President Jack welcomed Kathy Lovey's sister, Kim and our speaker Dan Drieger from Menno Homes, who was our co-presenter with Kathy Loveys.  

 

 

Past President Ian Roberton led the Induction of our new member, Antoine Gerritsen who is being sponsored by David Barth.  Antoine is a Continuous Improvement Manager for Vanderlande, and is very interested in becoming involved in our community through service.  Members warmly welcomed Antoine.  

 

 

Gord Ferguson is in hospital and members are encouraged to reach out to him through his son's email address which was distributed earlier. 

 

Chuck Thompson was home and recovering from his surgery which went well.  

 

Bill and Edie Stevens celebrated 53 years of marriage - Congratulations!

 

Doug Fisher and Jim Evans were pleased to be granted Honorary Membership in the club.

 

Tim Bradich is entering retirement, and has been approved as a Senior Active member of the club.  

 

John Thompson and a crew of club members assisted an elderly gentleman to move this past week.  Kudos for your service!

 

October 24th is World Polio Day.  Mac Graham is planning a special acknowledgement of the amazing accomplishment in nearly eradicating this terrible disease. 

 

Mac Graham reported that the visit to the rare Research Reserve was a successful event with approximately 25 members and families attending.  He encouraged members to take advantage of this beautiful natural resource in our community, and informed members that they are holding one-day experiences for school age children to learn about our natural environment.  More information available on their website www.raresites.org.

 

Tim Bradich encouraged members to continue to procure Flag leases as one of the fundraisers we are still able to conduct.  Only two new leases have been made, so he is hoping members will put a push on prior to the November 11th installation.  

 

Judy Nairn reported that "Catch the Ace" is in its third week, and still provides a weekly minimum pot of $500 to be won.  She explained that you buy a ticket(s) every week for various price levels, and one card is selected.  If you have a ticket on that card, you win the minimum amount of $500.  If the Ace of Spades is drawn, you win the Progreessive Pot which builds every week.  It currently stands at $1,376.  Encourage your family and friends to get in on this fun way to raise money for our two hospitals and Kidsability.  Go to www.catchtheactkw.ca

 

David Barth announced that the International Committee will be hosting another Scotch tasting on Friday, November 13 to raise funds for our international projects.  Members are encouraged to attend by Zoom, and also to offer financial support to offset the costs.  David will be happy to provide more detail to anyone willing to make a monetary or inkind donation.

 

Mac Graham reported that the five local clubs are mounting a flu shot challenge - "Get it Done by December One".  Rotarian pharmacists, Maria Greco and Klara Serjani are available to assist, but members can go anywhere to get their shots and report to Mac.  

 

GUEST SPEAKERS - Kathy Loveys, Executive Director, Parents for Community Living and Dan Drieger, Executive Director of Menno Homes.

 

Kathy and Dan gave an overview of the work of their two agencies and then detailed the plans for the collaborative with St. Paul's Lutheran Church to build a facility that will include 48 affordable apartment units as well as ancillary amenities that will support the residents as well as being available for community use.  The building is on a lot where St. Paul's church stood on the corner of Lancaster Street and Bridgeport Road, and is accessible by public transit.  The cost is $15 Million. Funds are being raised from a variety of sources, including each of the three partners.  

 

It is proven that if people can be assured of suitable housing at a cost within their means, it improves all aspects of their life.  This project is a perfect example of how organizations working together for good can make a huge difference in the lives of those community members who are vulnerable and in need.  

 

President Jack thanked Dan and Kathy for their commitment to this project and for the good work they are doing in the community to assist in this very special way.