Inspiration
Laurie Bienart chose a combination Inspirational Message and rendition of Oh Canada that was stunning. There were many emotional faces and lots of kudos to Laurie for her thoughtful selection. Poll
Today's survey appropriately involved Labour Day, including history beginning in 1894, and ways of spending this weekend. The popular pick was hosting a BBQ, and spending time in the sunshine with family and friends.
Announcements
The next Board meeting will be held on Tuesday at 5:30PM
Jason Bradley shared information on a fundraiser for the Oceanside Club. See the Rotary Fundraiser item for more information.
Janeane Coutu welcomed prospective new member Tim Oben to the meeting.
Norm Myden presented a Notice of Motion for three donations from the International Service Committee. These include The Etta Project in Bolivia for $1,000 USD, Project Amigo Mexico for $1,000 USD, and Disaster Aid that is currently active in Beruit after the recent explosion for $2,000 CAD.
John Salem reminded members of the Golf Tournament on September 18 to celebrate our 100th Anniversary. The organizing committee is requesting donations for the tournament. Everyone is reminded to purchase tickets as soon as possible since there are a limited number available for the event. Members and guests are welcome.
Guest Speaker
Laurie Bienert introduced today's guest speaker Deborah Hollins, Executive Director of the Nanaimo Family Life Association. Deborah is a social worker with a long history of working in the community with youth, seniors and marginalized individuals.
The association was the beneficiary of a $10K donation from our club and a Rotary District grant. The funds were used to purchase furniture, office equipment and exercise equipment to assist seniors and also to help volunteers in the placing and removal of furniture for workshops.
This much utilized organization has been providing Nanaimo and surrounding communities with a variety of programs since 1967. Their core program provides counselling by trained volunteers to approximately 1,500 clients each year. A variety of programs and workshops include addiction counselling, domestic violence, self-esteem, healthy living and conflict resolution.
The Provincial Government requested the Association be the lead agency for Safe Seniors and Strong Communities program. The Better @Home program helps seniors remain independent in their homes with assistance with shopping, picking up prescriptions and meals. There are currently 400+ seniors accessing this assistance.
During COVID-19 a call for volunteers was extremely successful. There is also a Seniors Counselling program where older adults are trained to sit with older adults and provide counselling and support. Nanaimo Family Life Association also provides support and counselling to the transgender community, the only support of this kind in Nanaimo.
Once a year a counselling training program is available for volunteers. These volunteers receive 165 hours of training. Volunteers are greatly needed for supplying services to older adults.
Further information regarding programs and volunteer information are available on Facebook and the Association's website www.nflabc.org. For volunteer applications, call 250-754-3331.
Laurie thanked today’s speaker and expressed the club’s gratitude for the amazing work provided to our community. The updates on programs and the range of services was much appreciated.
Leigh Blaney also expressed her gratitude to the Association for the incredible work and services being provided, and noted that the organization provides extensive services in areas that often “fall through the cracks”.
Happy & Sad Bucks
Jason Bradley had happy bucks for a book he received as a gift, titled The Harbour City Nanaimo in transition, 1920–1967. Jason was thrilled at how often our club was mentioned in the book. He was particularly impressed with a story of how the Rotary Club of Nanaimo and a club in Victoria came together to convert a horse trough at the top of the Malahat so vehicles could refill their radiators.
Janeane Coutu is happy to have spent time with her daughter at Sproat Lake. Ken Connolly had happy bucks in celebration of his fathers 50 Year Rotary anniversary.
Egon Holzwarth has extra happy bucks due to the Zoom meeting format and not needing to take the ferry to meetings. He plans to give this savings of $190.00 to the club.
Frank Shoemaker will also donate his ferry and parking savings to the club.
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Pam White (Ross) and Chris Stephens (Suzie) are celebrating a birthday. Carlene Shaw and Holly Wright are celebrating their 35th anniversary. Honorary Member, Dale Huck is celebrating 43 years with Rotary.
Keith closed today's meeting with a toast to Rotary and the Queen.