Navy career leads to volunteer service

 

Larry Robins OBE, from Mercy Ships, was the guest speaker for the November meeting. Born in England, Larry joined the British Navy where he served with Prince Charles and Prince Andrew. When he came to New Zealand he joined the NZ Navy and on retirement became involved in the Maritime Museum. It was then he became interested in Mercy Ships.

Since 1978 Mercy Ships has used hospital ships to deliver transformational health care at no charge to the world’s forgotten poor. Their statistics are remarkable: More than 61,000 lifechanging surgeries performed; services provided valued at more than NZ$1 billion; directly helped more than 2.35 million people in the world’s poorest countries.

Larry has been involved with Mercy Ships for the last five years. After studying for his 2nd Mates ticket, his travel has taken him to the Congo, Canary Islands, and Madagascar – which was his home for 10 months.

Mercy Ships select the patients they can help as well as running dental and eye health clinics. Security is very important and Gherkas are employed to do this.

Mercy Ships are currently in Benin, West Africa, where there is a population of 10.3 million in an area three quarters the size of the South Island. Life expectancy is 56 years and the average income per day is NZ$1.25.

Mercy Ships depends on donations and people to volunteer. You do not need to be a medical professional as there are lots of other jobs that have to be carried out. For more information go to www.mercyships.org.nz or call 0800 Mercy Ships.

The December Probus meeting was their annual golf club Christmas party on December 15.

NEXT MEETING: No meeting in January 2017. Next meeting Thursday February 16, 2017, 2pm at the Senior Citizens Hall, Mangawhai. If you require more info or transport please contact Ron and Gaylene Lawrence 431 5617 or Beve Smith 431 5777. All visitors are welcome.