August 16, 2016 Meeting at Nanaimo Golf Club. Chaired by President Rob Waine.
Visiting Rotarians: Renato Anacleto, Lantzville Rotary.
Guests: Ann Northwood, Lisa Rickwood, Andrea Van Rensburg (returned exchange student), Sharie Vibe.
Announcements
Community Breakfast - Jim Turley reported that the new grill produced a lot of pancakes; the Mayor served breakfast to Salvation Army staff. Next breakfast is September 7th .
Rosters - The 2016_17 rosters are available and can be picked up from Colin.
RYLA - Joan Ryan is looking for volunteer to help with applications for youth event in Cowichan valley.
Youth exchange- Paul announced that our students are arriving this week: Vemund Baksaas from Norway, and "Man" Eakapoom Chaljit from Thailand.
Also, recruitment for next year's exchange will take place in September & October.
Dragonboat - Bob Lasota speaking on behalf of the Dragonboat Society thanked our club for organizing the beer garden at the festival last month.
Program - Renato Anacleto gave an excellent presentation detailing how Rotary Youth Exchange and Rotaract changed his life. He came to the Comox Valley as a Rotary Exchange Student from Brazil. He said that many mentors in Rotary helped him overcome his shyness. After returning to Brazil, he became involved in Rotaract in District 4540. As a Rotaractor, he benefitted from more Rotarian mentors and obtained training in project management which motivated him to get an MBA.
Renato reminded us that Rotaract is an investment in the future of Rotary. Renato immigrated to Canada earlier this year.
New Member - Larry performed the induction ceremony for Sharie Vibe. Her classification is Insurance. Sharie is an account executive with Western Financial.
Happy/Sad - Rod Smith did the honours.
Next week - work party at Loaves & Fishes warehouse, 6 PM sharp. Remember: no open toed shoes.
