2022-2023 Annual Impact Report Rotary Club of Winnipeg
Click here to download the 2022-2023 Annual Impact Report Rotary Club of Winnipeg
Stories
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Celebration of Impact: Toast to 80 years.
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DG Nominee Peter Tonge Accessing The ArtsWhen Peter Tonge is assessing the accessibility of a space, he likes to go in cold. He refrains from looking up available accommodations and avoids Googling the layout. By arriving without preconceptions, he can experience all the potential barriers first-hand. Tonge is the project lead for Arts AccessAbility Network Manitoba’s venue audit — a wide-ranging assessment of the accessibility of local concert halls, theatres and galleries that is now available online for patrons and artists. “It’s really sort of opened my eyes to lots of things,” Tonge says of the process of auditing three to four venues a week for the last several months. The Free Press tagged along during a recent survey of Platform Centre for Photographic and Digital Art.  Peter Tonge, Arts Accessibility Network of Manitoba main auditor, assesses the washrooms at the Platform Centre. The visual art gallery is located on the first floor of the Artspace building on Arthur Street. Tonge, a wheelchair user, takes the power lift up to the main lobby and checks out the shared washrooms down the hall before rolling into Platform. He snaps photos while moving through the small exhibit spaces, storage area and employee office; the images will help inform the 175-point audit that will be posted to the Arts AccessAbility online database (aanm.ca). The audit was created through a lengthy consultation process with Manitoba’s disability community and includes considerations for artists and attendees who identify as disabled, deaf, blind or neurodiverse. Accessibility in public spaces and behind the scenes is equally important. “The biggest thing we’re seeing — and, honestly, we’re not that surprised by it — is for performance venues, they’re doing a better job front-of-house, but they still haven’t thought about back-of-house,” Tonge says, describing greenrooms and stages that can only be accessed by stairs. “Part of the impetus of doing this is trying to get organizations more in the mindset of expecting performers to have disabilities. “Twenty-five per cent of the population in Manitoba has some form of a disability,” he adds. “Yet, when we show up, everybody’s surprised.” |
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Humbolt Bronco's Scholarship Presentation March 4 2023
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Evening Around the WorldRotary clubs present ‘Evening Around the World’ fundraiser Moose Jaw’s local Rotary Clubs have combined with the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council (MJMC) to present a fundraising dinner featuring food, music, dancing, and fashion from the city’s diverse cultures. The dinner takes place Friday, March 10 at St. Andrew's  |
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Saskatoon Nutana Rotary News
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Dryden Rotary & Friends Bring Education to the World’s Poorest Children
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Information from the December 1 Club Runner WebinarOn the December 1st Talk Show Omar from ClubRunner Support spoke and presented on ClubRunner with the goal of assisting Members understand and utilize ClunRunner more effectively. Below Is the transcript of the followup email with some links and webinars that were mentioned during the talk show.
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Hudson Bay Rotary Harvest 2022The Rotary Club of Hudson Bay had another succesful harvest with proceeds to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank |
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Paul Harris Recognition at Saskatoon NorthDG Fred participated in the Paul Harris night at the Saskatoon North Club.  Brenda Bradbury promoted the 2023 District conference in Saskatoon  |
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November 14th DG VisitSome Members of the Rotary Club of Prince Albert pose in front of their new Club banner. These members were part of the committee that organized their recent Wine Gala. They raised $30,000 while having a lot of FUN.  Past President Joe chaired the evening which focused on one of the Prince Albert Club goals have having fun.  |
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Rotary Club of Prince Albert Wine PremiereThe Rotary Club of Prince Albert hosted its annual Wine Premiere November 5th. While the weather outside was delivering 18 cm of fresh blowing snow it did not stop the sellout crowd from enjoying a sampling of wines from Josh Cellars which makes well-balanced and delicious wines sourced from California's best growing regions. The four course meal was prepared by Randy Whitter to complement each of the wines. The Mont St Joseph foundation was the beneficary of funds raised. Guests were greeted by members of the Rotary club with a Prosecco and a large ice sculpture of the Rotary Wheel.  |
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Rotary Club of Dauphin NewsDistrict governor Fred recently visited the Rotary Club of Dauphin. One of the Clubs projects is Rotary Trails.  |
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Rotary Club of Regina Oskaya News President Tay Ruth receives a banner in recognition of the third highest per capita RI Foundation giving in District 5550  President Ray Ruth received a certificate of recognition for continued support of the Polio Zulu’s campaign
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Watrous Rotary NewsRotary Club of Watrous President Alan Mosewich presents an honourary Paul Harris award to Ronald Ediger. Ron personally completed the last 3 kilometers of the Rotary walking trail that now joins Watrous with Manitou Beach.   President Alan Mosewich introduces four new members into the Rotary Club of Watrous: Ted Mansuy, Julie Mansuy, Pat Isherwood and John McArthur. They are joined in the picture by their sponsors: Ron Morningstar, Lorne Bradbeer and Murray Westby. |
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Rotary Club of Saskatoon Meewasin EGADZ Back Pack, Ground Zero and Bicycle Projects. |
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International Camp Returns After COVID
International Camp Returns After COVIDSioux Lookout - Rotary District 5550 and the Rotary Club Sioux Lookout offered another amazing, wilderness, canoeing experience form July 6 – 20, 2022. The club has invited youth from all over the world each July for the last 28 years for 14 fun filled days of adventure. “There was no camp in 2020 or 2021 due to COVID, we were very glad to welcome the young people back this year. We missed the friendships and enthusiasm” said camp co-ordinator Rotarian Susan Barclay. |
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Jennifer Jones Visit to District 5550
Rotary International President Jennifer Jones and her husband Nick Krayacich along with Bryn and Randy Styles visited our District as part of her Imagine Rotary Canada Tour. She arrived in Winnipeg to a rousing Rotary 5550 welcome at the James Richardson International Airport in Winnipeg, just after 10 AM on July 6.
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Lobsterfest Served With A Side of Community Betterment
 The Rotary Club of Winnipeg-Charleswood’s Lobsterfest is its biggest fundraiser every year. Jim Forestell has served in a variety of capacities at the event since its inception 30 years ago, including chairman, co-chair and head lobster chef. The dinner typically draws hundreds of guests and raises thousands of dollars for the club’s philanthropic efforts. "Seeing 600 people from the community come in, enjoy themselves and support the Rotary club is very satisfying," Forestell says. "I get a lot of joy from that." The retired Royal Canadian Air Force pilot first joined a Rotary Club in 1976. He was stationed at CFB Trenton in Southern Ontario at the time, and saw it as an opportunity to help improve the community. Forestell joined the Charleswood club when he moved to Winnipeg in 1986. It’s one of more than 46,000 clubs around the world — including eight in Winnipeg — that aim to serve others, promote integrity and create lasting change in the community. Now 80, Forestell has fulfilled a variety of roles during his time as a Rotarian. He’s been club president, district governor, organized the Rotary Youth Exchange program, chaired three district conventions in Winnipeg, and sat on the district policy board. Lobsterfest, however, is one initiative he’s involved with that always stands out. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Forestell and fellow volunteers would serve more than 600 guests a sit-down, full-course lobster dinner. Lobsterfest was cancelled in 2020 because of the pandemic, but returned last May in the form of a curbside pickup event. The club sold more than 600 dinners and raised around $15,000. It donated that money to a variety of initiatives, including STARS Air Ambulance, the breakfast program at Westgrove School, and Assiniboine Forest and Urban Stable, an organization that offers therapeutic horse riding for youth. After more than 45 years as a Rotarian, Forestell says seeing the difference the club makes keeps him going. "I’ve had a pretty fun and fortunate life… and it just seems right to repay that fortune by doing something to make the community a little better," he says. Forestell is a great Rotarian and citizen, says Jack Wilson, a fellow member at the Charleswood club. "He’s a very knowledgeable and involved and committed person," says Wilson, who has known Forestell for 20 years. "He’s very dedicated to serving the community and helping people." Forestell and his fellow Rotarians are busy planning this year’s Lobsterfest, which will offer meals for curbside pickup June 17. As always, proceeds from the event will allow the Rotary Club of Winnipeg-Charleswood to continue its efforts. "We just try to do good work to make things better for everybody — to make the community a worthwhile and peaceful place to live," Forestell says. For details about this year’s Lobsterfest, or for information on how to join the Rotary Club of Winnipeg-Charleswood, visit portal.clubrunner.ca/1000. |
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November 2021 Newsletter RAGFP |
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November Foundation Month |
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Canadian Museum of Human Rights June 2021 Newsletter
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The 215 PledgeTHE 215 PLEDGE TO HONOUR INDIGENOUS CHILDREN WHO NEVER MADE IT HOMEAfter hearing the tragic news of the discovery of the bodies of 215 Indigenous children at the former Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia, Peter Hernandez, President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Oshawa, felt disturbed. As a father of three young girls, ages 2, 3 and 5, he was immediately hit by the sunken feeling that these children could have been his daughters under different life circumstances. That night he made sure to hug his girls and tell them how much he loved them. |
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Growing Club Membership
There isn’t anything profound or new to what I am about to tell you, only a reminder of some of our past and present strategies we all continually striving to achieve. We have, amongst our fellow Clubs and RI, continuing information and strategies to develop membership efforts. Membership is always a challenge for any organization. |
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MUNA 2021
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Neepawa Rotary Public Image Makeover The Neepawa Rotary Club has been working to improve their public image in the community. Some signage in the community and some Rotary structures were an eyesore. Motivated by the Public Image Newsletters, the club decided that now was the time to start.
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Brandon Rotary Donates iPads to Care Homes
In a time of extreme social and physical distancing, the Rotary Club of Brandon is helping local care home residents connect with the people they love the most.
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Neepawa Rotarians in Action |
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People of Action Spotlight |
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The Rotary Foundation Doing Good In The World |
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Jennifer Jones from Windsor-Roseland nominated for RI President
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Exchange Student Kale Ann returns to Regina Eastview
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IGNITING THE POWER AND POTENTIAL OF YOUNG PEOPLE Guest presenters, Victor Roman and Jonathan Carrier, shared with us their introduction to, and their ongoing association with, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Regina and Area. Beginning with their "little" brother match, 10 and 8 years ago, Victor and Jonathan spoke about how their respective brother relationship has grown over the years. Growth was not restricted to the young person (the mentee), but equally so to them as the "mentor". A growth and development process, such that they have become important components of one another’s lives. As Victor stated so clearly, "We transform young lives by igniting their potential." |
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Rotary ResolutionsAs we enter the new decade Rotary club of Saskatoon North has the following Resolutions  |
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2019 Adventures in Agriculture |
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It all starts with Amarok mothers
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Rotary club of Saskatoon Nutana Program
Rotary Club of Saskatoon Nutana Program - Nazeem Muhajarine - U of S Mozambique Project
Asit Sarkar introduced Nazeem Muhajarine of the faculty of Community Health and Epidemiology at the U of S. Nazeem spoke about the Mozambique/Canada Maternal Health Project, of which he is Principal Investigator. The project's goal is to improve sexual, reproductive, maternal and newborn health in the province of Inhambane, Mozambique. A five-year project that began in April 2017 and is funded by Global Affairs Canada, the project is a partnership between the Inhambane Provincial Health Directorate and the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, which is the implementing agency. The headquarters is in Inhambane City and the Canadian office is in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology at the University of Saskatchewan. Nazeem said there are 489 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in Mozambique compared to 7 to 10 deaths in Canada. In seeking to improve maternal health outcomes, the project has found it beneficial to take steps to reposition women as leaders in their families and communities and to fund micro projects, such chicken production and flour grinding. For more information visit: http://www.maternalhealthmozcan.ca/. Walt Pawlovich expressed the club's thanks.
South Eastman Rotary Club D.A.R.E Luncheon
Annual D.A.R.E. Luncheon a Record Success
On October 17th, the Southeast came together for lunch in support of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program.
Rotary club of Winnipeg Honouring Indigenious Peoples (HIP) Initiatives
Saskatoon Nutana Speaker informs Club on the U of S Ethiopia Project
Rotary Club of Prince Albert 12 Annual Wine Premiere
Rotary club of Prince Albert Wine Premiere
 | Saturday the twenty-sixth of October was the twelfth annual Rotary Wine Premier, sponsored by B&B Construction and many other generous sponsors. The evening was a great success, boasting a full house, live entertainment, and the presence of the makers of the evening's wines from Italy and Australia. Rotary Club of Prince Albert would like to thank all attendees, volunteers, and sponsors. We'd also like to thank Doug Reichel Wine Marketing for working with us to provide high-quality wines for the evening. |
 | On Thursday, November seventh, members of the Rotary Club of Prince Albert visited Mont St. Joseph Home to present a donation from the proceeds of the 2019 Wine Premier. This year the Wine Premier raised a total of $22,000 to be donated, half of which was designated for Mont St. Joseph Home, and the other half designated for the Rotary Club of Prince Albert Centennial Project, which will be announced at a later date in 2020. Rotary members presented Mont St. Joseph Home with a cheque for $11,000, seen in the photo below. Thank you for all of the support we received to make the Wine Premier a success! |
Prince Albert's Rotary Trails Completion
Prince Albert's rotary Trail Circles The City
What began as a dream nineteen years ago came to fruition today with the completion of the final section of the Rotary TrailRotary Friendship Exchange District 9780 Visits Saskatchewan
A visiting Rotary Friendship Exchange team from District 9780, an area West of Melbourne, Vic, Australia, was in Northern Saskatchewan Aug. 15 - 29 this year. The D9780 Team were hosted by RC Hudson Bay, RC Melfort, RC Prince Albert and RC Saskatoon Meewasin. This picture includes the 12 Australian visitors and members of the Prince Albert Club during the visit there. The exchange included Rotary Club events, visits to local Industries, Historical Sites, Recreational Activities and more.
An RFE Team from across our District had been in D9780 in March of this year. All participants have reported that these RFEs were a rewarding Rotary experience, the best part being meeting Rotarians from around the world.
Click to see Photos of the Club visits to Prince Albert, Nipawin, Hudson Bay, Melfort, Creekside Orchard and Flyover of Nipawin and Melfort.
THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF MY DG YEAR
After a rip-snorting start to my year as Rotary District 5550's 2018-2019 Governor – which included Canada Day fireworks in Dryden, helping sort meals for and meeting the 16 young adults from around the world taking part in the two-week International Canoe trip in Sioux Lookout and then a multi-camp trip on Lake of the Woods in a Poker Derby organized by the Kenora Rotary Club, we finally arrived back in Winnipeg from our RV trip to the RI Convention in Toronto.
ATTEND THE DISTRICT 5550 2019 CONFERENCE VICARIOUSLY; VIEW THIS 32 MINUTE VIDEO
DiCon 2019 - 5550, “Inspired by the family of Rotary” is now in the history book. It was a great success. Two-hundred and five registered. The four plenary speeches all left dynamic messages.
DICON ‘INSPIRED BY THE FAMILY OF ROTARY’ PLENARY SESSIONS INSPIRING!
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THE POWER OF ‘CREATING MEMORABLE ROTARY EVENTS’
KEVIN CHIEF DELIVERS POWERFUL MOMENTS ON INDIGENOUS LIFE IN WINNIPEG
Handbags of Hope Drive a Huge Success
Handbags of Hope is an organization that provides handbags and essential items to women in woman’s shelters in the province. Their goal is to uplift and encourage women of all ages who have had the courage to leave abusive and unhealthy relationships, as well as those in transition as a result of poverty and life challenges.
In March, a challenge went out to the Rotary clubs of District 5550, which extends from Sioux Lookout, Ontario in the east, to Flin Flon in the north, to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in the east. The challenge was to collect handbags and essential items like socks, mitts/gloves, hats/toques, shampoo/conditioner/soap, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, brush/comb, Kleenex, granola bars, tea, soup packages, gum, or a piece of pre-loved jewelry. The collected items were to be brought to the district conference held from May 2-4 where they would be sorted and distributed to shelters.
The Rotary Club of Neepawa recognized the value of this program and reached out to the community to help meet this challenge. The club put up posters and promoted the idea on social media. The Banner helped get the word out by running an article promoting the cause. Handbags and items started trickling in, then as the word spread, started pouring in. The community collected over 150 handbags and enough supplies to fill a half ton truck.
Local organizer Ron Nordstrom says, “We were hoping to collect 30-50 handbags and a few boxes of supplies. We were proud of and overwhelmed by the generosity of the community for this worthy cause. The small town spirit of helping those in need is evident. Thank you for your support Neepawa!”
Mandy Kwasnica of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg Charleswood organized this challenge for the district. She reports, “This flash project for Handbags of Hope was an overwhelming success. The generosity shown by Rotarians and their communities was incredible. Special thanks to the town of Neepawa who had the largest quantity of donations brought in. These handbags and the other donations received are going to have a major impact to those in need.”
The need for the items in the purses exists all year round and donations will be stored and distributed as needed.
D5550 DISPERSED GRANTS TO FIFTY-EIGHT PROJECTS IN 2018-19
The World Community Service (WCS) is the District Committee responsible for administering the District Grant program and handling of the funds received from The Rotary Foundation (TRF). Over the past year, there have been several new roles assumed.
D5550 DISPERSED GRANTS TO FIFTY-EIGHT PROJECTS IN 2018-19
OPPORTUNITIES TO HOST ROTARIANS FROM INDIA AND AUSTRALIA
Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) is an international reciprocal exchange program for Rotarians, Rotarian Partners and Friends of Rotary that gives participants an opportunity to take turns hosting one another in their homes and clubs. You experience other cultures and see the scope of Rotary in other countries.
COLOURFUL HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE APRIL BOARD MEETING
At the District 5550 April 2019 meeting the Board approved a motion to "include a recap of the District Board meeting in the D.G. monthly newsletter." Three key items follow in infographic form.
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL'S COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION APPROVES 46 CHANGES OUT OF 117 PROPOSED
From April 14 -18 2019 Rotary held its triennial meeting of the Council on Legislation in Chicago to review and vote on proposed changes to the legislation that governs Rotary. The delegates considered proposed amendments submitted by clubs and districts during the past two years to change Rotary’s Constitution, the Bylaws and Standard Rotary Club Constitution plus position statements by the RI Board.
OCEANID RESCUE RAFT AND ‘PORT IN THE STORM’ FLIN FLON ROTARY’S BIG PROJECTS
ROTARY CLUBS OF MANITOBA - PROJECTS AND EVENTS
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Compiled DG Elaine Thompson
Six Clubs from the Province of Manitoba submitted an article on their projects or events.
Editors Note: For each of the Leaders, links exist for "Read More", the title, and the image.
DRYDEN ROTARY PROVIDES POWERPOINT ON YEAR’S EVENTS AND PROJECTS
Submitted by John Borst
There are thirty-seven slides to browse through at your own pace.
KENORA TO BEGIN ‘NOW’ PILOT AND MAKE BIG SPLASH ON JULY 6TH
ROTARY CLUBS OF SASKATCHEWAN - PROJECTS AND EVENTS
Compiled DG Elaine Thompson
Seven Clubs from the Province of Saskatchewan submitted an article on their projects or events.
Editors Note: For each of the Leaders, links exist for "Read More", the title, and the picture.
ROTARY CLUBS OF NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO - PROJECTS AND EVENTS
Compiled DG Elaine Thompson
Two Clubs from Northwestern Ontario submitted an article on their projects or events.
Editors Note: For each of the Leaders, links exist for "Read More", the title, and the image.
‘BE THE INSPIRATION’, JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON OUR ‘PROJECTS & EVENTS’ AT D5550’S 2019 CONFERENCE
ALL RIGHT!.....This is a 'shout-out', “It is only one month to the day to District 5550’s 2019 Conference, “Inspired by the Family of Rotary”. The dates are May 2nd to May 5th and the place is CANAD INN DESTINATION CENTRE, Polo Park, 1405 St Matthews Avenue in Winnipeg.
MELFORT ROTARY DESCRIBES A DOZEN SERVICE ACTIVITIES
Submitted by Ken Singer
The RC of Melfort provided almost 6,400 volunteer hours and almost $78,000 in service project contributions last year. This year we expect to do even more.
YORKTON CLUB RACE RUBBER DUCKS AND SELL BURGERS TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY
A FAIR SHAKE FOR ALL IS THE FOCUS OF FOUR SASKATOON ROTARY CLUB PROJECTS
NIPAWIN PASSPORT CLUB RAISING FUNDS FOR FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE
Submitted by Pat Chernesky
Editor’s Note: Pat has spent the bulk of this project describing the Fundraising event. As a long time runner of road racing, this is the nuttiest “Fun Run” I have ever heard about.
MOOSE JAW WAKAMOW SUPPORTS SUMMER READING CAMP AND ACTIVE IN INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
A report on Summer Success Camps submitted by Christine Boyczuk and International Service Committee Activity submitted by Whitlow Wyatt
SASKATOON MEEWASIN PROVIDES A LIST OF THEIR ANNUAL PROJECTS
SWAN VALLEY CLUB SHARES LIST OF NINE COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Submitted by Dave Theunissen
Over the years, the Rotary Club of Swan Valley has been actively involved with the following projects:
SELKIRK HAS HISTORY OF CONTRIBUTING TO LARGE PROJECTS
Submitted by Jean Oliver
Over the past number of years, the Selkirk Rotary Club has had many large projects as well as contributions to various smaller initiatives in the community.
DAUPHIN ROTARY PUTS ITS FOCUS ON THREE EVENTS
Submitted by Mel Wyshynski
Over the last number of years, the Dauphin Rotary Club has continually remained involved in 3 community projects as distinct from fundraising projects. They are:
WINNIPEG DOWNTOWN SEEKS GLOBAL GRANT PROJECTS IN BANGLADESH AND SOUTH AFRICA AND INVOLVED IN HONOURING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
Submitted by Strini Reddy
The Winnipeg Downtown club is an international partner in two new Global Grant projects:
WINNIPEG WEST PROVIDES OVERVIEW OF SIXTEEN PROJECTS
WINNIPEG-CHARLESWOOD ROTARIANS ARE CUSTODIANS OF THE ASSINIBOINE FOREST
2019 ROTARY FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE (RFE) TO INDIA
The RFE trip to India was a huge success in a number of ways. The participants bonded as a team and many Rotary friendships were forged between the members and their Indian counterparts.
As well, we were very impressed with the variety and depth of the humanitarian projects that the Rotary Clubs of District 3040 have undertaken in an effort to make a positive impact on the lives of ordinary citizens. From dialysis to eye care to drowning prevention, District 3040 is working hard to bring a better standard of living to many.
We came away with a positive feeling about the boom and growth of India, in the face of a huge population with very disparate living conditions. India is changing, and the pace of change will accelerate as the future unfolds.
The RFE team very much appreciated the opportunity to travel to India to enhance their understanding of another culture and another country.
DIVERSITY AND ‘PEOPLE OF ACTION’ CHARACTERIZE DISTRICT 5550’S FUNDRAISING EFFORTS
On February 4th, I sent an email asking each Rotary club in the District to share their favourite fund-raising event for our March newsletter. I’d like to thank the 24 clubs who took the time to respond and to share their experience. Much of the analysis, which follows was created by my editor, John Borst of the Dryden Club.
FOOD EVENTS ARE POPULAR FUNDRAISING EVENTS IN SASKATCHEWAN
Eleven Rotary Clubs, one working in tandem with another club raise over $160,000 from twelve highlighted projects within Saskatchewan.
TOY DUCKS, FOOD, A DRAW, AND BINGO BIG EARNERS IN NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO
They may be few, but the three clubs of Northwestern Ontario are keeping pace with the two other Provinces in District 5550. This is largely due to The Rotary Club of Dryden’s Rotary Radio Bingo which over the past twelve years has raised $1.3 million dollars.
VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF FUNDRAISING AMONG MANITOBA CLUBS
Ten Manitoba Rotary Clubs reported on fifteen fundraising events. Although three clubs did not report their net proceeds, over $246,000 was raised for service projects within Manitoba communities during the past year.
