September 9, 2008 Meeting Minutes

Attending: Sarah, Cedrick, Tyler, Amanda, Kathleen, Dale, Gabrielle, Darrell, Jose, Mark, Michelle, Cheryl, Amanda, Jarrett
Guests: Chris Andersen

Approval of previous minutes: Cheryl motioned, Darrell seconded
Approval of Agenda: Sarah motioned, Michelle seconded

Guest speaker: Chris Andersen
Summary: Chris enlightened us on some majorly amazing international projects that are both past and ongoing within Rotary District 5370 (our district spans all the way down close to Red Deer and north of us). The most prominent one discussed was one undertaken by World Community Services Society, which is a sector of Rotary specifically created to tackle international projects, available grant information, and basically guide different clubs who wish to create new or contribute to projects. A few examples were a project in the Dominican that addressed leprosy and water filtration systems; one in Irkutsk Siberia through 2005/2006 that focused on education improvement, orphanages and high schools; and one in Belize that is focusing on on literacy, teacher facilitation skill improvement, and gaining new equipment (ie computers) for the schools' use.

Gabrielle accepted a certificate on behalf of our club relating to our contributions in 2005/2006 to the Siberia project - way to go!! Some fast facts for you keeners: Currently on the Belize project, there are 60 clubs in our district, and 45 of these are supporting this project - pretty great, really. It also received a $300,000 humanitarian aid grant from Rotary International. With the combined efforts of Rotary and 24 Albertan teachers who have volunteered their time, this program will reach out and affect over 80,000 students - quite the accomplishment.

The bottom line: Chris wanted to stress to our club how key international projects are - if we can handle a commitment of this sort, he would urge us to do so. Darrell inquired as to what we could in the form of non-financial commitment (as our club is a little less resource rich than some others). There was some great ideas thrown around involving school lost and found item donation program, and possibilities of other sweat equity projects.... perhaps details to come in the future??

Lastly, Chris touched upon a Christmas card campaign that donates funds generated to entrepreneurial women in Ethiopia and restore of goat, cattle, and horse herds to pastoral communities. Get this - Chris and his wife started this one up in their own home, made the cards from their own picture stash, and, with help of their computer savvy son, raised over $50,000 IN THE FIRST YEAR! Again, pretty amazing stuff...

Thank you, Chris, for coming and talking with us about all these things that our own district should be proud of helping with.

Now, back to biz, folks....

New Business: How about those other non-lottery events???.....
Terry Fox Run: This Saturday, September 13 @ 9am Terry needs your help.... Race starts at Muskoseepi Park, it's a 10km run/walk. Anyone care to volunteer? Most likely helping with set up, take down, etc. Sign-up sheet available, or give Gab a ring-a-ding and catch her on the jimmy-jangle..... ps. This is a great cause! Terry Fox thanks you in advance...

Lottery Food Bank Drive: Have a vehicle? Some kindly donated food needs a lift from neighborhood doorways to the Food Bank.... please check with your C-A-R and see if it's available. Dates and times TBD.

Coats For Kids: Now til October 15. It's what it sounds like - people donating coats for kids this winter. Duties the cause needs your help with include (but are not limited to) sorting and cleaning coats, collection of coats from various locations. Tentatively marked for Sept 23, 24 (Tues/Wed). Let Gab know if you can help out if you did not sign up on the beautiful sign up sheets (which, I might add, she made all by herself and they looked wicked).

Festival of Trees: The committee has asked for our help, and wanted quite a large commitment from us - what with our schedules, time constraints of work, etc etc, Gab has asked them to revamp their request and present it again. More details to come.

ADDITION TO AGENDA: SEPTEMBER SOCIAL THIS FRIDAY, SEPT 12 @ LION'S DEN, 9PM. Please note, we are attending the Storm game same night, at 7pm, to sell as many more Duck tickets as humanly possible, then we will be moving on to the Lion's Den after this for our social. Come on down - it will be a good time!

Ongoing Business:
Dues: Who owes? Who will be renewing membership, who may not? Let Ashley or Michelle know, and give Miranda your money.

Ross Tyson: Yes, Ross Tyson wants to do lunch and even dinner with YOU. Please let's get a poll on attendance over the next few weeks via email.... The details: Lunch - Fri, Sept 26 @ 12pm at our regular meeting spot. Dinner - $31 gets you fed at the Quality Inn, same day as lunch.

DUCK RACE: 10 days left!! We have confirmed it will be a barrel draw, as we are far into the process with the lotto corp to do so - although there is enough water in the reservoir again, Ducks Unlimited cannot host a day event on such short notice, and the barrel approval process is almost complete. We need a video camera for this.... there were a few volunteers, so please keep the Duck Committee posted on whether you can get one for this date. Ticket sale update: approx 5300 sold - this is not including the outstanding tickets that we can't count til we get in......so......GET THEM IN. Darrell committed to getting an email out with the Ducks Unlimited website info for online ticket purchase, so stay tuned.

ROUNDTABLE

MEETING ADJOURNED