This week's meeting began with Sergeant-at-arms Bill Warren calling the meeting to order. After the head table was introduced, greeter Jody Coenjarts delivered the invocation. Thanks go out to our entrance volunteers Larry Martin, John Seigner and Bill Clapham.
President Tim selected Ralph McTell's Streets of London for this week's sing song. An appropriate choice, the lyrics of this song contrast the common problems of everyday people with those of the homeless, lonely, elderly, ignored and forgotten members of society.
Club secretary Kurt Kowalchuk announced this week's visitors and guests, while two club members celebrated birthdays on the 27th.
Sean Baylis delivered a moving tribute to former club member Gordon Leslie, great-grandfather of Sean's wife Dianna.
Tim Heaton announced the club's Christmas party, scheduled for December 18 at the Calgary Golf and Country Club.
The club catered a small barbecue at the Murdoch Manner senior's residence.
Bill Ptacek introduced new member Robert Lowther. Welcome to the club Robert!
The Rotary Employment Partnership sponsored a screening of The Freedom Tour at the Globe Cinema on November 29th.
Finally, George Brookman issued an appeal for contributions to the club's Christmas Hamper program. The fundraising target is $60,000.
Tim Heaton introduced club member Franco Savoia, who led the panel discussion on poverty. He opened the discussion with a quotation from Nelson Mandela. "Poverty is not an accident. Like slavery and apartheid, it is man-made and can be removed by the actions of human beings.” The City of Calgary, United Way and Calgary Rotary clubs are addressing the problem through the Community Hubs initiative. He then introduced panelists Nigel, Amber and Susan, who shared their first-hand experiences with poverty. The panelists shared their perspectives on the following questions.
What does Christmas mean to you?
Nigel spoke of the most meaningful gift he ever received: $20, which he used to reach out to his family.
Amber spoke of the importance of family, and of being able to count on her parents to raise her son as she worked through her own issues.
Susan, a self-described Christmas fanatic, spoke of the importance of celebrating the season with family.
What's the best way to deal with people who are soliciting?
Nigel encouraged charitable giving, and reminded us that money given to people on the street doesn't always go to "bad" things.
It is important to remember that addiction is the underlying cause of desperation.
Amber stressed the importance of not undermining the dignity of people on the street. It is never bad to acknowledge someone by wishing them a good day.
What's the best way to deal with people who refuse help?
While it is difficult to allow people to be homeless, you cannot force people to leave the street.
Often it is difficult to live with people while continuing to love them. Boundaries must be respected.
What's one thing that could make a big difference?
Nigel indicated that he experienced feelings of resentment towards Christmas when he was living on the street because it is the only time of year when people are focused on kindness and giving. As people suffer throughout the year, it is important to think about being kind throughout the year.
Amber stressed that everyone has something to give, and everybody should be valued. It is important to be aware of the factors that keep people in poverty.
Susan expressed the importance of digging deeper to find the true meaning of Christmas.
Therese Takacs thanked our panelists for sharing their stories.
COG Staff - November 27, 2018
Editor
Craig Henderson
Photography
Ralph Lundberg
Sponsorships
David Holden
Rotary Club of Calgary - Chartered April 1914 as Club #949
Suite 305, 105-12 Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1A1
