These past 18 months has been like nothing we have experienced before. Yes, we were all in it together, but we were also isolated from each other, our friends and family. We were all in the same storm, but in different boats. The effects of the pandemic were felt in Rotary Clubs around the world. We weren't able to do what we do best, to work side by side volunteering in our communities and around the globe. Our club was no exception and even though we met through zoom meetings, we all felt disconnected from each other and Rotary. Some lost their way. I want to commend David Weir and our 2020-21 board and leaders on weathering the storm and although we lost a few members from our boat, you steered a steady course and kept your sights on the horizon. Sorry about the nautical theme....I come from a long line of seafaring folk:)
Today I am exited to say our future looks bright, thanks to the efforts and outstanding leadership of President Jackie, and Ingrid. Our Board, Vicky, Al, John, Doug, Lorne, Rob, Mike, Vic, and Spencer have gone above and beyond to ensure that our club remains strong and committed to the Rotary International Vision and Mission Statement. Many accolades to Vicky for keeping us afloat and able to contribute to our worthwhile causes. The board has worked diligently in all areas, in Membership, Youth, New Directions, Community, Club and International Service. And our speaker program has been second to none. I hate to use those typical quotes....but I'm going to anyway...."What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.", "From the ashes of disaster grow the roses of success.", "Keep Calm and Carry On.", "Long Live the Dunkirk Spirit". Anyway, you get the picture.
If the last newsletter and the one you are about to read, are anything to go by, you can see that we are BACK and firing on all cylinders. We continue to organize activities that meet all public health guidelines, cognizant of the fact that we are still in the midst of a pandemic. It has been a real pleasure to see members getting together for service and seeing that spark in their eyes again. That feeling in your heart that reminds you why you joined Rotary in the first place.
I am proud and honoured to be a member of Edmonton West and to serve with all of you.
Cheers,
Annie
What have we been up to?
Membership
Physical isolation, compounded by the stress of the health crisis and its disruption to daily life has had a toll on us all. As humans we need to connect. Our membership director, Jackie, tasked the board to reach out to our members. It’s incredibly gratifying to phone a fellow member to check in, connect and catch up. Whether you have been tasked to or not, I encourage you all to phone someone you haven't seen in a while and spend time catching up.
New Directions
YEG Passport and the Rotary Club of Edmonton West partnered with the Saddle Lake Boys and Girls Club, Turtle Island Safer Spaces and the Orange Shirt Society to develop a very successful Orange shirt project. Special thanks to John Donner, Yvonne Ewanicke, Gord Sheppard and Tom Kuperus.
$4200 was raised from the Orange Shirt sales. $2100 will go to Saddle Lake, $1050 to Turtle Island Safer Spaces, and $1050 to the Orange Shirt Day Society.
This initiative reached beyond Rotary because of the trust that people have in the Rotary Name.
New Generations
MacEwan Rotaract Financial Relief Bursary
After the tremendous success of last years Financial Relief Bursary our club will be participating again this year with a donation of $3000.
Past President, Myles Dykes had this to say:
Some of our members normally work over the summer to then focus on their studies and volunteering during their school year. However, due to COVID-19 and its effects on the job market, those members were unable to find meaningful employment and could not save money to put towards their studies. These same individuals also continue to struggle finding employment in the current job market. Not only has COVID-19 exacerbated financial concerns, but the cost of education is rising as well. This year was the first of three that a 7% tuition increased will occur; some degrees such as Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science saw an increase of 10%. The handling of economic factors by the government has led to costs of university institutions being downloaded onto students, who are in an increasingly vulnerable and precarious financial situation.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Rotary Club of Edmonton West for their substantial support in this initiative taken by our club. Through the years you have been
our most ardent supporters and continue to be, whether it be mentorship or financial support. On behalf of myself, the current Board Executives and the future leaders of MacEwan Rotaract, we hope to continue on this initiative in the future. Our members continually go above and beyond to give to this Club and family, it is more than due time for us to give back to them. Sincerely,
Myles Dykes, President of MacEwan Rotaract
Club and Community Service
Adopt-A-Highway ~ Joint Service Week
Rotary International asked us to partner with our friends at Kiwanis International, Lions Clubs International, or Optimist International to increase our collective impact through community service.
Celebrate Community is a weeklong service event taking place 10-16 October. During this time, Rotary, Rotaract, Kiwanis, Lions, and Optimist clubs are encouraged to collaborate with one another to complete a service project that benefits the community.
Edmonton West reached out to the Edmonton Host Lions Club who were excited to work with us. So our club members, friends, MacEwan Rotaractors and the Lions Club spent a cool day picking up garbage along Highway 16. Connections were made and stories were told as we learnt about each others community service projects. We decided that we should make this an annual event. We all want to do good in the world, and we can do even more when we do it together.
Grandview Work Bee
The Edmonton West 'Daytimers' were hard at work last week preparing the grounds at Capital Care Grandview for the coming winter. From cleaning flower beds to hanging Christmas decorations these handy Rotarians get the job done.
If anyone is interested in working with the 'Daytimers' contact Al Sanderson.
Purolator Tackle Hunger
In 2003, Purolator employees decided to take action by creating Purolator Tackle Hunger – an initiative that’s all about people helping people. Since then, this employee-lead grassroots initiative has helped deliver more than 13 million pounds of food to families across the country.
With more than 21,000 Edmontonians – including 10,000 children – using the Food Bank every month, we’re all connected to someone who relies on the food bank to help feed the community.
Edmonton West Rotarians have volunteered at this event for many years. We were so pleased to participate in the Purolator Tackle Hunger to collect food and donations for the Edmonton's Food Bank again this year. It was a cold and frosty night but that didn't deter our steadfast and dedicated volunteers. Thanks to our very own Lorne; Erin, Haley and Aaron from MacEwan Rotaract and Chelsea's parents from Vimy Ridge Academy Interact, you were all brilliant!
International Service
Belize
The funds from the Global Grant continue to supply the Corozal Community Hospital with supplies and equipment. The staff were excited to receive delivery of 3 laptops and a generator.
A few of us joined the Rotary Club of Edmonton South to show our appreciation for the 911 dispatchers. There was lots of cheers and clapping as the workers arrived and left their shifts. It was wonderful to see their smiling faces and we created a buzz around their office! Truly an honour to celebrate such an important AHS department!
Rotary International
World Polio Day
24 October
One Day, One Focus, Ending Polio.
The Rotary Club of Edmonton West has been part of the fight to End Polio Now since the beginning. Together with all Rotarians around the world we are this close to eradicating Polio. Thank you to all of the vaccine volunteers who risk their lives to vaccinate every child.