SEVEN NEW MEMBERSHIP TYPES CREATED BY CLUBS
The recent Council on Legislation changes allows clubs to create alternate membership types. Although Rotary International has only two types of membership - “Active” and “Honorary - clubs are free to have other types of membership, but only “Active” members are included in the official count of club members.
HOW ROTARIANS MEET AROUND THE WORLD
When we travel, PDG Ed and I frequently plan to visit a Rotary Club in the destination. Here are some of my observations on the meeting styles we encountered.
A REVOLUTION IN THE TYPES OF ROTARY CLUBS IS UNDERWAY
Gone are the days when all Rotary Clubs met weekly over a meal and attendance was taken and tracked. Over the past decade, flexibility and innovation have become the mantra of Rotary International. And the grassroots have taken up the challenge of creating new ways for clubs which to the demands of modern society and different cultures.
What follows provides a brief overview of the new form clubs are creating.
ROTARY CLUBS: WEEKLY, BI-WEEKLY, MONTHLY, QUARTERLY-WHAT’S NEXT?
Today’s static membership growth is driving Rotary to innovate and create new types of clubs and new forms of membership.
D5550 Conference 2019 – You will be INSPIRED by the Family of Rotary!
The Conference Location
The CanadInns Destination Centre Polo Park, located at 1405 St Matthews Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3G 3P7, Ph: 204-775-8791, is where the conference is taking place. It is a pet-friendly and child-friendly hotel that offers free airport shuttle service, free wi-fi, free parking, an indoor pool, a fitness centre, a kitchen in every room and a restaurant for those not wishing to cook! It is the perfect place for a family weekend get-away!
LISTEN, CHALLENGE, AND LEARN WITH FOUR DYNAMIC KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Under the able direction of DG Elaine, the 2019 Conference Committee has arranged for some outstanding Rotary and business speakers. We think they will wow you with their stories. We have ensured plenty of time in the program to ask questions and interact with each of them.
NEW DISTRICT CONFERENCE WEBSITE TO GO LIVE IN JANUARY
The Conference 2019 website will be launching in January. The newly designed site will include all the things you need for a conference website and a little bit more. The website will have a look and feel of its host city as well as a feeling of our Charleswood Rotary club.
HANDBAGS OF HOPE
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During the conference, Partners will have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on project to make life a little more bearable for some Winnipeg women. Our conference will collect and fill handbags for distribution through several shelters in our city
Rotary Career Symposium
The Rotary Career Symposium in Winnipeg is one of the largest in western Canada and is held annually in the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg
• Approximately 12,000 attend-students, teachers, parents and others looking for a career or career change
• 100 exhibitors and 40 speakers participate in the Symposium every year
• Rotary Career Symposium showcases Winnipeg and Manitoba’s industries, employers, post-secondary institutions and trade organizations
• The Symposium encourages and motivates Manitoban youth to find a career of their choice and understand the education requirements involved in reaching their goals, allowing them to become contributing members of our community.
If you are a Rotary member and able to volunteer for this event please click volunteer link.
How to Grow an Audience for Your Club Website
Before a club even begins to build a website they should ask themselves who they intend their audience to be and how they are going to reach out and grow that audience.
Buy a District 5550 RESP for a Guatemalan Child this Christmas
In Canada, one of the best gifts a parent or grandparent can buy for their child is a University or College education. Hence for the next five months, we are plied with ads for Registered Educational Savings Plan (RESP) investments. Unfortunately, many families have incomes too low to put aside the thousands of dollars needed to make such an investment.
We Are District 5550 with a Unique Rotary Culture
Following up on editor John Borst’s suggestion to summarize our club visits over the past 5 months in the form of a “District Culture”, here goes!
DG Elaine's Holiday Message
PDG Ed, I and our family would like to wish all Rotarians in District 5550 a
Merry Christmas,
Joyeux Noël,
Щасливого Різдва,
Wesołych Świąt,
Feliz Navidad,
Feliz Natal,
Maligayang Pasko,
Happy Hanukkah,
חנוכה שמח,
and a
Happy Holiday !!!
Rotary Club Supports Peer Helpers Program at NACI
Rotary Club Supports Peer Helpers Program at NACI
Neepawa Area Collegiate Grade 12 students Rylan Hollier and Rylee Gluska were pleased to accept $750 dollars for the Peer Helpers Program from Neepawa Rotary Club President Wayne Hildebrand. Rylan and Rylee are two members of the Peer Helpers Program at NACI.
“Peer helping is based on the fact that youth often seek out their peers when they are experiencing some frustration, worry or concern”, said Rylan.
“By establishing a peer program, schools teach students how to help, not hurt, others”, explained Rylee.
Peer helping fosters a climate of care and respect within NACI to reduce violence, vandalism, and bullying. In addition, peer helping enables youth to learn skills to enhance self-image, reduce loneliness, promote health, and support academic and personal achievement.
“The Neepawa Rotary Club is very pleased to support the youth in our community”, relayed Wayne Hildebrand.
DG Elaine Nears Completion of First Round of Visits to Clubs
During October I visited eleven District 5550 clubs. I still have two clubs to see, South Eastman and the E-club of Steinbach. It has been exhausting, but I have learned so much about our District.
Moose Jaw Rotary: a “Clubby” group where the retired are in the majority.
Members describe their club culture as “clubby” in the best sense of the word – they like each other and enjoy getting together. However, their numbers are dwindling as members “age out”. Only 6 or fewer members are still working; the rest are retired.
Winnipeg-Charleswood a club which demands a lot of its members
Charleswood Rotarians enjoy fellowship, holding fundraising events, doing local projects and learning from interesting speakers. They hold their fellow members and their abilities in high esteem. The group is inclusive and friendly. One member observed that the club seems to be open to doing things differently
Thompson Rotary in “survival mode”, make last-ditch effort to grow.
The Thompson Rotary Club is in “survival mode”. Although the club has 26 members, the typical meeting Thursday at noon attendance is 8 to 12 members. The club has talked about changing their meeting or even folding, but before doing so, decided that November 2018 will be a make or break month.
Assiniboia, a small club where women outnumber men, two to one
At Assiniboia Rotary members are very involved as close friends, fundraise together and support youth-oriented projects. Much of their uniqueness, however, arises from the fact that women outnumber men 2 to 1.
Moose Jaw Wakamow: an engaged club without fines
Members are engaged. Everyone has a job of some kind and helps out at fundraisers. The club has been described as being healthy, active and positive and as one whose advice is being sought by other clubs. Members like to socialise and enjoy working and playing together. The club has a well attended social every month.
Weyburn: a mature club with a local focus actively engaged in fundraising
Weyburn Rotarians describe themselves as a mature club, a singing club, welcoming and friendly, where members enjoy great fellowship and have fun. They are very giving of their time and donations - their strength is fundraising
Joint meeting of 3 clubs sing Nutana’s Four-Way Test lead by DG Elaine
I began the month of October by attending a joint meeting of the Moose Jaw, Moose Jaw Wakamow and Assiniboia Rotary Clubs. Little did I anticipate how the evening would end.
Rotary’s Best Kept Secret- The International Camp
Each year, throughout the World, Rotarians are engaged in sponsoring and hosting International Camps.
In 2018, sixty-one camps are aimed at young adults. Of the 61 camps, 54 were in European countries; three were in North America, 2 in South America and one each in Asia and Africa.
Winnipeg West, an eclectic group with a strong focus on International Service
Members describe their club as very friendly, inclusive and their fellow Rotarians as an eclectic group who have fun, exhibit both frivolity and seriousness and are easy to get to know. One member, a woman, mentioned that she felt included in everything and that when she attends a club meeting, “I feel like I come home.” All members “get things done and make things happen” and want to do good in the world, locally and internationally.
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Brandon Rotary has its eyes squarely on the future
Members of the Brandon club, thirty per cent of whom are women, enjoy their fellowship, take ownership over what is happening in their community, and volunteer readily when help is needed, regardless of how busy they are.
Fort Qu’Appelle a small but mighty club
The Rotarians at the Fort Qu’Appelle Rotary Club, chartered in 1939, currently consists of five hard-working, energetic members. Its focus is to work on developing a relationship with the indigenous peoples in their area.
Watrous Club’s focus is to provide local service while enjoying being social
The club culture of Watrous Rotarians is self-described as one where members get along well, have fun together, enjoy great meals at their meetings and help out in the community, including tending bars and barbecues.
Yorkton Rotarians have a lot of irons in the fire
Yorkton’s Rotarians focus on fundraising to support a variety of local projects and organisations.
SASKATOON MEEWASIN: A rare morning group with 100% Paul Harris Fellows
The Saskatoon Meewasin Rotary Club is one of only two clubs in D5550 that meets in the very early morning. At 7:00 AM the energy level was high and members were enjoying their fellowship.
SASKATOON NORTH: A unique mix of members due to women and age profile
The Rotary Club of Saskatoon North boasts a unique culture in D5550 – one third of the members are women, and one-third of the members are in the 35 to 55 age range.
REGINA SOUTH: Increased diversity occurs as membership grows again
The club used to have 25-35 members four to five years ago, but the numbers had dwindled to the mid-teens. The club is focusing on membership, which has risen to 20 following induction of two new members during the DG visit.
How Mine Action Supports Rotary's Six Areas of Focus
Support for mine action is a time-tested way for Canadian Rotarians to advance the Rotary Foundation's six areas of focus, particularly in Cambodia where the Canadian Landmine Foundation's grassroots partners are making a difference every day. We hope to inspire as many Rotarians as possible to join this effort.
Wilf Wilkinson
President of Rotary International 2007/08
Chair of The Rotary Foundation 2012/13
President of Rotary International 2007/08
Chair of The Rotary Foundation 2012/13
REGINA: The city’s oldest service club with a wide range in membership
As the city’s oldest service club of any kind (founded in 1917) The Rotary Club of Regina boasts a membership with a wide age range.
SASKATOON: As the President said we’re“schizophrenic.”
Club President Paul Gauthier described his club’s culture with one word -“schizophrenic” -------
REGINA OSKAYA: Where the focus is on Inner city youth and literacy
The club culture of the Rotary Club of Regina Oskaya includes working with inner city youth and literacy.
SASKATOON RIVERSIDE: A small club of ‘selfless members’
The Saskatoon Riverside Rotary Club describes itself as a small club of “truly selfless members” who are able to bring many non-Rotarians to help with fundraising projects.
ESTEVAN: a vibrant club with gender and youth equality
The members of the Rotary Club of Estevan are 50% women, 50% under 40 years of age, and 65% of them have an online account with My Rotary.
REGINA EASTVIEW: Teamwork centred on “Youth” and “Retention of Members.”
The club’s culture is shifting to a focus on youth, retention of existing members (through engagement, communication and contact) and working as a team, both internally and with external partners, to get things done.
Melfort Rotary Partners with Town’s Library to Sponsor 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Initiative
The Rotary Club of Melfort is proud to sponsor a new initiative called 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program at the Melfort Public Library.
Nine Actions Rotary Can Do to Attract Younger Members
(As expressed by the younger people at the September 2018, Zones Conference in Montreal and recorded by Elaine Thompson, DG)
SASKATOON NUTANA: A lively club where creativity reigns
The tour of Saskatoon clubs got off to a lively start at the Rotary Club of Saskatoon Nutana, where music (piano accompaniment for O Canada), positivity (Sargent-at-Arms replaced by a Cheer Captain) and creativity reigned.
DG Elaine Identifies the Uniqueness of Saskatchewan’s Clubs
During September, I visited Rotary clubs in Saskatoon, Estevan and Regina, with a break to attend the Zones 24 and 32 Conference in Montreal from September 23rd to 28th.
Editor’s note: Rather than one long article I have given each club a story page. A picture, club name and headline appear on this page. Each links to the story.
REGINA INDUSTRIAL PARK: a “close-knit family” with a focus on the disadvantaged
The culture of the Rotary Club of Regina Industrial Parks is that of “a close knit family” that helps the disadvantaged in the city in a multitude of ways:
Kenora Rotarians Raise Flag For Peace
Kenora Rotarians Raise Flag for Peace
Rotarians in Kenora raised the peace flag in honour of the September 11 attacks, and the International Day of Peace which takes place September 21.
Rotary President Lynn Carlson talked about why they did it.
"It's important to Rotary because our philosophy is around peace. We're about helping others around the world, whether that's within our community or globally," she said.
September 11, 2018 marks the 17th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in New York City.
Nearly 3,000 innocent victims, including 24 Canadians lost their lives.
DG Visit to RYLA Junior Camp Features an “Amazing Race”
On Friday, August 3rd, PDG Ed and I drove out to the Anglican Church camp on Clear Lake the site of D5550’s Junior and Senior RYLA camps.
As “End Polio Now” counts down to history, a new threat emerges
Today only three countries in the world continue transmitting polio. As of this date, there have been 14 Wild Polio Virus (WPV) cases (Afganistan 11, Nigeria 0, Pakistan 3). There were 22 WPV cases for the whole of last year.
DG Learns Change is the Focus of “Club Culture” in Manitoba and Northeast Saskatchewan
During August my visits centred on clubs in Manitoba and northeastern Saskatchewan. My objective is to grasp each club’s “culture” and learn their thoughts on D5550’s 2018-2021 draft Strategic Plan. This newsletter focusses on the “club culture” discussions.
4th Annual Rotary Ribfest Winnipeg
RIBFEST is a family friendly event with lots of Food, a Beer Garden, Kid's Zone, Entertainment and an online 50/50 draw. (See the attached poster for the website link) Admission is free. We are expecting about 20,000 people and hoping to raise $35,000 for local youth projects. Help us to "Create Leaders for tomorrow". For moreinformation, check out the following websites: RIBFEST Website: www.ribfestwinnipeg.ca to purchase50/50 Tickets www.ribfestwpg5050.ca Must be a resident of Manitoba to purchase For a $3 coupon for ribs http://www.ribfestwinnipeg.ca/coupon/ (Friday only) |
Rotary Literacy Action Group
Rotary District 5550 Literacy Chair Ann Grahame volunteering at the LitRAG booth in the House of Friendship at the recent Rotary International Convention in Toronto.
Toronto Rotary International Convention 2018 – LitRAG is Gaining Strength! reports LitRAG Vice-Chair Carolyn Johnson LitRAG had an active presence in Toronto sharing a message of active engagement in a wide variety of literacy activities, both locally and internationally. Our booth in the House of Friendship was busy throughout the convention, sharing ideas and promoting efforts of Rotarians in supporting basic education and literacy projects. More than 200 Rotarians from across the Rotary world signed up to become involved in LitRAG. Great thanks to Brenda Ericsson, Peter Johnson, Carolyn Johnson, Vicki Whiting, Anand Seth, Sue Bellor, Ann Grahame - and several others - for spending time at the booth talking with interested Rotarians and sharing ideas of ways that we can promote literacy.
District 5550 Rotary Friendship Exchanges (RFE) in 2019
Dave Bennet, D5550’s RFE chair, has reported that there will be two RFE teams going to Australia.
The Editor’s Notebook
As the newsletter editor, I want to highlight DG Elaine’s activity, share our goals and your reactions to this newsletter.
DG Elaine's Report
It is not an understatement to declare that my Rotary year started with a bang. I’m probably not the first District Governor in Canada to notice that July 1st, Canada Day and the start of a new Rotary year coincide. So it should be no surprise that my year as DG started with fireworks. Four days before our first club visit, we attended Canada Day celebrations at the Dryden Government Docks area.
2018 Saskatoon Ribfest
The sixth annual Saskatoon Rotary RibFest to be held August 3-6, 2018 at Diefenbaker Park in Saskatoon. RibFest will offer four days of delicious ribs barbecued by some of Canada’s top ribbers, plus live entertainment, a kids’ fun area, food and craft vendors, beer garden, 50/50 draw and more! Hours of operation will be: Friday, August 3 4 - 9 p.m. Saturday, August 4 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday, August 5 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday, August 6 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Please help promote Saskatoon Rotary RibFest by visiting our website at visit http://www.saskatoonribfest.com and by following, liking and sharing our social media sites at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saskribfest Twitter: https://twitter.com/saskribfest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saskatoonribfest/
Serious and Shocked Over Rotary
DG Elaine’s Monthy Message - July 2018
By Elaine Thompson, Governor District 5550
Am I serious? You bet!
A new Rotary year, a new District Governor – What’s different this time?
Winnipeg-Charleswood Rotarians Build Garden Beds at Winnipeg School
Volunteers from the Rotary Club of Winnipeg-Charleswood built eight raised garden beds at Westgrove School in Westdale on Thursday, June 7th.
Neepawa Rotary Meets Their International Tree Planting Challenge
Neepawa Rotary Meets Their International Tree Planting Challenge
The Neepawa Rotary Club has coordinated a second tree planting project in the town of Neepawa. This completed their contribution to a Rotary International challenge to plant a tree for every Rotary Club member. A total of 15 Rotarians and students from Neepawa Collegiate combined efforts to plant 12 two meter high trees near the soccer fields at the area known as “the Flats” in Neepawa. Last month 20 trees were planted along the Veterans Way walking path on the west side of Neepawa.
The tree planting project involved the Town of Neepawa, Whitemud Watershed Conservation District, and Peer Helpers and the Horticultural Club from Neepawa Collegiate. The town staff saved the planters a huge amount of work by digging the holes and having proper topsoil available to pack around the trees. The town staff will also include these trees in their watering schedule. The project was funded in partnership with Whitemud Watershed and Neepawa Rotary. The planting was completed by Neepawa Collegiate students and Rotary members.
Three different species of trees were planted, including North America Linden, Ohio Buckeye, and Bur Oak.
Last year Rotary International President Ian Riseley, challenged every Rotary club to plant a tree for each member. If the challenge was met, the result would be 1.2 million trees planted by Rotary. Rotary clubs around the world have accepted the challenge and far more than 1.2 million trees have been planted.
There are many reasons for us all to plant trees. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and reduce greenhouse gases. They prevent flooding by protecting soil from erosion and reducing surface run-off. They support agriculture by improving topsoil erosion and create shade and shelter for livestock. Trees and forests improve health and well being by reducing air pollution. Woodlands help keep cities cool and are perfect places to exercise. Trees encourage wildlife, as they provide habitat for birds and small animals. Trees also increase property value. They promote peace simply by giving people a place to sit in the shade and contemplate the world. Planting trees shows a long term commitment to the community, as the ones who benefit the most will be future generations.
The tree planting project was a lot of fun. It is always a good idea to partner with middle school and high school students as their energy and enthusiasm is contagious. The Neepawa Rotary Club would like to thank all the partners for helping to meet our tree planting challenge.
Rotary Club of Dryden Shaw TV Rotary Programs
A recent partnership between the Rotary Club of Dryden and Shaw Cable TV to get the message of Rotary out in the Dryden area as well as the messages of some great guest speakers at the Rotary Club of Dryden meetings. The Clubs goal is to increase membership interest. Great job Ed Iskra and congratulations on to Rena who has been working on this project the past months and Rotary year.
Click below to view the recent programs of the Dryden Rotary Club.
Prince Albert Paul Harris Night
DG Peter and Partner Janet were were the special guests of the Rotary club of Prince Albert on April 23rd, 2018 to honour Rotarians with Paul Harris Fellow recognition. In order to receive this recognition a club member must donate $1000 U.S. to the Rotary Foundation. As well members can be recognized for multiple Paul Harris levels for every $1000 U.S. contributed. In addition to honouring club members the Rotary club recognized members of the community who are not Rotarians but are very well deserving of an honorary Paul Harris. Below we have club president Dr. Nnamdi Ndubka, Rotarian Clint Thierman, Honorary Paul Harris recipient Randy Whitter, Rotarian Les Mewis, and District Governor Peter Neufeldt.
From Brazil To Prince Albert; The Return of Tayna Lucena
Tayna Lucena, a former International Long Term Youth Exchange Program participant, was back in town, and she brought her infectious laughter and good spirits with her.
District Conference 2018
District Governor Peter Neufeldt Invites You To the 2018 District Conference In Regina
Click on the Dove below to take you to the Conference Web Site
Rotary Club of fort Qu'Appelle Canada 150 Project
Canada 150 Project
The Rotary club of Fort Qu'Appelle Celebrated Canada's 150 birthday with the creation of a Community Bulletin Board. Photos of the Club's Canada 150th project Rotary Club of Prince Albert 2017 Rotary Scotiabank Wine Premier
Rotary club of Prince Albert Annual Wine Premiere
Saturday October 21st marked the 10th anniversary of the Clubs Wine Premiere. Over 200 quests were treated to great wine and food. Wines represented two Wineries. The evening began with wine from Portugal being paired with the first two courses, and wine from Portugal was paired with the final three courses. Representatives from both Wineries made the trip from Portugal and Spain to be in attendance and share with us a little about their local culture, their approach to growing the grapes and the final product we were enjoying at the event. All proceeds from the event were donated to two local foundations, The Victoria Hospital Foundation and The Mont St Joseph Care Home Foundation. To see more details and photos click here Rotary Scotiabank Wine Premiere
Reservations Instructions for Regina District conference
For Rotarians to access the reserved block of rooms for the Rotary conference at the Delta Regina you will need to contact the Hotel directly at 306-525-5255 and reference Conference number M-5V08DZF
District Governor Peter Neufeldt Visits the Rotary Club of Prince Albert
August 2017 Newsletter
July 2017 Newsletter
Nipawin Schools Donate to Shelterbox
In the picture are the Principal of Central Park School, children and youth from LP Miller Highs School, Wagner School, Central Park School -- including members of the Early Act Club of Central Park Nipawin, and members of the Rotary Club of Nipawin, as well as Rotary Assistant District Governor, Brian Harris.
Rotary club of Winnipeg RibFest 2017
Rotary Club of Fort Qu'Appelle Canada 150 Celebration
Rotary Club of Fort Qu'Appelle annual Canada Day breakfast supporting the community. Enjoy a great start to celebrating Canada's 150 birthday in the valley.
Rotary Club of Fort Qu'Appelle Kairos Blanket Exercise
The Rotary Club of Fort Qu'Appelle is co-sponsoring with the Calling Lakes Interfaith Friendship Forum and the local Ministerial Association. As one step in implementing the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission the Club is working with others to offer "The Kairos Blanket Exercise", a unique learning experience designed to strengthen the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.
Rotary Club of Prince Albert 2017 RibFest
6th Annual Bill McDonald Memorial Basketball Tournament
100 Years of Rotary in Saskatoon
Rotary Club of Saskatoon Meewasin 2017 Lobsterfest
Brandon Rotary and Rotaract Clubs Beer Tasting Festival
Adventures in Technology 2017 Now Open For Registration
Distrct 5550’s annual Adventures in Technology (AIT) Program is now accepting applications for the 2017 session to be held the week of April 23 - 28, 2017. Go to Adventures in Technology page to register.
District News
RI Pres. Germ Presents D5550 with certificate of appreciation for achieving MDD goal
During the spring of 2016, under the direction of then D. G Ken Krebs and PDG Pat Chernesky as chairperson District 5550 embarked on a Million Dollar Dinner. fund-raising venture.
D5550 Rotarians have opportunity to lunch with RI President Germ on Sept. 30th
As part of the Zone 23/32 2016 Institute, District 5550 Rotarians have been invited to attend the a luncheon with RI President John Germ.
Sam Owori Is Selected To Be 2018-19 Rotary President
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Samuel Frobisher Owori, a Ugandan businessman and
a member of the Rotary Club of Kampala, will
become president-nominee on 1 October.
MUNA 2017
D5550 Club News
Clubs in the news
 By Brian Oliver, The Graphic |
 Ashley Robinson, Regina Leader-Post
Regina Clubs
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 Lanny Stewart, Westman Journal
R C of Brandon
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News & Views by Rotary Blogs
District, Zone & Rotarian Blogs
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Retention Central by Jim Henry, Zone 34 |
Great Ideas to Share by Chris Offer, Zone 24-32 |
Rotary International
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Club fund-raising is a focus of DG’s visit report
July was an amazing month, learning the geography of our district, seeing the beautiful sights and visiting 13 clubs. I was glad that Barb was able to accompany me on the longer trips and experience everything that I was able to see.
