Today we were in the big room but took up most of the chairs.  Don set up though he claimed not to know how and had lots of help.  Only guest was speaker, Gary Hollick.

 

Jeff read from “Rotary Leader” about a new program tool which requires sign up but could be very useful.  A question was asked about updating our web site but general consensus was it is o.k.

 

SASSY is Friday.  Pat will attend.

 

SOCIAL Next week is at Primo’s – a new Mexican restaurant on the White Rock Beach.  The following month will be at “The Wooden Spoon”.

 

Pat thanked those who put these together.  The Shine The Light Foundation is looking to team up with Rotary to get a grant for Sip and Savour. Stuart, who is one of the people who prepare grant requests, will be away for the next 6 weeks.  There will be a meeting on May 16 at Pat’s office at 4 pm. for an update on grant application procedures.  Rick will get more information on gaming grants.  Gary Hollick’s club gets a grant.  He said it is a bit onerous to set up but easy to administer thereafter.  It is deemed worth persuing especially in light of the recent election.

 

SHRED-A-THON  Is on Sat. June 3.  6 people plus some wives and children will work there.  Set up is 9 am.  Tables and tents will be required.

 

Don was fined for hoarding tickets, Brian paid to make sergeant go away, Renee was happy, for a friend, that Ottawa defeated the Rangers, Rick’s wife went to Toronto and his dad came from Toronto (and tired him out).  Rick thanked Peter for Scribe notes.  Patrick had a birthday (money to come), Jeff put in an IOU for being late, and for election results.  He also said he owes Pat a receipt.

 

SPEAKER Introduced by Jerry.  Gary Hollick spoke on the future of Rotary.  Rotary has not grown from 1.2 million members.  India is growing fast but may not be real.  North America is shrinking.  Rotary needs to change.  It is getting older and networks are disappearing.  Rotary is between step two a three of 5 stages of grieving which are Anger, Denial, Negotiation, Depression, and Acceptance.

We need to get to acceptance and then change.  There are 4 pillars to change.  They are (1) Set goals, (2) Determine what is relevant (we need to recognize a “wow factor” such as good speakers), (3) be social, (4) final pillar is “Service – it is not the first.

Our target group is home owners with wife and children who go to work and have a mortgage to pay.  They are over 30.  We need to go after new people and help them succeed.  That is hard work. Paul Harris got people together for social needs.  The first project, a comfort station, kept people down town and improved business.  Service came later.  We need to make more noise about our local projects.  We need to have fun.  International projects come later.

Rick thanked the speaker.

 

EXECUTIVE MEETING is next Tuesday – not Wednesday.

 

5 Club Breakfast is This Saturday the 13th – the day after SASSY.  Everyone is to turn up at 10:30 am for clean up.  One person still owes for tickets.

 

Dierdre’s e mail worked.  There were several visitors, including a visiting Rotarian, Spouse, guest as well as the speaker.

 

Mary Brunet, president of the Rotary Club of Semiahmoo spoke about upcoming events – SASSY (May 12), the 7^th annual.  A need for club information (Joanne nominated as chair in her absence and Dierdre has photos and is to tell her) and a planting Bee to come in fall.

 

Pat suggested that the district governor’s visit schedule be left up to Lindajean.

 

A suggestion has been made that each of 5 clubs pick up 1/5 of the 1% proposed reduction in support of Save on Foods gift cards that the Block family has proposed.  Mary Brunet said that this could be capped.  Pat said this will go to the executive and if approved will then come to the membership.

 

Pat said we need to consider proposals for next year’s executive.  Be prepared if this railroad comes your way.

 

Renee reminded us of the shred it event coming on June 3^rd and explained, mainly for visitors, where the money is going.  The shred it company’s donation was again mentioned as it has not yet been made.

 

Peter talked about the 5 club breakfast, the generous matching donation promised, ticket sales and other donation received.

 

Sergeant Scott Phemeister told a long story of his cruise and the Rotarians and other service minded people he met.  Peter paid for a goal scored during the sergeant’s absence and was rebuked for only one goal in the long time.  Alan paid a pittance for all the rain we had to put up with.  Don was happy that he no longer has to lead O’Canada.   Brian paid for the article in the newspaper that the sergeant was shown IN PANAMA. Visitor Rhonda was happy to have a child closer to home.  Pat was happy to have a child working closer to home.  Mary was happy to be going to the District conference but complained (a bit) about the dropping exchange rate. 

