President Annette Eby hosted the meeting with Tony Judd as Sarge.
Tony highlighted the first Canadian summit of Mt Everest by Laurie Skreslet (a Calgarian) on this date in 1982. A proud day for Canada! Today we also celebrate World Teachers' Day- hug a teacher and thank them for all they do. What a great way to end September's theme- Basic Education and Literacy. We are also grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the Literacy Alive! Belize literacy project which is changing the lives of countless students and teachers.
Rotary's October theme is “Community Economic Development” and Tony challenged all to bring a fellow community leader to our next meeting.
Guests of Rotary:
Amber Mack and Ali Grinham: guest speakers from ……
Michael McGaughey: soon to be new member! Michael is from Fortis Alberta.
Amber Mack, General Manager of Community Futures Central Alberta, leads an organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs to build viable businesses and non-profits social enterprises by providing developmental lending and business support. As a former Rotarian, Amber is pleased to share how Community Futures is aligned with Rotary's commitment to local impact.
The Rotarian of the Month is a person who represents Rotary in all they do- professionally, socially, and personally. They demonstrate the 4 way test in all they do- not just as something to recite at a meeting. This month we would like to recognize Tony Judd, one of our newer Rotarians, who recently joined our club.
1st reading for Michael McGaughey who has attended many of our meetings as a speaker sharing information abut Fortis Alberta. He is an avid community supporter and sits on the board of a variety of non profits.
Community & Project Updates
Black Tie Bingo- Get Your Tickets Now!
Mark Thursday Oct. 29 on your calendar. Ticket sales are now live.
Dean Williams updated the club of our goal of having over 400 attendees at our major fundraising event. So far we have around 250 purchased. Please share the information about the event, use your networks to invite sponsors and obtain donations for the Silent and Live Auctions, and Bingo prizes.
Dean Williams will be at the meetings with his laptop and will be able to register/sell tickets to the event. You can also access bingo@rotaryclubofreddeer.ca for payment information.
Wine Tree: Garth Olson thanks all for your donations. If you have not yet donated, then send him an e-transfer at gartholson@shaw.ca , bring a bottle of wine worth $30 or more, or bring cash to the meeting.
Volunteers: Judith McIntyre has sent out an email of the ways in which you can assist in making the event a great success for all. There will also be sign up boards at the meetings so we can ensure that you can find a task that is perfect for you!
Silent Auction Items: Please continue to submit your lists of items for the Silent Auction to Annette Eby. You can access the form in the email sent today and email it to her at aeby@morguard.com. Copies of the form will also be available at meetings for you to fill out and give to her. If you need any assistance contact her or a member of the Black Tie Bingo committee.
Be the Best Dressed Rotarian
Garth Olson has extended the timeline to October 9 to purchase items from Legacy Branding that are branded for Rotary Club of Red Deer. Items include shirts, polo shirts, dress shirts, and caps. Delivery time is 4 weeks.
Victor Maris, Polio Plus club lead, shared information about the upcoming event on Oct 26. The Miss Vicky Challenge for Polio Plus is a major ongoing fundraising and awareness campaign led by Rotarian and retired ophthalmologist Dr. Lee Harman alongside Winston Conyers, featuring Miss Vicky-an iconic refurbished 1031 Ford Model A Victoria classic car.Her resume includes conquering the 10 000 mile Peking- Paris Endurance Rally in 2019 and Alaska-Mexico in 2023.In the last 2 years over $456 000 US has been raised- that’s an amazing $1.37 million US to help eradicate polio from the world after the Gates Foundation matching. And she is going to be at our October 26 meeting along with Dr Lee and Jackie Hobal, member of 5370 and a champion for Polio Plus.What a great event it will be as we raise money for the eradication of polio through your Polio Plus donations. Stay tuned for more information about the visit.
Literacy Alive! Belize Literacy Project
Judith McIntyre reports that members of the team will be heading to Belize in November. The focus will be planning for further involvement in post secondary institutions and working together with the BRITe team on next steps when supporting classroom teachers.
It is not too late to support the Literacy Tile project that is providing classrooms with necessary materials to implement programs. Charitable receipts can be provided for donations by individuals. Link to the Calgary Foundation and search for Rotary Club of Red Deer and make a note that the donation is for Literacy Tiles.
Rotarians Having Fun Together
Autocross Moments
Angela McKenna reports that our first Rotary Social of the year happened this past weekend at the Red Deer Sports Car Clubs autocross event on Sunday. It was a brisk morning, with some coffee and hot chocolate being appreciated. We had many members show up throughout the day. Many felt the wind in their hair and got their kicks in with a ride along, some bringing their entourage with them. Thanks to all who came out.
Our November event will be announced soon, in partnership with the Membership Committee. It will be a Fireside meeting where we encourage long standing and new members to attend, get to know each other and enjoy an evening of fellowship.
Rotary Blood Donor Wednesday
Members joined the Sunrise and Rotary East Clubs at the monthly dinner. They gathered at “It's All Greek To Me” for an evening of fellowship. Join Rotary Clubs from central Alberta on Nov 4- location to be announced.