The DG'er No. 2
July sees major announcements at ShelterBox
Chris Warham New ShelterBox CEO
Charity Commission approves the appointment of Chris Warham as new ShelterBox CEO.
Honoured to serve you as we give ‘Service to Humanity’
I am very humbled to be given the opportunity to be District 5550 Governor in 2016-17. I would like to introduce my fiancee Barb Klassen. Whenever possible, Barb will accompany me on the club visits.
Last January Barb and I spent a week in San Diego at the International Assembly. There were 574 fellow District Governor Elects there for “Rotary School”.
Rotary President John Germ spoke about how Rotary has been many things to many people in the last 111 years. Through Rotary our members have found friends, community and a sense of purpose. Every week more than 34,000 clubs around the world come together for one overriding goal: service.
Service to Humanity has been the cornerstone of Rotary since its earliest days and remains the main purpose today. So it only makes sense that is the theme for this Rotary year.
President John spoke of his belief that there is no better path to meaningful service today than Rotary membership and no organization better placed to make a real and positive difference in our world.
He spoke of going back to our roots as a service club hence he chose "Service to Humanity" as this year's theme.
Germ spoke of service in three ways:
a) How important members are to Rotary: Listening to their needs. Know they joined. Understand what they get out of it.
b) How close we are to ending Polio: Know there are only two countries left. Be aware of how important it is that we move forward with a united front and common goals.
c) Remembering that Rotarians are volunteers: The family comes first. A business income stream is second and Rotary third.
As we move forward we need to think outside the box and continue to change the world.
Have a great July and look forward to the club visits
ShelterBox Update – July 2016
Rotary Youth Exchange Students raise funds for ShelterBox Canada
This past April the Rotary Youth Exchange students in District 5360 raised over $27,000 for ShelterBox Canada! The students held an international dinner with local community members and Rotarians to ensure that no family is left without shelter after a disaster.The group was made up of both inbound and outbound students who came together with their Rotary Clubs to tackle such an impressive fundraising goal. Each student was awarded a ShelterBox Youth Exchange Challenge pin and certificate to thank them for their amazing fundraising efforts. Everyone at ShelterBox Canada would like to extend a huge thank you to all those who helped make this event a success!
If your Rotary District is interested in learning more information about the ShelterBox Canada Youth Exchange challenge please get in touch at youthexchange@shelterboxcanada.org
Deployment Update: Sri Lanka
In May, Sri Lanka experienced a cyclone that caused major torrential rain fall and landslides that buried whole villages in meters of mud.“The landslides came so fast. All we could hear for about an hour was rocks crashing. Sometimes it was as loud as an atomic bomb.”
Our ShelterBox team is in Sri Lanka and is working with the military and the local Rotary network to establish camps for people who have been displaced from the landslides and flooding. ShelterBox aims to support over 300 households with ShelterBoxes and other needed aid items.
From ShelterBox Canada to Rotary: Thank you
Everyone at ShelterBox would like to extend a big thank you to all of the Rotary Clubs, Rotary Districts and individual Rotarians across Canada who have supported our efforts in the 2015-2016 year.
So far this year, Rotary Clubs have donated over $425,000 to support families who have lost everything after a disaster. On behalf of the ShelterBox team and those we serve, thank you.
ShelterBox Canada – 159 Jane St Office 2, Toronto, ON M6S 3Y8
Email: support@shelterboxcanada.org Phone: 647-352-1930 www.shelterboxcanada.org
DG Ken says thanks and passes the torch on to DG Rod
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I am starting with a huge “THANK YOU” to all Rotarians in District 5550 for making this year as District Governor such a wonderful experience. The welcome I have received at all the clubs, not only during my term as Governor, but ever since my confirmation as Governor Nominee has been heartwarming and an inspiration to serve as well as possible.
The official club visits have been a source of inspiration and I have shared as many new ideas from the clubs as possible to other clubs in the district. I have seen clubs working hard to increase membership, to share the sense of accomplishment of work well done and to promote goodwill and fellowship amongst Rotarians and friends of Rotary.
The many projects we were shown have demonstrated your eagerness to be a “Gift To The World”. Your generosity has benefited people around the world through your gifts to the Rotary Foundation. Your support of the Polio Plus project have brought us closer to a polio free world. Your support of literacy, water and sanitation, health and disease issues, economic improvement, women’s issues have all contributed to our ultimate goal – that of Peace and Understanding among all people.
I have been asked “What will you do now that your term is over?” As the Immediate Past District Governor, I will remain on the executive and board of our district, and I begin a three year term on the selection committee tasked with finding future district governors as well as being the Vice-Governor for one year. In terms of Rotary Service, I am stepping into a pair of shoes that will be a challenge to fill. PDG Nancy Morris is stepping down as co-chair of the D5550 World Peace Partners committee and I will be taking that position. It will be a challenge, but one I will be happy to address and hope I will be up to the job. This is a busy committee and you will be hearing much about it in the future.
Only a year ago I was starting the year’s journey and the time has passed quickly. Today I am saying farewell to the task of being District Governor and pass the privilege of governing our district to DG Rod Riopel. I know you will all grant him the same welcome, friendship and support you have given me over the past year.
I wish all of you a great new Rotary year and much success in the future.
‘Every story has an end. But in life, every end is a new beginning!”
By K.R. Ravindran, Rotary International President, 2015-16
On every July 1st, a page turns in Rotary. One Rotary year ends, and another begins; we do not lay down our pen but only lift it from the page, as we write the final lines of one chapter and consider the first lines of the next.
The story of the 2015-16 Rotary year has now been written and my friends, you have written it well. We end our year with a net gain of over 30,000 members, and global membership approaching all-time highs. Our convention was the second-largest in Rotary history, with extremely positive reviews. Rotary Global Rewards, launched only one year ago, now contains over 1,350 offers and is approaching 100,000 site visits. And we are closer than ever to our goal of eradicating polio, with only seventeen cases of polio caused by the wild poliovirus to date in 2016.
These are achievements that all of us can be proud of. But we all know that the true story of Rotary this year was written, not in Evanston by its officers, but in every one of Rotary’s clubs and districts, by each of you, and by the Rotarians you have led, motivated, and inspired. The story of this Rotary year is the work of your minds, your hands, and your hearts; the story of health, of education, and of hope that you have brought to countless people, in every corner of the Rotary world.
In the final days of this year, I found my mind returning to the words I spoke on the final day of our International Assembly: “Every story has an end. But in life, every end is a new beginning.” The story of our year together, in Rotary office, has now been written. Again, a fresh page awaits us, empty, waiting to be filled. The pen hovers above it. What will it write?
That, my friends, is up to every one of us. The opportunities of our offices may be over, but those of Rotary remain: opportunities to serve, to change lives, to be part of our business of miracles, and to Be A Gift to the World.
I thank you for your service, for your trust, and for your confidence in me, and I wish you all the best in many years of Rotary service ahead. You are, and you will remain, a gift to me, as you are A Gift to the World.
Educational resource
PDG Doug O’Brien of Flin Flon dead at age 80
Douglas Thomas O’Brien died peacefully in Flin Flon on May 26, 2016 at the age of 80.
The following is a short extract from his obituary:
PDG of District 5550 Eugene Suchoboki Passes Away
Past District Governor (2001-2002) Eugene Suchoboki passed away on May 17, 2016 after a battle with cancer. At the time of his death he was a member of the Rotary Club of Regina South. "His cheerful and upbeat disposition will truly be missed," said fellow PDG Peter Peters.
Prepare Now to Celebrate the Rotary Foundation’s 2016-17 Centennial
Did you know that The Rotary Foundation is turning 100 in 2016-2017?*
The Rotary Foundation is a very significant part of the vitality of every club. Every club participates in at least some programmes and most support the Rotary Foundation through donations. Therefore it makes sense for every club to use the Centennial as a way for strengthening Rotary among members and in their community.
The Rotary Foundation is a very significant part of the vitality of every club. Every club participates in at least some programmes and most support the Rotary Foundation through donations. Therefore it makes sense for every club to use the Centennial as a way for strengthening Rotary among members and in their community.
DG Krebs Explains Why the Rotary Foundation is Essential to the Work of Rotary World-wide.
At the Rotary Club of Dryden’s annual Paul Harris Awards dinner on Wednesday April 20th, District 5550 Governor Ken Krebs spoke briefly on why supporting the Rotary Foundation is essential to the work of Rotary World-wide. Krebs put his focus on the six-areas-of-focus. To watch and listen to DG Krebs speech
Moose Jaw Rotary Set to Celebrate 100th Anniversary Meeting
It is not everyday that Rotarians get to celebrate a 100th Anniversary of the founding of their club. That is exactly what members of the Rotary Club of Moose Jaw will be doing on the 27th of May at 5:30 at the Heritage Inn.
Council on Legislation Makes Historic Changes to Rotary
Like a corporation, Rotary is governed by a Board of Directors lead by a President. Every three years however, with a nod towards a Parliamentary form of government, Rotary meets in a forum called the Council on Legislation. 2016 was such a year and the Council on Legislation met last week April 11-15.
PDG Chernesky to be Honoured by Town of Nipawin with Achiever’s Award.
Past District Governor, Pat Chernesky (2014-2015) will be honoured by the Town of Nipawin on April 21st with an Achiever’s Award for her Outstanding Volunteerism with the Rotary Club of Nipawin.
The application was put forward by members of the Nipawin Rotary Club under the leadership of Lorna King.
ShelterBox Update - April 2016
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Desperate need for shelter in Fiji after Cyclone Winston
Cyclone Winston hit the islands of Fiji on February 20th and was the most powerful storm ever recorded in the South Pacific, with winds over 285 km/hr, torrential rain and 12m waves. The cyclone left 42 dead, buildings flattened and crops destroyed. Hundreds of thousands were affected, and 97 schools were damaged or destroyed. A state of natural disaster was declared by the Fiji Government, and they put a call out for international aid.
The United Nations estimates that as many as 350,000 people may have been affected, over a third of the Fijian population. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) also says that access to fresh water remains a particular concern. 67,000 Fijians had been suffering drought conditions in January due to El Nino, and most of them live in the corridor affected by the cyclone.ShelterBox has been responding since the Cyclone hit, utilizing prepositioned stock in Fiji as well as New Zealand and Australia. Our ShelterBox Response teams have already been able to deliver tents and ShelterBoxes to families on six remote islands. Canadian SRT, Ron Noseworthy (Member and Past President of The Rotary Club of Kenora) was recently deployed to deliver aid to families after the storm.
More aid is on the way, including 2,000 solar lights that will provide light and safety to communities without power, and 2000 complete ShelterBoxes, but it’s not enough. There are still many tiny islands too remote to have received help. We need your support to send more aid to assist families who have lost everything after the storm.
Ken's Comments
April a Time of Renewal in Rotary
Many look forward to the beginning of April with great anticipation. There are so many things that occur this month. First, one day a year everyone is on the lookout for practical jokes. Who knows who is going to try to fool you one way or another. But once “April Fools Day” is gone life more or less returns to normal.
‘Infinite Possibilities’ await you in ‘New Iceland’
I cannot miss the chance to urge everyone to come to the District 5550 Conference. The venue this year is the Lakeview Resort and Conference Centre in Gimli Manitoba.
District’s First ‘Early Act’ Club is formed by Nipawin Rotary Club
An “Early Act” Club was chartered in Nipawin Saskatchewan’s Central Park Elementary School on March 14th 2016, This is the first such club in District 5550.
PDG Harold Empey receives 2015 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal Award
By Mitch Empey & Jenn Sharp – originally posted at FaceBook & Instagram
On April 06, 2016, Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield announced the recipients of the 2015 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal.
I am thrilled to be attending the ceremony to watch my soul Dad- Harold Empey be given this award. Harold has acted as a trailblazing inclusion agent. He was integral in opening Rotary International membership to women in the early 1990s. He has contributed to Saskatchewan's "globalization" long before it was a word we used in textbooks.
D5550 Conference Price Increases April 16th: Register Now!
District 5550 Conference in Gimli, Manitoba May 12th to 15th. Don't miss out on the early registration date! Prices increase April 16th. Register now and save.
We’ll see an RI woman President in five years
by Rasheeda Bhagat of Rotary News
Jennifer Jones has managed to break through the glass ceiling in Rotary, and is one of only 10 women to reach the level of RI Director.
We get asked all the time when will Rotary International see a woman President.
Passing of PDG Cam King Announced
District Governor Ken Krebs announced the passing of Past District Governor Campbell "Cam" King (2004 - 2005). Cam passed away Sunday March 13 th 2016 after a lengthy illness. Our condolences go out to his wife and fellow Rotarian Myrna and the entire King family.
Ken's Comments
ShelterBox Update – March 2016
Cold, hard facts from the DPRK
When a family loses its home, it’s devastating. However, when a family loses its home in the depths of winter, with temperatures as low as -25°C, it’s a matter of life and death.
WPP Co- Chair, David Newman Reports from Rotary World Peace Conference 2016
January 2016 saw the first of five Rotary International Focus Area conferences from around the world. January 15-16 saw the first one, the Rotary World Peace Conference occur in Ontario, California. District 5550’s World Peace Partners co-chair David Newman attended the event and sent the following four reports via communitynewscommons.org.
District Club Archives About to Go Digital
District 5550 Archivist Gayle Jones (Moose Jaw Wakamow ) has announced that beginning with this year’s PETS assembly Clubs will be asked to establish an electronic archive file rather than the traditional paper system.
ShelterBox Update – February 2016
by Stephanie Christensen, Executive Director, ShelterBox Canada
Volunteers Make the World a Better Place
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
Winnipeg Model United Nations Assembly
The 58th Winnipeg Model United Nations Assembly, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Winnipeg will be held on May 12th to 15th, 2016 at the Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg. Delegations (each comprising two grade 10-12 students and a counsellor) will gather from all over Manitoba, and from Saskatchewan, Ontario, Minnesota and the Dakotas.
A Reflection on Peace as the Heart of Rotary
We are almost at Rotary’s anniversary. On February 23rd we will celebrate 111 years as a service organization. From an almost inconspicuous start, Rotary rapidly grew and now is not only the world’s oldest service club, it is also the World’s largest service organization.
Ken's Comments
ShelterBox Update – January 2016
By Stephanie Christensen, Executive Director, ShelterBox Canada
Rotary and ShelterBox Make A Difference
Rotary clubs and Rotarians across Canada raised over $1,014,000 for ShelterBox Canada in 2015. This money has been used to help thousands of people around the world.
District Loses a Rotary Club as New Year Begins
With the start of 2016, District 5550 has lost one of its member clubs. The Rotary Club of Winnipeg North has officially given notice to DG Ken Krebs that it will “cease operation as of December 31, 2015”.
The Force Awakens: End Polio Now
We are closer than ever to ending polio but need your help. Don't give in to the dark side. Let's end polio now. #StarWars #TheForceAwakens
2017 Rotary Peace Fellowship Application now available online!
R.I. has announced that the 2017 Rotary Peace Fellowship is now available online!
Rotarians are encouraged to promote the fellowship and have your district endorse qualified applicants who are dedicated to promoting peace.
Ken's Comments
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ShelterBox Update – Holiday Edition
Help brighten lives this holiday season
Light is such a joyful part of our holiday celebrations in Canada, but for families left with no shelter, light will be far more than a festive decoration. Light will be a lifesaver. That’s why, in every ShelterBox this winter, we urgently need to pack a LuminAID. This solar lantern is easy to carry, waterproof and inflates in just seconds. It is a brilliantly clever way to conquer the dark when all other power is dead.
Winter Solstice Festivities Unite People of All Faith’s in Peace
This fall at the unveiling of the Peace Pole near the Pavilion in St. Vital Park I made the comment that Peace is our most precious possession, but that it is also our most fragile possession. Peace is something most of us have lived with most of our lives, along with the many freedoms we are privileged to have here in Canada. We indeed live in a peaceful country; one which values peace. One of the things contributing to our peaceful nature is our willingness to learn about one another and come to understand our commonalities as well as celebrate our differences.
Be a Rotary Elf this Christmas, Remember Your Rotary Foundation
Here are two articles to inspire you to not forget that year end donation to your Rotary Foundation:
Be a Gift to the World - Infinite Possibilities is D5550 Conference Theme
The District 5550 Conference 2016 “Be a Gift to the World-Infinite Possibilities” will be held in Gimli, Manitoba, May 12th to 15th.
Rotaract & Interact International Advisory Committee Meeting Held in Evanston on Dec 3-4, 2015
Rotaract and Interact Committee 2015-16 met on Dec 3-4, 2015 at Rotary International Headquarters, Evanston, USA. The agenda of the meeting was to look into existing policies and recommend changes which can improve Rotaract and Interact movement across the globe
District 5550 Million Dollar Dinner: Recognition Levels & Key Resource
As new Rotarians soon know, Rotary likes to recognize donations to The Rotary Foundation with pins. For most of us receiving our first "Paul Harris" pin is a milestone in our journey as a Rotarian. The Million Dollar Dinner however, is about becoming a Major Donor and a Bequest Donor. Both of these ways of giving to The Rotary Foundation has a hierarchy of pins similar to the different levels of a "Paul Harris". The person on these "Foundation" pins is the founder of the endowment which became in 1928 The Rotary Foundation, Arch C. Klumph. An infographic on these pins follows.
Spread the Joy of Rotary this Season
District 5550 Million Dollar Dinner: Gift Designation Options
This brief infographic illustrates the six major areas around which the major donor amount of $10,000 or more may be bequeathed or made directly.
Report of the Ripple Effect Scholarship Fund for 2015
In honoring their commitment for transparency and providing current information, the District 5550 Ripple Effect Scholarship Fund, led and managed by the Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow, has provided the following report.
Infinite Possiblities: What's That About?
"Infinite Possibilities" what is that about? Why is the Rotarian "?" embracing the idea with out stretched arms? And what is the significance of the shape of the "o" in Rotary?
D G Ken Krebs on the Million Dollar Dinner
So you may be asking yourself, “What is a ‘Million Dollar Dinner’ (MDD) and why is District 5550 committing to hosting one on May 14th, 2016?”
Howard Tours Announce Rotary National Immunization Days (NID) Tour to India
Since January 2011, there has been only ONE new confirmed case of polio in India. In 2012, India was removed from the list of polio endemic countries. We are getting remarkably close to eradicating polio globally. Therefore, this might be one of the last opportunities we will have to organize a trip to India to participate in polio NID activities. This trip offers you and the Rotarians in your club and District an extraordinary opportunity to have an experience of a life time.
Governor’s official club visits are complete!
The very last club to be visited was the South Eastman Rotary Club in Steinbach, Manitoba. Due to the federal election their visit was rescheduled to October 26th. A luncheon following the visit included a celebration of the club’s involvement with the RCMP’s DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program. The luncheon was attended by Rotarians, partners, RCMP officers, students and school officials.
ShelterBox Update - November: The Syrian Refugee Crisis
December is Disease Prevention month!
What a theme for a month we associate with Christmas, Hanukah and many other religious and cultural celebrations. This is a time when we usually look at sharing our good fortune with others, not to mention sharing all that good cheer.
The Magic Bank Account
This piece I recently received in my email struck a chord for me. It in a way took me back to when President Ravi announced our theme and stated the this year we have 366 days and one leap second to accomplish our goals as district governors. The author is unknown. It was apparently found in the billfold of coach Paul Bear Bryant, Alabama, following his death in 1982.
What would Rotary be without the Foundation?
We hear about the Foundation regularly, but November is dedicated to the Rotary Foundation. One could go on and on about how the Foundation works and give all kinds of facts about how large it has grown since its humble beginnings. Similarly one could talk about how we can increase our project strength through grants from the Foundation. Indeed, one can talk at length about the need for regular contributions to the annual fund, major gifts and Polio Plus.
Million Dollar Dinner Infographic Explains Opportunities to Create Your TRF Legacy of Service
Explore District 5550's "first ever" Million Dollar Dinner in this simple infographic. Key Components, Choices, Gifts and how to create your TRF "legacy of Service" are illustrated.
Rotary Women, Singing Their Praise
This is a delightful video created in 2014 by Arthur Deardorff of District 5180 with music and words to "Rotary Women" by Helen Austin.
What is a Million Dollar Dinner?
District 5550 is hosting a Million Dollar Dinner in support of Our Rotary Foundation on May 14, 2016
What is a Million Dollar Dinner?
Fellowship is Focus of 90th Annual Peace and Goodwill Weekend
The 90th annual Peace and Goodwill Weekend was held at the end of Peace Week and featured Eduardo Costa as a keynote speaker. Costa is from Belem, Brazil and is currently studying for a PhD at the Arthur V Mauro Center for Peace and Justice at the University of Manitoba. Eduardo is a Rotary Peace Scholar by virtue of having been sponsored by the Rotary Foundation to get his Masters Degree jn International Development, concentrating on Peace and Conflict Resolution at one of Rotary’s six Peace Centres: Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA.
October Sets Plans for District 5550 Million Dollar Dinner
Moving into October, the District 5550 World Community Service and Grants Committee met in Russell Manitoba on the 2nd to 4th. Past projects and grants were reviewed and future plans drawn up. The grants committee has already announced the grants qualification seminars being held on line. All clubs are encouraged to have as many as possible attend the seminars to ensure you are certified to receive grant monies from the districts shared funds.
Winnipeg & District to Host Zone 24/32 Institute in 2016
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The Zone 24/32 Institute was held in Providence, Rhode Island, September 21st to 27th. The first three days were dedicated to training incoming district governors and other district leaders. The last three days were general conference style presentations of interest to most Rotarians. One of the last presentations was for Canadian representatives only and covered the recently announced grant to the Rotary Foundation (Canada) by the federal government.
Peace Days Participation Highlight of September Activities
September was another busy month. Some of the month was dedicated to official club visits, but other events kept us busy. I continue to be impressed with the strength and diversity found in our clubs and I strongly urge you to continue your efforts to make Rotary a “Gift to the World”.
October 23 is World Polio Day: Let’s Celebrate Progress
This year many of the events celebrating World Polio Day will be held on Friday October 23 and we hope you are encouraging events and activities in your Clubs as part of the world wide celebration. You can also join the Live Streaming from New York at 5:30 p.m. Central/ Time. this year. Check out his link.
Rotary Creates Alumni Relations Initiative
Rotary International has undertaken a new initiative – Alumni Relations. Laura Higgs has been appointed RI’s Alumni Relations Coordinator. The expectation is that every district will appoint a District Alumni Chair and that every Club will appoint their own Alumni Chair.
District Governor Nominations: Call for 2018-2019
District 5550 is prepared to receive nominations for District Governor 2018/19
The following link will give you the appropriate form to use
The following link will give you the appropriate form to use
ShelterBox Update – September 2015
Greece migrant crisis
As Greece buckles under its own economic pressures, it is also under stress from a growing external pressure. Every day boatloads of migrants and refugees fleeing conflict in Syria and Afghanistan arrive on islands such as Lesbos
“Peace and Goodwill” Rotarians Invited to Participate in WPP Events
Rotarians participating in the 2015 Peace and Goodwill Weekend are invited to stay and join Peace Days events organized by the Rotary clubs in the Greater Winnipeg area.
August and September Themes Focus Rotarians on Membership and Basic Education/Literacy
August was membership month and membership was a common point of discussion during the visits. Many clubs are looking at new ways to attract and retain membership. Many have found that being in the public eye while working on projects affecting their communities has had a positive effect on recruitment. Some have found that engaging their members actively in projects is a definite factor in retention. The biggest reason for joining is being asked to join. Potential members are looking for fellowship, networking and a chance to give back, and belonging to Rotary is a way of doing all three.September with “back to school” is fittingly Basic Education and Literacy month. Is your club involved in a literacy project locally or internationally? Local projects can be hands on at a local school reading to students, having them practice reading to you, donating books to the school or local library, adult reading programs and so on. There is a huge amount of satisfaction helping someone, young or old, learn that they can read! Internationally our district Rotarians are helping build and furnish schools for children and adults as well as promoting mother and child learning. Here is an opportunity for you and your cub to become an even greater gift to the world!
