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SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 JOY'S HOME OF HOPE
Our member Maureen Torr delivered a passionate presentation about the Home of Hope orphanage school in her native Uganda. Maureen shared with us about her move to Saskatoon in 2004, as well as details about Uganda. Located in East Africa, Uganda is land locked with a population of 34.9 million people. Health issues affect Uganda's 1.2 million orphans who are afflicted with Aids.
The Home of Hope, which now has a waiting list to get in, was created by Maureen and her team to provide shelter and schooling for some of these orphans. She took us through the history of the Home, from burning bushes to clear the site, to construction of the classroom buildings. Temporary kitchens were initially used to provide a meatless diet of corn maize "posho" and beans.
Impressive structures were pictured in her presentation, showing the tremendous progress to date. Rotary members from California and an exchange student from Australia attended in Uganda and provided both financial and hands-on support.
Cows and goats have now been donated to provide fresh milk for the students as the water is not safe to drink.
175 orphan children are currently being supported while the facility has a capacity for 300 children. Maureen said the Board may look at shifting the focus of the Home to that of a community school to qualify for government funding, but while still providing full support for the orphans. Teachers are badly needed and it is often difficult to get them to move to this village.
Thank you Maureen for your most inspiring story.
Announcements
Following Adriana's introduction of our guest exchange student "Sammy" from Finland, past President Wayne M. presided and listed several announcements:
- 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.
- Murray S. announced an October 2 fund raiser dinner for the 60th anniversary dinner of Jubilee residence. Tickets are $125.
- Wayne S. stressed the need to sell more grocery cards and also the need for careful reconciliation at the front desk.
Happy and sad dollars were raised for:
- Mark's football wins but also sad news on the passing of his cousin
- Peter for his high school reunion in New Brunswick
- Dave for attending the Meewasin club corn roast in Shields that was a nice event
- Wayne M. For his golf wins over his son and son in law
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.
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