Tommy Banks Concert: Ingrid reported that preparation for the concert was hectic due to a quarantine at the site.  But timing was on our side and the quarantine was lifted by Alberta Health just in time for the concert.  Mr. Banks, who is always the consumate gentleman, provided a wonderful concert to all who attended.  Special thanks to all the Edmonton West members who attended.

 

District Meeting: The district training meetings were held on the weekend and were very enlightening.  A special thanks to Jerome Martin who is the District training coordinator and did a wonderful job.

 

District Marketing Plan: The district is looking at the Edmonton West marketing plan that was developed by our marketing team. Kudos to all the hard work that went into the plan and congratulations on that work being recognized.

 

Grocery Gift Cards: contact Rob Dunseith to purchase cards which allow us to fund projects not covered by casino funding

 

Very Important Paws Project: Lorne reminded everyone to dig into their drawers and glove compartments to find all of their Canadian Tire money and deposit it in our container at the registration desk.  All fund raised will go towards the companion dog program that is doing such great things in the city.

 

Clean Scene: Mike Ryan reminded everyone about the Interact fundraising event that is being held on April 25th.  Please contact Mike if you would like to purchase tickets.

 

Jerome (Finemaster): Each table was challenged to provide two "Happy buck" announcements and everybody at the table that didn't have a special announcement was fined.  Well there was no shortage of announcements and the finemaster raised $63.80.  Well done!

 

50/50: Duane & Jerome did not match cards and could not collect the $219 pot.

 

 

Ben Doz introduced the mission team comprised of himself, Marley Doz, Lorne Proctor, Rob Dunseith and Leslie McKechnie.

Rob Dunseith talked  to the presentation which occurred over 10 days in January.  The is the 15th year that the mission has gone to Guatemala.

The mission visited 4 sites over the 10 day duration - all were in very rural areas that did not overlap with local existing medical resources.

 

The first site was a town called Santa Ana Huista and even though communication with the locals can be a challenge, the team saw 350 patients in 2 days.

 

Each site consisted of initial triage, examination, medication and simple reading glasses.  More complcated diagnosis were referred to an optical surgeon and glasses prescriptions were brough back to Canada, manufactured and shipped back to Guatemala.

 

The second clinic was at a town called Cul Che Chemal which was at a elevation of 3400 metres.  At this elevation, ultraviolet damage to skin and eyes is prevalent and caused unique issues.

 

The third and fourth visits were at Xetanam and the Sampango orphanage.  The clinics wer held inconjuction with a dental clinic at these locations.

 

Overall, the mission saw 785 patients, Dispensed more than 150 prescription glasses and 250 pairs of reading glasses.  The team referred 72 cataract surgeries, 20 eyelid surgeries and several pterygium surgeries.  It also dispensed over $100,000 worth of medication.  Well done all!

 

Ben would really like to thank and acknowledge the Pharmaceutical companies, the partners at the Optometrists Clinic, The Rotary Club of Huehuetenango, Guatemala, the Rotary Club of Edmonton West and especially this year's mission team.

 

Duane adjourned the meeting after a round of questions.