Mary-Anne Daubermann, during her tenure as president, led the Kimberley Rotary Club with unwavering dedication and a passion for community service.
MARY-Anne Daubermann, during her tenure as president, led the Kimberley Rotary Club with unwavering dedication and a passion for community service.
During her outgoing speech at the Boys’ High Old Boys’ Club, Daubermann expressed her gratitude for a year filled with remarkable achievements and unwavering community support. The event served as an opportunity to reflect on the Rotary Club’s diverse range of activities, which encompassed various areas of focus and made a significant impact on the local community.
Daubermann began her address by acknowledging the bitter-sweet nature of the occasion. While the year had been filled with fun and laughter, the Rotary Club also experienced the loss of their district governor, Gavin Jepson.
Jepson was remembered as a committed Rotarian who exemplified leadership and integrity in his service. Daubermann expressed her condolences and paid tribute to Jepson, emphasising his significant contributions to Rotary. She closed her remarks by wishing Jepson’s soul eternal peace.
The year kicked off on a positive note with the Rotary Club receiving another consignment of wheelchairs from the United Kingdom. Daubermann took the opportunity to express gratitude to the club’s sponsors for their generous donations, which facilitated the distribution of wheelchairs to organisations such as Hospice, Yonder, Ons Huis and individuals as far away as Springbok.
Among the ongoing projects highlighted by Daubermann was “Tree for Joy”, an initiative aimed at providing Christmas gifts to deserving children aged 3 to 15. “Thanks to the co-ordination efforts of Brenda and Colleen, the club typically donated 60 to 100 gifts, each valued between R180 and R200.”
Another noteworthy achievement was the construction of an additional classroom at Ebenezer Nursery School and Daycare Centre in Galeshewe. The funds for this project, amounting to R57 000, were received from the Rotary partner, Camberwill, based in Melbourne, Australia. This was their second donation to support the development of the school.
Daubermann also highlighted the club’s ongoing support for organisations such as Hospice, Ons Huis, and Lesedi Day Care. Donations ranged from operating a hamburger and chip stall at the Hospice fete, providing fresh vegetables weekly, and purchasing much-needed blood pressure monitors for Ons Huis.
Notably, the CBC interactors took the initiative to revamp the porch at Ons Huis, with funds raised through a successful Mother’s Day event attended by Jeanne Thirion and Daubermann herself.
The Kimberley Rotary Club’s dedication extended beyond local borders. They made a donation to the War Relief fund in Ukraine through the sale of sunflower seeds while also contributing to the Turkish earthquake disaster relief efforts. The latter donation was made through the district, and Rotary South Africa played a substantial role in supporting the Turkish Disaster Fund.
Recognising the importance of empowering youth, Daubermann highlighted a recent gathering of Rotoractors and Interactors from various schools in Kimberley. Sol Plaatje University, Christian Brothers College, Northern Cape High, and Girls’ High were among the institutions represented.
The youth brainstormed and shared valuable ideas to address the needs of the Kimberley community, showcasing their vibrant leadership potential and remarkable values.
Daubermann also underscored the club’s efforts to provide spectacles to deserving recipients at discounted rates, thanks to partnerships with Nel Optometrist and the club’s own funds.
In her closing remarks, Daubermann expressed her gratitude to the board members for their unwavering commitment, consistent attendance at meetings, and hard work throughout the year.
She acknowledged their vital contributions in ensuring the successful operation of the Rotary Club and extended her best wishes to Johan Cronje, who will take on the role of president, urging him to continue the club’s work with great success.
As Daubermann concludes her term as president, her exceptional leadership and dedication to service will be remembered and celebrated. Under her guidance, the club has positively impacted the lives of many individuals and organisations within the community.
Her legacy will serve as an inspiration for future leaders, encouraging them to continue Rotary’s mission of making a difference in the world.
