Membership News April 2, 2023 (May 12, 2024)

Recap of CREATE HOPE District Conference 2024

Thank you to all who attended the CREATE HOPE District Conference 2024 last weekend. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn more about vital topics from exceptional keynote speakers such as mental health with Michael Landsberg, human trafficking with Paul Brandt, and inequality challenges with Brian Rusch. Each speaker emphasized the importance of discussing these topics and highlighted their organizations' efforts to bring hope to our communities worldwide.

During the special General Meeting, our very own Rotarian, Jeanette Bancarz was nominated as District Governor Designate, with unanimous approval from all members. Congratulations to Jeanette, and we pledge our full support for her upcoming role.

The conference concluded with a Tartan Ball, giving attendees the opportunity to network, unwind, and leave recharged. It was an enjoyable evening filled with camaraderie and fun.

Next Meeting

Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15th. Sophia Fairweather, who is fifteen years old, will speak about becoming a serial entrepreneur and property owner. Also, she will share some of her most recent endeavors. Now, she speaks to colleges, schools, and economic development organizations in places like Calgary for Alberta Innovates.

For those who cannot attend in person, the Zoom login for the meeting is Meeting ID 780 222 3440 Passcode Mayfield

Impact Challenge

Since April 15th, we've been encouraging the public to vote for their preferred projects.

While the winner is not yet finalized, based on preliminary results, Project 1: 'Disability Edmonton' is currently leading with 191 votes. Project 2 has received 13 votes, and Project 3 has received 80 votes.

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.

Voting is open until May 15th and the winner will be announced on May 16th.

Upcoming Events

Integrity Awards

The 2024 Integrity Awards Gala Dinner will be held this Wednesday, May 15.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to honor and celebrate outstanding leaders in our community who exemplify Rotary values through their actions and commitments.

We are proud to nominate Jason Gregor for this prestigious award. In 2011, Jason initiated the "Month of Giving," raising over $1.5 million for local Edmonton charities. In 2014, he established the Jason Gregor Foundation, which has raised over $3 million to date.

One of Jason's notable initiatives includes providing support and hot meals to the children of Brightview Elementary School. Recognizing the importance of addressing hunger to facilitate learning, he has contributed over $30,000 to this cause.

Healthy Child Uganda

On June 20th, Zaheer invited Dr Jenn Brenner from Healthy Child Uganda to speak at the Royal Alex Hospital at 11 am. You may know that Dr Brenner has been involved with our East Africa Medical Program for many years. We are all invited to attend. After the presentation, we plan to organize a lunch with Dr Brenner and present her with a Paul Harris Fellow.

Would you prefer to cancel our regularly scheduled meeting on June 19th and designate this luncheon as our regular meeting?

If you plan to attend the presentation and/or the luncheon, please email Maureen this week. This will help us to determine the size of the room needed for the luncheon.

Self-Care Corner

During the conference, Michael Landsberg discussed mental illness and the challenges individuals face when they feel alone in their struggles. However, sharing your challenges and stories can have a profound impact on someone else's life, reaching far beyond what you may anticipate.

Sharing your story not only helps others feel less isolated but also plays a crucial role in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. By opening up and sharing your experiences with friends, neighbors, and the world, you contribute to creating a more supportive and understanding community. Your story has the power to save lives, making it an incredibly important act.

To learn more about this organization, read others' stories, and offer your support, please visit SICKNOTWEAK.

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.