World Peace Partners Announces Peace Days 2015 Program
September 21, 2015 is the UN International Day of Peace. 5550's World Peace Partners Team has announced the full 2015 Peace Days Program to run from September 11 to 21, 2015
Join us in Winnipeg for the 90th Peace and Goodwill Weekend Sept. 18-19, 2015
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The Goodwill Weekend celebrates the Internationalism of Rotary as American and Canadian Rotarians join in fellowship. Rotarians from Districts 5580,(Thunder Bay, N Minnesota & ND) 5950 ( Central and SW Minnesota) and 5960 (Central and SE Minnesota and western Wisconsin.) will join District 5550 in Winnipeg from the evening of the 17th Sept. to Saturday evening on the 19th.
August Busy with Visits to 17 Clubs and 2 RYLA Camps
August was a month of travel to many of our clubs. The first week was spent with clubs in Winnipeg: St. Boniface-St. Vital, Winnipeg East A. M., Rotary Club of Winnipeg, Winnipeg - Transcona, Winnipeg - Assiniboine and a trip to the Basic RYLA camp.
After that we went to North East Saskatchewan to Visit Prince Albert Rotary, Melfort Rotary, Rotary Club of Nipawin, Rotary Club of Hudson Bay and the Senior RYLA camp. At Nipawin, Immediate Past District Governor Pat held a World’s Greatest Meal to End Polio. A number of members from the Nipawin club enjoyed a social evening with dessert and fruit punch. Donations were accepted toward Polio Plus, raising over $500.00 to the cause.The following week we visited the Rotary Clubs of Brandon, and Brandon - Sunset with their Rotaractors and finished the trip with a visit to the Rotary Club of Neepawa.
The month was rounded out with visits to the Rotary Clubs of Yorkton, Dauphin, Swan Valley, and Minnedosa.
We have been impressed with the scope and magnitude of the service projects of the clubs visited so far in our district. Our clubs are becoming more willing to vary their meeting styles to accommodate their membership, improve retention and lower the average age of their members. Several more new members were inducted and we are starting to regain some of our losses that occurred at the beginning of the Rotary Year.
ShelterBox Update – August 2015
Canadians across the country are helping families who have lost everything after a disaster. Everyone from our donors, ShelterBox Canada Volunteers and Response Team Members (SRT's) are helping make a difference.
Spread “Peace Days” to Your Community
What can your club do to recognize the ongoing search for peace – in your club and community?
Go online to the Peace Days website where you will find the agenda for Peace Days 2015. http://www.peacedays.ca/
In every community there is someone who is interested in sharing the Ideals of Peace. Invite that person to come to your meeting between September 14th through 21st to present a program to your club!
Perhaps you too could make your first event a “Music For Peace Concert. Reach out to groups who are already serving the community, perhaps a local food bank, mission, community club, other service clubs or church organizations. And don’t forget to involve the schools and cultural and ethnic groups.
You know your community, both its needs and the resources; use the latter to support the former.
You may be the start of something great in your club! Every great initiative starts small; persevere and it grows!
A Brief History of Peace Days in District 5550
September 21 is the United Nations International Day of Peace.
In 2010, to celebrate this and to raise awareness of the importance of this day, District 5550 held a Music for Peace Concert at the Forks area in Winnipeg. It was a cool, rainy day but we persevered. For the second Concert in 2011, we were fortunate to have a lovely fall evening.
Both years visitors to the Forks stopped by and enjoyed the event. We had local performers and in 2011 featured singer and violinist, Sierra Noble.
In 2012 we took no chances with the weather and held the concert indoors. Good thing because it was a cold, rainy, windy night.
By this time other groups were becoming interested and wanted to be part of an active Peace program. As momentum grew we found that local groups – secular, ethnic, and civic – participated with events at different locations throughout the city. A simple Music for Peace concert became “PEACE DAYS”.
A Peace Days committee was founded and they meet regularly throughout the year to make plans. A logo was developed and a flag was designed. It is raised and flown at Winnipeg City Hall to signal the beginning of Peace Days .
In 2014 the Gimli community held a Peace Days event and people who attended expressed the hope that there will be one there again this year. And so the word spreads.
Ripple Effect Report on Phase 4 of the San Miguelito School in Guatemala
Phase 4 of the San Miguelito School in Guatemala was built through District 5550’s Ripple Effect Program with funding from the Rotary Clubs of Kenora and Dundas Valley Sunrise.
Ian Riseley, RI President 2017-18, Familiar with District 5550
Ian H.S. Riseley, of the Rotary Club of Sandringham, Victoria, Australia, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International in 2017-18. He will become the president-nominee on 1 October if no other candidates challenge him.
Membership and Conference Draw 2014-2015 Year to a Close
Greetings Fellow Rotarians!
It is so difficult to believe that we have ONE month left in this Rotary Year! Time is running out so quickly. I am actually a bit sad that there is so much more left that we could do this year and so little time!
I have completed my Feedback Letters to Clubs and hope that they have been of some value. You have all been “Lighting up Rotary” in your communities and the World in your own special ways throughout the year, and so many have benefitted! You have given hope by even lighting ONE candle to take away the darkness for that one person!
The month of May has no designated theme so we continue to carry on completing our Goals for the year and preparing for the next one!
Thompson Club Visit
We were thrilled to re-visit the Rotary Club of Thompson on May 14th to share in a very exciting time for them; SEVEN new members were inducted that evening preceded by several more prior to that fairly recently! The fellowship, energy and enthusiasm in the group were contagious. Congratulations to President Tom O’Brien and his Membership Committee who have been very successful thus far in growing and stabilizing the Club!
Polio Eradication
We are diligently working towards our Goal to eradicate polio, with the help of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; please continue to support this cause by either purchasing the Just In Case Binders, Mr. Apple Discovers the Four Way Test or through personal contributions, if you wish.
Membership
When viewing the District Dashboard for Membership stats I was saddened by the fact that we have dropped by 15 members this month; I was so excited earlier as we had a net gain of 45 by the end of April, and were almost at our goal of a net gain of one member per month. I know we have lost a few members to that Great Rotary Club in the sky, but perhaps folks are taking a serious look at their membership and “cleaning up” so to speak, by end of May, as was initially recommended to do, so that Clubs would not be paying dues for those who would not be renewing memberships in the new year. BUT we are still far on the positive side! I thank you ALL for working so hard at Membership Growth and Retention this year. I hope that being more flexible, as I have been encouraging Clubs to be, helped. That, to me, is the key to growth in many Clubs. I would like to have an accurate Membership Growth number to present at District Conference so I urge you all to register any new members soon if you have not already!
Foundation
Our Foundation contributions to the Annual Fund are continuing and thank you for that. To date, 45/47 Clubs have contributed. The grand total is $145,848.32. I am confident that we will achieve at least our $100.00 goal per member this year …… so let’s “inject” that final dose into the fund and make this a good, healthy number ( pardon the medical terminology! ) giving our District more funding in three years for local projects, as well as contributing more to the World Fund.
Major Gifts Seminar
We were thrilled to host Carolyn Ferguson, our Zone 24 Major Gifts Officer from Ancaster, Ontario who spoke in all 3 of our major centres about the Foundation, Major Giving and Bequests. Thanks to PDG and ARRFC Eva Vida and DRFC Bob Durston for helping at the Winnipeg Venue. I was able to accompany Carolyn in both Regina and Saskatoon.
This was a wonderful learning experience for us and I thank all who attended and especially those who worked hard at organizing the meetings and getting Rotarians out to hear her presentation! Carolyn felt that the trip was very successful; there will be exciting news evolving from this very soon! She was inspired by the results of the visit.
DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2015
We are very excited to offer delegates an informative and Fun Filled Conference; we are happy that Inner Wheel has decided to join us for a parallel Conference but they will be joining us for several of our sessions as well. This is a “First” in our District. Another “First” is the “Hands on Literacy Project” happening off site at 4:15 at our Elementary School on Friday the 19th! Come and meet the students, teachers and resource people from our Community, who will walk you through the various Stations of activity.
We have a prestigious line up of both Plenary and Breakout speakers in an effort to cover as many areas of Rotary which time allowed us to have! The President's Representative is Jacque Andrew, past DG of District 6000, plus we will be graced with the presence of PDG Al Bergsma from Rocky Mountain House the Assistant Rotary Regional Coordinator for Zone 24 West and PDG Eva Vida the Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator for Zone 24 West. We have some very special awards to recognize Rotarians who have gone above and beyond. But most of all, we welcome our District 5550 Family of Rotary to enjoy and savor the Fellowship and evening entertainment that makes these events so memorable!
Team Rotary D5550 Shelterbox Challenge Contributes 42 Shelter Boxes to Nepal Earthquake Victims
ShelterBox Update – June 2015
Shelter for more than 15,000 people in Nepal
ShelterBox was able to provide shelter for more than 15,000 people whose lives were turned upside down following the recent Nepal earthquakes.
Our ShelterBox response teams have been working tirelessly to reach families whose homes have been destroyed or badly damaged. Help from Rotarians, Rotaract members, local volunteers, and cooperation from other organisations, has been crucial in helping our aid to reach remote communities in Nepal’s mountainous landscape. The need is great. More ShelterBox aid will be arriving so we can continue to provide the shelter to keep families safe and dry before the monsoon rains arrive.ShelterBox has responded to several disasters in Nepal throughout the years. Most recently ShelterBox provided aid to people who had lost their homes in the north of the country due to flooding and landslides last autumn.
Two natural disasters hit Chile
A ShelterBox response team has arrived in Chile, as the country is facing two separate natural disasters, leaving communities without homes and shelter. The Calbuco volcano has resulted in the evacuation of 6,600 homes. The Atacama region of Chile has suffered from intense rainfall, leading to rivers bursting their banks, flash flooding and landslides. The region got 7 years worth of rain in 1 day. The floods left more than 8,000 families with either damaged or totally destroyed homes.
The ShelterBox team, made up of John Cordell (US), Scott Culbertson (CAN) and Kevin Moforte (US), is working with fellow aid organisation Habitat for Humanity and the Chilean Red Cross Society to provide shelter kits to 1,500 families whose homes have been destroyed or damaged by these events.
Rotary District 3292
Rotarian and Canadian SRT Dave Hallett, Tim Osburn and Becky Maynard meet with Rotary 3292 District Governor Rabindra Piya and District Secretary Nugal Vaidya. The District 3292 Disaster Relief Fund has been supporting ShelterBox during the earthquake response as well as working tirelessly on numerous community projects throughout the affected regions to support the people of Nepal.For the latest updates and to make a donation please visit www.shelterboxcanada.org
RI Rep for 2015 District Conference is Iowan Jacque Andrew
Rotary president, Gary C.K. Huang , has appointed Jacque Andrew, past District Governor of District 6000 as his representative at the 2015 District 5550 conference
ShelterBox Update – May 2015
Devastating Floods in Malawi
Canadian ShelterBox response team members, Claire Noseworthy (Kenora Rotarian) and Andre Blomenik (Fernie, BC), have been helping to deliver shelter to communities in Southern Malawi, following devastating flooding that first started in January.
ShelterBox has been working solidly to reach some of the most vulnerable people in need of shelter. Families whose houses had been completely destroyed by the floods had been living in makeshift shelters made out of sticks and thin plastic sheeting, sleeping at night with just a blanket for protection.
It has been so difficult to access some regions that the teams are still finding areas in great need of aid, almost three months after the initial disaster. Andre Blomenik said: ‘We have seen a repeated story within these areas, of a young, single mother with two, three or four children and a destroyed home. It is often a single parent household and many of the families we met have experience of poor health, often HIV or diabetes.’
One of our beneficiaries was Eunice, who is HIV positive. She is not only the sole caregiver for her children, one of whom is deaf, but also looks after her mother who has health and mobility issues of her own.The ShelterBox teams are working in the districts of Zomba and Mulanje. They are focusing their attention on distributing aid to people in their own communities so that they can be near to their land and their families, and can sooner rebuild their homes.
People in Vanuatu Left Homeless
ShelterBox continues to help people in Vanuatu left homeless after a category 5 cyclone hit the Pacific Islands. Peter Pearce, from Gosford North Rotary (Australia), went to Vanuatu within 48 hours of the airport opening to begin delivery of Shelter Kits, tents and other essential lifesaving items.
Many of the outer lying islands were severely hit. The cyclone had decimated homes in its path. It doesn’t take much to flatten the houses as most are constructed using bamboo and soft wood, they have all gone as have all of their crops.While on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu, our ShelterBox response volunteers have been staying in ShelterBox tents and using ShelterBox equipment, such as water filters and cooking utensils. Being self-sufficient means that our volunteers aren't putting a strain on limited resources and can focus on helping the people who truly need it.
Reaching the remote areas that most need support is a long process, but your support enables us to send the supplies and ShelterBox response volunteers to do this. Thank you
For the latest updates and to make a donation please visit www.shelterboxcanada.org
Thank you for your support and for making our response possible.
Many Passions of DG Pat Shine Through in April
Fellow Rotarians,April is Magazine Month! Our “Rotarian” has been in publication since 1911, spreading the word about Rotary! We share Rotary now through many different social media but there is still a very important role for our magazine. It showcases the work of Rotarians around the world and as President Huang stated, “It engages, entertains, enlightens and inspires”.
Personally, I look forward to each issue and read each article, enjoying success stories, following the Presidents’ travels, and just learning more about the Rotary world. When you are finished reading issues of the magazine, share it with non-Rotarian co-workers, friends, and place it in waiting rooms, etc to help tell our story!
Our travels have continued this month; we were honored to attend Moose Jaw Wakamow’s Global Service Above Self Awards Banquet, celebrating the achievements of several Community members both locally and Internationally ……… their passions are above and beyond! While in the area, we shared at meetings in both the Assiniboia and Moose Jaw Clubs; plus we had a stop at Watrous for more food and fellowship!
Thank You to the Rotary Clubs of Saskatoon for inviting us to the 2015 Badge Shield & Star Dinner, honoring very worthy professionals for their achievements,and making the Community of Saskatoon a better place! Special Thanks to Bev and Vic Dubois for hosting us there! The motto of the special guest Speaker Sandy Davis of this event “The highest reward for your work is not what you get from it but what you become from it” parallels, I believe, how we grow in Rotary!
The Winnipeg Career Symposium What an opportunity for the participants! Cudos to the Rotarians of Winnipeg along with their Partners in making this huge event such a success! Thank You Cheryl for the time you spent with me on such a busy day; it was great to reconnect with so many Rotarians in the city!
Warm hospitality was a part of the Paul Harris Evening which we attended in Neepawa on April 23rd recognizing Rotarians and Non Rotarians for their generosity and Community work! Information about OUR Foundation was also presented and shared. Thank You President Dave and Bob and Carolyn!
Long Term Youth Exchange, Outbound Orientation in Russell April 24-26th was a success, as always! Good job, Leanne and Committee! Our students, parents and counsellors connected so well there, receiving their much needed information while having fun as well! I am so proud of our Youth Exchange Program!
OUR FOUNDATION ………….. Annual giving now totals $141,136.32 YTD. Continued support is encouraged to continue both local and International projects from this fund. The goal of AT LEAST $100.00 per Rotarian for this year has not been achieved yet BUT we still have 2 months to do it! Let’s get over the top! We have some Clubs that have done very well in this area and you will hear about them at District Conference!
MEMBERSHIP ……… Recent data shows our membership has grown from 1513 July 1st 2014 to 1565 on March 31st 2015! ( 52 Members Net Gain! ) Good work and please keep the momentum going!
Our Zone 24 West Major Gifts Officer Carolyn Ferguson will be visiting our District. She will be in Winnipeg on May 27th, Regina May 28th, and Saskatoon May 28th Evening and morning May 29th. Details are being finalized with her and ALL clubs will be notified when these are complete with times, etc for each day. She will discuss Major Giving and the Permanent Fund, and also meet with individuals/small groups for further discussions.
Remember to continue supporting Polio Plus through our 2 Fundraisers or personal/Club contributions as you wish!
DISTRICT CONFERENCE June 18-21st 2015 A great conference is planned and we are excited to see many Rotarians, partners, students, Interactors and Rotaractors there! We will send frequent updates to everyone through Clubrunner emails! Detailed information will come via that source, so please stay closely tuned to us there. Please visit our website as new information is added regularly!
We have all been touched by the recent enormous tragedy in Nepal; thoughts and prayers are with the many involved. Rotary has joined forces with our official Project Partner Shelterbox to supply the much needed cover for these people. District 5550 has launched a fundraising campaign through our Website so please contribute as you are able!
Thank you for “Lighting up Rotary” in your own way to make our local and Global Communities shine just a little more! Lighting ONE candle in a dark corner of the world for even ONE human being makes a difference in that ONE life!
March is Literacy Month!
March is Literacy Month!I am proud to say that many of our Clubs have been and are involved in very significant Literacy activities both locally and internationally.
ShelterBox Update – April 2015
Cyclone Pam causes devastation in Vanuatu
On March 14 Cyclone Pam hit the south Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu with devastating consequences. Vanuatu, one of the world’s poorest nations, is made up of a sprawling cluster of more than 80 islands, which are situated about 1,600 kilometers east of northern Australia.
Case Study of Dryden Club’s Participation in Global Grant Submitted to RI during ‘Literacy Month’
After over eighteen months of work, it seems only fitting that Dryden Rotary’s participation in a Basic Education and Literacy Global Grant Request be submitted to Rotary International during March which in Rotary is “Literacy” month.
WPP Announces New High School Program ‘Rotary Adventures In Human Rights’
District 5550 World Peace Partners is pleased to announce the next building block towards peace, compassion and “service above self” amongst our youth, the ‘Rotary Adventures in Human Rights’ program.
‘ADVENTURES IN GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP’ EXPANDS TO BECOME ‘HUMAN RIGHTS UNIVERCITY’
“Adventures in Global Citizenship” which has grown and developed through the years as a pilot is now HR-2600 a new course called 'Human Rights UniverCity'
District 5550 World Peace Partners Committee News: Spring 2015
Hello to all members! Happy spring! I hope you are seeing and feeling the warmth of the sun and seeing the snow melt!
I am so excited to send you the news about our summer student programs based upon peace and human rights studies.
Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) Issues Call for 2015 Participants
By Roy P. Vallance, Chair District 5550 MUNA Committee, Rotary Club of Winnipeg
In 2015, the Rotary Club of Winnipeg is excited to be running its 57th annual Model United Nations Assembly or MUNA.
Graduates of this program include Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger.MUNA 2015 will be held in Winnipeg on April 30th, May 1st and 2nd, at the Canadian Mennonite University. Delegations of two high school students and a counsellor, take on global citizenship as they simulate the United Nations Assembly.
Please sponsor a delegation or two from your local high school. Let us help develop our leaders of tomorrow.
For further information and online registration, please visit our website at www.winnipegmuna.ca.
We look forward to welcoming a team from your local high school.
District 5550 Youth Exchange Team Wins 2015 NAYEN Award
Our Youth Exchange Committee has made us proud, receiving an award for the strength, enthusiasm and dedication for which they are already so well known!
Leanne Kessler and Paulette Connery have attended many sessions at the North American Youth Exchange Network (NAYEN). Some examples are the Short Term Exchange Program, helping students plan their exchange, creating marketing strategies to attract more students, interview questions, best management practices, and much more! This is a recognition you richly deserve! Thank You.
ShelterBox Update – March 2015 - Thank You for Making this Possible
Dedicated ShelterBox Response Team volunteers deliver emergency shelter and vital supplies to communities around the globe overwhelmed by disaster and humanitarian crisis.
Latest ShelterBox deployments include Madagascar, Malawi, Gaza, Malaysia, Sierra Leone and Philippines.
World Understanding Begins With Us - Right Here in District 5550!
Fellow Rotarians!A Happy Canadian Winter to you all, especially to those such as I, who need to be here and cannot escape the cold weather for long, if at all, this year! To those who have found a warmer place to enjoy, good for you!
Ontarian, Bryn Styles Elected New Rotary Foundation Trustee to Replace Alberta Trustee, Monty Audenart
Rotary News
16-FEB-2015
The RI Board of Directors elected Bryn Styles to serve the remaining term of Rotary Foundation Trustee Monty Audenart, who passed away on 21 January.
Rotary Day 2015: A Time to Assess Rotary's World Wide Impact
Each year, within Rotary, February 23rd is designated as Rotary Day. It celebrates the date on which the first Rotary meeting took place. It is also a good time to review the impact that Rotary is having in the World.
The Man in the Queque
District 5550’s major literacy initiative is the Ripple Effect program. This inspirational video called The Ripple is a good example of the power of a “Ripple” effect.
District Rotarian, Wallis Zbitnew Creates Book on Rotary’s Four Way Test
Regina South Rotarian, Wallis Zbitnew has with dedication and foresight created a new resource for Rotarians titled Mr. Apple Discovers the Four Way Test: Four Questions that Dramatically Changed His Life.
Published by Inner Truth Publishing Zbitnew’s goal in writing the book is:
Rotary's Global Reach
Zigggy Marley Sings "Lighthouse" for "EndPolioNow"
A Global Citizen’s Introduction to the CMHR
Rebecca Deng at The University of Winnipeg
While Canada waits to catch a glimpse of what is inside its newest national museum, Rebecca Deng is already cherishing her experience previewing the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Deng’s tour this summer was included as part of the Adventures in Global Citizenship course at The University of Winnipeg’s Global College. A portion of the course took place in the museum with CMHR experts acting as guest faculty.
DG Dr. Pat Takes "Ice Bucket" Challenge for ALS
DG Pat Shares District Goals & Club Success Stories
Your Future In Rotary
Have you thought of what you want to do to make a difference within Rotary?
Presently the District is looking for someone to take positions for the Membership Committee, the District Trainer team, and Rotary Leadership facilitators.
May 2014 Blog 5550opinions Posts
I know you all really want to be out there sailing, fishing, swimming on a lake somewhere in this great country of ours but here for your Rotary edification are some of the posts that have been placed on our District 5550 Blog 5550opinions this past month.
I’ve been trying to increase the number of views and visitors this site receives. It has been attached to our District website since March 2011. However, I know from the statistics which I gather that very few Rotarians access through that portal.
So with only a couple of days to go in May I thought I would share with you the posts that have occurred this month:
Posted on May 2, 2014 Ron D. Burton, President 2013-14 and Dong Kurn (D.K.) Lee, Trustee Chair 2013-14
Posted on May 2, 2014 Rotary International Press Release
Posted on May 6, 2014 by John Borst, District 5550, Communications
Posted on May 14, 2014 By David Newman, Q.C., Co-chair, Rotary District 5550 World Peace Partners
Posted on May 16, 2014 by John Borst, District 5550, Communications
Sustainability Demystified Book Review
If I Had a Water Buffalo: Microfinance as a Means to Sustainability Posted on May 28, 2014 by John Borst, District 5550, Communications
Rebranding Rotary: A Before and After Slideshow
Although accompanied by considerable controversy RI General Secretary John Hewko says, “The reaction to our new member site. . . has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic, and we couldn’t be more excited to embark upon a new Rotary digital age.” Rebranding Rotary: Watch the Slide Show
Risking Obsolescence without a Story to Tell
Why is it that superior technology doesn’t always win out? Why do some enterprises fare better than others? Why do some charities become better funded and better known than others? Is there a common trait? Yes, I think there is.
Do you remember when video tapes were first introduced? Sony was the first to bring the technology to market and they called it “Beta” video. VHS video came shortly after. Beta was certainly the better technology at the time. Why did VHS win with an inferior product? Now, of course, both are obsolete.