 

Speaker, April Lewis, was introduced by Dierdre.  April was happy to have her daughter back from Cambodia even though unemployed.  April told us she is divorced after 30 years but has a boy friend who is a Paul Harris Fellow.  She has had a birthday recently that qualifies her to work with CARP.  She has cruised with Lindajean, known to her as Linda.  April talked about her book, Lovingly Arrogant, a title she picked up when she was called that.

April was thanked by Stuart, though she said writers liked pens, she appreciated the certificate we gave her.

This was a business meeting, poorly attended.

 

Jerry spoke about a session at the Rotary training he recently attended.  It was about employing people with disabilities.  They appreciate having jobs and make very good workers.  It is possible we will have a speaker on this subject.

 

Pat spoke about “Why we do the things we do.”  He read an e mail from Tracy, who was on the Sip and Savour Committee and is now in South Africa.  She mentioned that beggars look for food in doggy bags rather than money.  She also spoke of experiences in an orphanage in South Africa.

 

The main business of the meeting was fund raising.  Go Fund me and Corporate donation were mentioned.  Corporations are planning for 2018 now.  A list of companies should be prepared.  Very large operating costs of some charities was mentioned.  Some go fund me projects are successful and some are not.  Work is required to determine how to be successful.  Jerry volunteered to head up go fund me efforts.  Jeff said we need a project to send people to a go fund me site.  A discussion of tax receipts followed.  Our international projects will provide input to go fund me. 

Deirdre proposed an singer of Irish Songs might give a concert for us.

 

A list of past members was circulated for comment about a proposed reunion aimed at increasing membership.

Sip and Savour is moving to the White Rock Community Centre because the shopping Centre owners have a new policy against such events.  The book sale moved for the same reason.

Peter talked about the 5 club breakfast.  He pushed for ticket sales, cleanup workers, and posters.

 

We had one guest and one honorary member as well as a good turnout.  (Welcome back Joanne).

 

May 4 is the District Conference in Seattle.  There is still space.

Member survey results were mailed out.  There were 1304 responses.

A Future Visioning session is coming.

Shred it is coming.

An e mail re Cambodia was read by Brian.  There is an article and picture of Brian in the Peace Arch News of April 12.

THERE IS NO REGULAR MEETING next week.  An executive meeting will be held at 8 am and a SOCIAL at about 6 pm (Place to be sent by e mail)

Peter has posters and a few tickets for 5 club breakfast.  Event is May 13.

 

SERGEANT was Al Benson.

 

Brian O’Ruaric gave a slide show and talk on the orphanage in Cambodia.  It is amazing what can be done with a few dollars but it is also surprising how little attention is paid to safety.  Motorcycles are the main motorized vehicles.  There are few trees except scrub.

 

50/50  Dierdre’s ticket was drawn but she did not pull the joker.

 

Rick read from Rotary Canada some of 20 things to know about Rotary.  Among things he read were – 4 R.I. Presidents were from Canada, Winnipeg was the first club outside the U.S.A., and the R.I. Convention has been held in Canada 7 times and it is scheduled for Toronto next year.

 

Youth Protection policy which was picked up by Roberta at last weekend’s training was passed around.  It was explained in a confusing way at the training session but seems to apply only if you have youth staying in your home.

Scott arrived late and fined himself for that and a planned cruise and a wife away.  Dierdre was happy for sunshine at a ski resort though she did not ski.  Rick paid for planning to leave early to go to Toronto and a wife away.  Don was happy to be here.  Peter paid for having an assist at hockey.  Roberta was sad because Jerry was to be home and Jerry was sad because his term was ending.

 

We will have a social on April 19 but the place will only be announced next week.  Rick will confirm by next week. Your scribe is betting on The Wooden Spoon.

 

Beth Kish was introduced by Stuart.  She is Executive Director of the South Surrey White Rock Hospice Society.  She handed out 2 brochures and gave a slide show.  The society will be in 2 buildings.  The old house was torn down in 2016 and the new facilities will be built by the end of 2017.  One building will be offices and multi-purpose rooms, while the other is for hospice beds.  Of planned costs of $1.2 million all has been raised except for $300K.  Some generous donations have been pledged for floors and lighting.  Hike for Hospice is May 9.  There will be a Journey Wall which was the cause of several questions.  Only about 280 tiles are being sold and one will win a trip on WestJet.

 

50/50 Draw – Renee’s ticket was drawn but she failed to pull the joker.

 

Geoff talked about traditions in Rotary that seem to be less important and read the Objects of Rotary.

