Kentville Rotary: Paddy’s and Zoom meeting

 

Rotarians have three ways to join our meetings: In person at Paddy’s, On Screen via Zoom or Watching on Facebook Live.

 

 

O Canada led by Sue

 

Ellen welcomed everyone to the meeting including guest: Sue Smith, guest speaker: Gary Dunfield and Visiting Rotarian: Holly Thompson (New Minas Sunrise Club).

 

 

Rick provided a happy dollar to announce a KCA calendar for sale $15 each.

 

Chris is happy that he celebrated his 50^th Wedding Anniversary.

 

Sue is happy she was able to ride her motorcycle to the lunch meeting and that Joe has his knee surgery booked for Nov 18.

 

 

 

Bill welcomed guests: Sue Smith, Gary our guest speaker, and visiting Rotarian Holly. He also welcomed Pierre back to the meeting.

 

The report today included a few reminders:  

This year our birthday and anniversary announcements will appear in the Spokesperson. Note an extra special October Anniversary greeting is going out to Chris & Dorothy Maynard. Congratulations on reaching the monumental 50^th wedding anniversary.

 

 

Secretary’s Report:  Nothing new to report.

 

Illnesses: None to report

 

 

Pierre introduced Gary. He is a partner in Gaspereau Press. Kentville Rotarians may recall his great assistance in producing Constance’s cook book. Gary has been with the food bank for approximately four years and is the treasurer. He was one of the first to respond at the food bank with new COVID protocols last spring. Sue Smith started with the food bank about 10 years ago and is currently the chair, and responsible for day-to-day operations. Welcome Gary and Sue.

 

 

The Fundy Inter Church Foodbank (FICF) started about 35 years ago. They secured enough funds to secure a standalone building (located behind St Josephs church in Kentville) and moved there from New Minas 12 years ago. They serve the Kentville, New Minas, Aldershot and North Alton Region. It is one of about 70 food banks in Nova Scotia. FICF is an independent not for profit registered charity and a member of Feed NS. They generally serve 6500 clients in a normal year of which 1/3 are children. The aim is to provide food to people who struggle to meet their own needs. Generally, one third of food they receive is from donated items, one third from local food drives and one third is purchased from financial donations. Individuals, churches, businesses and service clubs provide donations to help with operations. There are no permanent paid staff and 75-80% of donations goes towards food.

 

Like most every business, the pandemic changed everything. The first was a loss of volunteers. Everyone over the age of 65 were asked to stay home as a precaution. How food was delivered to clients changed, more rigorous cleaning protocols were put in place and the requirement to purchase food went up by 25%. This was luckily offset by an increase in financial donations.

 

Farmers in the Valley have been a great partner. The province of NS has helped by offering tax receipts for their donations. These go to Feed Nova Scotia who then distributes to local foodbanks. The challenge remains balancing the demand with availability (supply).

 

To learn more please visit the website: Fundy Inter Church Foodbank

 

 

 

Rick thanked Gary for his presentation. Rick is also a volunteer with the FICF along with Phil, Rick R, and Pierre (from our club). He has seen first hand the outputs and what has been accomplished. Great work. Thank you for supporting our community is such a meaningful way.

 

 

Special Events (Sue): The October Polio Basket fundraiser is taking place at our next scheduled meeting on the 19^th. If you have articles to donate to the basket, they can be dropped off at John Lohr’s office in Kentville. Everyone can participate in purchasing tickets. For those not attending the meeting in person on Monday, please email Phil Warren or Gerry Davis with you request. Tickets are $10 each.

 

Treasurer’s Report (Marian): Looking to collect outstanding dues and Chase the Ace/Happy Dollar monies from the virtual only meetings. Reminders will be sent to those outstanding. Please pay as soon as possible.

 

Program (Ellen): Emails are sent out every week as a reminder of what is coming up. Please contact any member of the committee if you have suggestions for future presentations.

 

 

Hospital Foundation (Hilary & Heather): They are launching a virtual fund raiser. “Harvest for Health”. For more details please check their website https://www.vrhfoundation.ca/ They also thanked the Club for our support, especially in the Mask project.

 

Rotary Foundation: (Greg) This week’s minute is: WHAT IS A ROTARY FOUNDATION BENEFACTOR?

 

A Rotary Foundation Benefactor is a person who has notified The Rotary Foundation that they have made provisions in their final estate plans to Rotary for US$1,000 or more, or who has made an outright gift of US$1,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation’s Endowment. Benefactors receive a certificate and insignia to wear with a Rotary or Paul Harris Fellow pin. They are listed in the Benefactor Report and identified in the Club Recognition Summary.

 

Clubs with 100% member support of Rotary’s Endowment are eligible to request a Rotary’s Promise Club electronic certificate. Qualifying support may be a commitment for a future gift to The Rotary Foundation in an estate plan or an outright gift of $1,000 or more to the Endowment.

 

A US$1,000 gift to The Rotary Foundation creates a legacy of helping people live better lives around the world. Today there are over 100,000 Benefactors worldwide. Will you join them by making a gift of $1,000 to Rotary’s Endowment or by leaving a gift to Rotary in your estate?

 

Birthday greetings to Jessica Clahane, Julie Sweet and Nat James

Wedding Anniversary greetings to Chris & Dorothy Maynard and Shelly & Mark Phillips

Rotary Anniversary to Fred Falconer (30 years).

 

Chase the Ace – The lucky ticket belonged to Pierre. He drew the ten of clubs, so it’s another Roll-Over.