Our speaker today is our very own Dittie Voegele. A year ago, a group made up of Rotarians from different clubs was looking for volunteers to go to Tanzania and Dittie signed up. She went with an open mind. When the group arrived, they had two drivers who stayed with them for 14 days. They were taken to their site; food was good, little problem with water.
When Dittie arrived, the kids were overwhelmed, they never saw toys before. Dittie learned that kids don’t go to school until primary school and 60% of them in school fail. Several clubs in Ontario contributed and a one-room school house was built. The question came up as to whether there were any girls in school and it was discovered that 40% were girls which was great to see. The local people were all waiting for the group. The group did all the outdoor yard work and Dittie was in charge of doing the painting. She painted the cow which was thrilling for the kids. When they were finished with the school, they were ready to do the opening and the kids were very excited because they were getting new uniforms. For the opening they slaughtered a cow and a goat, nothing went to waste. Dittie was interested to see how women were treated. The male has his own room (has several wives and lots of children), the female has her own room and there is a room for the animals. They have only one meal per day, Dittie never saw the kids eat or drink all day so they were all very careful not to eat in front of them.
Rotarians around the world want to make a difference; they want to help to build. When you experience changes like Dittie’s experience, you come back a different person. Anyone who can sponsor a child for $20 per month, see Dittie who will be happy to get you get linked up.
Mari-Anne Tate has been proposed as a new member for our Club in the Classification - Retired Teacher and approved by the Board
Mari-Anne was a member of our club for several years and very active particularly in youth exchange and other youth programs. She went to the Caledon West Club when that formed but this has now closed. It is our privilege and joy that she is coming back to us.
Any member may register an objection in writing or by e-mail to the Secretary by close of business Monday, April 28th, 2014
Join the Rotary Walk for Rapport on Sunday, June 8th, registration 8:30 a.m., 4-1/2 km walk starts at 10 a.m. We are looking for people who will walk and collect pledges; also lots of volunteers are needed for this event. We are also looking for sponsors. Please see Dittie if you are able to help in any of these areas.
More information on Facebook (please like our page) and on the website
St. Augustine Interact Club – thanks to the youth volunteers at Rib ‘N’ Roll. Profit from water and pop sale is divided with the interact club for their project. 50% of the profit was $856.38. A cheque for this amount was presented to them.
Our signature event will be held May 23rd, 24th & 25th. Five ribbers have been confirmed and there will be a ticket booth at each ribber stand, thereby increasing our volunteer load. So please consider volunteering at this special event. We are looking forward to our most successful event this year. Contact John Digby – John@ribnroll.com if you are able to help.
The five Brampton Rotary Clubs are gathering on Wednesday, May 7 at The Glen Banquet Hall for our annual Quint dinner meeting. We will meet at 6 p.m. for a social (cash bar) and then enjoy a steak or salmon dinner. Guests are welcome for the cost of the meal ($35.00). Our guest speaker is Christine Marchand, speaking on the theme of Saving Mothers and Children. Christina has been involved with maternity care in Uganda and has a remarkable story to share. Save this date in your calendar.
Our Spring Cpoin Show is scheduled for Sunday, April 27 at Century Gardens. Buy, Sell, Trade &Appraise at over 40 Tables Children’s Table from 9am to 4:30pm. Coins, Medals, Tokens, Supplies, Paper Money, Militaria, Scrap Silver & Gold Poster