The Rotary Club of Calgary comprises professional and community leaders brought together in fellowship to make a better future.
Birthdays:
Eva Friesen
April 6
Al Corbett
April 8
Walter Haessel
April 10
Bev Blair
April 17
Rishi Chakraborty
April 18
*** Rotary International statement on Ukraine conflict***
It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world.
At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Continued military action against Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world.
As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian forces, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve this conflict through dialogue.
In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peace-building projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence. Today, our thoughts are with our fellow Rotary members and others in Ukraine coping with these tragic events. Rotary International will do everything in its power to bring aid, support and peace to the region.
Rotary International
25-Feb-2022
Ukrainian Relief
By Manon Mitchell
As we watch the atrocities of war unfold, we are called to help out the people of Ukraine. Of course Rotarians are on the ground inside Ukraine and neighbouring countries dealing with the realities of this tragic situation.
Whatever we can donate to help out the people in greatest need right now helps us feel a bit less powerless and provides a bit of hope.
Our club will be directing funds to 4 main organizations:
The Rotary Foundation Disaster Relief Fund for the Ukraine
The Rotary Clubs in the Ukraine and Poland who have approached us for assistance
The Canadian Red Cross
Shelter Box (we’ve already sent $10,000)
From now till April 15th we ask that Rotarians make a contribution to our Ukrainian Relief fund. Some of our Rotarians have pledged a total of $9,000 of matching funds and the board has voted to match the total of Rotarian cash to a maximum of $12,000 from the Board’s discretionary fund.
At this time there are $7600 in donations from club members, 1:1 matching from the matching Rotarians’ commitment of $7600 for a total of $15,200. This is matched (to the maximum) by the Board’s discretionary fund $12,000) for a total of $27,200.
Thanks for your generous contributions and we’ll get the funds overseas and on the ground as soon as we can. The link to donate is on our home page www.rotaryclubofcalgary.ca
Hope for peace.
Detailed Results of the Survey for Major Donations Committee
By Randy Topolnitsky, Major Donations Committee
As highlighted in the last issue of the COG, the Major Donations Committee works to make meaningful donations/investments in funding capital projects as well as programs and services. These donations/investments focus on meeting immediate needs and building sustainable solutions for the charities and the people they serve. We seek to align ourselves with organizations where we can collaborate, build long-term relationships, provide volunteer opportunities for RCCD members and maximize the impact of our charitable funding.
The results helped us identify which charitable giving areas you would like our committee to support. The top five categories include Youth at Risk, Education, Mental Health Services, Food Security and Literacy. This feedback will be used as a guide to evaluate funding applications and to seek and identify organizations and projects that generally fall within these categories and align with the values of Rotary.
As promised in the last issue of the COG the full survey results are listed below. In total we received 50 responses to the survey and 25 written responses to the final question requesting whether the respondents had anything to add.
In the survey we asked whether there was anything else our members would like to add and we received 25 responses listed below:
I made the three choices based on what I know about the organizations at work in the community. There is so many organizations involved in solving food security issues. It is a basic need and will be ongoing. I believe rotary fund should go to those organizations that indicate they are working in partnership with other organizations. That also indicate they are evaluating their services or programs proving social impact. Have we ever considered assisting the non-profit sector become more sophisticated in their evaluation? So wonderful you are asking membership for input on this.
The last question shows how much we need to learn about moving people forward. Why do we care on what the money is being spent. Why is the question not about what results we are making in peoples lives. Whether it is capital or program, the money is going to provide jobs for people who already have one. The test that matters is how much money or economic benefit is going to someone who is poor by LICO or MBM definitions.
Grants can build human "capital & capacity" and need not be solely for capital projects. Also, there are more than 3 areas of need and they can change over time and as opportunities present themselves. And we need to reconsider whether we should be committing to 5 year $2MM projects. These big capital intensive multi-year projects don't serve our Club well for many, many reasons.
We should have one ongoing capital project over a three year period, and at least two annual projects (capital or operating) each year in the range of one at $150,000.00 and one at $50,000.00. The current work of major donations is not having the positive impact with Club Members that it should.
There are areas already funded in part by Governments; we should think first to programs that don't receive funding from any or few sources and determine their need as they may be breaking ground in new areas of need where we can apply our funds with greater impact.
