Smoking hot outside but a very cool first meeting inside for Pres Lynda...goin' to be a good year!
In addition to regulars Elly and Larry, Lynda introduced guests Elliot, a visiting Rotarian from Prince Albert and his father in law Jerry. Jerry lives in Osoyoos now and Elliot will be moving here in 2 years time which makes him an automatic new member for whoever the President is that follows Giselle...Sandi, do you know what PEN means?
The guest speakers were from the Community Foundation, South Okanagan/Similkameen, Aaron McRann, Executive Director and Kim English, Regional Development Officer. This foundation started in 1991 in Penticton and includes Osoyoos but we know so little about them. They operate much like our own Rotary Foundation in which the principle in endowed and only the interest earned is distributed to worthy charities, but they represent such an large opportunity for our community. In the 25 years since incorporation, some $11 million has been raised in the foundation and $3.4 million has been distributed throughout the S. Okanagan and Similkameen without touching the principal. There are some 191 similar foundations across Canada that give back to the community as CFSOS does. Administration costs are a very low 1.5% of earned income.
There are various means by which it distributes support to the community, several dictated by the donators themselves - Osoyoos has been receiving funds directly even without a substantial local endowment. Aaron and Kim described these opportunities very professionally and caught the interest of many in our Club. Cheryle, Vaughn and I give input from Osoyoos so expect more information as opportunities come up.
Cheryle gave an update on Rotary clubs in our District that are impacted by the wildfires and will keep us apprised as opportunities are identified in which our club can provide support.
Sandi also updated us on the significant work done already for the Lobster on the Beach event Sept 9th - delegation is her forte as Judy Miller-Bennett is assigned the sole keeper of tickets and Elly was given 2 roles over lunch!
The third update came from Chris who described more completely our fundraising opportunity with the 2017 Super Saver coupon book - easy sell with the AG or Buy Low coupons alone.
It was noted that Carlo made it safely to his plane home to Trento yesterday - what a year!
Finally, this was Ramiro's first meeting as a new member of Osoyoos Rotary and he was rewarded with the 50/50 winning ticket. As a side note, it was Angelica's first meeting too but she won diddly....now is that Fair to All Concerned?