You talk funny 6.

Last year I wrote several posts on this subject. This time I can describe the outcome of this story.
In the top photo is the Lions Hero Award.  This award  was started by Lions International President Al Brandel, and is awarded to the district world wide which has the best project.
The lower photo is much more significant. Holding the trophy is Genny Hanning, who is New Zealand's national director for the Hart Walker project. 
At the Multi district Lions Convention in Ashburton recently, Genny explained that the honour of winning of this trophy belonged to all New Zealand Lions.  However, I noted that there were quite a few who thought that Genny alone deserved the trophy, as the project she runs has been shown to be world class. Regardless, history will show that to be the first time winners will set a standard that will be difficult to attain in future.
Genny is indeed, an everyday hero.

You talk funny 5

In the above photo, Genny Hanning explains something about the Hart Walker to Dr. Maureen Murphy and her husband, Al Brandel.
Today, Al sent me the following link, which I am going to try and put on here. I am quite chuffed because it has some of my photos on it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcO3-aTe2Xg&NR=1

You talk funny 4

In the above photo, Dr. Maureen Murphy, wife of Lions International President Al Brandel, gets a hug from a young lady who is about to be measured for her first Hart Walker. She has Cerebral Palsy.
Yesterday I got the following email which I quote in part....
Hi All,
At last nights 'Heroes Awards' banquet at the International Convention in Minneapolis the Multiple District Hart Walker project took out first place from finalists from around the world. MD Hart Walker coordinator Genny Hanning was on hand to receive the award from IP Al Brandel.
What a wonderful recognition for this New Zealand project and the work that Genny is doing.
Wow - significant recognition to the Lions of New Zealand and a special leader.
Please pass this award information on to your district teams and particularly to your local Hart Walker coordinators.
Cheers,
David Darwick.
Well done Genny. Keep up the good work.

You talk funny....

She is Alyssa McCarty. She is seven years old. She is bright, and unlike many with Cerebral Palsy, she speaks very well. She comes from Taranaki, in the North Island of New Zealand.

Alyssa is lying on a grey blanket, on the floor of the Johnsonville Scout Hall, on the outskirts of Wellington. She is being measured for adjustments to be made to her Hart Walker. She does this twice a year.

He is Albert Brandel. He is big, and tough. He is a retired Police detective from New York City. He is also the President of Lions International, responsible for 1.3 million volunteers who belong to Lions worldwide.
There is no grey blanket left for Al, he is on the floor.
Al has never done this before.

She says to him...... "You talk funny".
He says.... "You talk funny too" and then starts a long conversation about Kindy, School, home, family, walking.
So why would the World President of Lions International be doing such a thing?