 

Guest Emery Dosdall reminded members to do the membership survey and attend training.  Pat Hahn also reminded members of the leadership training at Kwantlen.

Peter and Emery talked about the 5 club breakfast.

 

Renee confirmed this is on June 3 at the Safeway parking lot in Ocean Park.  Combing with Ocean Park Days was suggested.

 

Pat reported that Brenda Gibson of PAN was at the club presidents’ meeting and was very effusive about input from our club.  Congratulations to Joanne Taylor, our P.R. person.

 

Iwona Mandera was introduced by Dierdre. Iwona is manager of Ocean Park and Semiahmoo Libraries.  Iwona came to Canada at age 25 from Poland and liked it so she stayed.  At the time she spoke no English.  Iwona gave a very interesting talk.  She talked about a Library being built in Clayton and told us how each library caters to the area it is in.  She pointed out that each library is different and she talked about all the different programs that libraries run.  She said that Library cards are free but worth about $610/year.  Programs include: seed library, crafts, book clubs, poetry, authors, financial literacy, wellness, computer training and she talked about loans of ebooks, emagazines,  and international newspapers.

She answered questions about limits of borrowing, renewals and talked about copy writes and waiting lists.

Newer programs include Opera, school choirs, festivals of trees, Lego, and offices away from home.  Libraries are no longer quit places just for reading.

 

 

After two weeks of not meeting for breakfast at the Pacific Inn we are back and so was our waitress who had been away when we last met there.

We had a good turnout of members with only the guest speaker as a guest.  Every seat was taken.

 

SHRED-A-THON 

Renee announced that this is planned for June 3^rd with Urban Impact.  Renee will be arranging with Safeway today.  Urban Impact has not yet given its donation to the dog suppliers.  If they do not donate we will. 

 

FUND RAISER 

We need another fund raiser.  A Legion event is likely.  We have about $2K for International right now. 

 

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Dierdre wants us to like our Facebook page.  She says it is easy but some members would like a speaker to explain social media.  Our guest speaker also mentioned dome features of Facebook.

 

SIP & SAVOUR 

Scott is our representative on the committe for the coming event.

 

SOPHIE’s PLACE GALA 

This fund raiser is on May 5 at the Langley Trotting Track.  VIP tickets are $150 with a $100 tax receipt.

 

DISTRICT 5050 TRAINING 

Is on April 1 at Kwantlen University.  We pay for 5.  District executive, Stuart Wilson will attend but is a district member for attendance.

 

Darin Alexander is co chair of volunteers for the White Rock/South Surrey Safety (formerly Police) Organization.  He passed out copies of a hand out about their fund raiser on October 27 at 8pm at Hazelmere Golf Course.  The organization is looking for a secretary right now.  South Surrey RCMP are part of Surrey RCMP so there is some problem allocating funds to South Surrey alone.  So far the organization is holding the funds.  This year firefighters and marine rescue have joined the group which used to be only police.  Gaiming funds may be easier to get if the word “police” is not in the organization’s name.  Support in the form of sponsors, funds or just word of mouth is sought.  There was much discussion of Surrey versus South Surrey and the conflict has caused some loss of volunteers in Surrey.

 

5 CLUB BREAKFAST 

Peter has been appointed our representative on the committee but the position is open if anyone wants it.  The breakfast will be on May 13 at the White Rock United Church from 8 am to 11 am.  Our club will be responsible for some ticket sales and cleanup.  The 5 club breakfast has a very good reputation for clean up so we have a chance to shine.  Tickets will be $15 each and will be available after April 5.

 

Scott picked up funds for late arrivals and Canuck win over Chicago among others.

We had a very enjoyable social and meal at the Hahn's. 

Thanks very much to Pat and Karilyn for their hospitality.

 

THERE ARE NO REGULAR MEETINGS FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS. 

Next week we visit Sophie’s Place, 9460 140^th Ave.  Car pools will go from the Pacific Inn parking lot at 7:15 am. 

The following week is March 15 and there will be a St. Patrick’s dinner at Pat Hahn’s new home, 1282 Duprez St, White Rock at 6 p.m. 

This will be our March social.

 

Stuart Wilson started O’Canada and Roberta Zdril gave the invocation.

Guests were Sandy Whiteman and John Block from Semiahmoo Rotary Club.  John spoke of the Gift Card Program.  He has spoken to Daryl of Save-On Foods.  The program Rotary has is a very special one and is not to be made available to the general public.  The Block Family matching ends in June and other sponsors are being sought.

