18 members in attendance. Rob led us in O Canada and Sheila gave the invocation.

 

A BRIEF ROTARY HISTORY.The world's first service club, the Rotary Club of Chicago, Illinois, USA, was formed on 23 February 1905 by Paul P. Harris, an attorney who wished to recapture in a professional club the same friendly spirit he had felt in the small towns of his youth. The name "Rotary" derived from the early practice of rotating meetings among members' offices.
Rotary's popularity spread throughout the United States in the decade that followed; clubs were chartered from San Francisco to New York. ( Ed's addition-  Rotary first became international with the charter of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg on April 13, 1912). By 1921, Rotary clubs had been formed on six continents, and the organization adopted the name Rotary International a year later.
As Rotary grew, its mission expanded beyond serving the professional and social interests of club members. Rotarians began pooling their resources and contributing their talents to help serve communities in need. The organization's dedication to this ideal is best expressed in its principal motto: Service Above Self. 

Guests:   Vicki Parkhill

 

Visiting Rotarians:  Tina Moreira ( Daybreak) also our speaker.

 

From Jim: Fund Raising Report April 1, 2025
Garage Sale results
It was very successful so a huge thank you to all that contributed.
The net proceeds from the actual sale were $2123.33
The net proceeds from the sale of the scooter were $763.26
The online sales from the beginning of the Rotary year were $851.00. Total net revenue garnered from the garage sale donated items was $3737.59.
All of the remaining items that were not going to be put on line have been donated to the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift store, The Salvation Army thrift stores and the Nanaimo Hospice gift thrift store. Some unsaleable items were disposed of in either metal recycle, wood recycle or the garbage.
Items that still need to be sold are as follows.
Large dining room set
Lazy boy chair
2 night tables
Dresser with mirror
China cabinet
Some artwork
Assorted electronics that need to be tested and inventoried
Swivel TV stand
A Beer and Burger is booked for June 22 at the Lantzville Pub. We will set the price after April 14 as the Pub will let us know at that time what their price will be. Once again there will be a silent auction focusing on experience items and gift cards or gift certificates. The raffle will be for assorted gift cards.
The Family Fun Day is on Sunday August 31 at Maffeo Sutton Park. We need to start looking for sponsors so if you know of any business or not for profit that would like to promote their business or activity please let them know of this opportunity

 

The Nanaimo/Lantzville Rotary Youth Exchange Committee met last night, chaired by Brent Stetar (RC of Nanaimo). 

One of the topics discussed was concern over budgetary commitments to funding for the 2026-27 year. Clubs need to indicate their level of support by August, and select their Outbound candidates by October. Due to increasing costs and difficulties in fundraising, clubs are asking that we reduce the number of Inbounds hosted down to two, from three. There is certainly a case to be made for that approach, but Bob Moss spoke passionately in favour of continuing to host three Inbounds in 2026-27, alluding to the importance of supporting Rotary Youth Exchange, for it’s benefits in developing youth and promoting peace. As treasurer, he felt we could fund next year’s program with a reasonable cost for each club, with the help of some reserves that he expects at the end of the current Rotary year. He felt that if more funds become necessary, Rotary will rally and find a way to raise them. I spoke in favour of Bob’s statement, I would also be very disappointed to see our valuable program diminish, and will gladly work with any willing volunteers to preserve the status quo, at least. Our annual Welcome BBQ in August has been a steady fundraiser, and has the potential to be even more productive. We will be having a meeting soon of the working group planning the event. 

We all recognized that we needed to go back to our clubs and learn what degree of commitment each will be able to make. We have some time yet to decide, and our committee will meet again in June. Brent will attend the next meeting of the area presidents and presidents-elect, and will raise the issue there. 

We will have the privilege of hosting the current Inbound students at our club meeting on May 20. Their presentation about their year promises to be both fascinating and inspiring. Let’s see if we can fill the room!

From Paul : SeeCan Report

Other dates to note:

April 5, Lantzville Rotary is having a shredding event at Wood grove.

April 20, Lantzville Rotary is havholdingan Easter Egg Hunt at Seaview School

May 24, Daybreak is havinf a shredding event at Nanaimo North Town Centre 

The RI convention is in Calgary June 21-25.

 

From Vicki: Women Helping Women - Beer & Burger Night

From  Rob: Social Committee Report

April 29th is the 5th Tuesday of the month so a pub night is being proposed at Pipers. More to follow.

 

Birthdays: Jim appreciated our enthusiastic? rendering of Happy Birthday.

 

Program: Derek introduced Tina Moreira, Manager of Corporate and Community Engagement for Nanaimo Hospital Foundation.

Tina gave a very thorough overview of the Foundation, how it helps, how it works, what it needs.

Those of us, who did not know, found out that there is Oceanside Health Care Centre in Parksville which we can access instead of NRGH.

 

 

For more information : https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com