President Heidi started the meeting at 12:32

 

Paul T. read the 4 way test.  President Heidi did the toast.  Larissa was SA and we had 16 members, which grew to 19 after a few members joined after the Sgt. at Arms report. We also had 2 guests, Mark Kitzman and John Treleaven, who joined us from Victoria BC.

None today....  I wonder if we can find away to e-transfer funds for those you wish to participate? 

Linda let us know that the online auction went ok, and she was mildly pleased with the results.  The auction raised $40,200!.  Very well done to all involved, but a special shout out to Linda and Ivana.

 

Rena informed the group that hey served around 130 meals at Lang's on the 9th.  That is a lot of food!  We were told that Heidi and Paul were exceptional MC's and they had whole new careers available to them.

 

Heere's Johnny has taken on a little project collecting mitts, gloves etc (for the Shelter I believe, but I didn't note it down).  He is hoping to surpass 40,200 items in order to out do the auction and could use our help  (I just made that part up, but it would be pretty cool wouldn't it?).  Any donations can be dropped off at the Mennonite Furniture location.

 

Finally, our guest John T. shared that we have an approved vaccine, which is good news indeed.

There was no member joke today, but our guest speaker, a.k.a. Sean Connery, was happy to help out.

 

The joke was a bust, but the impersonation of 007 was outshtanding....

Heidi announced that the rotary masks are being recalled and replaced.  I think they were made by Chrysler!  She will send out an email with more information.

 

Heidi also shared that the GCC needs our support during these times.  Their kitchen is still open for take out, so please consider them as a dining option.  In addition, the course is available for walks and they will have food and beverage options available for anyone who wishes to partake.

 

Larry let us know that the archive committee was set to meet at 9am on the 11th

 

And finally, Heidi also voiced her (and the group collectively) condolences to Matt on the passing of his mom.  She was 101 years young

Paul M introduced our speakers, Mark Kitzman - Communications and Marketing with Mercy Ships Canada and John Treleaven - Former Board Chair

 

Mercy Ships Canada (www. mercyships.ca) has a motto of  "Bringing Hope and Healing"

 

Mark took us through a presentation explaining:

He did a very thorough job, with colour commentary from John.  I have captured some of the highlights, although the web site does a much better job.  Please visit it

 

 

Faith based organization bringing hope and healing to the world's forgotten poor.

 

 

Operate state of the art hospital ships that deliver free surgical and healthcare services and capacity building in developing nations.  The organization is 100% volunteers.  They have primary functions:

 

They have more than 1200 volunteers that serve serve annually from 50 different countries aboard their ships.

 

 

Because.....5 billion people lack access to safe, timely and affordable surgery.  85% of all children need surgical care before their 15th birthday.  The have a huge impact on transforming the lives of individuals who otherwise would have no options:

 

 

Mercy Ships uses a partnership model  to deliver a customized 5 year commitment with every country it is invited to support.

 

They use a 5 phase approach with every deployment that starts from investigation/validation through understanding the success.

 

They believe in solving world problems First, not our own problems

 

They are adding a brand new ship...The Global Mercy at beginning of 2021, which will be fully paid for to the tune of $120M (or there abouts)

 

Expressed gratitude to Rotary international...Rotary gave grant of $ 1.125 M towards the Global Mercy

 

Larissa gave a heartfelt thank you on behalf of the group

 

Make sure you join the meeting next week (the last meeting of 2020).  Heidi promises it will be  "fun and festive" and she also advised us all to be in our own "festive attire".  For anyone who decides that "festive attire" equals "birthday suit", we kindly ask that your zoom is set up for a head shot only....