District Governor Donna Barrett's Year End Message
During the past year, it has been my pleasure and an inspiration to meet so many wonderful Rotarians and Rotaractors who have embodied our theme Serve to Change Lives. As I visited clubs, I had the opportunity to appreciate first-hand Rotary’s capacity to bring together diverse and talented leaders who take collective action to bring lasting change in our communities and across the globe.
Your actions this year impacted the success of your club and our district. You contributed to Rotary’s quest to promote diversity, equity and inclusion by demonstrating open, collaborative and welcoming attitudes. You have been flexible- reaching out to meet people where they are, creating hybrid meetings and looking for ways to maintain Rotary connections. You have remained keenly aware of community needs, adjusting how you provide service, building on established community connections and exploring new opportunities for partnership.
In a world that needs to build good will and better friendships, you have supported global grant scholarships, youth exchange and embraced becoming Peace Builder Clubs. You have been forward thinking, seeking ways to increase our capacity to empower girls and sustain our environment.
Rotary generosity has continued throughout the year. Contributions to the Foundation are strong and will support our ability to do good works locally and internationally into the future. We can all be proud of how we are collectively responding to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Rotarians contributed generously to the Ukraine Disaster Response and supported partner organizations such as Shelterbox. Collectively we have successfully accessed a Global grant to purchase a centrifuge to increase capacity for use of donated blood in Ukraine. Close ties to the Ukraine have enhanced the impact of our support in unique and meaningful ways.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Better Together District Conference in May. Feedback identified fellowship, networking and the opportunity to hear inspirational speakers as highlights. 87 percent of those who provided feedback indicated that they felt more connected to Rotary as a result of their participation.
I wish to extend my gratitude to you for your continued commitment to Rotary and Rotary service. I look forward to supporting incoming District Governor John Nicoll as weImagine Rotary and to meeting incoming RI President Jennifer Jones when she visits Edmonton on July 9, 2022. I invite you to join us.
Wishing each of you a relaxing summer filled with fun and special times with friends and family.
Rotary International President Jennifer Jones is coming to Edmonton on July 9th as part of her Cross Canada Tour. How exciting to have Rotary’s first woman President who is also a Canadian visiting our District.
My committee has been working hard planning the activities as she meets Rotarians in action during the day. We hope you will join us for “The Evening with Jennifer Jones”; an opportunity to meet Jennifer and other Rotary International leaders, experience a showcase of district projects, enjoy a delicious reception style meal, be inspired by a short but exciting program and reconnect with friends.
Evening with Jennifer Jones
Blatchford Hangar, Fort Edmonton Park
5:00pm – 7:30pm
$75.00 Tickets include all day access to Fort Edmonton Park
Purchase tickets at link below
Sincerely,
Betty Screpnek PDG, Edmonton Tour Chair
Cross Canada Tour Committee
• 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒 - Both the postmark on the envelope and the date written on the cheque must be no later than Thursday, June 30, 2022, and processed by the bank no later than Thursday, July 7, 2022.
• 𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃 - www.rotary.org/donate - Must be authorized on or prior to midnight CDT on June 30, 2022.
You can also make contributions over the phone by calling 866-976-8279 to the close of the business day on June 30, 2022.
The deadlines apply to individual members giving and donations made by Rotary clubs. Gifts received before the end of June will be credited to this Rotary year.
Rotary Voices - How to set your club on a good path for the new Rotary year
By Vivek Khandelwal, a former Group Study Exchange participant and member of the Rotary Club of Deonar, Mumbai, India
What makes one Rotary club vibrant and another one not? Sometimes, this is not always the easiest thing to understand. But I can vouch for the difference it makes during my own experience as a Rotary member for the past 12 years. And a lot of it stems from how effectively a club plans for and executes changeover in club leadership.
TOGETHER WITH THE CASH AND CAMPING LOTTERY WE ARE MAKING AN IMPACT
Your chance to win guarantees a win for the non-profit community!
In 23 years the Rotary Clubs of Grande Prairie through the Cash and Camping lottery have awarded over 5.4 million dollars to the non-profit community with the support of lottery ticket purchasers. We need your support to continue to provide these much needed funds!
What can you win? How about a new jet boat, sea doo, paddleboard or kayak package to spend the summer out on the water. Maybe you’d like to relax in the great outdoors with a new RV, truck camping package or create the perfect staycation destination with a $7500 Build your own backyard package. Add some excitement to your summer with an all season toy package, Polaris Ranger side by side, E-bike, and more!
How does the non-profit community win? Your ticket purchase will:
Send under privileged kids to summer camp who couldn’t otherwise afford to attend.
Support Emergency frontline workers who have done so much for us.
Support mental health programs and initiatives for those struggling
Support Ukrainian culture and heritage, young athletes, seniors in need and more!
Purchase your tickets before July 11th for a chance to win the Buy Early $5000 Bonus Cash Prize.
On Thursday, June 30th at 12pm EDT, join us for an exclusive Rotary panel on ShelterBox's response in Ukraine and additional conflict zones such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Burkina Faso.
Executive Director of ShelterBox Canada, Stephanie Christensen, will be joined by Head of Emergency Responses, Alice Jefferson to discuss how ShelterBox responds to conflicts around the world.
They'll be answering questions like:
What's the most recent update on ShelterBox's response to the war in Ukraine?
What are some of the challenges ShelterBox has experienced getting aid into conflict zones?
How do you expect climate change to impact ShelterBox's work in conflict zones in the future?
Can you share a story from the field that showed you the impact that ShelterBox and Rotary are having in conflict zones?
Questions from the audience are welcome! Please extend this invitation to your fellow Rotarians. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns before the event please email Meg at: megschmieder@shelterboxcanada.org
You don't want to miss this opportunity to hear from experts that have been on the ground; first-hand accounts of working in conflict zones, harrowing stories from refugees seeking safety, and a chance to ask burning questions. Register here.
Twelve members of the Rotary Club of Edmonton Southeast had a great time volunteering at the Edmonton Food Bank. They look forward to doing it again in December!
Having a diverse club allows you to better represent and serve your community. A club that includes people with different backgrounds and perspectives has a broader understanding of the community, the issues it faces, and possible solutions.
Diverse clubs also attract more members, reflect Rotary’s core values, and expand our ability to make a difference. In this course, you’ll find strategies for diversifying your club and building relationships with new groups. (My Rotary log in required)
Note, the deep links are still taking you to the course catalog. Once on the home page, go to the Membership course catalog or use the search feature to find this course.
