In Gear | Rotary in Southern New Zealand In Gear - Issue 3 | Page 29

Kiwi mission members lend a hand during free dental check-ups.
the orphanage. The team also helped complete
construction of an outdoor kitchen, which will enable
children at the home to learn and help prepare food.
Nicki and Paul’s daughter, Courteney, joined her
parents and siblings on the family’s third Rotary-
Impact Youth humanitarian trip to the Philippines
– this time as one of the mission’s two registered
nurses. Her experiences during her first visit
five years ago as a 16-year-old convinced
her nursing was the vocation for her, and
she qualified just in the time for the latest
journey.
Far from feeling their work is done, the team sees
another potential mission on the horizon in 2019.
“It’s definitely an eye-opening experience for all, and
life changing for some,” Robert says.
“Other youth return with a sense of gratitude for the
things they enjoy back home having seen first-hand
what hardship others have to endure.”
Courteney and Robert’s wife, Meri, who is
also a registered nurse, worked alongside
local doctors and dentists to deliver the
project’s healthcare aid, but there was no
time off for the rest of the team, who served
as everything from assistants to entertainers.
“The rest of us helped with the prep and
cleaning of equipment, dispensing meds,
shining torches in patients’ mouths ... and we
also did face-painting and animal balloon-
making for the kids who were waiting,”
Robert says.
“During the children’s feeding programme, all
team members helped serving the food and
really enjoyed spending time with the kids.”
Nearly a year in the planning, scoping
and fundraising, this third visit followed two
previous trips to the Philippines in 2012 and
2015, all organised by Robert. Their mission
two years ago saw the team deliver medical aid,
rebuilding and provide a food programme for
undernourished children in the wake of 2013’s
devastating Typhoon Haiyan.
Local children savour the feeding programme.
It’s definitely an eye-opening
experience for all, and life
changing for some.”
Robert Gonzales,
Mission organiser
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