Elaine and Peter Z. presented a fascinating update about Malawi 2015. Elaine started by introducing our guest Hastings Nyekanyenka as the new president of the Malawi project. This past year Elaine and Peter went back to Malawi with 5 volunteers to further serve the clinic and its surrounding services that include shops, a bakery and farm areas.

 

Elaine profiled several villager's stories and how the Malawi project provided care and support. The Malawi project now employs 5 health officers on staff, up from one not long ago. The farm services now include 8 cows, raising further funds from milk sales. Donated goats are given to needy families on the condition that the goat's offspring goes to another needy family.

 

The village women have taken over production of the Destiny pads for young women, allowing girls to attend school without interruption. They are also producing fabulous jewelry for sale as a fund raiser.

 

Unfortunately poor weather this season destroyed many of the crops. Maize donations arranged by the Malawi project have been provided to tide families over until next year.

 

The Malawi project now includes three preschools, with a fourth preschool currently in the planning stages.

 

Thank you Elaine and Peter for a moving presentation and for your selfless efforts. You make our Club very proud to have you as members.

 

 

Our guests today were Hastings Nyekanyenka, guest of Heather, Dukon Nelson, guest of Jack, Shirley Vouldeng, guest of Peter V., and  Lincoln Lu, guest of Gary.

 

 

Following introduction of our guests today, President Bev presided and listed several announcements. Also reminders of recent announcements are listed as well:

• The Rotary Institute is offering courses to learn more about Rotary. Please see Bev for further details. Courses will be offered over three Saturdays. There is money in our budget to pay for attendance. November 21 is the date for Module 2, and December 5 for Module 3. All Rotarians are welcome.
• Bev participated in "Rescue on the Prairies" which is a rescue simulation fund raiser for the STARS air ambulance program. Competitions included CPR and needle administration. Bev beat many of her competitors, with the program raising $420,000 in total for STARS!!!
• The Meewasin Club is holding its annual fund raising dinner October 8 th. More details are to follow.
• Host families are urgently needed after Christmas for exchange student Sammy. Please consider your availability and see Steve W. for details.
• The Laptop donation program is back in action for the Puerto Vallarta school children. If you can donate an old laptop please see Wayne M. for details.
• Wayne S. stressed the need to sell more grocery cards and also the need for careful reconciliation at the front desk. Please consider buying cards as unique gift ideas.

• Canada's first flag knowledge
• The first Rotary Club year and location
• Cuba being the first non English speaking country with a Rotary Club
• Wayne M. for his spouse being through surgery successfully
• Gary R.'s sad news on the passing of his brother in law
• Gary R.'s hockey trivia questions answered by Jack
• Al M.'s brother's illness recovery
• Mike G.'s family's attendance at the smashing pumpkin fest
• The Becas Program start year of 1996 being celebrated
• Bev for the Huskies' win

 

Rotateller
​Graham is looking for continued backup to write the weekly newsletter. A simple Word document highlighting the meeting will work fine for those not wanting to use Club Runner. The task is important and a good way for new members to get their "feet wet" in supporting the club. Lots of help is available and the time commitment is limited. Please let Graham, Gord, Al or Adriana know if you can help.