Last week marked one year of war in #Ukraine. Rotary continues to respond to the #humanitariancrisis in Ukraine. This week, member Valerie Bobyk reflected on the War during our #RotaryMinute.

Our Club President gave a tour of Rotay's online world at Rotary.org. Jillian showed some of the features and tools available at members' fingertips. Members are encouraged to signup at Rotary.org using the same email address in ClubRunner. You can watch the whole meeting and Jillian's presentation here: https://youtu.be/dClnZQ9QbWc

The response for the earthquake in Syria and Turkey has been very good in Canada. ShelterBox Canada has raised over $630,000, and £2 million world-wide. It is work noting earthquakes tend to receive greater donations than extreme weather events. Over 600 tents have been deployed to Turkey, and some clothing to locations in Syria. ShelterBox is hoping to provide shelter for 30,000 people. Right now, over 1 million people have no housing as a result of the earthquake.

 

If you can, please consider giving to ShelterBox: https://www.shelterboxcanada.org/

Or our District's Turkey/Syria Disaster Response: https://raise.rotary.org/District7815/fundraiser

The Strategic Planning is meeting to plot a way forward in our planning. Committee members may approach club members to gather information on Rotary and our working environment. Please provide as much feedback as you can.

We thank Tom O'Handley for leading our club's relationship with Souls Harbour Rescue Mission. Tom is stepping back from the role, and Paul Radford is stepping up to lead the important work we do.

The International Committee is looking for some more folks to join the committee. The committee is working on exciting initiatives like a regional/international project group with other clubs. This should make it easier for clubs to lead impactful international projects. If you are interested, please reach out to Godfred Chongatera.

PALS has some short-term volunteer opportunities coming up shortly. Students will be taking day trips starting in April, and volunteers are needed. Volunteers must complete a current criminal background check and vulnerable sector check to volunteer for PALS. If you are interested in volunteering or want to learn more, don't hesitate to get in touch with Adrienne Malloy.

Our next Paul Harris Fellow night will be at the Westin Nova Scotian on April 20th. Please check your email for a for call nominations. We are looking for five people in our community who exemplify the values of Rotary. All nominations must be made by January 15th.