We started 2023 off with a bang. Actually, it was more like a ringing crash, as the bell slipped from President Stephen’s hand and upon encountering the floor, decided that two pieces would be its new look. Unfortunately, I did not capture Stephen’s shocked look in a photo, but those attending will remember it.
We had much better attendance with Brendan, Wayne, John, Allan, Leon, Nora, Nav, Anthony, Stephen and Byron being joined by guests Manny Treivish and Yvonne Anderson. Rudy sent his regrets. Surprisingly, no-one joined via zoom this week.
We sang O Canada, an excellent rendition, and “we were all in tune.” Next week our speaker will be the new chair of Ribfest, so turn out to hear what’s planned for this year.
WASH RAG
Tonight we were treated to a fantastic presentation from Yvonne Anderson, president of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen, who spoke to us about WASH RAG (no, not a wash rag) and a bold attempt to finance a huge $400 000 water project in Uganda. As sustainable water projects are getting more expensive and Rotary clubs are getting smaller, it is more difficult for one club to sponsor an effective project and we need multiple Rotary clubs and districts to work together. The RCoT is initiating this project and wants to raise $150 000 to put forward to receive all the matching funds.
Clean water is needed to end the cycle of water poverty complete with water borne illnesses such as typhoid. The sustainable project envisioned would involve the villagers providing labour and a minimum of five and up to ten clubs joining together to provide the financing. Each club could send a representative to Uganda to see the project (and the need for it). Along with a supply of clean, fresh water, the project would involve improved sanitation practice and facilities. With taps near schools, girls would be able to attend classes and then carry a supply of water home instead of having to drop out of school to fetch contaminated water from locations miles away. Unfortunately, wells dug back in the 1980s are no longer operating, so a different approach is needed. Women have learned how to make soap and now sell it. We were shown a tippy-tap and soap-on-a-rope and Yvonne explained how hygiene was being improved. Yvonne kindly sent her presentation which I hope can be attached to RoteNotes. (Please look for a separate email with the presentation attached)
Light Touch
Wayne had no Foundation Moment to share this week but as part of The Light Touch had one piece of humour and two points to ponder.
I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high. She just looked at me, surprised.
Sometimes, not saying something is the best answer. You see, silence can never be misquoted.
Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.
Other updates
We moved on to happy and sad dollars, with eight attendees contributing this week. Money was pledged for the following reasons: inviting Ukrainian friends over and seeing that they are settling in well; receiving notification from IKEA that the countertop is in and needs to be picked up promptly; spending a great afternoon under the meticulous craftsmanship of Allan; losing a friend at age 52; missing meetings; Yvonne’s presentation; members of both teams praying for an injured football player; the travel bug biting again and plans to venture to Mexico; the excellent presentation and happy to see something that is working; the Christmas bird count; Yvonne’s presentation, and noting that Uganda was the first country to export electricity; finally receiving a fifth COVID shot and the troubles getting a second one for a twelve year-old granddaughter; plumbing problems; the Canadian Junior Men’s hockey team winning the gold medal; rushing due to several now-amusing circumstances; and for the difficult decision to move his wife into Langley Lodge.
We closed with our toast to Canada and look forward to meeting again next Thursday. Join us!
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