April is Maternal and Child Health month, and at Rotary, we are committed to making high-quality healthcare available to vulnerable mothers and children. We believe that every child should have the opportunity to live a long and healthy life, and we work tirelessly to expand access to quality care worldwide.
Sadly, an estimated 5.9 million children under the age of five die each year due to malnutrition, inadequate healthcare, and poor sanitation. But we know that these deaths can be prevented, which is why we are so passionate about our work. By providing mothers and children with access to high-quality healthcare, we are helping them to live longer and grow stronger.
We are thrilled to announce the top 3 projects of the Rotary Impact Challenge!
Project 1: DisabilityEdmonton is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to establishing a central platform for Edmonton's disability community. It aims to provide a one-stop hub for individuals seeking information on events, social groups, programs, and more. By bridging the gap in accessibility and communication, DisabilityEdmonton empowers the disability community to stay informed, connected, and engaged.
Project 2: Enhancing Mental Health Through Community Dance Classes in Edmonton. This project enhance mental health in Edmonton communities through community dance classes, recognizing the profound impact of music and dance on emotional well-being. Welcoming individuals of all ages and backgrounds, particularly those facing mental health challenges, the project offers accessible opportunities for destressing, self-expression, and confidence-building. Over five weeks, structured Latin dance classes will be conducted, providing participants with physical and mental benefits. The project aims to increase participation in dance classes and improve mental health, measured through post-class surveys.
Project 3: Presented by the Students Invested in Health Association (SIHA), this project seeks to address menstrual hygiene barriers in Edmonton by providing free menstrual hygiene products to those in need. The project aims to combat the stigma surrounding menstruation, emphasizing it as a basic human right rather than a taboo topic. Through the provision of free menstrual hygiene dispensers, awareness sessions on period poverty and menstrual hygiene, and social media campaigns, the project endeavors to increase access to menstrual hygiene products and reduce stigma.
From April 15 to May 15, we will be inviting the public to vote for their favourite projects. Votes from Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn will be collected together, and we encourage you to vote, and share the posts with your friends and network.
Motions
At the executive meeting, we approved a small change to our in-person meeting fee. Attendees will now have an option of paying $30 for the meeting and meal or $10 for the meeting with coffee and dessert.
We also approved an offer to immigrants who have been in Canada for less than 5 years for membership at 50% of the regular rates.
Next Meeting
Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 17th. Paul Dusseault will be joining us in person to talk about Misión Claridad (Mission Clarity). This is a Rotary Club of Edmonton Riverview cataract surgery and optometry mission that goes to Ecuador providing free cataract surgery and eye exams and eyeglasses. There have been two missions so far, the first in September 2022, followed by a second in October 2023. The team had performed 236 cataract surgeries, over 600 people have had eye examinations and 350 eyeglasses have been distributed. The team consists of ophthalmologists, residents, nurses, optometrists, opticians and volunteers. In Ecuador, cataract surgery is not provided in the public hospital system. Left untreated, cataracts can lead to severe vision impairment, even blindness.
For those who cannot attend in person, the Zoom login for the meeting is Meeting ID 780 222 3440 Passcode Mayfield
Upcoming Events
District 5370 Conference, May 3rd-4th, 2024
The event is now sold out. Our very own Rotarian, Jeanette Bancarz will have her District Governor Designate nomination ratified at the conference. Thank you to everyone who was able to register. We have an awesome representation from our club with 14 members and 3 partners attending.
Integrity Awards
This lovely event will take place on May 15th. Thank you to Ted and Carol, Lorne and Elaine, Victoria, Maureen and Jeanette for signing up to represent our club.
Fork it Over Fund Raiser
We will host the 21st Annual Fork It Over Fundraiser on Saturday, June 1st, 2024, at the River Cree Resort and Casino. This year's theme is Jerseys & Jeans!
Ticket sales are now open. You can buy tickets or invite your friends and family to get theirs using this link. We also need sponsorships and auction items to make this event a success. Please contact Lorne Wight to coordinate.
Self-Care Corner
Just like we clean our homes every spring, mental health spring cleaning is just as important. The beginning of spring is always a good time to let go of the mental “clutter” we’re holding on to. Here are some wellness tips for spring for a healthy, productive, and fulfilling spring season.
Help One Another Canada Foundation
On April 6th, Jean Jacques (JJ), Executive Director of Help One Another Canada Foundation, hosted a successful event to launch the organization's programs. Rose was able to attend, talk about our club and make fantastic connections. Help One Another Canada Foundation is committed to teaching youth entrepreneurial skills they don't learn in school to help them become problem solvers. They focus on entrepreneurship, Financial Fitness, Mental fitness, and Citizenship and Inclusion.
How can we tell our story?
If you are working on a project or event or if you want to share your Rotary journey with others, we want to hear about it. And if you attend an event, take pictures or videos and send them to Victoria. We will use these for social media and bulletin posts.
Are you an established professional who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship.
We invite you to join us at an upcoming meeting.
Club Information
Wednesdays at 12:00 PM
Chateau Nova Yellowhead
13920 Yellowhead Trail
Edmonton, AB T5L 3C2 Canada
We meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at noon at the Chateau Nova Yellowhead (and by Zoom for those who cannot attend in person), and the second Saturday at 10am by Zoom.
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