CLUB MEETING HIGHLIGHTS - April 11, 2023
Fleming Centre, Beamsville
President Brenda Kell-Kotwa extended a warm welcome to special guest Klaas Zeldenrust + 18 Lincoln Rotarians.
Representing POD #3 Team, Katie Appleyard offered her “Thought for the Day” in tribute to Rotary Founder Paul Harris who was born on April 19, 1868. On June 27 1933, Paul Harris gave a live radio broadcast from the Rotary International convention in Boston. Near the end of his talk, Harris noted that Rotary is a way of life and the world is full of potential Rotarians.
“If you have the love of your fellow men in your hearts, my friends, you are a potential Rotarian.”
Katie invited everyone to join in a toast to Paul Harris, Rotary International and Rotary Club of Lincoln.
Click here to read about Paul Harris and listen to his live broadcast from 1933.
Another POD #3 team member, Sue Foster featured the club’s Environmental Committee in her Point of Pride by commending the success of the recent four-part Eco-Series that concluded on April 5 with guest speaker, Lorraine Johnson. Lorraine is Canada’s most prolific author of native plant gardening and her latest book is an inspiration for all gardeners as it features the vital specialist relationships between plants and insects.
The winning 50/50 ticket was held Gayle Lucas-Roth who missed out on the prize by pulling the 10 of clubs.
The collection of HAPPY BUCKS rendered much enthusiasm for the sunshine & summery weather that everyone enjoyed as they celebrated Easter weekend with family and friends here and there. Sue F was particularly happy that she and Rob had spent their weekend at their seasonal home at Point Clark
While Anna M attributed her very rosy complexion to too much time in the sun, Joanne S reported a very successful 50K ride as a trial run for Bike the Benchlands as a glorious way to spend a day in the sun.
Rob F reported that he had wrapped up his teaching at Niagara College for this semester & Katie A was excited to be flying off to San Diego to take in a conference next week.
UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - CLUB MEETING CANCELLED
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 - POD#4 Club Meeting @ FLEMING CENTRE
Tuesday, May 23, 2023 - POD#4 Club Meeting @ FLEMING CENTRE
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 - Club Social
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Great Lakes Watershed Clean-up/Beamsville Downtown Tidy
Friday, April 21, 11am - 3pm @ @ West Niagara Secondary School, Beamsville Campus
Sunset Music Series is returning to Charles Daley Park in July 2023
Concert every Tuesday evening, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
PROGRAM
with Klaas Zeldenrust
Andy Fluit introduced Klaas as a longstanding volunteer leader with Niagara Christian Gleaners (NCG). Klaas explained that “Christian Gleaners” originated in British Columbia in 1994 out of a growing concern for the hungry people of the world. In 2008, the first operation in Ontario was established in Cambridge, followed by a second one in Leamington. The third opened in Niagara in December 2018 in a brand new plant located the Industrial Park in Smithville.With the support of 70 churches across Niagara and beyond, NCG is a dedicated interdenominational charitable organization. “The Gleaners” feed hungry people of the world by collecting excess produce and turning it into nutritious and versatile dried food. The packages of dried vegetables and fruits are provided FREE to relief and development organization for transportation and distribution to areas of need in countries around the world.
Each year, NCG collects over 3 million pounds of surplus produce from their grower partners in Ontario and other provinces. Hundreds of volunteers wash, chop, dry and package 5,000 - 8,000 lbs of all types of vegetables + apples, pears and apricots each and every day to produce at least 15 million servings annually.Featured in Klaas’ presentation were GLOBAL FOOD WASTE & HUNGER FACTS…
Roughly one-third of the food produced that is intended for human consumption every year - around 1.3 billion tons and valued at USD$1 trillion - is wasted or lost. This is enough to feed 3 billion people.
About 21,000 people die every day of hunger or hunger-related causes.
In Summer/Fall 2023, NCG is adding 5,000 square feet to its current facility for much needed storage to accommodate its ever-growing inventory. The $1.2 million required to fund this capital project has been raised through donations but funding is still needed for specialized equipment.
Klaas concluded with suggestions to answer “How can you help?”…
- Offer prayers & encouragement
- Volunteer
- Make a donation
- Identify readily available produce
For full details: https://niagaragleaners.org/