Guests: 18 Rotarians were joined by Guests Agus Sancho, Rotary Youth Exchange student from Argentina, Connor Piper, John & Joan Knighten, Bonnie Treacy, Leslie Cunningham, Steven Guilbeault and Keley Akwiwu
Joan Knighten talks about British Home Children
Program
President Elect Kevin Smoke welcomed everyone and gave the land acknowledgment and POD members assisted with opening exercises.
Joan Knighten spoke about "British Home Children". Approximately 100,000 children came from the United Kingdom to Canada to work between 1869 and 1948. Sept. 28th is designated as British Home Child Day every year. Joan's father, Tom Power was one of these children and she shared photos and stories. Over 50 charitable organizations thought they were helping children by sending them to Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, but in most cases they ended up as child labour and suffered abuse. This was not recognized until 2010 even though descendants make up about 10% of the Canadian population. They are still waiting for a formal apology from the Prime Minister.
Items of Interest
President Elect Kevin Smoke gave kudos to Rotarians Jeff Kleven, Rick Ludwig and Wendy Hickey for a successful Paul Harris Night which was held at West Avenue Cider on Nov. 19th/24. 5 people were recognized (see picture).
Karen reminded the Club that the breakfast with Santa in support of Food 4 Kids will be held on Saturday, Nov. 30th and she was pleased with the number of volunteers.
Karen also reminded us that we will be writing Christmas cards at the next meeting.
Karen thanked Margot Rae and MichelleLefebvre and husband Dan for installing 3500 lights at the skating loop.
Karen announced that the Christmas dinner for RGC will be on Dec. 11th and they are looking for help.
Karen presented a proposed budget for next year for Food 4 Kids which was seconded by Rick Ludwig and passed unanimously by those in attendance.
Darryl announced that he applied for the Adventures in Citizenship program on behalf of youth services. If accepted, our club will be able to select a student to attend in Ottawa in May.
Nick Brown announced that he is looking for people to walk in the Santa Claus parade on Saturday to carry the Rib Fest banner. Please see his email.
Margot said to watch for an email about driving exchange student Agus to events on the weekend of Dec. 7-8.
(Left to right) Joseph Vandenhurk, Amber Kosubovich, Donna Czukar, Jennifer Valeri and Rick Ludwig were presented with Paul Harris Awards. Photo by Brenda Jefferies
Sgt. at Arms
Happy $ - Birthdays/Anniversaries/Good news
Wilf was happy that CAA rescued him when he had car trouble.
Norm is happy he will be getting a new knee on Dec. 27th.
Michelle is happy the lights are done and that Margot helped.
Margot is happy the lights are done and that Michelle helped.
Craig was happy that he recently hosted Wendy and Tom for dinner.
Steven a prospective new member was happy to attend and meet people.
50/50 draw (+/- $311 in the pot for the winner) – Wilf won and picked the Queen of Hearts
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