Greetings to all Bridge Building Sisters, |
Presidents Corner
Sharing a meal with mum and dad or taking a walk with good friends. Not taking for granted the daily freedoms we enjoy daily. Be a positive Bridge and uplift someone that needs a helping hand. We know 2020 started with a bang, but not how I had envisioned that bang. However we gather ourselves up and continue on after New Zealand had experienced unprecedented times with the COVID-19 virus. We are blessed in New Zealand compared to many countries overseas that have been impacted by this virus.
Recently we had our 24th Annual General Meeting and we farewell one of our long serving committee members Isabella Tedcastle. We wish her well and much success in her new journey with her many Trusts. Jane Prichard, CNZM QSO, Founder of Bridgebuilders Trust remains as Patron, The Board of Officers are; Rose Tauetule, QSM, (President), Genieva Toloa-Fakalaga (Secretary) ; Committee members: Viv Wilson, Dorothy Alofivae, Rev. Marie Ropeti, Rev. Lorraine Francis, Jacqueline Lakatani, Amelia Tupou-Fakalaga and we welcome two new committee members: Mrs Ana Siafa, President of APW Takanini Niue Presbyterian Womens Group and Mrs Stephanie Fisiihoi and Member: Lindsay Smith, (Treasurer). The guest speakers for the Annual General Meeting were all young and vibrant leaders in the community. Luke Wijohn the youngest Green Party Candidate standing in this year’s elections, successful organiser of the School Strike Climate march is a passionate young man on a mission to make good changes to benefit all. Chikita Kodikal – Founder and Chief Executive of FFIPP Aotearoa, is an amazing young woman to establish a new organisation in January 2020, especially where many groups are closing down. We are blessed to have had her speak on the key factors of her Trust; Education Network for Human Rights that aims to provide a platform to educate individuals about various human rights issues within the context of law, international relations and diplomacy. Chikita is passionate advocate for human rights and education as an effective tool that can empower individuals. Wai-ling Ho is an experienced Educator and Business Professional. She believes every individual has unlocked potential and mentors from the heart. Wai-Ling spoke on health and wellness and the impact of COVID-19, and measures she had taken to get through the Lockdown, simple things like walks, baking, reading and listening to motivational and inspiring audios. I am inspired and hopeful that going forward we have leaders that are making an impact and taking action in the community now through there daily actions. Our work and my leadership of Bridgebuilders Trust has been a challenging one for the year. The Plans we had have been deferred to the New Year. However, we will come together and work to put into action a few of our plans. As you can see below was our core work for 2020, but alas all the Plans were placed on HOLD and CANCELLED! The Bridgebuilders Trust Yearly (2020) Plans and Events:
We hope to achieve at least two of the events above for the year. The women on the Board are hard working and most talented. They are all volunteers and give their time freely, love and dedication to fulfilling the Purpose of our Trust. I am delighted to have younger women join the board for 2020 to 2021. We are looking forward to an uplifting and positive journey. The Bridgebuilders Trust is a place where everyone is empowered to use their voice and a place that you’re welcomed and feel safe in. The Trust is place where all diversity and ethnic groups are welcomed. I encourage our Board members to invite and bring new people to our events and even volunteers that can assist with our projects or to be an observer at our monthly Trust meetings. Once again I am inspired and excited for the future of this Trust as we have a new and refreshed board, we have new eyes that will lead to new vision that is positive in building and reaching our target of 100 members! A final note the Pink Ribbon above is to honour and remember all women we know that are survivors of Breast Cancer. Let us celebrate, rejoice and praise the Lord for all women that have survived the battle. We carry you all in our hearts and minds everyday sending positive thoughts, messages and energy in support to overcome this disease. We send our prayers and heartfelt love and support to the women and families that are battling through this disease and to overcome it. We remember with great love, fondness and fiercely keep their memories alive all those that have gone on ahead before their time. Please take care yourselves and have regularly check up’s even the men in our lives as well. Be a Bridge Builder where ever you go by reaching out with a smile and greeting. We may never know just what a warm greeting can make to some ones day or life. I wish you all Joy and Peace, Rose Tauetule, QSM President Bridgebuilders Trust Inc 27 June 2020 |
