As Rotarians, the Jasper Rotary Club members regularly contribute our Talent, Time and Treasure to Create Hope in the World. Here are some examples of what we’ve been up to lately:
Guess Who is Coming to Dinner!?
Rotarians buzzed with anticipation as guests and hosts waited to find out who was going where! Bill organized and orchestrated a carefully concealed plan the "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner." Many thanks to Bill for organising the event!
As we gathered around a beautifully set table, the delightful aroma of a meticulously prepared meal wafted through the air. Laughter and joy filled the atmosphere, enhancing the sense of camaraderie among the attendees.
Heartfelt thanks to Bill, Susan and their lovely children who had arranged such a memorable and wonderful gathering. It was truly an enjoyable evening with surprises, delicious food, and the warmth of cherished friendships.
A group of Grade 8 students reported having a beautiful educational time while going to a musical in Edmonton. They saw the musical Mean Girls. Once back at school, they developped and shared their own 'burn book', which they shared and passed around. A burn book is a place where you empty out all that is weighing you down mentally and emotionally.
Their teacher, Mrs. Currie, shared how this trip was very important and for many the first chance to see a live play. They all expressed gratitude and thanks to the Rotary Club for sponsoring the trip. Many thanks to the Youth Committee, Ben, Laureen and Kiraya, for leading this project!
In February, Jasper observed Food Month with various initiatives, including fundraisers by the Food Bank, Coldest Night of the Year events, Fines for Food at the library and the Rotary Club followed suit. The Learning Meeting focused on behind-the-scenes work on food security, featuring speakers from the Jasper Food Bank, Food Recovery Program, Soup Kitchen, and Municipality of Jasper - Food Alliance.
Of note, this year, the Rotary Club has provided a total of $2500 to the food bank. As Megan Leblanc, president of the Jasper Food Bank shared, the Food Bank has provided $2000 in certificates for food purchase to the users in the last 6 months. Food for thought!
The Food Recovery Program, lead by Melody Gaboury, while serving everyone requiring food, aims to reduce environmental impact by preventing food waste. With Ben as our lead, Rotary committed exactly one year ago to pick up food on Sundays once a month in Hinton. Rotary did 18 pick-ups in 12 months. Many thanks go to Ben who did most of the pick-ups !
The Soup Kitchen, run by Glenda MacDowell, utilized recovered food items, emphasizing the symbiosis between different food-related initiatives in Jasper. The Community Garden, the Jasper Local Food Society and the Community Dinners were also mentioned, and Jenna McGrath (Municipality of Jasper - Food Allicance) provided an explanation of her role in coordinating the Food Security services.
The increasing need for food support was acknowledged by all, and understanding the distinct roles of various organizations will help the Rotary Club better support the community through volunteering and financial assistance.
Coldest Night of the Year
The Rotary Club of Jasper has a team for the Coldest Night of the Year Fundraiser on Saturday, February 24.
The Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is a walk that raises money for folks in our community who need our help.
EVENT DAY DETAILS:
WHEN: February 24, starts at 4pm and done by 7pm
WHERE: Check-in at the Activity Centre upon arrival. Walk will start and finish on the south side of the Activity Center. There will be a 2km and 5km route option, both in town.
WHO: You and your friends are also welcomed! Because of liability, please do not bring your dog.
WHY: CNOY is a lot of fun and so valuable. With a $150 or more donation, you get a toque!
HOW: To join the team and to make a donation, please click our team page.
Thank you for joining the team and for your donation!
- Laureen presented to both High Schools on how to participate in the Leadership Camp RYLE and how to apply for the Rotary Club Citizenship Award. Thank you Laureen for your time providing students with great opportunities!
- Ralph and Ben have been busy making calls, conversing and inviting people to join our club.
Happy Birthday Rotary!
Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. He formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Over time, Rotary's reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service.
Today, Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem solvers who see a world where people unite to take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For 119 years, Rotary's people of action have used their time, treasure and talents to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working ot better the world.
The more our Rotary Family grows, the more actions we can take!
Vocation: Superintendent Jasper National Park (retired)
Rotary Background:
- I joined Rotary and the Rotary Club of Jasper in November 2015, though I was a Friend of Rotary from before 2010, helping Libby with playground and education projects in Belize and my parents with education projects in Rwanda.
- Positions held (current): Foundation Co-Chair and Co-Chair Indigenous Relations
- Positions held (previous): Foundation Chair, Club Secretary (x2), and Member International Services Committee.
I’m in Rotary because: it's a great way to meet, get to know and work with people on meaningful projects that make a positive impact in other people's lives, both here at home and around the world! It's also a great way to have fun!
Guess What: although you might know I was Superintendent of Riding Mountain National Park before returning to Jasper, I was also a gentleman farmer in Manitoba for 10 years at the same time with horses, Scottish highland cattle, dorset-horned sheep, chickens, ducks, geese, cats, dogs - lots of work and lots of fun!!
Note
I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday February 28 at 6pm at Kimchi House. RSVP to Hélène by clicking the Upcoming Event top of the right column or sending an e-mail or text.
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