Ian led us in O Canada and Sheila gave the invocation.
Rotary Minute:
Sheila gave a brief history of our club's involvement with Project Amigo and reminded everyone that the project is still ongoing and perhaps we should consider supporting it again. Sheila wore a t-shirt with the 2023/2024 RI logo which she had bought at the District 2040 Conference last weekend.
Guests: Greg Antosz ( former member who is hoping to return)
Announcements:
THE GARAGE SALE will be held on May 27 at 6330 Dover Road - thanks to Paul for finding the location.. We need tables and a vehicle to transport stuff from storage. Jim will be looking for volunteers for Friday 26 to price and set up , Sat 27 for the actual sale and Sunday 28 to take down and clear up. Jim has posters for everyone to place in their neighbourhoods.
Don reported on the Rotary Garbage Clean Up on April 23. All 5 clubs were involved with 85 volunteers out in a cold rainy day collecting 3500 lbs of garbage.
Larry reported that we had 12 volunteers for our Loaves and Fishes sorting .
Rod asked for bicycle donations for our local Ukrainian refugees.
We received a thank you card from Nanaimo Food Share for our assistance.
The next Sally-Ann breakfast is coming up.
Paul advised that there is an orientation coming up for the outbound youth exchange students at a retreat in Washington State. The District has 24 outbound students and 14 students on the short term summer exchange.
Birthdays: We sang to Perry and Larry
Program: Perry introduced Maria Martens, Director of Capital Campaigns for the Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island.
Maria first told us that the Foundation has been in existence for over 90 years - a surprise to most of us. It serves families across Vancouver Island and the surrounding islands. The Bear Essential program provides direct funding to families who need financial help to meet care needs of their child, including support for adaptive equipment and health related travel costs. It owns 2 "houses". Jeneece Place in Victoria and Qwalayu House in Campbell River which provide safe and affordable accommodation for families to stay while their child receives specialized hospital care. ( Nanaimo North contributed to the construction of Jeneece Place around 10 years ago) A 16 room house is planned for Nanaimo. The Foundation also runs child, youth and family centres and provides financial support to essential community based services which optimize the health of island children and youth. - A very interesting and education presentation.
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