Another example was the Apple operating system vs. Windows. Again Apple was the superior product but almost went bankrupt trying to compete against the Windows operating system in other PCs. Why did the Apple operating system not become the dominant system?
A Canadian corporate example would be BlackBerry. Its cell phones with e-mail & texting provided the greatest degree of security and still do today. Then why is it almost bankrupt?
All these companies did not realize that the market size for the technology they developed was much larger than one company could handle and missed the absolute requirement to share the technology with others by restricting its use for competitive advantage. Each alternative took the inferior technology, made it “open” and not only let everyone else improve on it but also, in the process, make it the most acceptable and accessible at reduced cost. Beta was gone long before VHS; Apple made a comeback with its block buster innovative “i” product line, of itunes, ipod, iphone and ipad and the revolutionary “apps”. Blackberry may still have the US president using its phone because of the security it provides, but not many others are following his example, because the apps and operating systems of Apple’s proprietary iOS and Google’s open source Android smartphones became more desirable than security, even among business users.
Now consider Rotary. It was started February 23, 1905 by Paul Harris, a man with a vision. What was it he started? Was it supposed to be a charity or a local service group? Neither of these seems to tell the whole story. For me Rotary is about a group of people getting together and combining their individual expertise and knowledge, without financial reward, to remedy a human need or condition anywhere in the world. The sole reliance and faith in mankind to duplicate this simple idea and share it with others around the world was the vision.
It is the sharing I am concerned about here. We appear to be passed by because few people seem to know what we do. For example the January edition of Maclean’s had an article on the eradication of Polio by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Rotary wasn’t mentioned even though the value of Rotary‘s contribution in money and manpower exceeds that of the Gates Foundation. The article didn’t even mention our Federal Government from time to time contributed our tax dollars to match the contributions of Canadian Rotarian’s donations towards Polio eradication.
Are we like BlackBerry who didn’t believe that a mountain of “apps” could replace security on a cell phone, or like Apple who failed to see the advantages of Microsoft’s open source Windows 1.0 in 1982 even though they had popularized the icon based operating system in the first place?
Traditionally, Rotarians have practiced humility and not promoted their good works. Unfortunately, the more society has come “under the influence” of advertising and marketing the more Rotary’s struggles to attract new members has increased. Rotary has only recently come to the realization we haven’t kept pace with the communications revolution that has engulfed us.
Throughout this year I have been asking each club to ensure a member is responsible for Communications and/or Public Relations. Not only do we have to improve our messaging out to the community but among and between ourselves.
Over the past two years Rotary International has created two marketing opportunities to improve communication among Rotarians.
Rotary Showcase
The first is web feature “Showcase” where clubs and Districts can ‘showcase’ their favorite projects.
See https://map.rotary.org/en/project/pages/project_showcase.aspx . How many projects do you see for District 5550 from our 48 clubs? What a wonderful site to celebrate what our clubs are doing. What a great way to refer new members or club Rotarians for ideas on worthwhile projects. This site also provides an opportunity for an enthusiastic member to create and display a video or slide presentation on your own club projects.
Rotary YouTube Video Channel
Then there is Rotary’s own video channel at YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/RotaryInternational .
This site is an excellent source of inspiring presentations for club meetings if you do not have a speaker. It’s free, it’s good, and it tells the Rotary story.
So let’s get inspired and use the sharing opportunities offered by these two web sites. They should be among the “favourite” web sites for every Rotarian, along with the District web site of course. It’s a perfect opportunity for your Public Relations and Communications chairs to work together. Set your club into motion and start sharing your projects with the world and help guarantee Rotary’s future success.
Yours in Rotary,
Ed Thompson, District Governor 5550
‘Rotary Minute’ Videos Great Way to Celebrate ‘Rotary Awareness Month’
January is “Rotary awareness month”. Dryden's weekly newsletter editor, Will Vermeer shared four “Rotary Minute” videos with the club. Each focused on a different way Rotary makes its motto “Service above self” into action.
Winnipeg was first stop in Rotary's spread around the world
Melfort Rotary and Radio CJVR - CK750 raise $31,000 for ShelterBox Philippine Relief
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"Show and tell' is definitely more effective than just setting up a table with brochures" according to Brian Cocks of the Melfort Rotary Club. Season’s Greetings to all Rotarians!
It has been said that time goes fast when you are having fun. I am definitely having fun!
District’s Ripple Effect Program Seeks Funds for New Project in Los Tarayes, Guatemala
The Rotary Club of Kenora has identified the Los Tarayes School construction project as the next Ripple Effect Program School. The RC of Kenora is the lead Club for the Los Tarayes project and is looking for other Rotary Clubs to be funding partners.
Saskatoon Rotary Clubs Enter Santa Claus Parade for First Time since the 50’s.
This year for the first year since the 1950's Saskatoon Rotary put a float in the city’s Santa Claus Parade. The year’s theme was “Candy Canes and Christmas Carols”.
Polio eradication workers hope one strain of the disease has been wiped out -Toronto Star
People in the global polio eradication program are hopeful that transmission of Type 3 viruses has stopped. Read More in the Toronto Star
TRAVELLING WITH DG ED – October
On the last day of September we visited the Rotary Clubs of Gimli and Selkirk. The view of Lake Winnipeg from the club’s meeting room provided a delightful background to both the Board and club meetings in Gimli. DG Ed and AG Elaine Elliott had the pleasure of assisting in the induction of a new member (Wilfred Brandstrom) into the Gimli Rotary club.
The pleasant drive from Gimli to Selkirk on a nice, warm, sunny day brought DG Ed into Selkirk early enough to get a tour of two recent projects of the Selkirk Rotary Club – the Skatepark (completed and definitely in use when we arrived) and the new library (still under construction) with a large, special area for young children and their even younger siblings to spend time with their parent or guardian. The weather was so pleasant that organizers decided to hold both their board and club meetings in Benjamin’s Courtyard, a pleasant outdoor dining experience.
The first club visit in October was Portage la Prairie. A board meeting in the Portage la Prairies council chamber was followed by a tour of some of the Rotary Club’s projects over the years and then a buffet lunch (with a large turnout of members) at Canad Inns. During the club meeting, two members of the 
local media – Clarise Klassen (managing editor of The Graphic and the Herald Leader) and Paul Harland (general manager of the local radio station and assistant coach of the Portage Terriers) were honoured for their contribution to Rotary and to the community. A display of current and past fundraisers (sale of vegetables and chicken dinners, an annual regimental ball, cycle-a-ton, walk-a-thon, cabaret, bingos, casino nights, talent nights, etc.), of international (installation of hand water pumps, purchase of school books, providing hospital supplies, a school for deaf & blind students) and local projects (“republic of manitobah park”, Portage Rotary Playground, Herman Prior Seniors Centre, the PCU recreational centre), as well of student activities (Rotary Youth exchange annually since the late 1970s, RYLA and MUNA) provided evidence of a very active Rotary club in Portage la Prairie. Following the meeting, DG Ed’s tour of Rotary projects continued. It included the playground and the PCU Centre, with its swimming and wave pool, two arenas, walking track, fitness centre and meeting rooms.
The visit to the Rotary Club of South Eastman on October 8th was a more subdued, laid back affair. After the club meeting, DG Ed was provided with a gift package that contained locally made chokecherry jam and whole wheat flour ground at the windmill in the Mennonite Heritage Village.
The re-scheduled meeting with the Rotary Club of Winnipeg-Transcona took place at the Canad Inn Transcona at noon on Thursday, October 10th, with President Tom Hallas presiding. DG Ed was pleased to see the revitalization of this club.
56th Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) set for May 1-3 2014
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The Rotary Club of Winnipeg is once again sponsoring the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA). They have done so in an almost uninterrupted fashion since the first MUNA was held on April 26 and 27, 1957. The 56th Assembly will take place May 1-3, 2014 and we welcome delegates from all District 5550 clubs.
56th Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) set for May 1-3 2014
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The Rotary Club of Winnipeg is once again sponsoring the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA). They have done so in an almost uninterrupted fashion since the first MUNA was held on April 26 and 27, 1957. The 56th Assembly will take place May 1-3, 2014 and we welcome delegates from all District 5550 clubs.
TRAVELLING WITH DG ED – August & September
WEEK 4 – Prince Albert, Melfort, Nipawin and Hudson Bay
DG Ed spent the last week of July and first few days of August visiting Rotary Clubs in Prince Albert, Melfort, Nipawin, and Hudson Bay. Besides meeting with the board members of each club, and then with the club members, DG Ed was also treated to golf games (in Prince Albert and Nipawin), a tour of the many Rotary Club projects in town (in Melfort, Nipawin and Hudson Bay), and a dessert evening with Nipawin Rotarians at the home of DGE Pat Chernesky.
A surprise at the Melfort meeting was the arrival of a biker, Rotarian Peter Laser, from the Rotary Club of Vienna in the District of Columbia, who was driving his motorcycle back to Washington, DC after having driven it to Prudoe Bay, Alaska and noticed the Melfort Rotary meeting sign along the highway. His goal was to raise money for a women’s microfinance organization called Five Talents and for Rotary Youth Exchange. Melfort Rotarians left a total of $200 on their tables for Peter’s projects. PDG Brian Cocks and wife Darlene were among the club members taking in the DG meeting in their club.
The highlight of Week 4 for farm boy DG Ed was the quarter section of canola that the Rotary Club of Hudson Bay was growing to share the proceeds with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. The quarter section is rented from a “retired” farmer in the area, who prepares the land and plants the crop. Donations for inputs (like fuel, fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides etc.) are provided by international and local suppliers - as well as the retired farmer. When the crop is ready to harvest, an announcement is made over the local radio station that the harvest will be taking place the next day Local farmers, most of whom are not Rotarians, leave their own fields and rush over with their combines to the Rotary field to take part in the harvest and then be treated to a barbecue afterwards. Last year, harvesting the crop on Rotary’s quarter section with the 11 combines that showed up took only 51 minutes.
TRAVELLING WITH DG ED
Spending three weeks in Saskatchewan, explaining the details of his “District Vibrant Clubs Award” to the board members of 17 Rotary Clubs has not dampened DG Ed’s enthusiasm for his personal plan to award $4000 to one club accumulating the most points doing what vibrant clubs should be doing – to put towards a project of their own choice.
Some clubs were not particularly interested in going through the exercise of gathering information from their members for fundraising activities, attending meetings at other clubs, participating in their own and other club’s projects or activities. Some even thought this was a program initiated by Rotary International.
Although it’s based on RI’s “Effective Clubs” and “Vibrant Club” forms, the point system to quantify effectiveness and vibrancy are solely the work of DG Ed (and not of his wife, as one board member suggested). These reluctant clubs did, nevertheless, have at least one board member who could see the benefits to their club of undertaking such an exercise. The key benefit which supportive board members appreciated was the ability to measure, compare and improve their club’s vibrancy from year to year.
There have also been suggestions made to give more prominence to certain programs in the point count such as participation in the student exchange program, which one board member said adds significantly to a club’s vibrancy.
DG Ed’s presentation to club members provided information about the end game in the eradication of Polio from the face of the earth, and the challenges and strengths of Rotary International as published in a recent study by Siegel and Gale that had been commissioned by RI. This study provided some very interesting results that members appeared to be pleased to hear about.
Besides attending 17 Rotary Board meetings and experiencing the fellowship of 17 regular Rotary Club meetings, (where Paul Harris awards and perfect attendance awards were also presented), DG Ed has also participated in social activities. These included
- the steak barbecue/meeting and tour of Lake Manitou (Camp Easter Seals, the Spa, Danceland and a beautiful sunset over Manitou Lake) with President Al of the Rotary Club of Watrous,
- socializing with the Hillsdens – in their home, at Jack & Keaton’s BBQ and Grill, and for Grace’s 70th birthday party,
- attending the play “Forget Me Not” at Regina’s Fringe Festival,
- taking part in a farewell picnic at Wascana Park for the soon to be departing exchange student Maite from Belgium,
- visiting the RCMP Heritage Centre and watching the Tuesday evening Sunset-Retreat Ceremony on the Parade Square at the RCMP Depot,
- joining several members of the Regina Eastview Club in experiencing the divine “Coronation Chicken” prepared by President Ann,
- attending the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ trouncing of the Hamilton Tiger Cats at Mosaic Stadium (courtesy of President André of the Regina Oskaya club),
- touring Moose Jaw and viewing its many Rotary projects with Assistant Governor Yves and
- attending the barbecue/meeting of the Fort Qu’appelle Rotary Club.
In addition, Regina also provided an “act of God” experience, wherein a hailstorm passing through the eastern side of Regina pounded the DG’s car into a dimpled red mass and required replacement of all the plastic vent covers in his motorhome.
Although DG Ed is known (by his family and his own Rotary club) to arrive late at events, he has arrived on time for all the meetings – with two exceptions - and these were as a result of two clubs having changed their meeting location (as far as DG Ed and his “handler” knew).
Several things struck DG Ed at the Estevan Rotary Club meeting. One was the way the club exhibited their banners, using folding wood & fabric room separators. The other was a lady who single-handedly set up the meeting room (with tablecloths, cutlery in napkins and cups), brought in the plates, bowls and food for the buffet lunch, (we didn’t ask if she also prepared all the food), served the soup then removed all the plates, cutlery, tablecloths, etc, and cleaned up after the meeting was done. For her incredible service, the Estevan Rotary Club has awarded her a Paul Harris Fellow.The third was the presence of a sweet young lady, Payton, about 5 or 6 years of age, at the club meeting, who was there with her Rotarian mother, Andrea. Andrea indicated that Payton enjoys coming to Rotary meetings because she likes the opportunity to dress up. That day Payton was colour coordinated with a long pink and white dress, a pink purse and pink high-heeled shoes decorated with rhinestones. She said she had several pairs of shoes like those, each in a different colour!
Governor's Exchange Pins
One of the last acts of the 2013 District 5550 conference was the "exchnage" of pins. District Governor Rick officially pasted the mantle of District Governor on to Ed Thompson when he presented him with his DG pin. In return Ed present Rick Hubbs with his past-district governor pin.
Twenty Clubs Receive Literacy Awards at 2013 District Conference
At the recent District 5550 conference seven clubs received Zone Literacy Awards while another thirteen received a District Literacy award for their effort in improving literacy locally and or internationally.
Spring Active for District 5550 DG Rick
Well. It has been a busy winter for us. The ice is still here and probably will be for a while. Although the shoreline is starting to open up a little, time will tell. We promised some fishing for some conference attendees. Odds are that the shoreline will be open enough to do that. Bring your rods and a couple of CD11 Rapala (blue , gold, silver). They are best for offshore unless you want to set up a bait rig.
Conference 2013 Set for The Pas
And the conference is coming up pretty quick. May 30th we will be golfing to start it off. We’ve got some excellent speakers, a representative from the Restorative Action Program (RAP) in Saskatoon, an Ambassador from Guatemala, an RI rep that has been around the world involved in many Rotary programs, and some great food. The entertainment and opening ceremony will be something you don’t want to miss. The northern “pipers” will be worth the admission.
Canadian Rotarians Excel for PolioPlus
At the Vaccine Summit that is being held in Abu Dhabi, Minister Fantino has announced that the Canadian Government will commit $250 million between 2013-2018 to the Polio Eradication Effort.
Congratulations to all Rotarians who helped to influence the government.
Canadian Rotarians have raised $2 million for polio matched 3 to 1 by Government of Canada and Gates Foundation. That means $6 million for polio eradication. $400,000 was raised in one week when the Government of Canada and the Gates Foundation announced on February 23 an extension of the matching agreement to remove the maximum limit of $1 million for the March 1 deadline. Well done.
Travel & Events
The revised District Manual of Policies and Procedures (MOPP) should be ready to approve at the Annual general meeting. Thanks for all the assistance to make it all come together.
We made a few trips including Youth Exchange program (YEP) events, Paul Harris Fellow presentations, general business, and even got to go on a little vacation to the Rockies. And a special trip to Winnipeg to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the new Museum of Human Rights.
Unfortunately, we did have a couple of outstanding Rotarians pass on. Our thoughts are with the clubs and are certain they will be remembered.
We did miss one important event and regret not being there. The Rotary Club of Estevan celebrated ninety years of Rotary success. There were 180 people in attendance along with the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. PDGs Peter Peters and Wayne Claypoole were there to present Paul Harris Fellowships and pass along their congratulations and mine. Thank you everyone and again my apologies.
We did get to the Paul Harris night in Neepawa and presented the awards to Rotarians and citizens of Neepawa. It is always a pleasure to meet such dedicated people. We had an enjoyable evening and as always- great food.
We left the next morning for Winnipeg, spent the day there, turned around and went to Russell that evening. The YEP orientation took place with all of our inbound and outbound students. We have to congratulate the committee on a very well run event. We were on hand to see Jackie Taylor pass the reins over to Leanne Kessler. 
Jackie has been the Outbound chair for umpteen years and has decided to retire from her position. (something to do with horse shows). We certainly wish Jackie all the best and am glad she will remain an active Rotarian with the Nipawin club. Leanne has been working with Jackie the last year and is not only suited for the job, but, is doing it very well.
We were able to have the exchange students visit us in The Pas for “The Pas Winterfest”. They all enjoyed dog sled rides, skidoo rides, Inuit games, and camaraderie. They will be at District conference to
entertain you and then catch their bus for the Western trip. We have to Thank Ted Smook for all the arranging, chaperoning and driving for this annual trip. They will have one more group outing at Camp Whitney provided by the Flin Flon Rotary club. It is always a great time and the District appreciates the many years the Flin Flon club has dedicated to this program. Then it will be time for the students to travel home. Next year the Minnedosa club will be holding the Halloween event. The YEP is one of our longest and most important programs. We appreciate that most of the clubs in the District have been involved in one way or another.
Remember to help your student raise some money!! They were all given a challenge to raise funds for either Shelterbox or Polio. Although they are to present their gains at the District conference, they can still carry on until they leave.
WORLD PEACE PARTNERS HAS DONE IT AGAIN! Congratulations on a terrific step towards the goal of Peace and Understanding. District 5550 will be on the map!
On May 10, 2013 we signed the MOU with Stuart Murray, CEO of the Museum of Human Rights. It is an agreement with District 5550, World Peace Partners and the Museum of Human Rights to assist in the education of youth. We will have a presentation on this at District Conference. Further information can also be had on the World Peace Partners website.
After the signing, David and Brenda Newman took us to the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) headquarters. Another great Rotary Program. A big “Thanks!” to all the volunteers. Elly has done a super job in organizing the MUNA event for our students. We didn’t get to participate, but the students we spoke to were thoroughly enjoying the experience.
There have been many fundraising activities and service projects going on in our District in the last few months. Some were old standbys and some were new adventures. Keep up the good work.
The Pas club has assisted in sending Dental techs to Guatemala for an annual working program with participants from Red River College and North Dakota. We are looking at this program for a future Vocational Training team mission. It has been going on for eight years and Rotary has not been involved. Maybe that will change.
Dauphin Rotary club has a new fundraiser- a mud race. It is scheduled for this summer and looks like a good one. August 10, 2013 Manitoba Mud Run | Facebook
It’s not too late to sign up for conference- see y’all there!
Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Training
In the Fall of 2013, our District will be starting RLI courses. Dates & locations have been set so visit our webpage at District 5550 Rotary Leadership Institute or view the District Events section on the home page for further information and registration details
January, a working interlude before race to the finish.
We got a late start to 2013! We spent the evening with “what else?”--- Another Rotarian!
We were in the middle of “what else,” but another Rotary discussion! When someone said “Oops, we missed the moment”! It was about ten minutes past the stroke of midnight. We hugged, offered best wishes and “yes” carried on the conversation.
The important dialogue was the planning of The Pas Winterfest where we get to host the Youth Exchange students in March. This event will take place March 7-10, 2013.
We spent the weekend of January 18-21 with the students in Melfort, SK and filled them in about The Pas. The Melfort weekend went well despite the very cold weather. The Melfort Club did very well considering the juggling of events because of the cold. The previous weekend had been cancelled due to a winter storm. Skiing and snowboarding were great but the hayride had to be cancelled.
We have special Thanks to Jackie Taylor from the Nipawin Club. Jackie has been our Outbound Student Coordinator for the Youth Exchange Program for longer than I can remember. We have always enjoyed working with Jackie. Jackie assures us that her replacement, Leanne Kessler, from Saskatoon Meewasin will be a big asset to the program. Congratulations, Leanne. And Thank you for doing this huge job for the students. Leanne officially takes over at the end of April at the orientation in Russell.
The majority of our time has been spent working on the Manual of Procedure and our conference planning. We did get out fishing twice and caught well. Snow blowing has been more than last year already and we still have three more months of winter.
Conference plans are doing well. We have on line registration up and running at http://rotary5550conference.ca/. Some of the events are still being organized and will be on the website as soon as possible.
The Manual has been rewritten and is awaiting adjustment. We have to thank our legal advisor and Parliamentarian David who has helped a lot with this. David came up with a plan for a new Organizational Chart which will improve the continuity of the manual and by-laws. We are just finishing this chart. We expect to have the Executive approve it in early February. Once this is done we can coordinate the manual to the chart. The next step will be to have the board members agree. We expect to have the final draft at the general meeting at conference for final approval.
The District Transition team and Training team have been working hard and steady, making sure that we are ready for July 1st and the new grants management system.
As an added note from the RI Stewardship department:
“I am happy to inform you that District 5550 was 100% up-to-date with reporting requirements for grants sponsored by the district and its clubs as of the January 2013 analysis.”
Our Membership Chair, Gail Dodds (Estevan Club) has informed us that there is a slight increase in the overall District membership. Although we have had some members leave for various reasons, some clubs have been able to increase membership. We do have 25 percent female members in our District which is higher than the RI average of 17%. Gail will be at PETS to discuss some of the ideas that clubs have used for this progression.
| A $5,000 donation to the Lake of the Woods Hospital Foundation has been made in honour of Rotarian Earl Nelson. Pictured left to right is President Mike Szajewski, Foundation Managing Director Jess Rheault, Earl's son Rotarian David Nelson, and Community Services Director John Dahl. |
Unfortunately we have had a great Rotarian pass on and would like to offer our condolences to his family. On January 10th, the Rotary Club of Kenora’s Earl Nelson, a Rotarian for 58 years passed away. (see obituary).
Congratulations to PDG Nancy Morris (and driver Dave, too). Nancy has been asked by President Tanaka to represent him at the District 7820 conference in May. This will take place in Halifax the week before our conference. What a great honor for Nancy and our District. We know Governor Tom McCaughey (7820) and were thinking of calling ahead and offering Dave’s services as a driver!
DG Tom has since sent a letter asking for the clubs to support a literacy program throughout Rotary. The club Presidents have received a copy of this request. In his letter Tom says:
Did you know that low adult literacy costs Canadian businesses over $4 billion annually?
The 2005 Statistics Canada presented their findings on the 2003 International Adult and Literacy Skills Survey showing that 48% of Canadians 16 years of age and older do not have the literacy skills they need to keep pace with the escalating demands of our society and economy. …The first step in addressing workplace literacy is to understand what employers know about the topic and to gauge their willingness/opinions on an approach. An ABC Life Literacy Canada survey has been adapted and the goal is to have every Rotarian in Canada take it to their company and have it completed by the appropriate individual.
Please do the survey.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BCG6DZS
Rotary Foundation reports show that our District contributions are on par with last year. If clubs continue with their donations as per their Annual Program Fund goals, they should surpass 2011-12. Keep up the good work and thank you for your support!
We have received some interesting information about Polio from our Zones 24-32, Rotary International, Director (2012-14), Bryn Styles. He wrote:
“The IPPC (International Polio Plus Committee) committee and our support staff are anxious to quantify the success in Canada so the advocacy program can be encouraged worldwide….
What we need is to find out how many clubs are planning on having an event during the week of the 17 Feb 2013 or are planning an event at a later date.
Could you please contact your clubs and find out if a club is having an event, the type of event, when it will be held and if there will be media coverage? If there is other information that clubs wish to share then that would be most welcome.All of this information can be used when our Rotary senior leaders talk with the Canadian government and we can indicate to them the support for polio eradication within Canada.”
