Every Kid Needs a Champion June 13-19, 2016
Posted by James (Jim) Ferguson
Greeter this week: Vicki Horsfield
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I am a former Science and Math adult education teacher, having taught for 10 years for the in Montreal before I retired. I went to Guatemala in 2012 to go to language school for the summer to improve my Spanish. I didn't expect to fall in love with a country I hadn't known much about or to have my heart go out to its people living in extreme poverty after a 36 year civil war. And when I returned to Canada, I couldn't just crawl into my nice, warm bed and pretend that I hadn't seen what I had seen. So I applied for my retirement and returned to Guatemala to do what I could to help.
In April of 2014, I started a charity to educate Guatemalans as a means to a better future. Our charity provides sponsorship to children of families living below the poverty line and an after-school educational support program where the children are able to do their homework under supervision and with assistance and where we teach them English.
I used to think that retirement meant a totally different life that the professional one left behind. But as a teacher, I know that education is the only lasting means of breaking the cycle of poverty. With an education, the children sponsored through our program will not only have a more prosperous future but their children and grandchildren will not experience the poverty that their families live in at present. With an education, they will also be able to make better decisions for their community and their country.
I joined Rotary on a suggestion from my Rotarian brother as well from a good friend from my high school days. My friend and sponsor, Ellen, said "Rotary is the best!!" Many of my friends from Montreal could not understand why I would leave a comfortable life to go live and work in Guatemala. And I was feeling somewhat isolated in my work in our organization. Ellen introduced me over the web to other Rotarians doing similar work and when she told me that I would find like-minded people in Rotary, I knew it was for me! In the short time I have been a Rotary, I am awed at all the wonderful projects that Rotary is involved in, projects that will change the face of poverty. I also appreciate the warm welcome and invitations to communicate by fellow members of Rotary E Club of Canada 1.
I am a former Science and Math adult education teacher, having taught for 10 years for the in Montreal before I retired. I went to Guatemala in 2012 to go to language school for the summer to improve my Spanish. I didn't expect to fall in love with a country I hadn't known much about or to have my heart go out to its people living in extreme poverty after a 36 year civil war. And when I returned to Canada, I couldn't just crawl into my nice, warm bed and pretend that I hadn't seen what I had seen. So I applied for my retirement and returned to Guatemala to do what I could to help.In April of 2014, I started a charity to educate Guatemalans as a means to a better future. Our charity provides sponsorship to children of families living below the poverty line and an after-school educational support program where the children are able to do their homework under supervision and with assistance and where we teach them English.
I used to think that retirement meant a totally different life that the professional one left behind. But as a teacher, I know that education is the only lasting means of breaking the cycle of poverty. With an education, the children sponsored through our program will not only have a more prosperous future but their children and grandchildren will not experience the poverty that their families live in at present. With an education, they will also be able to make better decisions for their community and their country.
I joined Rotary on a suggestion from my Rotarian brother as well from a good friend from my high school days. My friend and sponsor, Ellen, said "Rotary is the best!!" Many of my friends from Montreal could not understand why I would leave a comfortable life to go live and work in Guatemala. And I was feeling somewhat isolated in my work in our organization. Ellen introduced me over the web to other Rotarians doing similar work and when she told me that I would find like-minded people in Rotary, I knew it was for me! In the short time I have been a Rotary, I am awed at all the wonderful projects that Rotary is involved in, projects that will change the face of poverty. I also appreciate the warm welcome and invitations to communicate by fellow members of Rotary E Club of Canada 1.
I feel like I have come home!!
Inspirational Moment
Submitted by Elly Contreras
Canadiana
Dr. Aylward is a great speaker and always worth listening to. He is passionate about the EPN cause and inspires others to do likewise. A great quote from UK PM David Cameron "There is never a wrong time to do the right thing" is one worth remembering.
Keith Evans, RC of Walton on Thames, D-1145
It was a very surreal video of one homeowners view of his residence far away from the devastating fires.
Sam Theocharis, RC of Festival City, D-6330
I loved the idea of providing work. While it isn't something that our Club or our community can use, I see lots of options in relation to the other City I live in.
Comments from our Guests and Members
Members and guest attending our weekly meetings are very important to us. Based on your comments we are able to produce many more educational, inspiring and entertaining weekly meetings.
Following are some of the comments we have received. Would you send us your comments please?
Members and guest attending our weekly meetings are very important to us. Based on your comments we are able to produce many more educational, inspiring and entertaining weekly meetings.
Following are some of the comments we have received. Would you send us your comments please?
Dr. Aylward is a great speaker and always worth listening to. He is passionate about the EPN cause and inspires others to do likewise. A great quote from UK PM David Cameron "There is never a wrong time to do the right thing" is one worth remembering.
Keith Evans, RC of Walton on Thames, D-1145
It was a very surreal video of one homeowners view of his residence far away from the devastating fires.
Sam Theocharis, RC of Festival City, D-6330
I loved the idea of providing work. While it isn't something that our Club or our community can use, I see lots of options in relation to the other City I live in.
