Services by Rotarians with community groups and experts. If you miss any of the episode, free feel to view the interview from below link. I do recommend new Rotarians to view the interview. You shall deepen your understanding of Rotary by listening to the sharing of experienced Rotarians.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set?set=a.6645002328906271&type=3

Ming Pao Interview with Area 8

Area 8 is the Area of the Month. Let learn how Clubs from Area 8 reward the community with what they gain.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

RCA Christmas Dinner 

Date: 15 December

Regarding youth development, Rotaract Clubs held the RCA Christmas Dinner to celebrate the festival on 15 Decemeber 2021. Junioract of Pun U Association Wan Yan Primary School, Interact Club of C&W at St Anthony’s School, Interact Club of Buddhist Hung Sean Chau Memorial College held their installation ceremonies on 7, 14 and 21 December 2021 respectively. As of December 2021, District 3450 have gained 3 Interact Clubs and 16 Junioract Clubs. Welcome to be part of our Rotary family.

HEALTH

「器官捐贈 ‧ 從你我出發」初中教材套啟動禮

Date：4 December 2021

The launching ceremony of the textbook “Organ Donation, Starting from You and Me” for junior high school was held on 4 December 2021. It is hoped that the activities will raise students’ awareness of organ donation.  Life is precious. I hope you will recognize, respect, and love life, and support organ donation, so as to give the most precious gift to patients in need after death.

CLUB EVENTS

School of Communication Awards cum Rotary Club of Mandarin HK Scholarships Presentation Ceremony 2021傳播學院院長奬、成績卓越奬暨香港華語扶輪社奬學金頒獎典禮

Date： 2 December 2021

Rotary Club of Mandarin Hong Kong has always been supportive to School of Communication Dean’s List and Honour Roll awards, and three Rotary Club of Mandarin HK Scholarships were awarded among more than 120 students who had outstanding achievements in the academic year of 2020/21. 

The Rotary Club of Mandarin HK has once again generously donated 3 scholarships of $10,000 each to SCOM this academic year. 

The ceremony is held annually to recognise students’ hard work and celebrate their accomplishments in their studies and social service; this year, SCOM also took the opportunity to showcase the artistic talent of its students.

As this academic year marked the 10th anniversary of SCOM, the Rotary Club of Mandarin HK kindly gifted the School a birthday cake on this occasion, and a special cake-cutting ceremony was held in conclusion of the ceremony, 

SME ReachOut_RC Star Avenue

Date： 3 December 2021

Hoping that participants’ can better understand the government’s funding plan, explore more development opportunities, and keep up with the global trend of “Industry 4.0”

逆風計劃–青少年籃球訓練計劃友誼比賽暨嘉許禮

Date: 11 December 2021

A4 Project “扶輪携手愛心同行” (暫定上船與低收入家庭活動及聚餐)

Date: 14 December 2021

地區事務-疫情再度爆發

香港正面對Omicron病毒的肆虐，第五波疫情來勢洶洶，叫人沮喪。政府採取了一系列非常嚴格的措施以應對Covid-19的擴散，我們每一位市民都應緊遵限聚令的規定，同心抗疫。在此病毒極速大流行之際，我謹此呼籲社友們盡量避免出席不必要的聚會、研討會及活動（不管是否私人性質）。我強烈建議香港的各扶輪社取消/延後實體的社區服務活動，可將其轉為網上形式並停止探訪老人院舍及學校。我鼓勵大家舉辦更多的網上會議、研討會，以加強社友間的聯誼。我們也可以舉辦一些活動，旨在表達對前線醫護人員的支持。為己為人，及早接種接種三針新冠疫苗。

鑑於新一波疫情的爆發，通關出現變數，無奈地變更區年會在澳門舉辦的計劃，我將於二月底前公佈香港舉辦埸地的所在。

以下各項的地區活動將取消或作延期。

活動	原定日期	最新狀況
2nd PI Seminar	2022年1月15日	延至2022年4月2日 (六)
Mahjong King Competition	2022年1月15日	取消
Rotary Blood Donating Hero Day	2022年1月16日	延至2022年3月6日 (日)
RHKUM & Rotary Service Day	2022年1月29-30日	延至2022年5月22日 (日)
Rotary Centenary Challenge Cup	2022年2月16日	取消
District Golf Tournament	2022年2月21日	取消
RYLA	2022 年2月5-8日	延期

我祝願各社友在此疫情嚴峻的情況下，身心健康，一切順利。

區總監提名人論壇

日期：12月29日

三位區總監候選人包括：1）3450地區網上扶輪社前社長Cassy Cheng；2）星光大道扶輪社創社社長Jimmy Lau；3）香港北區扶輪社前社長Nigel Lo。在論壇上三位候選人分享了各自背景及對扶輪的願景；三位各自詮釋了一些地區事務的個人看法，以及他們能為3450地區的未來發展作出什麼貢獻。