Please send me the information at your earliest convenience at rghubbs@gmail.com
We have received some special Polio days from a few clubs and hope for more. We have also gotten one Presidential Citation application. Be sure to consider filling one out for your club.
District Governor Elect Ed and our Foundation Chair Eva have been undergoing their training for an exciting year bringing in the new Future Vision plan. Although there seems to be some questions as to how and why, it should be beneficial. It is interesting to see Ed’s new theme. But for now, let’s just remember: “Peace through Service”
Enjoy the snow. Don’t shovel too much, and stay warm and safe!
Flin Flon club looses two members in November
It is with sadness that I share this message from Jane Robillard of the Rotary Club of Flin Flon, MB. We did not receive the news early enough to put it in our December newsletter.
Jane reports that on November 4th, Rotarian Catherine Hynes passed away. This was followed by the loss of fellow Rotarian George Barabonoff on November 17, 2012.
The warmth and support of Rotary needed in this holiday season
Although Fran and I would like to wish everyone a joyous and safe holiday season we were first and foremost saddened to hear the news of the passing of two Rotarian partners in the last two weeks.
Hence we extend our condolences to Past District Governor (PDG) Harold Empe and to Gary Morrish of The Rotary Club of The Pas. Both of these men are long standing and respected Rotarians. Both we know, will miss the support of their partners. We can assure them that they will continue to have that support in the Rotary world.
On a more pleasant note, we congratulate the Rotaract Club of Regina Auxillium. They had a wonderful event which raised over $3,000.00 towards Polio. GOOD on you!
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Paul Harris Fellow award honourees Doug Chorney, Al Hares, Edward Hotchkiss, and Dan Thorsteinson pose for a photo at the Rotary Club of Selkirk’s 75th anniversary gala dinner held in Lockport Nov. 17. (BROOK JONES/SELKIRK JOURNAL/QMI AGENCY) |
We also attended the 75th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Selkirk.It was a very nice evening with accolades presented by several community leaders. Amongst their many service projects this club is a big supporter of World Peace Partners. David Newman spoke to that and was proud to have one of the program’s students share her success story with us.
Fran and I do wish everyone a joyous and safe holiday season. Although we are not looking at a new Rotary year; the calendar new year will begin many new experiences for Rotarians. Our District governors: elect, nominee, and nominee designate will be working on their “new years" to come. We wish them well.
Thank you all for your continued support and have a great New Year!
Gimli Rotarian, Ken Krebs Nominated as District Governor for 2015-2016
Congratulations to Ken and Donna Krebs
Ken Krebs has been chosen to be the District Governor of District 5550 for the Rotary year 2015-2016. We are confident that Ken will more than fill the role.
Fran and I wish Ken and Donna an interesting, educational, and exciting future. There will be many challenging and fun adventures over the next two years leading up to this position. Do your best to enjoy them all.
We can now call Ken "Mr. DGND"
On behalf of the members of District 5550 thank you for what you have done and will be doing for the good of Rotary.
District 5550 Rotarians Prominent in Movember Movement to Raise Funds for Prostate Cancer Research and Mens' Mental Health
When Dryden Rotarian and District 5550 Communications Director, John Borst, asked me at the last moment if he could use the ClubRunner software to raise funds for prostate cancer research I quickly replied yes.
The response was very positive so I asked him to share the results with you because I suspect next year this could become quite a competition among our District 5550 clubs and within Rotary in Canada.
Total Amount for all countries raised by 1,125,529 participants for the Movember Foundation as of December 9, 2012 is $122,074,491
On Dec 6th the CBC reported the top individual fundraiser as Reed Ludwig of Medstead, Saskatchewan (located about 170 kilometres west of 
Prince Albert) with donations of $96,321. However on December 9th Bill Doherty of the Walton Group, headquartered out of Calgary, is the leader with $166,690.00. The third ($90,791), fourth ($75,200) and fifth ($47,994) biggest individual fundraisers are also from Canada.
It should be no surprise then to find Canada as the top fundraiser among the world’s nations with $38,910,315 in contributions. Other countries raising in excess of one million dollars are: the United Kingdom- $30,692,665; Australia- $24,916,480; USA- $19,140,244; Ireland- $1,900,414 and New Zealand- $1,173,552.
Canadian Rotarians were also the only Rotarians to really organize themselves into a “Network” for purpose of injecting a little competition. Fifteen clubs from across Canada registered and together raised $19,730.00. District 7040’s Iqaluit “Mo’tary” as they called themselves beat all comers by raising $5,617.00. District 5550’s Dryden Rotary came second with $3,157.00, while Saskatoon’s Meewasin club raised $1,400. However, on December 7th I received an e-mail from Brian Martin of the Prince Albert club. Brian led a group which raise $1,055 in honour of their current President, Clint Thierman, who had prostate cancer three years ago. Even though the group was not under the Rotary banner, it does mean that District 5550 collectively raised $5,612.00 just shy of District 7040’s total.
The Movember program places everyone who raises $1000.00 or more in the “Platinum Club”. Four Rotarians from Canada achieved that standard. Among the 62 Rotarians District 5550’s John Borst topped out at $2030.00.
Rotary Friendship Exchange to the State of New Mexico is a “GO!”
On December 3rd, Kevin Wilson, chair of our Rotary Friendship Exchange team sent me the following message.
I am pleased to report that the New Mexico Friendship Exchange is going ahead. At the moment, the team includes one couple and three singles. However, there is a good chance that an additional couple will join them. My contact in New Mexico is aware that the team is smaller than usual, but she is OK with that. As you know from experience the team is bound to have a wonderful time.
Kevin would also like to compile a list of all District Rotarians who have participated in a Friendship Exchange. If you are one of those Rotarians please contact Kevin at kevin.wilson@usask.ca or watch for a bulletin in the near future.
Inflatable Rotary Logo Now Available!
Take your Clubs' events to the next level with your very own 8' Inflatable Rotary Logo! For more information click here.
Regina Rotaract Club Raises $3060 to End Polio
On November 3 the Rotaract Club of Regina Auxilium hosted their Third Annual Polio Awareness Fall Dinner to raise funds & awareness for the Rotary International End Polio Now movement. It was a fun night with music, prizes, a delicious meal & fellowship!
ShelterBox Response - Earthquake in Guatemala
Canadian ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) members Jen Kormendy and Dan Huisman arrived in Guatemala to assess the need for emergency shelter in Guatemala's San Marcos, a region devastated by two strong earthquakes in November that has left hundreds of families homeless.
Visits Finished, But the Frantic Pace Goes On
We have finished our club visits and are definitely wiser! We have found that each club is autonomous in the fact that there are no two clubs alike. Each club has their way of doing things. It was very interesting to visit and see how the clubs operated and all the different fundraising and service projects they have. We are happy to report that every club does something with children.
We did learn one thing- we need to share more ideas. An example would be children’s books. Clubs should be aware of who holds book sales and how they could benefit from having access to these books.
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Weyburn Club |
Discussion with Exchange Student |
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Cheque for Polio, Regina South |
Promoting Literacy, Weyburn |
We have clubs working with needy children that could use reading books.
The key issue appears to be membership and retention. This is a hot topic throughout Rotary. What is the answer? In our opinion, it all comes down to “education” and “engagement”. We have to do more to not only educate our members but, the public as well. When we have a new member, mentorship is a good thing to educate. Hands on projects are good times to invite potential members and to keep other members engaged. Our meetings should make a person want to attend. If you are bored; find a new project and do it. Some clubs did indicate that they were tired of the same old thing and were looking for something new. There are lots of fundraising projects on the website. Maybe there is one for you.
ProjectLINK is a great spot to look
Speaking of projects- we are looking for someone to partner with a club in India to help equip a school. The District has committed some funds from our DDF and we need a club with $5000 to share this.
Fran’s Cook Book Cancelled
The Cookbook project has been put on hold.
Fran’s Cookbook
a. We have decided to terminate the cookbook project
b. Thank you to those that have sent in recipes!
c. We received a logical suggestion that has made us decide
d. If we carry on with the book, we will not have enough time to make the March cutoff for tripling the Polio donations
e. If each club donates a minimum of $500.00 before March; the amounts will be matched by the Canadian Government and Bill Gates Foundation (3 times your dollar!)
f. This will result in more than we can make on the cookbook
A Great Way to Thank a Rotary Club
Al Mosewich sent me a thank you picture which ran in the Watrous Manitou weekly. What a great way to say thank you!
The Governor Elect Training Symposium (GETS) Experience
(L-R) DGE Ed Thompson, Elaine Thompson, Fran Hubbs, DG Rick Hubbs
Fran and I attended GETS along with Governor Elect Ed Thompson and his wife Elaine in Vancouver. There was discussion on membership and membership and membership. Public Relations and membership! We heard a little more about Future vision, name branding, marketing, and Rotary education. It was a good thing. The Ripple Effect program was a highlight for many. We actually met Peter Peters there too. He is everywhere!
On Friday afternoon about 400 of us went on an “End Polio Now” walk along the breakwater. Somebody must have seen us; we all had red rain jackets on! Surely there was some PR and awareness there. And, Peter and Marg where there!!
Thanks to Ray for letting us store the car and the airport pickups.
We have to Thank our group of assistant governors for all their support, help, and chauffeuring.
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Shirley Bergsman of the Rotary Club of Rocky Mountain House leads RLI trainers workshop |
PDG Ed Bergsman of District 5360 leads workshop on Future Vision Grants Management |
After we had a couple days at home we went down to Russell to attend the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) and Future Vision Grants sessions. The training team and Transition team had everything organized and it was very informative. Thanks for the great work!
We learned and laughed and made more money for Polio. What a great group of Rotarians.
While we were there it was a privilege to present a letter of gratitude to the Russell Inn for their excellent customer service. The return comments were in full respect of Rotary and what we do for them and their community.
Of course it snowed; when doesn’t it snow in Russell? Everyone made it home safe. We all left by Sunday noon, except for our diligent Training team. Joanne, Peter, and Darren stayed over Monday to organize for next year’s training sessions. So, remember, when they invite you to PETS or an Assembly, consider the work they have done to prepare you for your year.
The Rotary Club of Selkirk is celebrating 75 years this month. Congratulations! November 17 will be their gala dinner and celebration with Mr. David Newman as a key speaker.
World Peace Partners signs agreement with Travel Manitoba
World Peace Partners is doing a lot of work with our youth, promoting education and peace initiatives. They are presently meeting with Travel Manitoba and the new Museum to further promote their programs.
David Newman, World Peace Partner co-chair reports:
“Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg and Continental Travel have agreed to be part of a strategic alliance with District 5550, the Museum and universities involved in a student travel program called Adventure in Human Rights. On November 24th we are having a brainstorming meeting from 10 to 2 at Irwin Kumka's offices to determine who does what in this collaboration and to get started with the plan. We have made clear that administrative capacity, marketing and information technology services must be provided by our new allies. We will have to protect Rotary privacy. The Museum and participating universities will create the course content with input from us. We will seek a Rotary education component just as we did with AGC. Our District role will be to provide access to Rotarians at International and District Conferences to promote the program and to encourage other clubs and districts to support student participation from their area.”
This is, and will be, a unique program for District 5550 and World Peace Partners. If you are looking for a cause, think about this one.
2013 PR Program to Focus on TV Ads
We have been asked by a few people about the PR grant information this upcoming year. We have made an agreement with CTV for promotion of Rotary in our District.
Public Relations chair Allen Oruski reports:
“Approval in principle was agreed upon with CTV in Saskatoon and in Winnipeg to air Rotary commercials as prescribed by Rotary International. The campaign began on the week of October 29, in Manitoba and Western Ontario as well as Saskatchewan. In the first two weeks of the campaign, 7 ads will be airedin Saskatchewan on programs including Anderson live, W-Five and Sportscenter. As for Manitoba and Western Ontario, 16 ads will be aired on programs including Dr OZ, Anderson Live, Live With Kelly & Michael, CTV Morning Live, and CSI New York. All ads are spots of 30 seconds. For the present, we will be using Polio Plus WE ARE THAT CLOSE ads we obtained from Rotary International.
It should be noted that this program and the success of implementation is largely due to the efforts of Robin Cennon, a former Rotarian and sales director for CTV in Saskatoon. Robin was able to utilize information and documentation from past Rotary PR programs. Although there is not a formal agreement for services in kind, it has been my experience that CTV will do Rotary well. We expect to conclude this campaign by mid April of 2013.
I have discussed with CTV the possibility of obtaining their support and services in producing an ad specific to our District. Issues such as membership (recruitment) were some of the ideas discussed. I would like to finance this part of our PR campaign through a levy on all Clubs within the District. This levy would probably amount to $3,000.00 based upon membership numbers within each Club. As for a decision on the topic, perhaps a road trip throughout the District filming individual members would be in order? As a point of interest, in the past, RI would produce and distribute PSAs to the television stations for use as fillers. Two years ago, RI stopped doing this. It's up to us to take the lead now.”
We are pleased with the financial arrangement with CTV and it allows us to follow Rotary International regulations for grant money. Thank you Al and Robin! Watch for the ads.
We will be working on the rewriting of our Manual of Policy and Procedure over the next few weeks. If you have anything to comment on, please do so in the near future.
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plus 3 degrees C
After a month or more off, we finally got to go fishing. A little cool, but fun and productive. Ted Smook and I got out for a little Laker fishing and discussed plans for The Pas Winterfest and the Western Trip. We will have information on the website shortly. And yes I did get in one final round of golf.
Hopefully everyone will be safe and sound with the upcoming of winter. But don't forget to also use the time now to register for our District conference right here:
Best regards
Rick
Rotary Foundation Month is Reminder to Give and of Coming Changes
President Tanaka, in his monthly comment said, “I think of our Foundation literally – as the foundation for all of Rotary.” It is through the Foundation that Rotary is “Doing Good in the World”.
So it should be no surprise when Rotary establishes a month whose theme is dedicated to reminding clubs to review their giving goals and just as importantly, their plans to use grants to support both their local and international projects.
On a more personal level it also calls on each Rotarian to review his or her own giving plans. With the Every Year, Every Rotarian promotion campaign Rotary asks: “Are you personally contributing $100.00 annually?” I’m pleased to say that last year as your District Governor, our average exceeded that plateau as our, per member contribution was $111.87. Let’s see if we can’t exceed that in 2012-13.
In 2011-12 The District had $16,000 available to disburse through the District Simplified Grants process for use on local projects. This money was shared by 12 clubs. Another 10 clubs received Foundation funds for larger International projects.
Big changes, however, are on the horizon for how the grant money in the future will be managed. Therefore it seems auspicious that in District 5550, November 1st and 2nd saw the World Community Services Committee and District Executive members convene in Russell, Manitoba to focus on how grants will work beginning this July 1 2013. I’ll be leading that change as your District Rotary Foundation Chair (DRFC) for the next three years.
This is much the same in-service opportunity all clubs will have during the “Grants Management and Club Certification” workshops during November (17th Regina; 24th Winnipeg) and December (1st Saskatoon; 8th Swan River). It is important to note if your club wants to apply for a grant during 2013-14 it is mandatory that at least two members attend one of these sessions.
The chair of this year’s Rotary Foundation Board is Canadian and Past R.I. President, Wilf Wilkinson. In his November message he tells us, it is time to bring the kind of long term thinking to our grants that we have applied to the PolioPlus campaign and adds “Part of our goal in Future Vision is making sure that we focus on the long view in everything we do.” It’s a view, I fully support and one we will all have to learn to practice.
Lisbon Adventures For District 5550 Rotarians
Attending the June 23-26, 2013 Rotary Convention In Lisbon?
CONSIDER THESE SIGHTSEEING OPTIONS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TRIP.
1) U-Drive & Pousadas
5 or 7 Day – self-touring - pre-booked accommodation at historic pousadas (Inns) + car rental ; pre or post-convention - Depart Any Day
*
2) Northern Portugal
6 Days/5 nights - Escorted coach tour Lisbon to Lisbon - departs Saturday returns Thursday
Proposed departure date: June 15-20, 2013 - OR POST CONVENTION
Lisbon - Obidos - Coimbra - Porto - Minho - Bussaco - Tomar
Breakfast daily, Touring, 1st Class Hotels
DESCRIPTION: A 6 day tour of the most important historical places in Portugal.
3) ‘Best of Portugal’ Coach Tour
11 days/10 nights Lisbon to Lisbon
Departure date: Tuesday, June 12 – Saturday, June 22, 2013
all breakfasts, 2 dinners, Touring, 1st class hotels.
DESCRIPTION: Experience the best of Portugal's rich culture, lively cities and dramatic landscape. Lively historical Lisbon, relax in the beautiful Algarve region, and explore the ancient towns of Coimbra and Obidos. A Trafalgar Tour.
*
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Scheduled air flights & Charter flights can be arranged to suit the individual
Charter: Toronto-Lisbon-Toronto June 19-27, 2013
For further information on the above, or any other travel inquiries, contact:
Judy Taylor at (306) 584-9845 or rttravel@sasktel.net
Judy is a Certified Travel Consultant and member of the Rotary Club of Regina South
‘$ for Rotary’ fundraising thru’ travel
All Rotarian travel bookings with RT Travel Company = donation to your Rotary club
Enjoy the greatest saving when you register for RI Convention by 15 December.
ShelterBox Canada Launches Young ShelterBox School Program
ShelterBox Canada has launched the Young ShelterBox School Program which provides an opportunity for Rotary Clubs to partner with local elementary schools to introduce them to ShelterBox. The Young ShelterBox program provides teachers and schools with teaching resources that will engage and inspire children to learn about the world we live in and how they can help those in need.
Club Visits an Opportunity to Learn and Have Fun
We have now visited 42 Rotary Clubs in our District. And great visits they were! The latest trip started in Dauphin. We went the whole circle through Brandon, Moose Jaw, Assiniboia, Regina, Saskatoon, and Hudson Bay and ended up back in Neepawa with all the exchange students.
End Polio Now Gets Boost from 'Time Magazine' article
Check out this recent article from Time Magazine.
Canadian Rotarians Thrilled Government & Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to Match Donations to End Polio
$1.00 from a Rotarian earns $1.00 from the Government of Canada and $1.00 from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to End Polio!
Vocation Training Teams vs. Group Study Exchange
One of the more contentious issues of the Future Vision initative has been the demise of the Group Study Exchange (GSE) to be replaced by Vocational Training Teams (VTT). This article from the Rotary Leader explains the advantages of the new program.
Peace is...
Voices for Peace
This Saturday, September 21st, is the International Day of Peace. Voices for Peace asks "Is Peace Possible?" It then goes on to describe Rotary's goal of creating a "global network of peacemakers". Watch this 3.08 min video click on
Boxes that make a difference
Little box on the hillside; Little boxes made of ticky-tacky; Little boxes on the hillside; Little boxes all the same...
Call Issued for 2015-2016 District Governor Nominations
It is time to select the District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND) who will serve as Governor in 2015-16.
In a District as spread out and diverse as 5550, it is an important responsibility to consider our choice of leader. Although preparing for the role of Governor is a process that receives the support of Rotary International, the most important support comes from you, the members.
We need:
· Firstly, discussion and thought within your clubs to seek out candidates who are prepared to apply for the position;
· Secondly, the willingness to stand by your candidate if she or he is selected and to assist that person in serving the district;
· Thirdly, support for whoever becomes Governor by working together to continue strengthening Rotary.
It is a wonderful and exciting but also humbling opportunity to serve Rotary as the District Governor and on the broader RI canvas. It does take dedication, hard work, preparation and training. It also provides opportunities to meet wonderful people throughout our District as you travel throughout the three provinces sharing the goals of this fabulous organization, Rotary International. I am enclosing several documents, one of which gives considerable information about the position – what is required, what resources are available and what will help the successful candidate prepare - so that no one will feel unable to apply.
The committee for selection is composed of three Past Governors who always take this responsibility very seriously.
The deadline for the receipt of the applications will be October 15, 2012.
Please work within your clubs to make known that this call is now issued through the website, on Governor Rick’s newsletter and is being sent to Past Governors, Assistant Governors and Club Presidents and every member.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Past Governors Selection Committee
Nancy Morris, Chair, Rick Felstead, and Eva Vida
To download and view the attachment, please click on the link below:
D5550 Call for Nominations for DG 20152016.docx
ROTARY GOVERNORNOMINEE DATA FORM.docx
Rotary International Bylaw Article 13 for Gov Selection.docx
General Information Regarding District Governors Position.doc
Music for Peace, Justice and Human Rights Program: September 19, 20, & 21, 2012
by David G. Newman, Q.C.
International Day of Peace (IDP) recognized by the United Nations occurs September 21 every year. Rotary World Peace Partners (WPP )is hosting its third consecutive annual concert for peace, justice and human rights, so people in the heart of Canada can plant more seeds for peace, justice and human rights and to inspire more understanding and acts of kindness for the next 364 days.
First Lady Fran’s Plan for a District 5550 Cookbook to Raise Funds to Fight Polio
As I just mentioned after reading the article “Global anti-polio drive stumbles on funds shortfall, 94 million kids vulnerable” from The Times of India, the First Lady (see article on the side column) -- Fran—has come up with a plan to help. We have discussed this with a few members and want to give it a try. Although the Zone 24 has a Polio cookbook out, we want to make our own.
What a great trip so far!
We have learned more these past few weeks about “Service above Self” than in our years in Rotary. We have so many great Rotarians that are dedicated to our causes. The service projects are nothing short of amazing. To see this trend continue in the District will be wonderful.
World’s first peace park celebrates its 80th anniversary Sept. 14-16
In a year when the RI theme is all about peace, the annual gathering of Rotarians from both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border at the world's first peace park takes on even greater significance.
2013 Group Study Exchange Deadline for Applications to District 3190 India Extended to September 8, 2012
District 5550 Rotary Clubs Looking for Young Ambassadors
A Group Study Exchange team from District 5550 will travel to District 3190 India February 13 to March 14, 2013
Applications Are Still Open For D5550 Friendship Exchanges to New Mexico In 2012-2013
Updated as of September 25, 2012
Spots for New Mexico Still Open - Deadline Extended to Nov 30, 2012
In this Rotary year (2012-13) District 5550 is arranging Rotary Friendship Exchanges with the following International districts: 3190 Bangalore India, 4250 Guatemala, 5520 New Mexico USA.
Reflections on Weeks One and Two
Well, it’s been a busy two weeks since Fran and I started our new role. We started off by visiting the last event for the Rotary Exchange students at Camp Whitney. It was great to see that they all enjoyed their final days together. Needless to say there were a few tears shed.
Ripple Effect wins coveted selection as “service spot-light in the Zone 24/32 Institute”
Ripple Effect – Guatemala, District 5550’s signature project has just been informed that it has been selected to be one of eight “service spotlight” projects featured at the 2012-13 Zone 24/32 Institute.
District 5550 Joins the Rotary Leadership Institute Network
District Governor Rick Hubbs has entered into an agreement with the Rotary Leadership Institute’s (RLI) Prairie Division to offer RLI programs.
Greetings from District Governor Rick Hubbs 2012-13
As the 2012-13 begins I suspect it will be a big year for Fran and I. We get to travel and meet many Rotarians and make many new friends. During the assembly in San Diego we were told to turn to the left, then to the right and greet each person with "You have a new friend in me". We'll be dizzy!!
Rotary Releases a Social Business Strategy for the Future
With little or no fanfare Rotary International has released what is likely to be just the first phase of a Social Business Strategy (SBS). The presentation was made public at a breakout session at the Bangkok convention. It has just been posted to “Slideshare”.
District 5550 Rotary Youth Exchange Students' Video Rocks on Western Trip
District 5550 2011-2012 Youth Exchange Students delighted this years conference goers with this video of their Western trip...now you to can see why the trip was a fun learning experience. Click more.
Using dynamic website design and social media to strenthen the Rotary brand in your community.
