1. COMMUNITY SERVICE:
Service above self is Rotary's principal motto, which means that every Rotarian is responsible for finding ways to improve the quality of life in his or her community, and in those around the world, through service.
Rotary's reputation is built on service projects based on community need. This includes a focus on determining "hands-on" projects within our community that Spruce Grove Rotarians can add value to. The goal of the Spruce Grove Community Service Committee is to conduct service projects that ensure the proper use of club funds, benefit those in need and address real and current community concerns.
Through Community Service, the Rotary Club of Spruce Grove directly funds about 20 local non-profit organizations. Contributions range from large donations that sustain organizations, to smaller contributions that enhance services or facilitate annual events that would not occur without financial support. Following is a list of those groups that we supported in the 2016-17 budget year. We are currently reviewing these contributions and planning for 2017-18. (the Rotary year goes from July 1st to June 30th)
Auggie’s Café
Run For Life – Coordinated Suicide Prevention, Parkland & Area Post Partum Depression, Victim Services Unit
Edmonton Epilepsy Charity
Festival of Trees
Highway Clean-Up
Community Empowering Youth for Success
Cadets (755 Squadron)
Parkland Children’s Christmas Party
Senior’s Light Up Tour
Neighbourlink
Light Up Your Life Palliative Care
Meals on Wheels
YIELD
Parkland Food Bank
Ronald McDonald Breakfast
Spruce Grove Public Library
The Community Service portfolio also includes 2 sub-committees:
Connecting with Our Aboriginal Neighbors Committee:
- Originally a Rotary District 5370 initiative, the purpose of this committee is to build partnerships with the Aboriginal community and close historical, systemic barriers while raising awareness of the challenges faced by Aboriginal people in our local area and beyond. This committee brings together the Rotary Clubs of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain and Parkland After Dark, local libraries, Chambers of Commerce, Indigenous Nations and various partners, the RCMP, municipalities, and interested individuals who have coordinated several successful initiatives and projects.
-Major Projects Committee: Assesses the feasibility and coordination of major projects in our local community. Past projects include the Rotary Playscape, Parkland Food Bank expansion and the Ecole Broxton Park Playground.
-The Community Services Committee also worked in partnership with several other committees, local business and groups to support a major project recognizing local youth who volunteer and provide service in Spruce Grove. The event, co-hosted with the Rotary Club of Spruce Grove and Goodwill Ind., sponsored an event recognizing 39 youth who had been nominated by 18 different organizations in Spruce Grove to receive, a Champion of Good Award. The event was at Horizon Stage on April 18th. Goodwill Ambassador and Olympian, Cheryl Bernard provided a great private Meet and Greet with the youth as well as an inspiring keynote address to a full crowd. The event was supported by local partners, The Interact Club of SG Composite High, The City of Spruce Grove, The Examiner, 88.1, The One and the RCMP.
2. Upcoming events. Friends of Rotary are invited to attend our year end function which is mentioned below. Looks like an amazing evening. If interested please contact a Rotarian this week. Also note this Thursday Mayor Houston will be speaking.
a. Thursday, June 22nd. Mayor Stuart Houston. Mayor Houston will be providing an update on the cities major initiatives.
b. Thursday evening, June 29th. Rotary Club of Spruce Grove year end changeover and celebration.
Local Celebrity Chef and Chopped Canada Junior Winner, Jonathan Giovannoni will prepare a sumptuous meal for Rotarian's and guests as we celebrate the accomplishments of the 2016-2017 Rotary Year and look forward to the year of service ahead.
After dinner, you will be astounded by the magic and mind-reading of David Thiel. David has been performing feats of mind-reading and magic since 1990, and his show is bound to leave you wondering just how he does it!
The Friends of Rotary e-bulletin is provided to local citizens who are interested in the service the Rotary Club of Spruce Grove provides our local and international community.