 

There is an RLI (Rotary Leadership Institute) this Saturday, March 4, at the Sunrise Conference Center, registration at 8 am and program at 8:30.  Pat said anyone who has not been to one should attend.  There are big changes coming in Rotary and there are very good speakers.

 

A Bird House was auctioned with Deirdre winning the house and over $260 raised for Polio Plus.

 

Speaker, Sandy Whiteman, talked about Wheelchairs given to Mexico.  Sandy has been to 5 distributions in Mexico in the last 10 years.  He told many stories.  At the first distribution he was at chairs were given to residents of a senior’s home with appalling conditions.  A woman was very appreciative as she was put in her new chair and said to him in Spanish which he later had translated, “Now I know what God’s eyes look like.”  In his most recent trip he inquired why so many young people needed wheel chairs and was told that many had Cerebral Palsy.  He said that there are matching grants available which make a gift of $10 into $65.  He said that he hopes to have a large container ready this year with 4 or 5 clubs taking part.  He also said that Mexican Rotary Clubs work very hard and told a story of one club obtaining an ambulance and their problems getting it over the border from the U.S.A.  These clubs select recipients of chairs and even have changed adult diapers.  In spite of preparations the computer projector did not work and Sandy passed his I Pad around.  I pads are very expensive in Mexico so they were brought in from the U.S.A.  One boy who was crippled and non verbal was able to communicate with an I pad.

Deirdre thanked the speaker.

 

Our executive will consider a wheel chair project.

 

Save-on cards can be bought using Visa at certain businesses in South Surrey and White Rock.  A full list was promised but in the meantime some are Courtesy Cleaners and Shill Insurance Brokers.

 

 

 

 

 

Rotary Minute - Alan Benson talked about Rotary in Russia from an article written some time ago.  There was a 40 to 50 year period when not much was happening because no NGOs were allowed in Russia.  Now there are Rotary clubs that work hard.  One partnered with Aeroflot to fly 40 people to Alaska.

 

Sergeant - Pat was fined for forgetting to introduce guests so belatedly Don introduced Iola.  Deirdre paid the usual dollar that Brian pays and was fined for not rigging last week’s raffle in favor of the sergeant.  Renee paid just because.  She also reported on the Pacific Guide dog puppies and on our dog for Sophie’s  place which is still in training (the dog that is).  Iola was happy for the dogs.  Roberta paid because Jerry said to!  Don Jerry and Jeff paid for not wearing pink on anti bullying day.  (Lots of others should have paid.)  Jeff also paid for “looking like a banker”.

 

Alan read most of a letter from our YAIL person who also said she would speak to us if asked.  She enjoyed the experience.  It was reported that at the executive meeting Emery said we can send an over age person to Adventures in Citizenship.

Deirdre reported on the membership meeting last Saturday.  It was a packed half day with good input from the floor.  Key items are: We need to listen, membership will be part of District Training, Visioning and Fireside Chats are part of the program.

 

Dean Rohrs will be speaking Sat. Mar 4 at Newlands.  She was said to be a very interesting speaker.  Cost is $45 per person.

Dierdre reported from Brian.  He is back in Bangkok.  Work is done in Batambang to their standard which is less than our standard.

Jeff wants sergeant and draws to be regular because it raises money for club activities.

It was reported that the White Rock Club Meetings are moving out of the Field House but where to was not known.

 

Speaker - Rick Singh spoke and showed pictures from his recent trip to India.  He started by speaking of moves from India to Guiana, Toronto and the west coast of Canada.  They landed in India at the very modern airport at 1 am and had a45 minute ride to their hotel.  The same ride can take 3 hours at rush hour.  There is much pollution.  Playing fields are in use early and may have several games on a field for one in this crowded country.  A crack down on corruption caused line ups at banks and electronic tellers and a black market in currency exchange.  Traffic is crazy but there are few accidents.  There are many monuments and towers.  A rickshaw ride is highly recommended and amazing in the congestion.  Markets are very organized.  Women work very hard.  Cows are everywhere.  Country is very different from cities.  Everyone is after money.  There are fruit stands and gypsies at the side of the road.  The government has a 2030 plan for modern apartment buildings.  Trains are cheap but crowded.

 

Draw - Pat’s ticket was drawn and he pulled the joker.  He donated funds to the club. 

 

 

A good turnout today with no visitors.  There was considerable discussion with no speaker and no Rotary minute.

Geoff Richards was the 13^th person and arrived late as usual.

