IN THIS BULLETIN...
Last Friday's program, February 23rd, was jam packed! We began the meeting with the club's 104th anniversary! Rosemary Clark organized the celebration with an informative slideshow, posters with the founding papers, a picture of the club in 1921, a decorated cake, and champagne! Thank you, Rosemary for putting this wonderful celebration together! For more info, please read the story below.
President Mohan chaired the meeting. It was great to see her back after missing several weeks due to health. Welcome back! President Mohan thanked the club for their support and began the meeting.
There were announcements about birthdays (Happy birthday Rick Le Feuvre and Paul Demarco!).
Aidan Harris made an announcement about the Rotaract Gala on March 8th. If you are interested in attending, please read the story below. It would be great to have a bunch of us attend!
Sean Yo was at the meeting! It was great to see him back after having to step back from the club to take care of his mom. Sean gave an update on the Coldest Night of the Year walk and his mom's health. It's great to hear that she's doing better!
Helmuth Slisarenko made and announcement about the Settler Discussion series. For more info about it, please read the story below. This will be a highly informative workshop!
After lunch, President Mohan introduced our speaker, the District Governor, Brenda Halloran. DG Halloran discussed her experience at the International Assembly, where she met 550 district governors from around the world and heard Rotary International President Gordon McInally's inspiring speech on the theme of creating hope in the world.
Brenda explained that her favourite part of being District Governor, is being able to learn more about Rotary International and its impact on a global scale.
Brenda emphasized the importance of mental health awareness and encourages Rotarians to ask people how they're really doing, rather than just saying "I'm fine."
Brenda shared the Rotary vision statement, emphasizing the organization's goal of creating lasting change globally and in local communities. This is demonstrated well by Rotary's efforts to eliminate Polio. In highlighting this feat, Brenda also emphasized the 50 health workers that have lost their lives in Pakistan and Afghanistan, most being women, to deliver vaccines to isolated communities.
Brenda also discussed the District Conference, on May 11th, and how it is focused on showing gratitude to families for sharing Rotarians with the organization. The event will include an opening ceremony with Rotary Youth Exchange students carrying flags from their countries of origin and destination, followed by a full day of speakers and activities focused on Rotary's seven areas of focus.
DG Halloran concluded her talk by highlighting the club's accomplishments and encouraging members to post Rotary-themed content on social media to celebrate Rotary Day and the club's 114th anniversary.
President Mohan thanked DG Halloran for her speech and visit.
Notes taken by Otterai and edited by Aidan Harris.