President Jack called us promptly to order, one of his Presidential promises, with Wayne M.'s professional full voice leading of our National Anthem. Mike G. delivered an insightful Grace, including thanks for our economic good luck that has in turn allowed us to help in the many Rotary causes.

Scott introduced our guest today, Hastings Nyeka Nyeka, a guest of Heather.

Jack followed with several announcements including:
- The District Conference will be held in Kenora on May 28,
- The Kiwanis Club needs help with their Apple Tag Drive to be held September 24. You even get to dress up like a Clown! 60 percent of the proceeds would flow to Rotary. Please see Jim W. for details,
- Grocery Cards are on sale as one of our key fundraisers. Please see Gary R.,
- The Anniversary Birthday planning meeting is set for September 21st at the Saskatoon Media Group board room,
- The RI Institute training courses will take place Saturdays, October  3rd in Saskatoon and November 3rd in Prince Albert. Bev and Dave will be presenters,
- Jack spoke briefly to the Matching grants program available for viewing on the RI webinar,
-  The Becas dinner will be held October 13th with a committee planning meeting being held Thursday night at Jim's house.
- This years first Rotary President's council will be held today with Jack and Mark in attendance,
- Peter W. reported having hosted one of our early exchange students, Jan, in 1993. Jan and her husband (also a Rotary President) are now coming back for a visit. Please see Peter if you would like to join in visiting with Jan and her husband.

Sergeant Adriana leapt up, lassoing loonies from the laggardly legions for:
- Al M's excellent ( as always ) archival presentation regarding Rotary's history in the construction of the Cemetery monument commemorating the tragic drowning of three children in the early years of Saskatoon,
- Mike G. and Scott's birthdays,
- Wayne M. for the Rider's win,
- Jack and Shirley's 35th Wedding Anniversary - Congratulations!!,
- Scott for his Corporate Challenge games night team win for Cribbage and Yahtze. Overall the Games raised over $23,000!!,
- Mark for the Rider's and Hilltop's wins and the Huskies' strong performance,
- Dave who has Meewasin Club dinner tickets for sale and for his great used lawn mower deal,
- Wayne for his trip to Ottawa to visit family including his golf tourney win, fishing and cheering the World Cup of Hockey,
- Graham for an edit correction in his last weeks Rotateller; Adriana is being award a "Golden Heart" award ( not a "Golden Harp" award as reported - although I find this also quite fitting for our angelic Adriana) to be held September 28th at the WDM in support of the McClure Foundation,

 

 

Elaine and Peter Z. provided a fascinating photo update on their many Malawi projects underway in Africa. (I noted that Elaine did most of the heavy lifting, while Peter deftly flipped the slides.)

This years excursion comprised nine volunteers including several of their grand children. What a great way for young people to learn philanthropy! While in Malawi Elaine and Peter's accommodation is a nicely converted forty foot sea container offering stunning views of the mountain sides.
Elaine reported thoroughly and passionately on numerous key developments affecting the many villages in the area:
- One of their early programs titled Destiny Pads remains a major initiative allowing girls to stay in school on an uninterrupted basis, significantly improving education levels.  The reusable pads are sewn both by volunteers in Canada and now by local villagers,
- "Go go's" are the grand parents and play a vital mentoring role in village life. Elaine works closely with them including recently teaching them meditation,
- The local Pharmacy is now very well stocked. Peter and Elaine brought in over 100 lbs of supplies on this recent trip,
- Developing a fresh water supply was the first important initiative, freeing the villagers from the debilitating effects of water born illnesses,
- The Corn Maize mill is working well due to careful villager maintenance. This project has significantly improved the nutritional protein in diets,
- A very well stocked library has now been constructed to support the schooling efforts,
- Rains badly hurt the crops last year, affecting food supplies. Thankfully donations have helped tied over the problem until the new crop year,
- A third school was opened with a $25,000 donation. Their grandson Peter got to not only cut the grand opening ribbon but also got to hold the chicken that was about to become the celebration dinner,
- Several surrounding villages are now positively impacted by the expansion of these programs.  For example one of the Chiefs donated land and spearheaded construction of a new playground,
- Another successful Sports Day was held with excellent turnout and participation,
- Farm animal herds are growing. Dairy cows bought at market have an entire committee in charge of raising them, showing the importance of each animal. Recently 5 cows, 8 pigs, 20 chickens, 20 goats plus rabbits and other livestock were all bought from donations,
- A fourth school was also built for only $6,000 using local construction talent and a more condensed floor plan. The village Chief even donated her land for this project,
- Bridge construction remains highly important to cross the many streams that flood in the rainy season. Flooded streams are not only dangerous to the locals, they restrict much needed access to markets,
- Another Corn Maize mill is under construction, but is in need of a power source for completion,
- A fIfth preschool is also currently under construction,
- The vehicle fleet now consists of an Ambulance, a truck and a car, but all need routine maintenance and repairs. The local driver is now being trained as a mechanic, with help from program donations,

Elaine and Peter closed their uplifting presentation with a very apt local saying; "The light within you is the same as the light within me. Together we are one"

To cap things off Gary R. then rose to contribute a cheque for $500 to the cause!! His new edict is to match his personal spending with contributions like this. He took his extended family to dinner the night before. The bill came to $500, thus his contribution today.

Jack thanked all who contributed today, following which Gord's draw ticket won a beautiful African carving from one of the talented Malawi village carvers.