President Rick convened the meeting reporting for the guests in the audience that our club had its 25th Anniversary last year and has raised $1.5 Million for the local community.
- Thirsty Thursdays happened at 5:30 ish at the Port Moody Legion. Gary Wiggins will be hosting this popular event.
- Susan Bell reported that the Book Club is meeting was Tuesday, not sure if there is a book to read, but apparently there will be wine!!
- Alan Kabatoff reported on the Search for the Perfect Pint which is has been happening for roughly the 20th year. Well before the Craft Beer industry flourished in B.C. Of course, Alan and Pietra (Peter) Cuthbert took credit for developing the Craft industry in the Lower Mainland. It is scheduled for Friday May 2nd from 6:00 to 9:00. 22 Brewers have been confirmed! At the moment 566 tickets have been sold with a max capacity of 600 (Yay!). Alan has sent out a volunteer signup through an email blast and circulated a paper form at the meeting.
- The Shred-a-thon is set for June 7th at Port Moody City Hall from 9:00 – 3:00. We can all help to promote the date by sharing on our social media channels as well as putting up posters in appropriate locations.
- Cleone Todgham reported on Rotary RIPS! Recently the High Schools helped remove Invasive plants at Westhill Part. Next group to help are elementary school students who will be planting “non-invasive” plants in strategic locations.
Birthday’s:
President Rick reported that there were no birthdays today. However Past President Susan corrected him to report that her husband Jim was celebrating today! The appropriate birthday song resulted.
Guests:
Graeme Robinson, Martin Han and
Melissa Martinson
Larina Bouwman our guest speaker
Program:
Mike Clay did a lovely introduction to our speaker today, Larina Bouwman, who is the founder of the 100 Women who care in Tricities group! https://100womentricitiesbc.com/ Larina heard about this group when she lived in Squamish and set up a vibrant group in that community. The movement was initiated by Karen Dunigan in Michigan who observed many children going home from hospital or school with very little in support and wondered what could be done. She invited 100 women to come to a 1 hour meeting with the expectation of donating $100 to support a direct service cause. This quickly raised over $12,000 which made a real difference. This movement has grown to over 650 chapters.
After moving to the Tricities, Larina started the local group last fall with only 12 women, but is targeting finding 500 women to meeting by 2030! The local process is to have members nominate a local charity who could use additional support – normally not a large, sophisticated charity, but something a bit more grassroots. If someone in the club is interested in attending an upcoming event, the next Meeting is May 14th at 7:00 – 8:00 pm at Pasta Polo – if you want dinner, it starts at 5:30. Please email info@100womentricitiesbc.com for more information on helping out.
Happy Dollars:
Good round of happy dollars today, Paul Mitchell-Banks mentioned that his father had a bad fall and is in poor shape. Steve Witiuk reported that he will be having Chemo start in the next few weeks. Of course our “PUNMASTER” Neil offered another groaner to the club.