The Spirit of Giving

Posted by Dan Kammerer 
on Nov 08, 2011
 

Jace Anderson started the meeting promptly, maybe even early, saving a couple of souls from paying late fines.  Our guest today was Melissa Wannamaker from the Santa Claus Fund.

Melissa thanked us for our support and involvement over the past years with the Santa Claus Fund.  The organization has been around since 1982, and in those 29 years, has supported over 15 thousand families.  Last year alone, approximately 650 children were helped to have a more enjoyable Christmas. 

Volunteers are a major part of the organization, supplying over 1,700 hrs of work to wrap and deliver presents as well as many other tasks.  To get toys, they have many events including the Toy Run, the Mad Hatters Fun Run and the Risk Tournament, among others. 

The Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund Society

Families then are able to apply for support to the Santa Claus Fund for assistance.  The SCF works closely with the Salvation Army and the Women's Shelter to provide for our community, and of note, not one family name was found to be duplicated on those organizations lists last year.  The categories of gifts that are most in need are those for ages 0 - 2yrs and from 10 - 12 yrs of age.  See their website for more information and volunteer opportunities:  www.mhsantafund.com or email at giving@mhsantafund.com 

Meeting Notes:

  • Gord reminded us that the Salvation Army Kettles volunteer list is up on the web.  Dates are December 3 and 10th.
  • Strategic Planning is happening on November 19th.  Mark it on your calender!  Brad will give us details re: time and place as they become available.
  • Jace gave us a brief overview of Malawi.  He was in jail, bought pens, drove on the wrong side of the road, spent time in an emergency room, and connected with the kids at the orphanage.  Some great developments are happening there, with agricultural progress being made, young children proudly remembering Rotary and more. 
  • Happy dollar news:  Dan quit smoking, Yay! Kambi made the paper as a Rotarian and volunteer extraordinaire.  Donna has a phenomenal international student.  Clare is happy snow making has begun at Elkwater (insert general groan from the crowd here). Gord is thrilled that the volunteer list for the Salvation Army will be filled by the end of this week (hint, hint).
  • 50/50 = $93, Renee drew the Ace of Diamonds...better luck next time.