The Buzz - April 27, 2015

 

President Elect Tony called the meeting to order

 

Guests: Brent Rostad, Peace River Rotary; Peter Krich, Camrose Fire Chief; Larry Sharuga, Bob Bell, Wheelchairs to Mexico founders

 

Health of the Club: all well

 

Maci Report: Went to the Rodeo with Tony – wild horse race was the best event, especially when a horse dragged the 3 youth hanging onto the rope. Enjoyed the Ukrainian Dance performance at the Lougheed Centre with Lou. Celebrated perhaps his last time here with snow with a walk in the valley. Is looking forward to an Edmonton trip with District 5360 exchange students and the Gala. Made the coconut and chocolate desserts for today’s meeting.

 

Dan Gala Report: Thanks for everyone’s efforts to date. If you are dropping items off Saturday morning use the west doors any time after 9 am. Lou still needs volunteers for 50/50 sales and for accepting payments. Shifts will be short so you can enjoy all the evening has to offer. Tyler is looking for payment for tickets. He needs to let the hotel know attendee number by Wednesday.

 

Fire Department Happenings, Peter Krich: Alberta Fire Departments have joined in an Answer The Call campaign to recruit and retain volunteers while raising

awareness of the role fire volunteers make in our communities. The week of May 3^rd is Volunteer Recognition Week. It kicks off with the annual Spring Pancake Breakfast at the firehall. Trucks and equipment will be on hands-on display. On Monday at noon a memorial service for fallen firefighters will be marked with a sound off of the truck sirens. Everyone is invited to Tuesday evening’s fire practice. Extraction tools will be used on vehicles, the smoke tower will be filled, hoses will be charged and many other activities will be happening. On Friday you can learn the proper technique for using a fire extinguisher. Hint, aim at the base of the flame.

 

Greeters/Judges: Paul and Ken R called for silent Happy Bucks and relinquished the judging duties to allow sufficient time for the Wheelchairs to Mexico story.

 

Presentation - Wheelchairs to Mexico: Don began the story of the project by relating a vacation he and his wife Chris took to Mexico in March of 2000. Attending a Rotary meeting in Puerto Vallarta they heard Ivan Applegate asking for assistance for the Association of Disabled he was involved in. They accepted an invitation to a meeting of Ivan’s group the next day. Hearing the stories of need at the meeting they were moved to ask Ivan what was needed. Ivan, skeptical of anything coming to fruition from more tourists, he said a bus to transport people to the meetings and wheelchairs to offer mobility to those in need.

Chris and Don said okay, we’ll do that. They had no idea how to do it but had faith they could. Sharing the story with a stranger at the airport resulted in the first donation to the cause. Presenting to the club on his return garnered complete support and the project was underway. Talking to friends and associates brought overwhelming support. An ask for members to join in making a journey to Mexico brought together a team with all bases covered – Bob, PR and negotiation; Larry, mechanic; Jerome, experience of trip in motorhome; Don – logistics and paperwork. Maurice is the point man now with the government.

Bob got a bus donated and Don made border arrangements and they were off after some bus modifications were made and it was stuffed with wheelchairs and other mobility aids. When mechanical issues cropped up with the bus it seemed solutions were close at hand. A heating problem was solved when they found a nearby bus garage where a part could be scavenged; when the engine fire broke out there was no panic – the extreme risk only hit home after the fire was out. Officials looked the other way as the journey took them across borders and through customs checks. In spite of not being allowed to leave the bus, they left it and flew home after seeing the joy and appreciation of those receiving the chairs and other aids. By the way the bus was never insured or licensed while the group owned it. Local authorities realized the service it was providing and ignored regulations.

Maurice coordinated shipments by air and the shipments now proceed smoothly from gathering, prepping, trucking to Edmonton and flight to Mexico. In Mexico the shipments seem to bypass customs and quickly make their way to the repair and conditioning facility and are in the hands of happy recipients before you know it.

There are about 125 more chairs ready to go now. With many free and reduced costs it only costs about $25 to get a wheelchair to Puerto Vallarta. We have sent over 1,600 chairs to date. If you are in Puerto Vallarta consider attending a Rotary Club meeting at the Outback at 9 pm Thursday. You will be royally welcomed.

 

Rotary Cares Draw: Bob drew ticket 197, Ernie Laing, Armena sold by Jenn

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50/50 Draw: Brent failed to draw the 3 of clubs but did lead us in the 4 Way Test