Rotarians dig deep for African school | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

Bay rotarians helped raise $4680 for a school in Tanzania over the weekend, after a moving presentation from the school's founder.

Nearly 300 Rotarians and their partners from throughout the Central North Island converged on Baypark for the three-day 2010 Rotary District 9930 conference.

Hosted by Te Puke-based Rotary District governor Colin Olesen, members from 55 rotary clubs were given a keynote address by Gemma Sisia, founder of Tanzania's St Jude School.

Ms Sisia opened a small school in northern Tanzania with the help of her family, friends and local rotary club.

What started with only a handful of children and one teacher is now a thriving school of hundreds. More than 90 per cent of the children receive a free education as sponsors individually cover the costs.

A costume dinner party after her speech saw Rotarians donate $4680 to the school.

More highlights of the weekend included Tauranga City councillor and Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise member Greg Brownless being named Rotary's annual Outstanding Citizen of the Year for ongoing contributions to the community.

The award  came "out of the blue", Mr Brownless said.

"I was lured there under false pretence. I thought we were going to be discussing some fundraising venture.

"I have to feel quite chuffed, it is nice."

In 2007, Mr Brownless announced he was handing over the ownership of his funeral business to a new company called Legacy Funerals. 

He also worked as a volunteer in Phuket following the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and has done a significant amount of fundraising within Rotary itself.

Ten years ago, Mr Brownless was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship for fundraising efforts.