Back at Timms we saw Nora, John, Merle, Nav, Wayne, Gertrude, Leon, Allan, Anthony and Stephen present, along with guests Sanjeev Nand, Mary Tecson, and Ana Maria Penczel from Langley Community Services Society, with Bob joining in by zoom.
Following the call to order and O Canada (“Excellent rendition”), guests were introduced and then Stephen asked for any Rotary business. Wayne shared information about our Global Grant for Alice Kim, which after very clear explanations from him, was finally closed. Now our club is in good standing and able to apply for other grants as we see fit. Merle reported on attending a Ribfest planning meeting, and we are asked to go on Facebook, like Ribfest, and share the information with others. Wayne reported that he had been asked to serve as one of the coordinators for scheduling 50/50 ticket sales, and had accepted the position.
LCSS Update
Our three guests then shared information about Langley Community Services Society (LCSS) which has grown considerably over the past seven years. Founded in 1971 by a pastor and twenty volunteers, LCSS has grown in programs, employees, and value, with their budget now over $7.7 million. LCSS has fifty full-time and about fifteen part-time employees and is expanding its programs to serve the needs of our community. Former clients are now bringing their children to the agency for assistance, sometimes asking for the same counsellor who had such a positive impact upon their life.
With more programs comes the need for more space, and LCSS has expanded beyond its original site to a building near Walmart, and still more space is required. The many programs include family success, family connections, parent outreach and education, settlement and integration services, substance use services, settlement and employment services, intensive care management team, community counselling, and more.
If you would like screenshots of the LCSS slide presentation, simply ask Wayne and he’ll email you copies.
Foundation Moment with Wayne
Next we were on to the Foundation Moment. We know Rotary helps out around the world when disasters occur, and I found this information about two current instances.
In January 2023 The Rotary Foundation Trustees established two temporary funds to assist Pakistan and Ukraine, two areas that are facing extreme need.
The Pakistan Flood Response Fund and the Ukraine Response Fund address the humanitarian crises caused by devastating flooding in Pakistan and the war in Ukraine. Donors can give directly to relief efforts led by Rotary members.
Contributions will be accepted until 31 December 2023. Districts can apply for grants from the funds until 30 June 2024 or until the funds have all been allocated. Any contributions that haven't been spent by 30 June 2024 will be transferred to the general Disaster Response Fund, to be made available for disasters worldwide. More details can be found on the rotary.org website.
The Light Touch
Before leaving the lectern, Wayne added the Light Touch, sharing three jokes:
Is this pool safe for diving? It deep ends.
My teachers told me I’d never amount to much because I procrastinate so much. I told them, “Just you wait.”
People think “icy” is the easiest word to spell. Come to think of it, I see why.
Other updates
Happy and sad dollars were pledged for: the LCSS presentation, and getting in touch with the oldest son of the Ukrainian refugee family; meeting the new librarian at Nicomekl Elementary and informing her about our book program; successful mediation hearing regarding a strata court case; the presentation, with so much applicable to his patients, yet it’s mind boggling that his credentials don’t allow him to refer clients; India is now the most populous country – they’re having fun; our evening’s presentation and the impressive growth in programs at LCSS; visitors coming and the BC Naturalists AGM; a proposed truth and reconciliation display at the arboretum; and being able to get a ride with Dr. John.
We toasted Canada, packed up the chairs and tables, and bid each other good night. Instead of holding our regular meeting, next week (May 4th) we will be gathering at Chief Sepass Theatre in Fort Langley to participate in the SASSY Awards which we financially support. Click on the link below to reserve your free tickets.
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