Last Tuesday, District Governor Frank Reitz and wife Barbara were good enough to make the trip to Whyte Avenue from their home in Fort McMurray as part of their initiative to visit all 57 clubs in District 5370. Frank shared a video clip in which RI president Ian Riseley reflected on the necessary evolution of, "...stronger, more active clubs that serve in more lasting ways," and the need for clubs to adapt to stay relevant while remaining true to the principals of Rotary. This comment particularly resonates for Whyte Avenue and our community focus and connectedness with the people and organizations of Old Strathcona. It's good to know that we're already well down the path that RI is recommending.Frank touched on the importance of our continuing efforts to eradicate polio, citing 15 new cases identified in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the stressed the need for continued support of the The Rotary Foundation in this ground-breaking work. If you would like to up your contribution to TRF, please contact Foundation Chair Lynn Kazairwe or one of our club executive.
He also explored the need for us to continue to grow and solidify our membership, identifying that clubs need to do a better job of communicating what is expected of our membership, and also conveying our unique culture. People need to understand who we are and what we do in order to fully engage. We will be looking at these issues in the next while in order to help members better communicate what it really means to be a part of Whyte Avenue Rotary.
Frank praised our projects partnerships and programs, and our work in supporting youth programs in particular, and also presented club president Kathy Strobl with the Shelter Box bronze award for our support of their important work.