Meeting: July 4th, 2023
Perry led us in O Canada and Sheila gave the invocation.
Guests : Debbie McPhalen
We started off the new year with 2 new members - Radek Wojtal and Greg Antosz! Welcome Radek and Greg.
Colin's Rotary Minute: The Rotary Foundation.
In 1917 RI President Arch Klumph told the delegates to the Atlanta Convention that "it seems eminently proper that we should accept endowments for the purpose of doing good in the world." The response was polite and favorable, but the fund was slow to materialize. A year later the "Rotary Endowment Fund," as it was first labeled, received its first contribution of $26.50 from the Rotary Club of Kansas City, which was the balance of the Kansas City Convention account following the 1918 annual meeting. Additional small amounts were annually contributed, but after six years the endowment fund had only reached $700. A decade later, The Rotary Foundation was formally established at the 1928 Minneapolis Convention and in the next four years the fund grew to $50,000. In 1937 a $2 million goal was announced , but these plans were cut short and abandoned with the outbreak of World War II. In 1947, upon the death of Paul Harris, a new era opened for the Rotary Foundation as memorial gifts poured in to honor the founder of Rotary. By 1954 the Foundation received for the first time a half million dollars in contributions in a single year, and in 1965 a million dollars was received. It is staggering to imagine that from those humble beginnings, The Rotary Foundation is now receiving more than $85 million each year for educational and humanitarian work around the world.
Announcements:
- Rob confirmed that we would be participating in the breakfast for the hospital staff on July 8th along with Lantzville Rotary. Turns out that we have enough early bird volunteers who will be starting at 5.a.m!
- Derek advised that we would be participating in the Silly Boat Race on July 17, which Daybreak Rotary is organizing. The proceeds will be going to the Nanaimo Child Development Centre.
- Keith reported on the Canada Day parade of flags which was well attended, over 30 Rotarians participated in the parade and received many words of thanks form the crowd for all that Rotary does in the community
Then Business - President Bill took us step by step through the 2023/2024 Budget prepared by Ed. After some discussion it was moved by Perry, 2nd by Larry that the budget be approved - Carried
Anniversaries: Ed, Rod and Rob
Program:
Derek introduced our speakers, Doug and Will Hiltz from Stone Soup Kitchen ( Wisteria Community Association)
Stone Soup (Wisteria Community Association) is a volunteer-powered registered charity which supplies food, friendships and donated clothing and supplies, to at-risk people in Nanaimo. Started in 2017 by Doug and his wife Tanya the organization originally served hot meals from their Nicol Street home but were shut down by the City due to lack of permits. When Covid hit Stone Soup resurfaced to fill a gap left when service provides closed their doors and every night since March 27, 2020 Stone Soup volunteers have been helping people on the street.
To begin with a handful of people and a pick-up truck derived donated supplies to a few locations downtown. The van was parked at St Andrew’s Church until ordered to move, then to Robson Street and finally was permitted to park at the end of Wesley Street, near Franklyn Street.
Funds were raised with donated pop cans and a van purchased. More than 100 bagged lunches were handed put while the organization looked for a commercial kitchen to rent. None was found and so it was decided to build their own. Donations and supplies were collected from various businesses and individuals, several building contractors donated their time and expertise and volunteers worked to transform an empty storefront on Fitzwilliam Street into a modern certified commercial kitchen.
The kitchen is now operated 7 days a week and delivers over 200 hot meals every night to 4 locations, Robson Street, Caven & Victoria parking lot, downtown library, and Bowen Park Field. Donations are welcome as are volunteers.
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