We were pleased to embrace changing times by having our District Governor Don Evans come and join our club in a healthy dialogue on moving forward. We look forward to growing our club and continuing to do Rotary service in Kitimat and the world.
.jpg)
A trio of our Rotary Club's members headed to Mount Elizabeth Middle Secondary School last week with a $1,000 cheque for use by the Through the Cracks program. The money will be used to provide support for some the schools less fortunate students. Principal Geraldine Lawlor snapped the photo above sharing her enthusiasm for the work being done by LINK worker Debbie Dilg. Art work done by the students was up on the walk along with their own "Words of Wisdom". An inviting bowl of fresh fruit sat on a table, a fine example - how the funds will be used. Principal Geraldine Lawlor smiled as we talked saying the funds will be used for food, bus passes, recreation passes, clothing. Above, Eleanor Kendell, Debbie Dilg (community LINK worker), Gareen Ball and Jo Ann Hildebrandt.
Erika Loucks, chairperson of Nechako Elementary School's PAC joined us at our March 6th meeting to share their fundraising story for a new playground at the school. Looking at photos of the planned playground surface, brightly colored, a product made from recycled tires and playground equipment designed to accommodate students with mobility challenges, one could appreciate how much this will be appreciated. The project has already received significant financial support from industry and business in Kitimat. Students are also doing their bit, each class collecting different coins for the days of the week, nickels, dimes, loonies and toonies. It's a contest! David Mill, principal, was on hand to introduce Erika. Wondering what the surface could look like? This picture will give you an idea.
Later in the evening we heard from Brian Downie, our area governor--all about the Presidential Environmental Sustainability and Peace Conference in Vancouver. Ian Riesley, 2017-18 President, Rotary International brought this year's Make a Difference theme home. Building peace through environmentally sustainable effort at home and around the world was showcased in a fashion those attending will remember. Speakers, the House of Friendship participants, organizations from the world beyond Rotary and those from within, left motivated and inspired.
Brian also brought along Rotary's upcoming year's club banner--an impressive theme for Rotarians to follow Be The Inspiration.
The results of the study based on data and statistics developed from April 2017 to October 2017, were presented to our club on February 20th by the chair of the steering committee, Devrie Sanghera, Kitimat Valley Institute. the summary report is 23 pages in length: available soon on the KVI website at www.kves.ca. Those involved looked at key economic drivers, labour demands, skills and training requirements, addressing future shortages of qualified workers in the region. Presentations have been made at Chamber of Commerce luncheons, Rotary club meetings and other regularly scheduled events. 
Rotary Clubs are shown as Implementers Action 1.4, a pilot employee recruitment and customer service excellence "Starter Pack" program for small service industry businesses. Action 2.1, Action 2.2, a leadership training program, training for new and existing businesses with Volution Canada.
Devrie's colleague Ramona Materi was also a guest at this meeting. She added facts--how different aspects of their research were explored. Certainly, her input was appreciated. Our sincere thanks go to them for bringing this research to us.
February 13th, Shrove Tuesday, members headed over to the Anglican Church to enjoy a tradition, pancakes and sausages, always a fun, relaxing evening.
Any Rotary International Presidential event has always been exceptional. This year's Presidential Environmental Sustainability and Peace Conference was no exception. Rotarian Eleanor Kendell, a member of our club and our District 5040 Peace Committee, headed down to Vancouver to attend. District 5100 and 5040 showcased Rotary Peacebuilder Clubs at a shared table in the House of Friendship. Here they are together for lunch. .jpg)
The table showcased literature from both District. If you look at the sign, propped against the bottom right hand corner, you will see the certificate that will be presented to those clubs in our District that have met the Peacebuilder Club criteria this year. This will take place at the Conference in Squamish.
Eleanor recalls the weekend as thought provoking, a call to action for environmental stewardship, a coming together of Rotary friends, topped off with Rotary fun.
No doubt about it! If you want a treat that's great head to the Legion for the Mason's Dinner on a cold winter Friday night in Kitimat! Enjoy steak or chicken hot off the barbeques, delicious salads, home baked beans, Ron Burnett's secret recipe, and so much more. Here we are waiting for the food to arrive! Friday, January 26th
Members of our club were pleased to accept an invitation from the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce to hear a presentation at their dinner meeting on January 23rd, our regular meeting night. Guest speakers were: Chris Montgomery from the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and Gillian Robinson from the BC LNG Alliance. We were provided with an excellent overview by Chris, and many current detail specific to LNG by Gillian. Opportunities are many and challenges certainly exist. Cam Sorenson, Advisor, Community Engagement, was on hand to assist. Questions from the floor were answered from an obvious knowledge base, making for an evening well spent. Our appreciation for the invitation goes to the Chamber from all of us able to attend.
A not to be forgotten day! Our club's longest serving member, Robin, returned home from Vancouver looking amazing well. Robin received a heart transplant in December. Our hearts are filled with happiness.
What a great way to start 2018! We were joined by Brian Downie, our Area Governor, who came bearing a nice surprise. Here we are with the certificate he presented to us that recognizes our club's support of Shelterbox.
Right now, around 85 million people around the world have been made homeless by natural disaster and conflict. ShelterBox is working to change this. By providing emergency shelter and tools for families robbed of their homes by disaster, despair is being transferred into hope. ShelterBox and Rotary are official Project Partners in international disaster relief.
