PRESIDENT'S LETTER

The Skål World Congress has passed and believe it or not it was held at the “Home of Christmas”, Turku in Finland.  As is always the case we had a contingent of bubbly and energetic South Africans in attendance, all resplendent in their national uniforms.  From all accounts there were two Skålleagues in our team who need to be acknowledged, namely Vernon Kirsten (Cape Town President) and Gina Pomeranetz (Pretoria Vice President).  These two Skålleagues marketed their clubs and South Africa with passion and integrity and we can all be proud of them for flying our flag on our behalf.

The World Congress is the pinnacle of Skål meetings where Skålleagues from all over the world gather to discuss the organisation as a whole, and all are looking to do business with fellow Skålleagues from around the world.  This is one of the must attend functions if you ever get the opportunity and I can assure you that I have made contacts at these events, I have made friends and I have got business from these people.  It is not all about business though, through friendships grow other things and when you travel abroad as a Skål member you can link with the various clubs and members and realise some fantastic benefits and discounts not to mention opportunities that the normal traveller will never get to experience.

Most clubs will be planning and preparing for their Christmas functions at the moment and all will have charities that they will be supporting, each and everyone is a worthwhile cause, so I would encourage you all to support these initiatives whole heartedly, when someone asks you if you want to buy a raffle ticket rather take two because some poor sole will at least have a better Christmas through your small donation.  Christmas is a time of giving and I know that this year for the very first time ever we will be having a very thrifty Christmas as will a lot of other people that I know, but always remember that Christmas is a gift in its own right and to celebrate this day with family and friends is a blessing to be appreciated by one and all.  Please remember those that are less fortunate and spare a thought for the elderly and infirm, they too have feelings and needs which as active people we often forget, give Grand Mother or Grand Father a call and tell them that you love them, you will be surprised how much good will this will give to them.

Have a great festive season, celebrate responsibly, have good trading, but above all else enjoy yourself.

Skål
Dave Snuggs

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