Hope everyone is staying warm, although, nicer temperatures are on the horizon.
The board met on February 18, 2025 and the outcome of the meeting is as follows.
Decisions:
Approve SEVEN Community Grant recommendations totaling $32,000 (subject to Club Reading - see below)
Transfer $14,250 from Club Reserves to Club Operating account for unanticipated expenses.
Transfer Beers for Belize Net Proceeds to Community Service (from Operating)
Transfer Black Tie Bingo proceeds to Community Service (from Black Tie Bingo)
Community Grant Recommendations:
The protocol for community grants is as follows:
The Committee Reviews applications and makes recommendations to the Board.
The board reviews recommendations and approves, subject to Club Reading
Club Members have 1 week from the date the recommendations are "Read" at a club meeting (Feb 24, 2025) to identify objections with the Community Grants Chair.
If no objections are raised, the approved recommendations are dispersed.
Red Deer Community Band Society-formerly the Red Deer Royals- $3000. Their request was for $100,000.00. They have asked for this every year. They are raising funds for new uniforms. They have approx 100 members, and uniforms are approx $1500.00 each. We have supported this organization in the past, but have not done so for many years. We do not want to provide funds if they are several years away from reaching their $100,000.00 target having our money just sit in an account.
The Central Alberta Regional (Rotary) Science Fair- $2500. Before COVID we had agreed to a 3-year commitment of funds, to be shared with the other Rotary clubs in Red Deer. COVID hit so they did not hold the event. They did not request funds in time last year, so we would make this donation with the clear understanding that this upholds our clubs' prior commitment.
The Sendaro Centre (formerly the CASAC)- $7000. This is for education for grades K-12 in regard to the prevention of various forms of violence and harassment including sexual violence. This program is completed in schools and the request from schools is growing.
Red Deer Action Group- $2500. This organization is one we have sponsored in the past, however, the positive impact this program has is very evident in the community. They provide bus passes for people with disabilities, the elderly, and the disadvantaged so they can attend appointments and events. The request is so small each year that we feel we can easily fit this within our budget.
Red Deer Festival of Performing Arts- $3500. This event focuses on youth and is a great way for youth to showcase their musical talents. We wanted to support something positive and proactive, as many organizations we support are reactive.
YMCA Northside-$3500. This is for their Free Food Friday Program. They feed up to 90 youth supper on Friday night. We sponsored this organization last year for the same amount of money. In touring their facility we could see the impact they have on youth in our community.
Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter- $10,000. This request is for their Outfitting our New Shelter Campaign. This is a $2M campaign to furnish their new space.
Should all recommendations be dispersed, the committee will have $25,000 available for the Spring Grant Cycle.
If members have questions or concerns about any of these recommendations, please reach out to Vanji at service@rotaryclubofredddeer.ca.
Director Updates:
Career Opportunity Funding. As a follow-up to last month, Co-President Phil shared highlights of a meeting with the Community Foundation to understand scenarios under which the second tranche of funding would be determined. It was agreed more time is needed to determine appropriate funding levels and build an agreement that will be used to steward the clubs' contributions.
Linked In. THANK YOU Jennifer Whalen for stepping forward to manage our LinkedIn channel.
Bylaws. Secretary Angla provided an update on the bylaw review process:
Preliminary bylaws will be reviewed by the board at a Special Board Meeting on March 11th
Revised bylaws will be reviewed (and hopefully approved for recommendation to the club) at the March 18th board meeting.
Bylaw revisions will be submitted to the club ahead of the March Club Business Meeting for review and discussion
Bylaws will be presented to the Club at the April Club Business Meeting for approval.
Board Mentorship. THANKS to Scott Robinson for his work to date providing coaching and mentorship to the board as they transition to our new governance model. Scott facilitated a two-hour meeting with the board where he shared his observations, insights, and suggestions for how the board could be more efficient and effective in how it conducts its work. More great work to do here.
Budget 2025/25. Treasurer Ron has started to work on the budget for the next Rotary year. Details will be presented to the April Board meeting
AgriTrade 50/50. THANK YOU to all who worked a shift or two at AgriTrade. The numbers are in and...
$19,765 in Gross Proceeds
$7,649 in Net Proceeds
$3,824 Earned by our Club
Head Table at Business Meetings. Several years ago we discontinued the practice of having the President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Speaker sit at a head table for our meetings. Starting in March we are going to re-introduce a modified version of that practice. The Board of Directors will sit at a head table for our monthly business meetings. The intent is to raise the profile of the board with our members so that we know who it taking care of which portfolios. We'll do this through the end of the Rotary year and re-evaluate the practice in July 2025.
That covers it for this month. If you have any questions, please let with of Darcy or Phil know.
Meeting(s):
March 11th - Special Board Meeting t review Bylaws
