Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 29 March 2016 - Local Rotary Foundation Goals

Reporter: Peter Lawrie

President Heather called the meeting to order promptly at 12:15 amidst a rowdy crew! She reminded us that this was the last meeting of March. Marc's theme has been water and sanitation. She quoted some staggering statistics in the world, regarding people not having access to good sanitation and clean water, and the lack of investment by governments in this issue. She concluded with a call to action for us as a club and as individuals, to continue to find ways to support clean water and sanitation projects.

Guests:

Lynne said grace and also introduced our visitors. We had two Interact members: Isabella Lee and James Asherill and 2 visitors: Alyx Valdal, a guest of Janna and soon to be inducted as a new member, and Lisa Bradley from Nottingham a guest and first cousin once removed of Joan Peggs.

Health of the Club – Brian is undergoing treatment. It is also his birthday! We all wish him a speedy return.

Announcements:

• Perry had good news and good news regarding the Paul Harris dinner – we now have 96 tickets sold (we sold 90 last year) and only 24 left to meet maximum capacity. Steve Sharlow has kindly donated 10 tickets for the use of prospective new members to our club. Thank you Steve!
• Jim Force reminded us that Thursday is “club-in-a-pub” time at the Penny Farthing. 
• Jim also announced that it looks like we have raised more than $100 from the book exchange this month plus $500 in donations from the club going to Early Start 1000 by 5!
• Isabella and James announced a new Interact fundraiser based on the Amazing Race around Victoria. Skills of teamwork speed and ingenuity required!! Sounds fun!! They were looking for volunteers to help on April 9th from 10:00 – 12:30. A sign-up sheet was circulated. Please let Jim Force know if you are available and weren’t able to sign up at the meeting.
• Lorna asked for volunteers to help out at the DLTA conference on Thursday and Friday evening  – stuffing and handing out registration packages.
• Heather awarded the Rotarian of the Month to Mary Canty. While there were several candidates, Mary was recognized and appreciated for her consistent care, energy and the empathy she brings to every meeting, and between meetings. Congratulations, Mary!!

Celebrations Master – Tav

Tav took the podium and was greeted with a stirring applause!  He apologized for a false announcement last meeting, that it was his last performance for the month, only to return again this week. Following some murmurs of discontent from thrifty members who braced themselves to be separated from their hard earned cash, Tav launched a relentless attack on the crowd. Fines were levied on Janette for her nice black hat, but which hid her face, at David’s funeral; those not wearing pins and badges; Pablo’s indecision of leaving early/not leaving early; Steve and Lynne for their complementary yellows and Tom L for his "Wrangler" shirt; Mary losing her hearing aid that was driven over in the parking lot (she was happy not to be wearing it at the time!) and many other fines, that had some members sadly dabbing their eyes.

Happy and Sad:  Too many to do justice to, but included:

Joan P – happy to be home safe and sound after the family wedding celebrations plus having her guest Lisa visiting.

Jack P – happy dollars to celebrate the great send off for Dr. David Philip and Rod’s Sim’s comments.

Lynne – she was wearing yellow because it was International Lemon Chiffon Cake Day

Janette - happy dollars for her one month holiday in Guatemala. 

Rod, Vicky, Tom L, Lori, Eugen and more, also parted generously and voluntarily with their cash.

Visiting guest, Lisa, won the draw but missed the black marble! 

Tav made a final (at last!) triumphant departure.

Club Day Program – Information was provided by Lori McLeod and Heather Aked about the club’s Foundation and the importance of coordinated support while remaining separate from the Rotary Board, as per Revenue Canada requirements.

A spirited discussion took place. The membership of the club is also the membership of the foundation. It is important to have a different board and some separation to meet Revenue Canada requirements. At the same time, it is important that the foundation board and club board remain responsive to the membership’s priorities.

Given the limited size and resources in the club, the  importance of coordinating fundraising possibilities for both organizations, was hiighted. This is particularly the case for “crossover” areas such as youth/leadership, local literacy related and municipal projects, like the water park. The community sees the foundation and the club as one and we need to continue to appear linked and aligned.

The committed funds, at this point, are for two scholarships at Oak Bay High School. 

The strategy of the Foundation is to use the interest generated from the capital in each of the scholarship funds, to finance the $1000  and $500 that is awarded for the two scholarships each year. A need to collaborate on additional fundraising efforts was urged.

The past and present members of the Foundation were recognized for their diligence and dedication. 

Lori M and President Heather called for volunteers to sit on  a committee to formulate guidelines and goals for the Foundation so that it may raise more funds and expand the projects to which funds can be dedicated.

The meeting was concluded at 1:30 with a stirring rendition of the Kenya National Anthem.