The following presentation was made at the District 5550 2012 convention, June 8, 9 2012 Examples are based on the ClubRunner platform.
District Remembers Those Who Have Passed Away During 2011-2012
Each year at the District's annual conference a small service in the form of a slide show is presented of those Rotarians we have lost during the year. To view the show
Watch Tuesday’s Plenary Session at RI Bangkok Convention, Streamed Live
If you can’t attend the convention, for the first time you’ll be able to see leaders and experts talking about polio eradication during a plenary session live streamed on 8 May, 9:15-11:45 a.m., Bangkok time/ 7 May, 9:15-11:45 pm Central Daylight Time at http://
The Evolution of Business Cards: 15thC - 20thC
As professionals and leaders in the business, service and governmental sections Rotarians are probably among the largest users of business cards so I though you might enjoy this infographic history of the business card from Moo Inc.
An Infographic: When 99% is not good enough
Stories of students getting 99% and going home and being asked what happened to that other 1%. Deflated yes, but in the case of Polio eradication 99% really is not good enough. Check out this information graphic on where Rotary has come from and what it still has to accomplish.
An infographic: Why invest in women?
USAID has created an excellent infographic that shows why investing in women’s health, education and empowerment leads to more prosperous and just societies:
Rotarians light up local landmarks with the End Polio Now message on 23 February to mark Rotary’s 107th anniversary.
For the past three years, Rotary clubs have illuminated landmarks and iconic structures around the world with the humanitarian group's dramatic pledge to End Polio Now. This year's round of light displays takes on added significance due to the progress Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative have made in India. In January, India -- until recently an epicenter of the crippling childhood disease -- reached a historic milestone by marking a full year without recording a single new case.
click on "more" below or Link HERE to view video
click on "more" below or Link HERE to view video
Rotary Career Symposium set for April 4th & 5th in Winnipeg
The largest and most comprehensive career symposium in Canada!
The Rotary Career Symposium provides a dynamic venue where students and adults gain valuable information about various education and employment options available in Manitoba, Canada and even internationally! Visit informative exhibitor displays, attend valuable speaker sessions and meet the business and educational leaders who will help to find your passion, not just your profession!
Link directly to the page HERE or click on "more" for the Rotary Career Symposium website graphic, and link.
The Rotary Career Symposium provides a dynamic venue where students and adults gain valuable information about various education and employment options available in Manitoba, Canada and even internationally! Visit informative exhibitor displays, attend valuable speaker sessions and meet the business and educational leaders who will help to find your passion, not just your profession!
Link directly to the page HERE or click on "more" for the Rotary Career Symposium website graphic, and link.
In New Video Rotary Says 'The Future of Social Media is in Our Hands'
FaceBook, You Tube, Linkedin, iTunes, Twitter ...social media seem to be everywhere. In a new Video Rotary International asks: why social media and explains social media and the future of Rotary.
District 5550 Launches ROTARY5550CONFERENCE Website
Charleswood Rotary Club featured on Winnipeg's CKY - CTV
Rotary clubs worldwide meet US$200 million fundraising challenge
Rotary International has succeeded in meeting the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s US$200 million match in funding for polio eradication, raising more than $202.6 million as of 17 January. Read more...
ShelterBox in Haiti: 2 years on
Exactly two years have passed since a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean island of Haiti leaving 1.5 million homeless. ShelterBox now works closely with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to assist thousands of families in rebuilding their lives. Read more...
R.I. theme for 2012-13 is “Peace Through Service”
Rotary International (RI) on January 16, 2012 picked “Peace Through Service” as its theme for the year 2012-2013.
Past RI Director Don Mebus is President’s Rep at District Conference in June
Don Mebus, of Arlington, Texas who was Rotary International Director 2006-2008 for Zones 25 & 26 will be visiting Winnipeg for District 5550’s 2012 conference from June 7th – 9th at the Conference Centre.
I am only a child yet ...
This YouTube video titled "The girl who silenced the world for 5 minutes" features Sevem Suzuki on behalf of The Environmental Childrens' Organization (ECO) speaking to the United Nations on Climate Change in 2008 in Brazil. It has had over 10,000,000 views. Click on more below to view in larger format.
ClubRunner Newsletter Profiles Why Clubs Lose Members and Strategies to Attract New Ones
The January 2012, ClubRunner by Doxess Newsletter brings you up-to-date on new features of this popular website and club management system plus there are two bonus articles on membership retention and recruitment. Read more…
Rotary has the ketchup bottle to help End Polio Now
Rotary in Britian & Ireland (RIBI) have a saucy idea to eradicate polio. In England, bottles of End Polio Now ketchup are being sold to help raise funds to stop this crippling disease. Read more...
Rotary Rose Bowl Committe Wins Princess Trophy for 2012 Float Design
R. I.'s 2012 Rose Bowl float "Inching Towards End of Polio" declared most beautiful float under 35 feet
Pre-Conference Tours - 2012 R.I. Conference in Bangkok
Rotariians in District 5550 have put together a complete itinerary for two
different package tours for any Rotarian in District 5550 who is planning to
attend the 2012 RI Conference in Bangkok in May 2012.
Open the
tour brochure HERE
ShelterBox Providing Disaster Relief in Turkey
Canadain ShelterBox Response Team member Ron Noseworthy from the Rotary Club of Kenora is in Van, a city close to the epicenter of the earthquake in Turkey to arrange delivery of ShelterBoxes containing emergency aid, including tented shelter, warm clothes and water purification. The ShelterBox Respone Team is working with the Turkish Red Crescent Society and local Rotary clubs to ensure that aid gets to those in most need as quickly as possible.
Ripple Effect’s Blanca Hilda School Officially Opened in Guatemala
On a rainy October 17th, morning, in Gualan, Guatemala, with the Canadian Ambassador to Guatemala in attendance, the Ripple Effect supported Blanca Hilda all-girls school was officially opened.
The Rotary Foundation and TRF Canada switch to new online payment system
On October 8, 2011 The Rotary Foundation launched a new online payment system. The Rotary Foundation Canada also switched to the new system.There are significant advantages to Canadian Rotarians with the new system including expanded options for directing donations to specific programs, a simplified process to make memorial donations and online sign up for TRF Direct Canada (monthly, quarterly or annual donations via credit card).
Toronto Scores R. I. Convention in 2018
At its September meeting the Rotary International Board of Directors tentatively approved Toronto, Canada as the site for it 2018 International Convention.
Twelve cities originally put in bids for the 2018 Convention. Toronto was short listed with four other cities. A team of five, then visited each city to review their proposals.
Regina Rotaract Club Celebrates World Polio Day; Raises over $3,000
On Sunday, October 23 the Rotaract Club of Regina Auxilium hosted their 2nd Annual Polio Awareness Supper event with over 120 family and friends in attendance including members of the five Rotary Clubs in Regina. The event featured a ham and potatoes scallop meal prepared by the Rotaractors and served by member of the Interact Club from O’Neil High School. The event raised over $3,000 from ticket sales, 50/50, and a raffle to support the Rotary End Polio campaign. On World Polio Day Saskatoon Clubs Hold Polio Awareness Event
To highlight World Polio Day in Saskatoon, the city's five Rotary clubs and Rotaract Club joined forces to promote and raise funds for the final push to eradicate the disease.
October 24th started with breakfast at 7:00 a.m. at the Meewasin Rotary Club's regular meeting and then Rotarians hit the streets with money containers and pamphlets in hand from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m.
Melfort Rotary raises $18,000 during ShelterBox Camp-out
Melfort Memorial Gardens is not a campground but members of the Melfort Rotary Club spent the night there on August 24 to raise money for ShelterBoxes to be sent to East Africa. On Thursday, August 25 the Rotary Club held a fundraising barbecue next to the tent so that people from the community could have lunch, walk through the tent and view all the equipment that is supplied within the shelter box.The Rotary Club of Melfort raised over $18,000, enough to purchase 18 ShelterBoxes to send to East Africa.
100 Ways to Recruit New Members
What do M and Ms, a money back guarantee, wine & cheese and a good mouth have to do with new member recruitment?
So courtesy of Zone 24-32 here are a hundred viable approaches that one could use in order to recruit more members.
Remember Governor Eva Vida has set a membership recruitment goal of "net" one new member per club in 2011-12.
LINK HERE to discover 100 Ways to Recruit New Members and find out why those four pictures all symbolize ways to recruit new members.
So courtesy of Zone 24-32 here are a hundred viable approaches that one could use in order to recruit more members.
Remember Governor Eva Vida has set a membership recruitment goal of "net" one new member per club in 2011-12.
LINK HERE to discover 100 Ways to Recruit New Members and find out why those four pictures all symbolize ways to recruit new members.
2012-13 RI President Invites District's "Ripple Effect" to Display at San Diego in 2012
In January of each year District Goverors-elect from across the world gather in San Diego for a training assembly. Each year a Projects Fair which features "effective service projects that demonstrate the internationality of Rotary" is held one afternoon.This past week Gord and Debra LeMaistre of the Kenora Club were invited by President-Elect Sakuji Tanaka (2012-13) to mount an exhibit on "your project, Ripple Effect"
In accepting the honour District Governor, Eva Vida said, "This is great news for the District and the Ripple Effect Program. It is an honour, and truly speaks to the credibility and positive impact of the program."
Ripple Effect School San Miguelito Report
San Miguelito School construction is well underway in the small mountainous village of Santa Euela, Huehuetenango in Northwestern Guatemala! Materials were delivered to as close to the site as possible, which was 120 metres from the storage shed. All the materials, including the sand and cement were hauled to the site by men & women in the community. Both men and women from the community are providing unskilled labour to help build the 5 new classrooms.
A woman hauls sand on her back to the site
2012 District Conference June 7-12 in Winnipeg
Plan to attend the 2012
District Conference which will be held at the Winnipeg Convention Centre from June
7-10. The conference planning committee
is working hard, aiming to provide a great time of Rotary fellowship and
information sharing.
Reach Within to Embrace Humanity
On July 1 a new Rotary year is set to begin, and with it a fresh slate of leaders who take over at the club, district, and international level. We welcome Eva Vida from the Rotary Club of Winnipeg as our District Governor for 2011-2012.
Kalyan Banerjee, of the Rotary Club of Vapi, Gujarat, India, is Rotary's 101st president. This year the RI President is asking Rotarians to Reach Within to Embrace Humanity during the 2011-12 Rotary year. "In order to achieve anything in this world, a person has to use all the resources he can draw on. And the only place to start is with ourselves and within ourselves."
RI President Kalyan believes that Rotary's strengths include its ability to attract leaders from different vocations around the world as well as its role in promoting peace. "My goal is for Rotary to become the preferred organization for today's generation to join and participate in to make the world better, safer and happier" he said in a recent Interview.
TRF chair urges Rotary to shake-up the ketch-up
Everyone knows if you want to get ketch-up out of a bottle you have to shake it vigorously if you want it to flow. That is the analogy 2010 - 2011 Rotary Foundation chair Karl-Wilhelm Stenhammar believes is necessary if RI is going to succeed ˙in changing with the times."
RI President-Elect Banerjee visits District 5550's World Peace Partners Display
One of the highlights of the first day of the 2011 Rotary International Convention for members of District 5550 was the visit of President-Elect Kalyan Banerjee and his wife Binota to the District 5550 booth featuring our World Peace Partnership - Adventures in Global Citizenship team lead by Winnipeg Rotarian David Newman. Others in the team are David's wife Brenda, Al Hoeft and his wife, and Past District Governor Nancy Morris and her husband David.
Grand Prairie Exchange Student Returns Home from Koriyama, Fukushima, Japan
Out of Bad Luck Comes Good Luck, From Japan to Brazil, Thanks Rotary! Karly's story as posted at the Zone 24-32 goodideasto share blog
Welcome home, Karly! - as reported in the Grand Prairie Hearld
Editor's Note: The following was posted by Karly's father at his own blog.
by Kevin Hilgers, Governor 2012 2013 – Rotary International District 5370
I could not post on the blog about Karly and her Rotary Youth Exchange in Japan until now.. Now she is safe at home. The past 7 days have been, well – hard. We are so grateful to have Karly home, yet so worried about what she left behind. Host families, host brothers and sisters, her Rotary Club, her school mates. She was able to say good-bye to her host families and school principal, but not her friends or host Rotary Club.Since August, 2010 Karly lived in Koriyama, Fukushima – 60 km’s away from the Fukushima power plant. So when the earthquake hit we thought at first she would be staying, but it became obvious within a few days the danger from the plant was growing.
Link HERE for the rest of the story at Kevin Hilgers own blog.
A case study: how to organize a $60,000 event
The Rotary Club of The Pas’17th Annual Bill Bannock Classic Ice Fishing Derby
By Rick Hubbs
On April 2, 2011, The Rotary Club of The Pas, Manitoba held its 17th annual ice fishing derby. There were almost 1000 participants fishing for a $21,000.00 first prize or if luck would have it, to catch the tagged Lake Trout “Lonesome Mary” worth $25,000.00. Lake Trout is the primary fish of the derby. In past years we have only had one fish of another species caught.Rotary D5550 clubs aim to raise nearly $1.3 million for service work in 2011-12
District 5550’s 2011-2012 list of club fundraising activities has just been released with 41 of 48 clubs reporting.
Far and away the most frequent and important fundraising event is a dinner. When combined with breakfast and luncheons fully 22 club events use meals as a way to raise funds. Together they raise about $300.000 for Rotary’s “service” to others.
Much further back, each with about five participating clubs, are such activities as
Gallery of Past Presidents at RI website Ready to Explore
Explore the new Gallery of Past Presidents to find quotes and photos of Rotary’s presidents since 1910, along with RI themes since 1949.
Report from Brazil on Rotary Friendship Exchange between District 5550 and 4600
by Elaine Thompson of the Winnipeg-Charleswood club
Two hectic weeks of the Rotary Friendship Exchange between District 5550 and 4600 have ended. On March 27th four of the eight participants left Rio de Janeiro to return to Regina, Saskatoon and Brandon. Two others have flown from Rio to visit a former exchange student in Brasilia for a few days. Ed & I are still in Barra Mansa, relaxing, helping our host (Terry McIntyre) with his computer, going for walks (Ed with Terry, me with Terry's wife Zezé), attending still more Rotary meetings – and experiencing some Brazilian foods that we missed out on when we were in Brazil five years ago.
District 6380 and Ridgetown Rotary Club Update on Anti-Malaria Project in Tanzania
by PDG Terry Youlton, District 6380(Southwestern, Ontario [8] & adjacent US [44])
District 5550 and D5550 clubs contribute $7,842.50 to the anti-malaria project
With all the press hype about malaria and even the Rotary publications talking the talk, I have not seen anything about the Ridgetown, Ontario club’s project to purchase, distribute and hang 118,000 long-life, treated, and malaria nets in more than 500 boarding schools in Tanzania.
Tanzania is a jungle country in lower, central Africa and is considered having the second highest infection rate of malaria in the world. The population of Tanzania is approximately 35M and they have more than 100,000 deaths per year from the disease.Less than 10 percent of the country is cultivated, yet the standard of education is more than 85 percent.
When our project started in 2007, the government agency in charge of malaria in Tanzania (NATNETS) was exercising a very strong “NO FREE NETS” policy and
Japanese authorities express ‘deepest respect’ for ShelterBox’s work
Lifesaving aid from ShelterBox is helping families in Japan as they begin to rebuild their lives after the earthquake and tsunami that hit the country on March 11.
The charity’s work is being welcomed by officials in Japan’s Prefectural government system who say ShelterBoxes will be used to provide emergency assistance to the most vulnerable.
Takanori Hirai, Director of the Climate Change and Energy Policy Division for the Iwate Prefectural Government said: ‘We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kind donation of ShelterBoxes after Japan’s horrible earthquake and tsunami disaster. ...
To read the rest of this story LINK HERE
Canadian RI-YEP Teen returns from Japan a 'changed person'
Hastings, Ontario youth recounts horrors of earthquake
Editor's Note: Normally, I would put this story "In The News" column but given the importance of the event, I thought it best to make a feature story.
By Mark Hoult of the Community Press
Hastings — At first the tremors were light, and Peter Franken didn't pay much attention. Small earthquakes happen almost every day in Japan, something the 17-year-old Rotary International exchange student learned to accept with equanimity soon after arriving in his host country in late August of last year.
Franken was sitting in a school room studying and listening to music at about 2:15 p.m. March 11 when he noticed the tremors.
"I looked over at the door, and I could see it shaking," Franken said during an interview at his home in Hastings last week. "So I'm like, OK, so we're having an earthquake, it's no big deal, it's a little earthquake, it happens almost every day."
To read the full story LINK HERE
An ode to literacy
As Rotary's Literacy Month comes to an end, it is time to sing a song to the organ that gets us there. Here for your contemplation is Ode to the Brain! by Symphony of Science.
PDG Harold Baker of Rotary Club of Saskatoon Passes
Regina Eastview e-newletter of March 24, 2011
It was with sadness that Doug Mortin reported on the death of Past District Governor Harold Baker. PDG Harold, a member of the Rotary Club of Saskatoon, and his wife Phyllis served as District 5550 Governor in 1995-96. Harold Baker served the District in a host of ways following his Governorship, particularly in the area of education and training, and was considered a mentor by his successors.
It was with sadness that Doug Mortin reported on the death of Past District Governor Harold Baker. PDG Harold, a member of the Rotary Club of Saskatoon, and his wife Phyllis served as District 5550 Governor in 1995-96. Harold Baker served the District in a host of ways following his Governorship, particularly in the area of education and training, and was considered a mentor by his successors. District Governor Outlines District Goals to President-Elects for 2011-12
Building on RI President, Kalayan Banerjee’s three areas of emphasis and Rotary International’s six areas of focus District Governor, Eva Vida laid out her goals to the forty plus club Presidents at this year’s President Elect
Training Seminar (PETS) gathering.
In a nut
shell Vida wants to focus on membership development, create the district’s first electronic club, improve our giving to The Rotary Foundation through better use of the Every Year, Every Rotarian campaign, create a new and more visible public relations and communications campaign through the creation of a new committee structure, provide additional support to small clubs of under 15 members and establish a Future Vision transition and training team.
ShelterBox Response Team Deployed to Japan Tsunami/Earthquake
ShelterBox Response
Team members were on the ground in Japan less than 24 hours after the
earthquake and tsunami struck. Rotarians Lasse Petersen, Mark Pearson,
John Diksa and David Eby are now working with local authorities to assess the
areas of most need. Police in Japan say that 215,000
people have fled their homes, and there are reports that whole villages
have been swept away. Tens of thousands of people in the area surrounding
the Fukushima 1 nuclear power plant, where a large explosion occurred, have
also been urged to evacuate, compounding the need for emergency
shelter.
Zone 24 Director expands on Foundation’s actions on behalf of Japan
Ken Grabeau, Rotary International
Director 2010-2012, for Zone 24 & 32 reports that within hours of the first
word of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami, The Rotary Foundation took the
following action:
Foundation sets up disaster fund for Japan
In response to the massive earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on 11 March, The Rotary Foundation has established the Rotary Japan and Pacific Islands Disaster Fund, which will support long-term recovery projects in affected areas.Rotarians and non-Rotarians can donate online. Clubs and districts can contribute cash and District Designated Fund (DDF) allocations to the fund.
Read full RI News Release...
Zone 24 reports on status of Rotary leaders, students and program participants in Japan
Dear Rotary
Friends,
The following is a comprehensive summary of the status of Rotary
leaders, students and program participants in Japan. All information is as
received at Rotary headquarters as of 11:20 AM CDT on 15 March 2011.
ROTARY SENIOR LEADERS
President-nominee Sakuji Tanaka was at a Lisbon initial convention
site visit when the earthquake hit, and he has reported that his family members
are safe.
Director Masaomi Kondo's home is in the Osaka area, far from the
site of the major damage and thus he is as well as can be expected under these
circumstances.
Rotary PowerPoints Draw Good Response
From time to time I have posted PowerPoint presentations on the Rotary Club of Dryden and/or RI District website.
I thought you might like to see how often they are viewed. The most viewed presentation is the PowerPoint on the RI StrategicPlan. It has averaged 34 views per day between January 1 and March 4th, 2011.
"The Tribute to Paul Harris & RI on the Occassion of its 106th Anniversary" is averaging 48 views per day over its 10 day run.
To view data on all of the PowerPoints click on more below.
World landmarks light up with "End Polio Now" message
Major buildings around the world shone with the "End Polio Now" message during the week of 23 February in honor of Rotary's 106th anniversary.
x
x
South Asian Adventures with the Active Poor – a Canadian Literacy Story
March is Literacy Month in Rotary International.
Books
South Asian Adventures with the Active PoorG.E.M.
Munro
Tangent Books
2010
pp. 241
$20.00
x
x
x
Wilf Wilkinson, Past President, Rotary International has said of South Asian Adventures with the Active Poor:
“I found this book amazing and couldn’t put it down. I salute the author and his family for their dedication and service to these poor children and their mothers.
Enlisting and training uneducated mothers and making them the vehicle to teach others is almost unbelievable. However, it is happening, and that is what makes the story about this project so fascinating.”
In 2004-05 G.E.M. Munro, his wife and family of 4 children travelled to Bangladesh...
Rotarians Wanted to Share CRCID Afghanistan School Story
Tribute to Paul Harris and Rotary International on the Occasion of its 106th Anniversary
The following PowerPoint was prepared for the February 23rd meeting of the Rotary Club of Dryden which coincided with the 106th anniversary of Rotary.
RI President meets ShelterBox in South Africa
Rotary International President, Ray Klingsmith, was the guest of honour at a conference in South Africa which saw ShelterBox adopted as a project by Rotary Districts throughout region.
Representatives from ShelterBox South Africa gave a talk and presentation at the annual meeting of the Govenor’s Council of Southern and East Africa where ShelterBox was suggested as the ideal project to give all the Rotary Districts in Southern Africa the opportunity to work together. Following the talk about ShelterBox by Past District Govenor Alex van der Sluys the conference was unanimous in adopting the ShelterBox project in Southern Africa.
The Green Box that 'gives shelter, worth and dignity' around the world
ShelterBox responds instantly to natural and man-made disasters by delivering boxes of aid to those who are most in need.
This film gives an introduction to the disaster relief agency's work around the world and how they do it.
For more information and to find out the latest news from current deployments please visit www.shelterbox.org
Social media tips for clubs and districts
Are you personally using any of the social media portals such as Facebook, Twitter, or Linkedin? If so, has your Rotary club considered using these resources to promote and inform the public on your club's activity?
On February 3rd, Rotary International held a professional development opportunity called a "Webinar" on social media use. Over 250 Rotarians from all over the world participated in this session.An audio visual record of the "Webinar" is available at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/685362360 (runs 1hr, 11 min, 25 sec)
In it you hear the voices of the various presenters and watch them navigate their various social media websites in real time as they talk. The panel includes Simone Carot Collins of the Rotary Club of Freshwater Bay, Perth, Western Australia (Facebook & Twitter); Randy Hollister, of the Rotary Club of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, USA (Facebook & Twitter); Henk Jaap Kloosterman of the Rotary Club of Voorburg-Vliet, the Netherlands (Linkedin); Melissa Ward of the Twin Bridges Rotary Club, New York, USA (blogs, Facebook)
Click on "more" to view 10 social media tips for clubs & districts:
Rotary World Understanding Month is time to Support PolioPlus
Brenda Banbury, District 5550's PolioPlus chair and President of the Rotary Club of Saskatoon created this $200 Million Challenge PowerPoint presentation as her contribution to Rotary International's World Understanding Month. Banbury has also provided the following newsletter:
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D5550 PolioPlus Newsletter Vol. 1, No. 2
Click to advance slides or use left-right arrows
D. G. Hanson Launches Campaign to Increase Giving to TRF
DG devises way of becoming a Paul Harris Fellow for a donation of $250.00!
In a memo to District 5550 clubs, District Governor Harvey Hanson has announced a campaign to increase giving to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) annual program fund.