We should ensure processes are equitable, and ensuring our application processes do not create barriers for organizations to apply. We should also ensure a level of transparency to how decisions are made for funding and application approvals.
If approving funds for a program or service there we need to be evidence that beyond our funding the program would be sustainable (not a 1 time program) and we would need to know how the organization will measure the success of the program.
Our prior Legacy grants have been for healthcare and parks - great projects - but my answers might cut them out - which makes me anxious. Also, we need to start including projects on Environment.
The overall support network in Canada is one of the best in the world. If we believe in equality we should share our charitable resources with less fortunate countries.
I have always believed our support for major projects should only be Capital in nature and significant. Splitting between multiple beneficiaries dilutes the impact.
Please remember that all organizations apply for funds from every source possible. You will receive applications from virtually all community assistance groups.
Should we support one or more organizations for many years to have a real impact and increase the visibility and strength of Rotary in our community?
Most of the options above are perennial problems and their aim to cure with funding sounds well meaning but are never going to solve the problem.
All of the areas listed are important. It is hard to select 3 and the selection is a very individual preference. Not sure how helpful this is.
Recommend making sizeable multi year predictable grants to assist NFPs to be strategic and sustained in their program delivery.
Monies toward programs and services require continual oversight which can be difficult for volunteers to appropriately handle.
The more we can do to divert youth towards positive life choices and lighten their burden in all its forms.
Let's use the data from the survey to assist us in focusing all of our investments in the community.
Put our efforts into areas that are not already being handled by others.(govt etc
Our investment should help the recipient achieve something transformational.
Collaboration with others to achieve greater results should an objective
I think this Committee and it's members does a good job for our Club.
If I could add a fourth, it would be support for immigrants.
Best luck on successfully supporting the community.
This is a great initiative
Thank you again to everyone who participated in the recent survey.
Let's all Extend a Rotary Welcome to Haresh Senarathne
By Diane Macdonald
One of our newest members is Haresh Senarathne, who is a Physician and Hospital Director from Sri Lanka. He is just completing courses in Health and Human Services at Bow Valley College, while aiming for employment in Health Care here in Calgary. He was very involved in his community in Sri Lanka, including projects involving health care issues, completed in conjunction with international Rotary Clubs – so, he is very familiar with Rotary and what we do.
Haresh has interests in the fields of technology and sustainability. His wife and children remain in Sri Lanka and he is anxious to be able to bring them to Canada. The situation in Sri Lanka at the moment is very unsettled, with economic difficulties, food shortages and unreliable water supplies, among other issues.
He is looking forward to being an active member and to contributing to the social and community involvement of our Club, as well as creating relationships and building roots in Calgary.
Welcome, Haresh!
Volunteer Opportunities
By Manon Mitchell
Our motto “Service Above Self” is expressed through our volunteering in a variety of areas. In Rotary we recognize 5 avenues of being in service:
Community Service (e.g. volunteering for packing food at Community Kitchens – speak to Franco Savoia)
Youth Service (e.g. mentoring in our Stay in School program – speak to Sean Baylis)
International Service (e.g. participating in overseeing an overseas project – speak to Bob Taylor)
Vocational Service (e.g. offering your time as a professional in your area of expertise – speak to Manon Mitchell)
Club Service (e.g. helping with club meetings – speak to Bruce Graham)
You may see different people doing different tasks at club meetings, both on zoom and in person. This is a way to be engaged in the club and offer your time in service to the club. Most of these tasks require very little time but make such a huge difference. The benefits include meeting new friends, getting to know your fellow Rotarians and most of all, feeling like to are part of the club.
In the near future, you’ll receive an email asking for your help at club meetings. Recruiting was done by personal email or phone calls however now you’ll be able to just click with your mouse and sign up in a couple of easy steps. Of course we’ll include what each position entails and you’ll see it doesn’t take much time to be in service to your club.
We will be casting the net wide and inviting all club members to jump at the opportunity to be IN SERVICE! Watch for the VOLUNTEER SIGN UP for club meetings in a few short weeks!
Another Great Volunteer Opportunity!
By Manon Mitchell
We have been requested to provide volunteers for this year’s BIG BOOK SALE. This event, organized by one of our supported organizations, Calgary Reads, will take place from May 5 – 15. There are several very interesting positions which will appeal to many of you.