Scott Wisdahl, RC of Fort St. John, D-5370
The section on Fellowship especially appealed to me. We don't often pay enough attention to the gift of fellowship and conversation. I loved the cartoon, too!
Judy Redpath, RC of Herndon, VA, D-7610
Great talk about the opportunity one person had with in early life that ultimately changed his life. It started with one person looking at this individual and basically believing in their qualities and potential. Thus the title of the talk was " I see something in you". Then Dananjaya Hettiarachchi joined toastmasters and found his true potential and that was, " speaking" He then became a teacher.
Fantastic speaker!!!
Michael Thomas, RC of Stony Plain, D-5370
Announcements
Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund Established
The Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation has established the "Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund" to assist in the rebuilding of that city following this tragic fire. The Charitable Foundation is now ready to accept donations, for which tax receipts will be issued. The Foundation will rely on an independent committee of Fort McMurray stakeholders (including the Rotary club and the municipality) for advice on disbursal of the funds.
Donations may be from individuals or corporations.
Please forward donations to:
Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation
c/o Rotary District 5370 Office
16030 - 104 Ave.. NW
Edmonton AB T5P 0S3
and annotate cheques "Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund"
If you wish to make a donation using Visa, MasterCard or American Express, you may do so by using the Canada Helps website and the Charitable Foundation's link:
In the comments section, please indicate that the donation is for the Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund.
It is now possible to donate to the Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund through ATB Cares. ATB Cares matches contributions with an additional 15%.
Here's the link:
Many thanks!
Julius Buski, President
Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation
Please note; if you wish you can also donate through our website via PayPal.
Just make a notation that the funds donated are to be used for the Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund.
We thank you for your donation.
Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund Established
The Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation has established the "Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund" to assist in the rebuilding of that city following this tragic fire. The Charitable Foundation is now ready to accept donations, for which tax receipts will be issued. The Foundation will rely on an independent committee of Fort McMurray stakeholders (including the Rotary club and the municipality) for advice on disbursal of the funds.
Donations may be from individuals or corporations.
Please forward donations to:
Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation
c/o Rotary District 5370 Office
16030 - 104 Ave.. NW
Edmonton AB T5P 0S3
and annotate cheques "Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund"
If you wish to make a donation using Visa, MasterCard or American Express, you may do so by using the Canada Helps website and the Charitable Foundation's link:
In the comments section, please indicate that the donation is for the Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund.
It is now possible to donate to the Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund through ATB Cares. ATB Cares matches contributions with an additional 15%.
Here's the link:
Many thanks!
Julius Buski, President
Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation
Please note; if you wish you can also donate through our website via PayPal.
Just make a notation that the funds donated are to be used for the Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund.
We thank you for your donation.
How do YOU Support our E-Club?
In order for our club to continue with its much needed projects helping others, your contributions are critical.
Please consider a small donation in lieu of a meal,
You may use either, the Paypal Button on the side bar, donation button on the attendance form, or by sending a cheque to:
In order for our club to continue with its much needed projects helping others, your contributions are critical.
Please consider a small donation in lieu of a meal,
You may use either, the Paypal Button on the side bar, donation button on the attendance form, or by sending a cheque to:
The Rotary E-club of Canada One
Box 9 Site 10, RR#2, Cochrane, Alberta, Canada T4C 1A2
A Little Humor
Submitted by Gord Lewis
New Members Corner
Submitted by Lynne Ternosky
In Praise of Seniors; the new Rotary 'Zoomers'
Rotary International wants to grow and puts nearly all its effort into recruiting young members. This is logical but is proving challenging as few long time Rotarians have much of a clue about how young Millennials think let alone, live their lives.
Submitted by Lynne Ternosky
In Praise of Seniors; the new Rotary 'Zoomers'
Rotary International wants to grow and puts nearly all its effort into recruiting young members. This is logical but is proving challenging as few long time Rotarians have much of a clue about how young Millennials think let alone, live their lives.
There is, however, another group who Rotary ought to target in equal fashion and they are the new seniors in our society.
Rotary Minute
Submitted by Elly Contreras
Pursuing Polio Eradication in Pakistan
An interview with WHO (World Health Organization) Director Michel Zaffran
Submitted by Elly Contreras
Pursuing Polio Eradication in Pakistan
An interview with WHO (World Health Organization) Director Michel Zaffran
Click HERE
Food for Thought
Rotary Jukebox
For a small donation, your favorite musician will be featured on one of our next e-meetings for everyone to enjoy.
Every week we'll have a draw and the lucky person will see their song featured!
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR REQUEST
Donated and Submitted by Vicki Horsfield
Speaker Program
Submitted by Jim Ferguson
This officially ends this week's meeting
Please consider making a small donation in lieu of a meal to help us help those in need. Donate via the PAYPAL link via the sidebar on our home page or on the Attendance submittal form.
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If you have an interesting topic, or project to share please contact our Program Chair Juan Carlos at jcreyes@efficiency.ca
Confirmation of your attendance will be sent to your e-mail address promptly.
If you have an interesting topic, or project to share please contact our Program Chair Juan Carlos at jcreyes@efficiency.ca
Thank you for joining us, we appreciate your feedback, and hope you will return and invite a guest.