Phil H chaired the meeting.  Jan C kept all in line as Sarge.  We were challenged to bring a 1 lb bag of sugar that will be donated to a worthy cause to the upcoming Christmas social. ( I checked out Walmart today but was not lucky there- there even was a nice little sign saying "Sorry") Happy hunting!

 

Bob Mills tried once again to win the prize but he was no more successful than he was last week.  

 

Guests:

Jerhett Schafer, guest of Liann

Giselle Kutrowski, guest of Bruce

Deb Valyear, guest of Leigh

Naomi Lazdins,  Bill Hull's grandaughter

 

 

Gina Belich

 

Brenda Kolasa : Red Deer East

Aliesha:  Grateful for the welcome provided as she marks her 1 year anniversary of transferring to this club.  Estatic with her son's hockey achievement- 3 goals and 5 assists.  Thanks to all who shared in the recent fellowship at the recent Rotary after 5 event at Red Hart Brewery- the tour, visiting, and refreshments were great.

Ron M:  Remembering relatives in Lunenberg as niece sent info re aunt's recent 107th birthday celebration.  Visiting the Maritimes is a bucket list item to be accomplished.

Amanda O: Celebrated 1 year anniversary with special dinner at Cacio d Pepe Italian Bistro in Olds.

Garth:  Relayed info that Rob Stryker is recovering well from his recent surgery.

Brenda Kolasa: Celebrating 25 year as a Rotarian .  Shared info re Good Kids Santa box and Beach Vacation Getaway raffle.

 

Bruce B provided an update of how we have been supporting the community in the last months. The club has identified 3 areas of focus for determining eligibility for funding. Focus will be placed on initiatives that focus on youth, mental health and community development. 

Summer saw $5000 awarded to 3 worthy recipients:  Afro Caribbean Festival, 10 Peaks Student Conference, and the Schizophrenia Society for the purchase of fire doors.

Honing the process for applications for funding in the fall included requiring a short online application process that allowed the committee to create a shortlist for further consideration.  Please see Bruce's recent email on Club Runner for more details regarding the process, and projects that are being considered.  Feedback should be sent to Bruce and the other members of the committee. All successful organizations will be provided with a liaison from the club to determine what impact the funding had within the community and ways in which the contributions from Rotary were recognized.

 

Giselle Kutrowski, Executive Director from Canadian Mental Health Association accepted a $1500 cheque to support initiatives.  Amethyst House, a permanent supportive living complex,  was the focus project for this club during the September Community Service Week.  Club members were involved in helping with painting areas.  Giselle shared the impact of the rising cost of living on the vulnerable populations such as the homeless which have seen an increase in issues with addictions and mental health.  The range of clients has widened to include those who  are experiencing difficulties as their income no longer is sufficient to meet basic needs.  The impact of Covid has resulted in many  seeking out opportunities to connect with others.  The association is experiencing more requests for support for youth, businesses who are concerned about employee mental health and within the general community. 

 

 

Brenda Kolasa from Red Deer East shared the opportunity to bring a smile to your special child.  Donations are also sought and will be used to purchase kits that will be donated to organizations that support children at this time of year. 

 

 

Win a $3000 travel voucher or an evening watching hockey from the Rebels Suite. Buy a ticket from a member of Rotary East ($20) for your chance to win.