本人欣然宣佈，羅承益前社長於區總監提名人選舉中高票當選，其將為2024-25扶輪年度的地區總監。恭喜指定地區總監提名人羅承益。

新春網上團拜

日期：2022年2月3日

時間：下午4:30-5:15

有鑑於疫情影響，未能親身與各位歡度佳節。歡迎各位前總監、助理地區總監、社長、候任社長以及各區職員參加。請預先登記：https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsdemrrj0sHdwkggq-hVtkb-W2c5_QOBSK

第七次社長聯席會議

感謝各位的生日祝福！十分高興與各前區總監、助理地區總監、社長、候任社長以及各區職員共同渡過難忘的歡樂時光。特別感謝各位別具心思的生日禮物﹗ We  Serve to Change Lives! 扶輪以服務改善人生﹗

扶輪基金

城際會議

日期：2021年12月7日

於會議期間，大會特別對香港海港扶輪社作出致謝。2021/2022 欣逢香港海港扶輪社授證35周年慶，為慶祝此歡樂時刻，社友慷慨解囊，建立$250,000的遺囑基金。

迄今，本年度扶輪基金已經新增17位大額捐獻者，166位保羅哈里斯之友。八個扶輪社合共籌得超過$120,000 專款作為根除小兒麻痺症項目。

扶輪社員是將計劃付諸行動的一群。我們不但慷慨捐獻且身體力行，這是大家引以為傲的特質。我們踏出捐獻的第一步，然後按部就班申請配對基金，利用所得的款項，切合實際環境去幫助更多有需要的社群，使受益者獲益最大。我鼓勵各位社友規劃圍繞扶輪七大焦點的活動，善用扶輪基金。

公共形象

扶輪以服務改善人生電台直播系列

播放日期：

2021/12/6 至2022/2/14 連續11星期逢星期一 / 下午1:00-2:00

扶輪社友與地區團體以及各領域的專家們分享他們的服務故事，歡迎各位社友重温，特別是新加入的社友，各委員及資深社友的分享可讓聽眾從多方面了解扶輪，由淺入深。可於以下連結重温有關節目：

https://www.facebook.com/media/set?set=a.6645002328906271&type=3

第八地域接受明報專訪報道

第八地域的社友「出錢、出力、出席」，致力幫助備受忽略的弱勢社勢，助他們自我發展。詳情可參閱：

青少年發展

青少年發展方面，扶青社於2021年12月15日舉行聯社聖誕晚會。番禺會所華仁小學扶輪雋雅服務團、中西區聖安多尼學校扶少團以及彿教孔仙洲紀念中學扶少團分別於2021年12月7日、14 日及21日舉行就職典禮。截至2021年12月，3450地區新增3個扶少團，並成立16個扶輪雋雅服務團，歡迎各位新成員加入我們的扶輪大家庭。

健康服務

「器官捐贈，從你我出發」初中教材啟動禮已於2021年12月4日舉行，期望相關的活動可提高同學對器官「器官捐贈，從你我出發」初中教材啟動禮已於2021年12月4日舉行，期望相關的活動可提高同學對器官捐贈的認識。生命盛可貴，期望各位認識生命、尊重生命、愛護生命，並支持器官捐贈，在離世後為有需要的病人送上最難能可貴的禮物。

各社活動

傳播學院院長獎、成績卓越獎暨香港華語扶輪社獎學金頒獎典禮

日期：2021/12/2

香港華語扶輪社對傳播學院一貫支持，本學術年度再次慷慨捐出三個獎學金予傳播學院，每位獲奬同學各得$10,000獎學金以資鼓勵。學院每年均舉行頒贈典禮以表彰同學們的努力並慶祝他們在學術及社會服務上所取得的成就，今年獲得傳播學院院長獎、成績卓越獎共120位成績優異的同學；傳播學院更值此機會展示同學們的藝術天份。本年度適逢傳播學院慶祝成立十周年，端此歡慶時刻，香港華語扶輪社送上生日蛋糕，為典禮圓滿結束劃上美麗的句號。

星光大道扶輪社-中小企業資援組

日期：2021年12月3日

活動能譲參加者對政府的支援計劃更深切地了解，從而發掘更多發展機會，並進一步更好掌握「工業4.0」的全球新趨勢

第4地域聯社項目 「扶輪携手愛心同行」

日期：2021年12月14日

與低收入家庭活動及聚餐