Happy Jar
1. Cheryl was happy to inform members of her recent trip to Nogales, Mexico to see how 'shoebox' project was going. She reported that the project was looking good and that the local firefighters had held a festival to raise funds for continued construction of fire station and to create a rescue dog group to assist with their job.
2. Lew Ford thanked Ray Taylor for the gift of tulip and crocise bulbs from his church when he was at the Auction distribution day last Saturday.
3. Gary Parker was very happy that the Online Auction is over and that the distribution day went so smoothly with 97% of the 160+ items picked up. Only four left to be picked up this week. On behalf of Neil and himself ; he thanked all those members [Cheryl, Elena, our visiting Russian Rotarian, Bill P., Richard, Dave C., Lew, Ray, Jim P. and Paul] for giving their time to come and assist with this activity.
4. Ken Seiling was happy to be back at Rotary after his leave of absence as Regional Chair. He thanked everyone for the friendships he has from Rotary and happy to be retired.
5.Dave Martindale related how his daughter had organized an 80th birthday event for him at her home in Ajax on Saturday where his son's family flew in from Vancouver, so he got to see his granddaughter. Also other extended family dropped by to make the celebration really special. The Sunday was hilited by attending a Raptors game.
Bell Ringer(s)
President Richard made Gary & Neil today's Bell Ringers for their efforts at organizing the Online Auction distribution day last Saturday.
President's Wine Quiz
Q: Where is our Christmas Social being held? Ans: Bingeman's Berkley Room on Monday, Dec. 3rd at 6:00 pm.
Club Announcements
1. Bill Proctor was looking for "pie makers" for the Christmas Social raffle and fund raiser. Gary volunteered to get Sue to create a venison pie, while Hubert was volunteered for his famous curry pie. Jess Moat, our exchange student, volunteered to make a surprise item or two as well.
Bill also noted that the 'Dine-a-Round' event was in the works and to let him know if you would like to be involved.
Bill would like members of the Meeting Support Committee to send their availability for the rest of the year.
2. Hubert Singh spoke about the Caborca trip coming up and that there are three spots left. Members wishing to attend can email him.
3. Guests, Tony Dennison & Diane Wilde, spoke to members about the local 'Turkey Drive' sponsored by Leadership Waterloo Region coming up for the Christmas season. As well, Diane related to us about the gala on Saturday, January 25 to build resources for community projects and organizations in Waterloo Region. The theme is the "Roaring 20's Gin Joint" style. Come dressed in the 1920's styles and have a fun night.
4. Paul Rostrup reminded members to vote for the 2019 - 2020 Board of Directors and to send in ballots to him by Dec, 3rd.
50/50 Draw
Guest, Diane Wilde, had the first chance in the draw with members Gary Parker and Peter Gray following but no luck for anyone. Pot stands at $226.00.
Program Highlights
Special Presentation: Past District Governor, Kathi Dick presented President Richard with an Membership Award for being able to maintain club memberships for the past three years.
President Richard introduced our guest speaker for the meeting, Erin Donelly, coordinator for Partnerships & Philanthropy for the Sunshine Foundation of Canada. She heads up the funds development team and is passionate for child health and welfare issues. She showed members a video entitled "We are Dream Makers" which outlined the foundation's mission to make dreams come true for children with life threatening illnesses and disabilities. Having been started in 1987, the foundation has helped over 200 children overcome isolation and bullying to build confidence and to make friends. She sees the wonderful changes in these children & youth as they become determined, take risks and learn to socialize more freely. The child takes pride in planning the trip with their families and learn to overcome barriers they thought were not possible. Currently there are 7 children working towards their dreams. These life changing adventures help expand life experiences and gain knowledge about many areas that were unknown until they took on these plans.
Richard thanked Erin for her taking the time to speak with us and presented her with our certificate of thanks that immunizes 100 children in her name against polio.
Closing Remarks & Reminders
Richard reminded members of our Christmas Social on Dec. 3rd, so no regular meeting. As well, to get ballots in to Paul and that Dec. 10th is our AGM.
