Ian Led us in O Canada and Sheila read a new invocation.

 

POLIOPLUS
PolioPlus is Rotary's massive effort to eradicate poliomyelitis from the world. It is part of a global effort to protect children from five other deadly diseases as well as Polio. The program was launched in 1985  with a goal of raising $120 million. By 1994, funds exceeded $246 million! This has enabled The Rotary Foundation to make grants to provide a five-year supply of vaccine for any developing country requesting it to protect its children. Grants have been made to nearly 100 countries-a commitment, thus far, of $181 million to buy vaccine and to improve vaccine quality.
Achieving eradication of Polio has been difficult and expensive (estimated cost to the international community is nearly $2 billion) and will require continuing immunization of children worldwide. Rotary is in partnership with national governments, the World Health Organizations, UNICEF, The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and GAVI, and Vaccine Alliance. Rotary's "people power" has given us a special "hands on" role in the delivery of vaccines around the world. No other non-governmental organization ever has made a commitment of the scale of PolioPlus. Truly it may be considered the greatest humanitarian service the world has ever seen. 

Rob added to that and reminded us that October 24 is World Polio Day

 

Guests:   Maureen Shaw ( wife of Speaker) 

 

 

*Perry reminded us that November is Rotary Foundation Month and that we could donate to the Foundation in various ways. Sheila also reminded us that donations to the General Fund of the Foundation is money which comes back as grants to the District and the clubs. (as well as being tax deductible).

*Paul said that the interviews of the applicants for the Student Exchange  had been interviewed and it was a very difficult choice with only 3 spots for 12 applicants. However he is hopeful that there will be space available for the 3 alternatives. other will be offered the summer short term exchange.

*Ian is still looking for donations for the silent auction at our Beer and Burger night - November 7.

*Ed has Rotary Ball Caps for sale.

*Rob there is a possibility for catering a family dinner at Fairview School on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

*Rod - Health of the Club. Roger is not doing well but we can visit him at 6085 Uplands (Nanaimo Seniors Village). Gill is now in the care wing at Origin at Longwood (6205 Oliver Road) and in a wheelchair. But she welcomes visitors.

 

Birthdays: Derek received the usual rousing chorus 

 

Radic introduced Linden Shaw  who talked to us about the importance and benefits of preserving  our life stories. Linden is a writer of life stories and memoirs. He told us of several stories that he had helped write and said that there is no such thing as an ordinary life  - everyone's story matters.  Maybe we all need to write our life stories.... while we remember!