“On average,”
Hanson said, “District 5550 members give $75.00 annually.” “I want to increase, that to at least $100.00”, he added.
Hanson also said that his objective is to increase the number of Paul Harris Fellows created each year. To do this he is instituting an incentive program between now and April 30, 2011.
Currently, the District has a pool of “Recognition Points” accumulated and setting in a reserve. D. G. Harvey has announced that if a member donates $500.00 the District will match his donation with 500 Recognition Points making him eligible to become a Paul Harris Fellow.
Hanson has also encouraged Clubs who have accumulated a reserve of Recognition Points to create a similar program, such that if a Club member donates $250.00, it be matched by the Club bringing the members total to $500.00 which in turn would then qualify for the District 5550 matching Recognition Points.
To access the Memo and forms click on "more"
Put Your Face on RI's "This Close" Polio Eradication Campaign
Get ready to add you name and your face to this list of luminaries who have leant their support to Rotary’s “This Close” public service announcement campaign for polio eradication.
Archie Panjabi, a film and television actress
Archie Panjabi, a film and television actressA.R. Rahman, an Indian composer and music producer for Slumdog Millionaire
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize laureate
Jackie Chan, action movie star
Jack Nicklaus, golf legend
Jane Goodall, conservationist
Queen Noor of Jordan
Itzhak Perlman, classical violinist
Amitabh Bachchan, Bollywood superstar
Nwankwo Kanu, Nigerian soccer star
Angélique Kidjo, Beninese singer
Sue Jin Kang, Korean ballerina
To find out how click on "more"
Future Vision: Foundation in a Time of Change
The following is the full text of an Address by Rotary Foundation Trustee and chair Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar on January 18, 2011 at San Diego to the District Governor's Elect.
Around 2005, it became apparent that the Trustees would have no choice but to change the Foundation. The Matching Grants program had experienced astronomical growth, and the Foundation administration was no longer equipped to support it. Essentially, the Trustees had to decide whether to significantly increase staffing in Evanston, or whether it was time to take a look and see if this growing pain offered an opportunity. They chose the latter route, and an in-depth strategic planning process ensued. Two consulting firms — Grant Thornton and Jefferson Wells — examined The Rotary Foundation, and nearly 10,000 Rotarians answered a comprehensive questionnaire. Based on the results of this feedback, the Future Vision Committee and Foundation Trustees have worked very hard to come forward with the Future Vision Plan.
Around 2005, it became apparent that the Trustees would have no choice but to change the Foundation. The Matching Grants program had experienced astronomical growth, and the Foundation administration was no longer equipped to support it. Essentially, the Trustees had to decide whether to significantly increase staffing in Evanston, or whether it was time to take a look and see if this growing pain offered an opportunity. They chose the latter route, and an in-depth strategic planning process ensued. Two consulting firms — Grant Thornton and Jefferson Wells — examined The Rotary Foundation, and nearly 10,000 Rotarians answered a comprehensive questionnaire. Based on the results of this feedback, the Future Vision Committee and Foundation Trustees have worked very hard to come forward with the Future Vision Plan.So let me fill you in on some of the basics.
Membership is Major Challenge for Rotary International
2552 new clubs over 8 years results in 226 net membership increase for RI
RI Director John C. Smarge, in an address to the governors-elect, in San Diego, spotlighted one of Rotary's greatest challenges when he said, "Since 2003, we have added 2,552 Rotary clubs yet only increased our overall membership by 226 members."Smarge encouraged Rotary leaders to strengthen clubs by branding Rotary as the organization of choice for business, professional, and community leaders throughout the world.
Joseph H. Jones, governor-elect of District 6220 (parts of Michigan and Wisconsin, USA), found Smarge's address inspiring. and said "Everyone is talking about how we need to grow membership. I'm going to focus on retention." Jones, plans to use Facebook and YouTube to keep club members engaged and excited about Rotary.
Click "more" for an editorial comment:
The Ripple Effect Program: A Great Partnership in Action!
The Rotary Club of Prince Albert Partners to Renovate Blanca Hilda School in Gualan
The Ripple Effect Program has partnered with the Rotary Club of Prince Albert, Rotary Club of Gualan, Guatemala, and the municipality of Gualan, with funding partners District 5550 World Community Service and CRCID to build 4 classrooms and refurbish washrooms at Blanca Hilda School in Gualan. This school is an all girl’s school that is overcrowded and in need of improvements. The project manager Kurt Valentin Sass of Rotary Club of Gualan has provided regular updates with pictures on the progress of this construction project. The principal of this school has worked there for over 30 years.
Free webinar ""Public perception of Rotary" to be offered 4 times
"Old, male, inflexible, exclusive, and secretive" those are the adjectives a recent RI focus group of professional women and men, pre-screened to include individuals who would satisfy the requirements for Rotary club membership but were not members used to describe their image of Rotary.
Do those words describe this Canadian club?
To learn more about the focus group findings and what you can do to improve the awareness and perception of Rotary attend the Rotary Webinar on "How to Improve Community Awareness and Perception of Your Club"
Do those words describe this Canadian Club? (click "more" to see the club, plus 2 others and the times of the webinars)
‘Reach Within to Embrace Humanity’ is 2011-12 RI theme
17 January 2011 from RINews service
RI President-elect Kalyan Banerjee today annouced the 2011 - 2012 theme "Reach Within to Embrace Humanity".
RI President-elect Kalyan Banerjee today annouced the 2011 - 2012 theme "Reach Within to Embrace Humanity".Banerjee unveiled the RI theme during the opening plenary session of the 2011 International Assembly, a training event for incoming district governors.
In making the announcement he said, "In order to achieve anything in this world, a person has to use all the resources he can draw on. And the only place to start is with ourselves and within ourselves."
86th Annual "Goodwill Weekend" scheduled for February 18th & 19th, 2011
What is Goodwill?
Goodwill is a weekend celebrating the fellowship of Rotary and all that Rotarians do for communities internationally. It will take place in Winnipeg, Manitoba on February 18th and 19th 2011.
This celebration coincides with the founding of Rotary International – the building block of International Goodwill. The history of Rotary explains that on July 24, 1924 a Rotarian International Day took place for the first time. At this meeting, Arthur Johnston of the Winnipeg Club was present, and for the first time the Stars and Stripes and the Union Jack were placed side by side. This was the foundation of fellowship across the nations.
The first International Goodwill Meeting was held on February 23, 1924 in Winnipeg and was represented by 11 American Clubs and 7 Canadian Clubs. Since those first meetings both Rotary and International Goodwill have continued to grow.
This will be the 86th annual Goodwill Meeting.
Rotary Quiz on Districts in Canada
I had to do some research for a project I am working on and decided I might make a quiz out of it. There are 10 questions. Only two show on the home page, click on “more …”
to see the other 8.
Based on current RI website data:
1. Clubs located within Canada exist within how many RI Districts?
7
33
23
21
2. How many RI Districts with Canadian Clubs only have Canadian Clubs?
7
23
6
10
RI’s New Strategic Planning Process Explained
The following presentation was prepared for Zone meetings in the fall of 2010. Use your arrow keys to control the speed of the slides. To view in full screen mode click on the little box beside the word "menu".
More PowerPoint presentations from John Borst
Rotary names attoney John Hewko as new General Secretary
RINews January 12, 2011
Rotary International has named John Hewko, an attorney with extensive international experience in both the private and public sectors, to be the global humanitarian service organization’s new top executive, serving as its general secretary.
Hewko is a former partner with the international law firm of Baker & McKenzie and was vice president at the Millennium Challenge Corporation, a US government agency established in 2004 to deliver US foreign assistance to the world’s poorest countries. He begins work on July 1 at a key moment in Rotary’s 106-year history.
As RI's general secretary, Hewko will play a lead role in
Overview of District 5550 website stats 2007-2010
John Dawes, of the District 5550 Communications Committee will be making a report to a District 5550 Directors meeting this coming week. This is an opportune time to share a history of the sites growth over the past four years. Data is collected using the Statscounter program.
Overview of Rotary International’s Strategic Plan
The previous story begins:
“The World Community Service and Rotary Volunteers programs will be phased out by 30 June to reinforce the priorities and goals of the RI Strategic Plan”
Here is a “poster” of the key components of the RI Strategic Plan.
To view a full screen image of this “poster” LINK HERE
RI Board approves shift to a resource and support model for programs
Editor's Note: Rotary International News has released an item by Ryan Hyland dated 29 December 2010 which I believe has huge significance for both Districts and Clubs in the coming months.In effect we are seeing the implementation of The Future Vision Plan.
The World Community Service and Rotary Volunteers programs will be phased out by 30 June to reinforce the priorities and goals of the RI Strategic Plan and to shift from a program-based model to a resource and support model.
The World Community Service and Rotary Volunteers programs will be phased out by 30 June to reinforce the priorities and goals of the RI Strategic Plan and to shift from a program-based model to a resource and support model.The goal of this new model, approved by the RI Board at its November meeting, is to expand the resources available to clubs for connecting and partnering with each other.
"A significant component of Rotary’s new strategic plan is the transformation of Rotary’s involvement from monitoring, regulating, and administering specific projects to functioning in a highly supportive mode of providing clubs and districts with essential resources in their international service," says RI Director Kenneth W. Grabeau.
Rotary Float in 2011 Rose Bowl Parade
This year will celebrate the 32nd consecutive entry for a Rotary float in the 122nd Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2011. The parade will be televised worldwide and viewed by more than 300 million people in more than 200 countries.
Over the years our entries have globally spread the word about Rotary International. The theme of the 2011 parade is Building Dreams, Friendships and Memories. Our float will closely parallel this theme through the use of 2010-2011 RI President Ray Klinginsmith’s theme: Building Communities, Bridging Continents.
Rotary International does not fund the float; the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee receives donations from individual clubs and Rotarians.
Season's Greeting From District Governor Harvey Hanson and Lorraine Hanson.
A special Christmas greeting from our house to your house. May you have a wonderful holiday with family and friends and may your New Year be healthy and enjoyable.
We are halfway though our year as your District Governor. It has been amazing in so many ways. We have seen and heard about all the different ways that you have helped to change peoples lives and make a difference at home and around the world, as you have been Building Communities and Bridging Continents You welcomed us into your communities, into your clubs and in some cases your homes. We have laughed with you; been serious, and we have had fellowship with you.
ClubRunner sends seasons greetings to its Rotary clients
Tameja Ripple Effect School Now Getting the Finishing Touch
Julio, of the Rotary Club Vista Hermosa, Guatemala has sent District 5550 some pictures of the people of Tameja decorating the Ripple Effect Tameja School for a forthcoming celebration.
Deb LeMaistre said, "One thing we've learned about Guatemalans is that they LOVE to celebrate! And its nice to see that the new school is such an important part of their community!"
For more on this story and to view Julio's pictures click on more below:
Forbes Magazine Interviews RI President about Gates Polio Challenge
Kym McNicholas of Forbes Magazine recently sat down with Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith about the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation challenge to Rotary International to raise $200,000,000 by June 2012 in return for a contribution of $355,000,00.
Click on more to view the video interview:
Click on more to view the video interview:
District 5550’s Ripple Effect Program Distributes Water Filters in Guatemala
According to Josef Fischer, of the Rotary Club of Guatemala Norte, Ripple Effect - Guatemala has distributed 255 water filters and 220 more remain to be placed.District Rotarians Serve with ShelterBox in Indonesia
Rotarians Ron and Claire Noseworthy from the Rotary Club of Kenora have been deployed to Indonesia by ShelterBox to help provide disaster relief after the recent tsunami and ongoing volcanic eruptions have left thousands of people homeless.
RI Makes On-line Electronic Reporting of 2011-12 Officers Mandatory
November 12, 2010, Evanston, IL - RI Data Services
It is now time to update your Rotary club officers for the incoming 2011-12 year.
According to your Rotary Club Bylaws, elections of club officers are to be held each year by 31 December and reported to Rotary International as soon as results are known.
This year, all Rotary club officers are expected to report their incoming officers online using Member Access on the Rotary Website. Therefore, paper forms (known as Official Directory Data Forms) will no longer be sent to individual Rotary clubs.
Health Check: Is polio facing eradication?
1 November 2010, BBC World Service
"Health Check: Is polio facing eradication?", that's a headline from the BBC dated Novemeber 1, 2010.
Current RI has an article on the outbreak in the Congo Republic - Brazzville area which begins
In the graphic below is an Audio interview in which Claudia Hammond talks with Rod Curtis from the World Health Organisation in Geneva and asks about how the situation is looking at the moment and if we really could be approaching the day when polio is eradicated?
"Health Check: Is polio facing eradication?", that's a headline from the BBC dated Novemeber 1, 2010.
Current RI has an article on the outbreak in the Congo Republic - Brazzville area which begins
"Rotary International and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative -- the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- are responding to a recent outbreak of wild poliovirus in the Republic of the Congo. Rotary is providing a total of US$500,000 in emergency grants to WHO and UNICEF for immediate polio immunization efforts throughout the country."
In the graphic below is an Audio interview in which Claudia Hammond talks with Rod Curtis from the World Health Organisation in Geneva and asks about how the situation is looking at the moment and if we really could be approaching the day when polio is eradicated?
The Human Rights Museum World Peace Partners
DG Harvey Hanson has asked that every Rotarian in District 5550 donate $10 to the District 5550 World Peace Partners Rotary Student Ambassadorial Human Rights Program which will operate in partnership with the new Human Rights Museum being built in Winnipeg. For more information please click on World Peace Partners to view the website.
Credit Card Donations to TRF Canada Accepted On-Line
Credit card donations using Canadian dollar amounts can now be made on-line directly to TRF Canada - as opposed to Rotary International in USA. click here.
If you have any questions, please contact Dave Prowse, TRF Coordinator, TRF Canada at 519-473-3646
If you have any questions, please contact Dave Prowse, TRF Coordinator, TRF Canada at 519-473-3646
November is Rotary Foundation Month
It is vitally important that Every Rotarian, make a gift to the Annual Programs Fund, Every Year. When every Rotarian participates, our Foundation will be able to sustain and grow the great work we do around the world and be prepared for future challenges in the years to come.
Afghan Students Promote Awareness of Polio
Afghan students from several high schools fanned out across Jalalabad in September, raising money and awareness for efforts to eradicate polio from their country.
R.C. of Prince Albert Sponsors School Construction
The Rotary Club of Prince Albert in partnership with the Ripple Effect Program, D5550 World Community Service Foundation, CRCID, Rotary Club of Gualan and the municipality of Gualan have financed the construction of 2 classrooms, and the refurbishing of 6 washrooms at the all girls school Blanca Hilda in Gualan, Guatemala.
Blanca Hilda School in Gualan
The Ripple Effect Program and Rotary Club of Prince Albert in partnership with D5550 World Community Service Foundation, CRCID and the Rotary Club of Gualan, Guatemala are pleased to announce that construction will soon begin on Blanca Hilda School!
Let the Good Times Roll, Again!
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, is ready to welcome RI Convention goers 21-25 May to celebrate a year of Building Communities and Bridging Continents.
District Support for ShelterBox in Pakistan
The District 5550 World Community Services Foundation is working in partnership with ShelterBox to coordinate a District 5550 response to provide relief to displaced survivors affected by the floods in Pakistan.
Former Exchange Student Attends Future of Africa Conference
Lesego Sekano, a former Rotary exchange student to District 5550, attended a Forum on the Future of Africa with Young African Leaders that was hosted by President Obama in Washington from August 3-5, 2010.
Ripple Effect Has Great News to Share!!
Canadian Rotary Collaboration for International Development (CRCID) has awarded the Ripple Effect Program $358,000 to use as matching funds for educational purposes in Guatemala over the next 3 years.
Construction is underway on two schools at this time, with construction soon to begin on 4 more schools.
Thank you to all who have contributed to make this program so successful!
There are several projects partially funded that need partners to move forward. Highlighted below are two of these projects.
Haiti: ShelterBox Key to Survival 6 Months On
ShelterBox tents are key to survival in Haiti with transitional shelter slow to appear. The first ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) was mobilized 12 minutes after the earthquake struck. Now, six months later, 22,192 ShelterBoxes have been delivered in Haiti, enough aid for more than 220,000 people.
Building Communities -- Bridging Continents
RI President Ray Klinginsmith has chosen Building Communities -- Bridging Continents as his theme for the 2010-2011 Rotary year.
Harvey Hanson District Governor for 2010-2011
Harvey Hanson from Dauphin, Manitoba is our District Governor for the 2010 - 2011 Rotary year.
International Peace Garden Memorial
June 27, 2010 was an important and exciting day for the Rotary Clubs of Minot andBrandon as members of both clubs attended the sod turning at the InternationalPeace Garden for the Memorial to the 9/11 tragedy in New York.
Applications for 2011 District GSE Team to Brazil
District 5550 is making plans for a Group Study Exchange with District 4490 in Brazil in 2011. Currently seeking applications for position as Rotarian Team Leader and recruitment of four team members.
Looking for Partners for WCS Project - Guatemala
The Rotary Club of Kenora has committed $10,000 towards Phase I of the building of San Miguelito School in Guatemala in partnership with the Ripple Effect Program. More partners are needed to make this $40,000 World Community Service project successful.
Ripple Effect Scholarship Fund
The
Canadian Ripple Effect Committee (CREC) recruited the Rotary Club of
Regina
South as the lead funding partner to continue support for the  Ripple Effect Scholarship Project at Xenecoj
School in partnership with the Rotary Club of Vista Hermosa in
Guatemala.
RI Adopts a Revised Strategic Plan
The RI Board has adopted a revised strategic plan, effective July 2010,
that
comprises three priorities, all of equal importance to Rotary's future.
Rotary Peace Centers Program
Call for applications for Rotary Peace Centers Program. Do you know a non-Rotarian,
mid career professional interested in conflict
resolution, peace-building, and mediation?
Rotary Peace Fellows Chosen for 2010
In October, the Rotary Peace Centers selection committee chose the next class of 100 Rotary Peace Fellows, who will begin their studies in the 2010 Rotary year.
Peace Scholar from District 5550
A Rotary World Peace Fellowship has been awarded to Abdikheir Sheikh Ahmed from Winnipeg. His sponsoring club is Winnipeg Charleswood. He will be attending the Rotary Centre at the University of Queensland in Brisbane starting in February, 2011.
World Peace Partners Fund - Rotary International District 5550
The Rotary International District 5550 World Peace Partners Fund was established to provide financial assistance for students to visit the Canadian Human Rights Museum.
Canada to Host the Rotary World in 2010
Canada will host the Rotary world at our International Convention in Montreal from June 20-23, 2010. We will be celebrating 100 years of Rotary in Canada in 2010.
Rotary and Social Networking
Did you know that Rotary International has a YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook page so Rotarians can connect with one another online?
Polio survivor completes cross-Canada Journey
Flanked by police cars and followed by children on bikes, Ramesh Ferris arrived in St.John's on October 1, 2008 and completied a journey hand-cycling across Canada to raise awareness about polio.
Afghanistan Presses Ahead to End Polio
Afghanistan's relentless effort to finish polio has succeeded in cornering the virus in the country's southern region, according to a World Health Organization report in February.
Apply for 2009 Friendship Exchange
District 5550 is planning a Rotary Friendship Exchange in 2009 with District 9830 in Australia from March 1 to March 14, 2009. District 9830 is in the island state of Tasmania.
2008 GSE Team - Northern Energy
The 2008 GSE Team from District 5550 is busy with final preparations for their exchange with District 9600, in
Rotary Presidential Peace Forum
RI President Wilf Wilkinson has invited Rotarians from around the world to gather in Windsor on the border between the United States and Canada, at a Rotary World Peace Forum from April 25-28, 2008.
Make Dreams Real
2008-09 Theme
RI President-elect Dong Kurn Lee announces the 2008-09 RI theme, Make Dreams Real, to incoming district governors at the 2008 International Assembly.
Governor's Message for January
Happy New Year. We are now into the New Year and we have many things to think about. January being Rotary Awareness month makes us ponder as to how much we do know about Rotary and how we promote it to those who are not yet Rotarians.
Rotary Friendship Exchange
District 5550 has arranged a Rotary Friendship Exchange with District 9790 Australia. The inbound team will be in our District from ugust 20 to September 3, 2008. The outbound team from District 5550 will travel to Australia from March 11 to March 24, 2009.
ShelterBox Response for Bangladesh
On January 7, 2008 Ron Noseworthy, Rotary Club of Kenora, traveled to Bangladesh for his first deployment as a member of ShelterBox Response Team which included three members from the UK.
It's Time to Win the War Against Polio
Now as we enter the final stretch in the fight against polio, President Wilkinson calls on all Rotarians to be a part of Rotary's legacy and gift to the world's children and help eradicate polio.
Season's Greetings from Governor
December is Family month on the Rotary calendar. It is a time when we like to include families and our extended families in club activities.
Building Schools – An Opportunity to Share
The award-winning Ripple Effect Program can help make the world a better place; a better place by providing opportunities through education that will allow at least some Guatemalan children to break the cycle of poverty.
World Interact Week
Every 5-11 November, Rotary International celebrates World Interact Week. Interact
is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young people ages 14 to 18. The program gives teens an opportunity to participate in meaningful service projects while developing leadership skills.
Rotary International Convention
Countdown to the Stars
Rotary International Convention
Los Angeles
June 15-18, 2008
Zone 22
Polio Plus Challenge
During her official visits DG June Cathcart asked everyone to tug at their heart strings to support Rotary's final push to eradicate Polio from the face of the world. The Treasure Box she passed around during her visits to each Club has collected over $18,000.
Call for Nominations for Governor in 2010-2011
The District 5550 Nominating Committee, chaired by PDG Cam King, will be inviting clubs to nominate a club member for the position of District Governor for the Rotary year 2010-2011. Members of the Nominating Committee include PDG Doug Mortin and PDG Rick Felstead.
Zone 22 Newsletter
The September/October issue of Zone 22's newsletter Northern Lights News is ready for downloading. Please click in the box on the left.
2008 International Goodwill Meeting
On February 15 & 16, 2008, the 2008 International Goodwill meeting will be held at the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg. Goodwill Weekend is a fellowship event. Come and meet Rotary International President, Wilfred J. Wilkinson, who will be in attendance.
Presidential Membership Conference Report
Nine Rotarians from District 5550 were part of the 400 Rotarians who had the good fortune of participating in Rotary's Presidential Membership Conference in Vancouver on August 10-11, 2007.
Return to South Africa
In 1999 the Winnipeg-Charleswood club began working with a Rotary Club and a Rotary Ann Club in Margate, Kwa Zulu Natal Province in South Africa. We worked with the Rotary club to provide sanitary toilet facilities and assistance in building and equipping a library at Mashesha High School. This project has since been followed by other projects.
History of Rotary in Canada
The history of Rotary in Canada is documented on a website which is devoted to the history of Rotary. The website adds to the knowledge of what Canada did for Rotary.
Rotary District 5550
Welcome to one of the larger geographical districts in the Rotary World. District 5550 includes most of the Province of Saskatchewan, all of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.
Christmas is a time of Giving: let's keep Rotary in mind.
Peace through Service is our Rotary International theme for the 2012-13 Rotary year. I invite Rotarians in District 5550 to celebrate the tradition of giving and the beauty of the holiday season by choosing to make a charitable gift to benefit a Rotary project or program. Oh, and one more note, you could give yourself the gift of registering for this year's District conference right HERE.
Rick Hubbs
District Governor
Gates Foundation Polio Challenge Update
As of June 28, 2010, Rotarians have raised approximately US$133,505,000 for the US$200 Million Challenge. To date Rotary Clubs and Rotarians in District 5550 have donated a total of $339,847 (including District Designated Funs). These contributions will help Rotary raise US$200 million to match US$355 million in challenge grants received from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The 2010 –2011 Rotary Year begins our final Polio Challenge Grant.
Interested in being a sponsor?
Download the website sponsorship guide
Download the website sponsorship guide