The Westerner for January 18, 2010
Meeting: chair, Ben Doz; music, Jerome; grace, Jim Johnston
Attendance/Guests: 39 including Hank Hendricks, Rotary Club of Edmonton South; Paula Irvin & Jodi Zabludowski, guest speakers; Alex Paterson, guest of Lynette
Haiti Financial Aid: a vote was called to authorize the board of directors to execute payment of aid through Rotary International as an additional budget item
U of A Rotoract Club: please call George Emery (780-446-3060) to arrange to help get parents and teachers together for Parkdale School, January 28 @ 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Casino: Bill Buckham reported all positions are filled for the 4 shifts on January 23 & 24
Robbie Burns Lunch: January 25, bring spouses and guests to enjoy the parade of Paul Harris Fellows, haggis, dram of scotch and a good lunch plus program
50/50: Bill Buckham and Ralph left $103 to next week
Belize: Duane confirmed that he will fly to Belize City on Sunday, January 24, to join Chris - they will evaluate the wish list of projects put forward by the Rotary Club in Placenia
Jennifer and Jerome will be travelling to Belize on the Rotary District 5370 Project and will be attending the local Rotary District Conference for Central America
Guatemala: Ben Doz gave a quick report on his trip to the back country for eye exams and surgeries - they were centered in a medical clinic built by Rotary Club of Squamish, B C; 468 eye exams, 180 pairs of glasses, 23 major surgeries, many thanks to Lorne, the only Rotarian among the 11 person team other than Dr. Ben
Finemaster: Dr. Joe fined Ben for not introducing guests; any one who has not made a donation to Haiti; any one who did not get out to cheer on the Olympic torch; any one wearing casual clothing or not wearing Rotary pin, Rotary badge; all fines $1
Guest Speakers: Rob Dunseith introduced Paula and Jodi from Easter Seals Alberta. They still do a mail out for their spring campaign but are looking into a more cost effective email process for the future. Since 1951, they have been trying to enhance the quality of life for disabled people (children, adults, seniors) through their Equipment & Support Program. A large component of that program is the provision of special van lifts, scooters, home adaptive lifts and powered wheel chairs. They focus on powered products and leave the self propelled items to the Red Cross.
Currently, there are 50 people on their waiting list and the cost of that support requires about $180,000 in donations. They also sponsor the McQueen Residence that houses people so they can get training to enable them to eventually live independently on their own. In addition, they have Camp Horizon near Bragg Creek which enables young people to gain self confidence, frienships and independence. Access to Entertainment allows a patient to go to the movies at a reduced cost and their care giver can enter free of charge.
The equipment program relates back to their help in the polio epidemic in the 1950's when there was a major need for equipment and the group produced a fund to help. The Easter Seals keep ownership of the product and recycle it to new patients when the item is no longer required by the first user. Users suffer from many debilitating diseases including MS, Cerebral Palsy, Cancer, Diabetes.
They recently helped a young lady who was shot in a random shooting spree - bullet in the spine - she needed a vehicle lift to be able to participate in a productive life style. A middle aged man suffered a stroke and needed a lift to put his scooter into his vehicle. Patients can gain full potential if they can move around and participate in life outside their home. Donations go to euipment purchases or repairs to equipment.
The speakers were thanked by Jim Spalding.