The Rotary Club of Edmonton is hitting the ground running in 2022!
Just a few examples include the super turn-out for the joint meeting with the Edmonton West Club to hear University of Alberta President Bill Flanagan talk about how the U of A is meeting the challenges it is facing. Yes, we had some sound issues, but the President’s talk was clear to everyone and attending virtually or in-person.
Our lunch programs continue to be strong. Personally, I am looking forward to the upcoming “mini-series” of speakers that will explore the strength and value added potential of Alberta’s agriculture, forestry and petro-chemical sector. Mark February 14 in your calendars to hear Stan Blade, Dean of Agriculture. Mark February 26 to hear Jason Krips, head of the Alberta Forestry Association and April 4 for Mark Plamondon, Executive Director of Canada’s Industrial Heartland in Fort Saskatchewan.
The service side of the club is in full swing too! The Board recently approved a $1,000 contribution to the work Rotary is doing to assist in the recovery from the floods in BC before Christmas. Canadians answered when Fort McMurray was in need a few years ago and I am proud that our club is helping when other Canadians are in need.
COVID has made international travel very difficult so there won’t be a playground build in Belize this February, but the Belize Literacy project is coming to a successful conclusion and making a difference to children who can’t attend school due to the pandemic. The International Service Committee will make contributions to the international campaign to vaccinate people against COVID-19. The ISC is also supporting Shelter Box, a long standing Rotary cause that provides shelter and other emergency supplies to people immediately after a disaster like the recent typhoon in the Philippines.
The Community Services Committee is also meeting monthly and I expect will announce some exciting hands on service opportunities in the coming weeks.
With our own Brian Edwards to become District Governor in a couple of years I would encourage everyone to look at the broader Rotary world and take advantage of the Rotary Foundation Virtual Gala on February 23 and the District 5370 Convention at the West Edmonton Mall Fantasyland Hotel on May 27-28. And I am eagerly awaiting more information on incoming International President Jennifer Jones visit to Edmonton this spring!
There has never been a better time to be active in the Rotary Club of Edmonton!
Jim
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