 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 5379. 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 clugs to adapt to stay relevant while staying 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 Rotary International Foundation in this ground-breaking work. If you would like to up your contribution to RIF, 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 what is expected of our membership, and also to convey our unique culture. People need to understand who we are an what we do in order to engage 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. |
Christmas will soon be upon us, which means it's time to get behind that Skills Society Stocking Stuffers initiative. There are many people in our community who are in need of basic necessities. Even a small gift can make a difference. In-demand items include:
