Matthew Mark, the CEO at City Mission, gave us a comprehensive overview of the services they provide.
His previous roles include CEO of Ronald McDonald and before that Regional Manager of the SBS Bank. He and his wife Sheila, a pastoral care worker, have four children ranging in age from 18 to 27. Matthew's key interests are based on the outdoors and include hiking, cycling and running. He has also completed a number of Coast to Coast events and admits to still having a competitive streak.
In addition to the Mission he is also involved in working with the Aspiring Youth programme which involves training kids with challenges in life skills leading to their completion of a Coast to Coast.
Mathew explained that the Food Bank is a vital part of the work the City Mission does. Last year they gave out 35000 parcels with each one being similar to a trolley full of groceries. The largest growth in demand came from working families with 2.5 kids. He sees this is a litmus test for the health of our community with these levels representing a 34.5% increase in food being given out compared to the past which strongly suggests there is something unhealthy going on.
Most families are hard grafters, cautious financially and simply cannot make ends meet. The problem is that the true cost of living vs wages is different to what we are often quoted.
While wages in recent times have increased 1.5%, the cost of living has increased 4. 5%. Matthew fells that what is a specially crippling is the rise in unforeseen costs.
It was goodbye to Sarita and hello to John Driscoll from the Ashburton Rotary Club.
We heard a great story from John and Alison's granddaughter, Abigail, who stood up and gave us a great talk about Polio. She has already won several school competitions and inspired her garandparents to give a sum of money in her name to the Polio Fund.
A great example to us all. I took a video of Abigail speaking so if you want to hear her go to our Rotary District -9970 Facebook page.
Doc Larry having fun in Disneyland recently on his 30th trip with Koru Care. Congratulations Larry on giving so much of your personal time to give these children a memorable time.
An award from the Disneyland staff - you can visit any time Larry !
