Colin reminded us that Rotary offers many recreational and vocational opportunities for fellowship in Rotary since there are very diverse passions amongst our Rotarians. Not only are these groups a place for fellowship but they also to help enhance the goals of Rotary by using their interests for Rotary causes. Another benefit to linking up with others is the chance for members to exchange information to enhance their own knowledge of their passion.
Announcements:
Jim updated the garage sales total to 3387.93. The plan is to do this again in mid May.
Ian spoke about the golf ball drop. The fire department will supply a truck. There will be 4000 balls at $5 for sale starting about Jan 1st. CHEK TV will be back again this year.
Breakfast is back on Saturday the 14th. (note quite finalized yet) Not as many people needed as normal since we will not be serving tables.
Loaves and Fishes had 8 volunteers but we could only use 6 (COVID rules). Thanks to those who offered their services.
Paul reported that our outgoing students should be good to go and possibly the alternates as well since some US clubs are willing to take a student but are unable to send one out
Foundation Month:
Don’t forget that November is foundation month. It’s a great time to make a donation with time to get your tax receipt. I can’t think of a better way to make a difference. You might even consider a donation instead of a gift for those hard to buy for friends.
New Member
We welcomed a new member -Brenda McCorquodale- to our club during the meeting. Brenda works for the government as a Director at Fisheries and Oceans. While Brenda is new to our club, she is definitely not new to Rotary. She was a member of the Rotary Club of Port Hardy for a number of years serving as secretary, president and youth coordinator.
Cara presents Brenda with her pin.
Birthdays:
Colin November 3rd
Anniversaries:
Bob Hargreaves
Membership Anniversaries:
Bob Lasota (13th)
Smile of the Day:
A police officer came by my house the other day and asked where I was between 5 and 6. He seemed irritated when I said ‘Kindergarten’.
Program:
Our speaker tonight was Crystal Dennison who is the executive director of Nanaimo and District schools foundation. She has been with them for 7 years. Their goal is to remove the barriers that poverty brings to students and to give our young folks the opportunities they deserve. Originally founded to give scholarships, they have changed their purpose over time. They are a registered charity with board of 10 community volunteers, minimal full time staff (2) and program staff as required. All things undertaken is to support the Nanaimo and District school district.
Crystal Dennison
The foundation works to:
Develop and implement efficient direct to student programs.
Provide quick and efficient response to requests.
Allocate funds.
Provide confidential support for students.
Encourage graduating students to pursue post-secondary education.
Provide supports to schools where funds are not otherwise available.
The foundation supports programs like:
Student support fund (food, medical, fees for field trips, instrument rental, fees for grad, athletics)
