Saadat Keshavjee filled in as chairman today during the absence of president Rod McMahon.
Land acknowledgement: We honor & acknowledge that we live, work & play on the traditional territories, inhabited by the Blackfoot confederacy; the Siksika, Kainai, & Pikani, The Tsuut’ina, The Stoney Nakoda nation; Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley, and all the people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
Don Edie led the group in O’Canada.
Bill Quinney reminded us that time is running out to register for the Rotary International Convention. The current cost of registration is $525, however the price increases to $625 on December 15th. So far 367 Rotarians have registered from District 5360. This is the cheapest convention you will ever attend: no hotel, transportation costs. Also, the District Governor has cancelled next year’s conference, so you will save $350.
David Wartman added “New Blood" has been scheduled for showing at the Convention. This is a powerful and moving theatrical production that explores the history of residential schools and the journey towards reconciliation through dance, drama, and poetry.
Linda Anderson advised the clothing provided today will be given to the Mustard Seed and cash donations would be doubled by unnamed donor. Linda will take your money.
While we were waiting for the guest speaker to arrive, Don Edie was challenged to fill a little of air time. Maestro Don gave a rendition of "Non ti scordar di me" from the opera "La Bohème". The lyrics include the line "Your lips tell me no no, but there's yes yes in your eyes".
Our speaker did not arrive.
Bill Quinney had a guest, Courtenay Wilson who is our Rotary liaison with Alberta Inclusion. She gave and excellent update, some of which is as follows;
The Rotary Employment Partnership is a collaboration between inclusion Alberta, Rotary Clubs, and the Government of Alberta. This partnership aims to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The initiative has been highly successful, creating over 853 jobs.
Key Aspects of the Partnership
- Inclusive Employment: The partnership focuses on integrating individuals with intellectual disabilities into the workforce, providing them with real work for real pay.
- Support and Resources: Inclusion Alberta provides the necessary assistance and follow-up to ensure success on the job, while Rotary Clubs help develop relationships with businesses.
- Community Impact: This initiative not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also enriches the community by promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
The Rotary Employment Partnership has been recognized internationally for its innovative approach and positive impact, demonstrating the power of collaboration in creating inclusive employment opportunities. Dan Doherty gave a testimonial of the success he had at his company.
David Wartman extended the thanks of the Club and indicated a donation to Shelterbox would be made in Courtenay Wilson’s name.
Announcements:
Marie Rickard
Introduced Elizabeth Dop’s daughter who was the only guest today. Chris and Alice are members in the Philippines and will be inducted into our club next week.
For the 2nd week of Christmas Giving, we are supporting the Santa Sleigh Project. The students at Louise Dean Centre are the recipients of our support. Louise Deane Centre is more than a school. It also provides counselling, life-skills training, on-site childcare through the Parent Child Learning Centre and financial support to pregnant and parenting adolescents and young adults. The Louise Dean removes the barriers so that these students can get their high school education.
Our goal is to support one family which is about $350 with a Santa Sleigh. Charitable receipts are available and we will be collecting cash, cheques and gift cards on Monday, December 9 at the Rotary meeting.
Most requested gift cards are Walmart. If you would prefer to donate cash or cheque, we will make arrangements to purchase the gift cards. Cheques are payable to: Kindred Connections Society.
Debbie McMillan advised there are 98 registered to attend the Pinebrook Christmas Party – A presentation will be made to Yvette Tapuska and if you have any personal notes you would like included in the card, please email Debbie.
Past President Saadat encouraged all to attend next week’s AGM. Today’s meeting was adjourned with one minute to spare.