Sergeant at Arms Bill Warren opened this week's meeting by introducing the head table, and President Rick Erven welcomed all in attendance with his opening remarks.

 

Michael Pierson and Manon Mitchell led the singing of O Canada, and this week's greeter Aly Bandali delivered the invocation.

 

President Rick thanked this week's volunteers Catherine Scheers, Lisa van Hemert and Bill Gillott.

 

Club secretary Jennifer Lavier-Jankovic welcomed visiting Rotarian Michael Savage from the Rotary Club of Calgary South, and four guests. Seven club members celebrated birthdays between November 4^th and the 16^th.

 

Did you know that Rotary fellowships are international groups of Rotarians who share common passions? Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience. You can begin exploring the world of Rotary fellowships from the RI website (www.rotary.org).

One such fellowship is the International Fellowship of Rotarian Military Veterans, which was formed in the hope of pursuing peace through open dialogue between Veterans and to support Rotary International's efforts towards peace and conflict resolution.

 

 

 

 

 

George Brookman launched this year's donations drive for our Christmas Hampers program and announced our fundraising goal to have 150 club members donate $250 each.

 

Following George's appeal to the club, Franco Savoia introduced the participants for this week's discussion panel. The participants were Susan and Kimberley, members of the Poverty Talks! steering committee, and Meaghon Reid, Executive Director of Vibrant Communities Calgary (VCC) since September 11^th. VCC is a non-profit organization seeking to engage Calgarians in advocating long-term strategies that address the root causes of poverty in Calgary and is the steward of Enough for All, Calgary’s poverty reduction strategy.

 

An initiative of VCC, Poverty Talks! supports people who are living in poverty to become involved in social change efforts and political processes, as well as to raise public awareness of poverty. Poverty Talks! advocates for social and public policy change, while also engaging and educating Calgarians about poverty-related issues. The Poverty Talks! steering committee comprises advocates with current or recently lived experiences of poverty.

 

The three panelists shared their perspectives on how the culture of Christmas, primarily its commercialism, imposes heavy burdens on families living in poverty. It is very difficult for people living in poverty to be unable to fulfil a child's Christmas wish. As well, poverty leads to feelings of loneliness during the holiday period.

 

Following a question and answer session with the panel, Tom Tait thanked George, Franco and our three panelists for providing their perspectives on poverty and the upcoming holiday season.