Our meeting space was decorated for the festive season as we were joined by family and friends for the last meeting of the year. Table centres, created by Parkland Garden Centre, were available for purchase with a portion of the funds being donated to the Food Bank.  Thank you to Gloria B and her staff for making this possible. 

 

 

Phil H hosted the meeting with Judith as Sarge.

 

A special treat was provided as we zoomed with Charlotte our exchange student and heard about her experiences in Germany.  She has been able to explore many areas of the country and is looking forward to a weekend where she will connect with other exchange students.  Her German is improving and she is grateful that she is able to focus on learning the language without the pressure of academics.   

 

While the 50/50 pot remained unclaimed, 2 lucky attendees went home with prizes thanks to Nossack Meats and the Social committee.

 

Special thanks was extended to Emily, our server at each meeting.  She ensures that we have a great meal each week and always greets us with a smile. Club members contributed to ensure that she has purchase something special for herself

 

Bryan Wilson: Rotary Club East

Jim McSween: Sylvan Lake Rotary.

 

Lynne P:  Submissions made to be part of the upcoming RI Conference have been successful with 3/4 proposals re sharing information about Literacy Alive, our club international project in Belize being accepted.  The literacy symposium that will take place on June 20 before the conference will also highlight our literacy project as it continues to receive international attention.  How exciting 2025 will be - more information to come!

Phil H:  Congratulations to Darcy as he has been confirmed as  District Governor for the year 2026-27.  A well deserved honor for Darcy!

Darcy : Thanks are extended to those who have supported the Beers for Belize Christmas gift package campaign.   Orlyn, Bill H, Dan M , Darcy  and Judith joined forces to  connect with local breweries and community members to make the project happen.  

Jack P and Holly G, on behalf of the Community Services Committee presented cheques of $2500 to 7 local charities and organizations to support their needs.

Salvation Army: Major Kent Hepditch shared how this donation will assist them in providing school lunches, diapers, personal care items, food hampers and beds for those requiring extra support during the year.  Over 300 students benefit from meals during each week thanks to the Salvation Army.

Safe Harbor: Perry Goddard provided updates on the amount of clients served.  There are over 1300 regular users of the facility.  Their goal is to transition users out of homelessness.

Central Alberta Women's Emergency Shelter: An update on the new shelter building which opened in October was provided by Danica Hoffart.  The facility contains 50 beds (stays up to 6 months)  and 17 apartments (stays from 6 months -1 year). January 2025 will see the phase 2 begin which will eventually result in 23 low income apartments being available. 

Red Deer Food Bank: Mitch Thomson was grateful for the support provided by the donation.  The food bank is used heavily and has difficulty meeting the needs of the large numbers that require support.

Central Alberta Outreach Society: Ian Wheeliker shared information about supports provided through the Adopt a Family program for low income earners. Over 200 families and nearly 500 children have their Christmas made brighter with support from programs. 

Red Deer Christmas Bureau: Food hampers will be shared with families during this season. Over 1100 children and adults will have their Christmas made a bit cheerier.  Teresa Kutynec shared that in 2 days, 900 hampers will be distributed, indicating the high needs of the community. 

Victim Services: Pam Bourk told that victims of a crime, misfortune or tragedy are helped by providing support, information and referrals. The donation will help to provide items that provide comfort to those victims.

 

This was another successful fundraising project due to the support of the club and community.  96 gift packages were assembled due to the support of local breweries and club members who felt the urge to get in touch with their inner Christmas elf! Special thanks is extended to those who volunteered to ensure that all packages were ready for pickup in time for Christmas giving.

 

 

A newer member of the club (just over 2 years) Judith was honored this month for her work on the Seniors Christmas concert, Black Tie Bingo, social events, and the Beers for Belize fundraiser.  She is an eager volunteer with Rotary and in the community, always willing to lend a hand to what ever is needed. She has been a member of the Belize Literacy Team for over 10 years and is currently the Risk Management Chair for the club. Judith thanked the club for the multitude of opportunities provided to her through Rotary as they have greatly impacted her life.  

 

Join us for our monthly gathering for fellowship and conversation.