Have a look at the volunteer sign up site for availability of positions and specific dates and times. When you sign up please indicate you are with the Rotary Club of Calgary. Here are some the details:
For pre-sale shifts (April 22 – May 4) volunteers can sign up at this link: https://signup.com/go/eWgSrTB (volunteers should make a note which Rotary Club they are with)
Set Up Crew:
Duties: Volunteers will be assigned ONE of the following duties:
Help unload tables from delivery truck onto 4-wheel dollies and unload tables onto floor. Lifting is required
Assemble tables and move tables into place as directed. Lifting is required
Assemble cardboard boxes, assemble signs, set up boxes on sorting station. No lifting.
Sort/Set up Books:
Duties: Sort books into various categories or alphabetically and/or set books on tables for the sale.
Operations Support:
Duties: Move boxes of books between sorting stations, pick-up recycling throughout the rink, fill recycling bins, knock down boxes. Heavy lifting required
Accept Book Donations
Duties: Welcome, thank and assist donors move their books from their vehicle into the curling club rink. Outside shift. Lifting is required. Dollies and flatbeds provided.
We are also looking for Cashiers (May 5 – 15). Volunteers can sign up at this link: https://signup.com/go/PUJvinH (volunteers should make a note which Rotary Club they are with)
Here are the job descriptions:
Cashiers:
Duties: Accept payment from customers, based on an itemized tally sheet, either by cash, debit card or credit card (using a Moneris machine)
Notes: You will be assigned to either cash or credit/debit card. If cash, you will receive a float and make change from a cash box. If you are comfortable doing so, ask customers if they would like to “round up” their purchase or donate to Calgary Reads.
Talliers:
Duties: Check out customers by counting and recording number of books purchased and calculating the dollar amount of each category and total sale. Once tallied, customers move on to cash/credit/debit tables. At times, tallying can be very hectic and requires attention to detail and knowledge of the various pricing categories and types of books sold. Preferred if these volunteers should have worked a previous book sale and at least one sorting/set up shift in 2022.
Sales Floor Volunteers:
Duties: Help customers find book categories and specific books; restock tables from boxes below the tables; keep aisles clear; collect abandoned books, re-sort them into categories and return them to the appropriate tables. In order to best serve customers, sale day floor volunteers should have worked at least ONE shift prior to sale day. This ensures sale day volunteers have general knowledge of the layout and specific knowledge of at least one area of the sale.
** REMINDER: Save the Date for May 14, 2022 Annual District Conference**
By Manon Mitchell
A Life Changing Opportunity for all Rotarians. On May 14th, you have the opportunity to jump into a life changing experience. Our District’s Annual District Conference is being held in Cochrane as a ONE DAY not to be missed event.
District Conference, or DisCon as it is affectionately known, is a unique opportunity for Rotarians to learn, grow, and connect with the bigger Rotary family. It is at DisCon that you make connections which will provide more opportunities for enhancing your experience as a Rotarian as well as expanding your personal life.
Meet new friends
Discover new opportunities
Have meaning conversations with people who share your values
Explore new ideas
Grow and learn
Connect
And in the process have some fun!
It’s only held once a year and those who have attended can attest that once you’ve attended one DisCon, you’ll look forward to the next one!
And where would you find a conference that ends in an ice cream party? Only at Rotary!
Join us May 14th in Cochrane, just down the road.
** Fellowship Alert !!! - Save the Date: Saturday May 28, 2022 5PM**
By Diane Macdonald
All Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown members and families: Save the date-- Saturday, May 28, 2022, 5pm., for a casual, outdoor (hopefully) fellowship event. More information to follow –stay tuned!
** REMINDER: Save the Date for Monday September 19th, 2022 for the SIS Golf Tournament**
By Manon Mitchell
Our Annual Stay in School (SIS) Golf Tournament is in the works. Mark your calendar for Monday September 19th, 2022 at the exclusive Early Grey Golf Course. Enjoy a day on the course as a player or as a volunteer! Watch for further information in future COGs.
Proudly Presenting Our Corporate Members
COG Staff - April 5, 2022
Editor:
Andrea Serink & Diane Macdonald
Contributors:
Randy Topolnitsky, Manon Mitchell and Bill Kaufmann.
Rotary Club of Calgary - Chartered April 1914 as Club #949
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