 

Feb 18 at the Field House is a seminar called Membership Matters.  At least 3 people from each club is desired.  Jerry, Roberta and Deirdre will go at 8:30 am.

Mar. 4 there is a Rotary Institute.  You can sign up on line at the district 5050 web site.

Mar. 11 there is a boot camp at the Silver Reef Casino in Ferndale from 8:30 to 2:30.

May 4 is the District Conference in Seattle.

June 14 is the start of the National Convention in Atlanta.

February 15 is our Social night with Speaker, Mayor Baldwin, at the Road House Grill.  At least 16 people are expected.

Feb 22 is the new date for the tour of Sophie’s Place.  We will meet at the Pacific Inn and car pool for an 8 am start (to be confirmed).

 

3 of our members attended.  We got a cheque for over $2000 from Sip and Savour.  The South Surrey/White Rock Hospice got $25,000. 

 

It is proposed to name a room in the new Hospice building the Rotary Room at a cost of $50,000.  The executive will decide if we are to take part.  Some members feel a written motion with more details is required. 

It was also proposed that minutes of previous executive meetings and an agenda should go to members of the executive before meetings. 

There was discussion of Local vs. International projects, Hands on vs. Program projects.

Don Boyce questioned 0ur clubs part in Bryant Park which is scheduled for major change to the east of the tree line.  Work Party turn out has not been great.  The Kiwanis Park and Hogg Park were mentioned as examples of the failure of White Rock’s adoption agenda.

 

There was discussion of Honorary memberships.  Bob Gray wants one.  Criteria and practices are required.  Are honorary memberships limited in time?  McIntosh was compared to St Germain and Ferguson.  A problem with membership numbers has been discovered. 

There is a discrepancy between our records and those of Rotary International.

 

ADVENTURES IN CITIZENSHIP is for people 16 to 18 years old.  The Learning Centre has proposed a 19 year old.  Ottawa has said it is ok if in grade 12 and accepts rules but Bob Gray wants a legal opinion and is concerned about our Club’s liability.  YAIL refused an over age person.  Also travel is not at the lowest cost.  We have until Mar 3 to decide.

 

EXECUTIVE MEETING was set for Wednesday Feb 15 at 8 am at the Pacific Inn.  No date suited everyone.  Renee has a problem with this time.

The guest speaker at the meeting was Paul Linza.  He presented information on a program sponsored by ACT which trains high school students to recognize a heart attack victim.  They are then trained in basic resuscitation technique in providing chest compressions.  The students also are trained in the use of AED (Automatic Electrical Defibrillators). Members in attendance were very appreciative of Paul providing this information.

 

The following items were discussed at the January 25th Meeting.

• District Grants Management Seminar (USA)
  Bellingham Golf & Country Club
  Feb 11, 2017
  9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Boot Camp 3: Facebook & Social Media
  Silver Reef Casino Hotel
  Mar 11, 2017
  8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
• District 5050 Assembly
  Kwantlen University Surrey Campus
  Apr 01, 2017
  8:00 AM – 2:30 PM

 

 Scribe Jan. 11, 2017

Today is a business and executive meeting.

Chair, Pat Hahn, introduced assistant D.G. Emery Dosdall, who was visiting.

There is a Grant Seminar this Saturday, Jan. 14 at the field house.  Pat  and Deirdre will attend.

 

Emery told us of the million dollar dinner last weekend.  Over 3.3 million dollars were raised to be spent on Rotary’s 6 areas of concern.  Emery also spoke of Polio plus.  He said that John Germ told those present that polio is now endemic in Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan and there is $1 billion being spent per year.  The current rate is 36 cases of polio per year.  It was difficult to immunize particularly in Nigeria because of a belief that the immunization was an American plot but when a Nigerian chief brought his child for immunization the resistance was reduced.

 

Feb 3 there is a fundraising event at the Casino at the Cloverdale trotting track.

 

Feb 2 we are invited to the Semiahmoo breakfast meeting where there will be a cheque presentation for money raised by Sip and Savour to the hospice foundation.   Mary Bruno is President of the Semiahmoo Club and Pat is to ensure that publicity re funds raised recognizes that this was a 5 club event – not just Semiahmoo Club.  The meeting is at the Rotary Field House.  It was proposed to make this our meeting for the week but low attendance plans caused the defeat of this idea so we will meet on February 1 as regularly planned.  A formal accounting of the Sip and Savour fund raising is still hoped for.

Deirdre attended a talk about I Empowerment.  The speaker would be available for a 5 club meeting

 

SERGEANT – Lost his fines cup.

