Meeting: March 3, 2026
18 members present. Sheila led us in O Canada and Cara gave the Invocation:
As we gather here this evening, let us pause to reflect on the privilege we share, the opportunity to serve our community and the world through Rotary.
May we be guided by integrity in our decisions, compassion in our actions, and respect in our conversations.
May our efforts reflect the spirit of Service above Self, and may we always strive to build goodwill and better friendships.
March is Rotary's Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month
HEALTH, HUNGER AND HUMANITY GRANTS
In 1978, Rotary launched its most comprehensive humanitarian service activity with the Health, Hunger and Humanity Program. The 3-H Program is designed to undertake large-scale service projects beyond the capacity of individual Rotary clubs or groups of clubs.
By 1994, more than 135 different 3-H projects had been approved and undertaken in 49 different countries, with an appropriation at more than $37 million. The objective of these projects is to improve health, alleviate hunger and enhance human, cultural and social development among peoples of the world. The ultimate goal is to advance international understanding, goodwill and peace.
The first 3-H project was the immunization of 6 million children in the Philippines against polio. As 3-H progressed, new programs were added to help people in developing areas of the world. Now, in addition to the mass polio immunization of over 100 million children in various countries, 3-H has promoted nutrition programs, vocational education, and improved irrigation to increase food production, polio victim rehabilitation and other activities which benefit large numbers of people in developing countries. All 3-H projects are supported by the voluntary contributions of Rotarians through The Rotary Foundation. In years to come the 3-H Program may well be considered Rotary's finest service activity, showing how Rotarians care and are concerned about people in need, wherever they may be.
Reports:
Fundraising: Jim reminded us of :
Jim and committee are working of a Cinco de Mayo event for our meeting on May 5th.
Don reported on the Area Partnership meeting:
Rotary participation in Coldest Night of the Year walk raised $4,300. 28 Rotarians walked.
Nanaimo Rotary Book Sale is March 20-29.
Lantzville's Shredding will be at Woodgrove on March 21st.
Earth Day Garbage Pickup will be on April 18th.
Program: Project Amigo - Sheila Anderson
It is generally accepted that educational opportunities are not the same for everyone. Children from rural communites and disadvantaged backgrounds have less access to education and what is available is of lesser quality. Sheila started by reading some excerpts from a University of Colima report which had studied the methods used by Project Amigo to support its scholarship students. The difference between other scholarships, which simply provide funds, and PA's is the addition of homework clubs, health services, propgress monitoring and counselling. Students are also requireed to "give back" by social service in the community. The report recommends that PA be used as a reference to design a strategy for education in rural communites and vulnerable situations.
Sheila introduced the team from Mexico who provide the services and noted that currently there are 251 students in the program with 20 graduating from high school this year and hoping to continue to University.
We received a recent letter from our club's student, Jose Carlos Andres Garcia.
Sheila would like 2 members to reply. ( copy of the letter wil be sent to members separately).
Volunteer weeks are a great way to contribute to the program and have a fun holiday.
ART, Art & More Art - April 19 -- 26, 2026
Graduates Week -May 24 -- 31, 2026
Swim Week & Back to School - July 26 -- August 2, 2026
English as a Second Language 11 -August 9 - 16, 2026
Fiesta Mexicana - September 13 -- 20, 2026
Dia de Los Muertos & Cooking -October 27- November 3, 2026
Christmas Fiesta - December 6 -- 13, 2026
more info and more volunteer weeks at : projectamigocanada.ca