JoAnne paid for being late, Brian paid to make the sergeant go away, Alan paid for being late and for Obama’s speech last night, Emery was happy to be here, Deirdre was fined for talking over the chair, Pat was happy to have taken his eldest son to the airport, Rick was sad to be going to Toronto for a funeral but happy that his dad is ok and will be here in spring, Scott was sad that his brother, who has cancer and lives in Cache Creek had several trips to Vancouver for treatment that was cancelled, Don was happy to have slept in which is very rare, Pat was happy for Don, Rick was happy that the story was not accompanied by the Viagra song

 

Alan told us that student, Ethan, is too old for YAIL but may go to RYLA.  We voted to get YAIL money back.

Brian reported on Thailand.  Funding needs are still being investigated.  Receipts for funds given are in the mail.  Chip and Brian are going there on Feb 17.

Rick reported that Nikki, from Make A Wish, is looking for volunteers.  He will forward her e mail.

 

There was considerable discussion of Pacific Guide Dogs and Sophie’s Place.  Our social in February, Feb. 15, may be breakfast at Sophie’s.  Deirdre to contact Sophie’s to see if Feb 15 is o.k.  We have seen $14350 given to PADS (2 times 5000 from our club 2 times 500 privately and a donation from Urban Impact).  We originally said we would try to give $5000 per year for 3 years.  Our intent is to get a dog for Sophie’s Place.  Deirdre is to pursue a receipt.  A practice of voting on all significant cheques was suggested.

 

January 18 social will be dinner at the Roadhouse Grill.  Rick to arrange. At least 8 people will attend.

Sean Hagen has been discussing a Passport Club as a way to get back some Rotarians.  A Passport club meets only 4 times per year.  It is suggested that Sean be a speaker at a future meeting.

Absence of Renee was noted and a call to her suggested.

Emery thanked those who worked on the Polar Bear Swim and hopes to see all presidents swim soon.  It was suggested that District Governors should also swim.

Scribe Jan 4 2017

 

This is our first meeting of the new calendar year so HAPPY NEW YEAR!  If you missed this meeting you missed a good one.

Allan Benson reported on the Polar Bear Swim.

There is a picture taken by a drone on the front page of today’s Peace Arch News.  Alan estimated 2500 people.  Chip said there were 2447 in the picture in the water by his count, which was very quick.  Our tent was set up and Alan mentioned Brian, Chip and Deirdre as workers.  Parking took up all spaces.  There were 3 Polar Bears.  Brian was seen in the water as usual.  This was a 5 club event with people recognized from our club, Peninsula, Semiahmoo and White Rock.

SERGEANT 

Scott fined himself and Peter for talking while the president was talking, Jeff for being late, Jerry and Roberta for moving to Ladysmith.  Pat was happy to have a daughter going to Thailand for a year.  He was also jealous. Alan was fined for being late.  Scott was happy to have seen the New Year’s show at the River Rock Casino and for having come out even!  Brian paid for the sergeant to stop talking but was told he would have to pay much more to make that happen.  Geoff cleaned out his office and offered a number of books for free but Rick paid for some.  Peter was happy with a new washer and dryer given by his children who last year gave a gas BBQ.  He was told he has good children.

Our screen has been found but it was too easy for Rick, in the closet in our meeting room.

 

Jennifer Petersen, the director of the B.C. & Yukon chapter of The Children’s Wish Foundation, brought Nikki Kost as her computer operator and gave a wonderful talk with a video.  The Foundation serves people from 3 to 17 years old.  It has been in Canada for 34 years and is completely separate from the similar U.S.A. organization.  Jennifer stated that the term “Terminal” is not used and wishes are not always end of life situations.  She referred to referrals and asked if any of us had family of friends that should be referred to them.  Rick said he would kill his kids if they did not do well in school but did not refer them.  The Canadian foundation has granted 23000 wishes and is completely supported by donations.  It gets no government grants.  Small Provinces donate more per capita than large ones.  No qualified wish is turned down.  A single wish granted can affect 100 people.  Jenifer gave an example of a teacher being affected.  The average wish costs about $10k.  Jennifer gave us several amazing stories with pictures of some of the recipients.  The B.C. budget for operations is $1.5 million.  Jennifer said Canada Post collects from clients and makes donations including The Children’s Wish Foundation.

Alan thanked Jennifer and promised a certificate would follow.

Jennifer is always looking for opportunities to speak and we will tell other Rotary Clubs on the Peninsula about her.