Hugo Samuelsson, our Swedish Inbound Exchange student standing beside President Christina, gave a short presentation to the club at Monday's meeting.
Rhys Waters and Steven Drapala from Jackson School presented information on the Jackson Boys' Club. This group, which meets weekly at noon, supports boys at risk who are struggling with personal issues that interfere with their academic and social life. It focuses on the positive such as providing a safe place to talk and share to help the boys cope with daily life. In just five weeks the program has shown amazing success with boys now asking to be members. Using members of the community as speakers, the boys are taught life skills with a focus on what makes a good man and how do men treat women.
With the help of Salmon Arm Rotary, Salmon Arm SAFE House recently upgraded its outdoor facilities. First, a fresh layer of sod was put down to make a welcoming garden and play area.
PDG Sherry Chamberlain spoke about Hanwash, a project focused on clean water in Haiti. She outlined the structure, history and goals – Rotary driven and Rotary run. She is part of an organizing committee raising $15,000 to do an engineering study which will determine how best to assist in each of several areas with different requirements. Our Club will be part of a District 5060 commitment.
13 year old Everado Ismael Perez Perez is a student in the scholarship program at Colima,. Mexico. He is one of about 60 junior high school students who receives funding from organizations such as Rotary clubs that enables him to continue attending school through the secondary grades and beyond. Everado is responsible for maintaining a GPA higher than 8.5, performing 10 hours of community service a month. attending a weekly homework club, and writing to sponsors regularly. Our club sponsored Everado last year. Every month we received an engaging letter from him in which he told us about his family, his school and his life in Nuevo Naranjal, Mexico.
Tracey Kirkman, Executive Director of Shuswap North Okanagan Division of Family Practice, was introduced by Isabel Reinertson. Tracey used a powerpoint and dynamic speech to illustrate the history, structure and procedures of the new Seniors Health & Wellness Centre at 781 Marine Park Drive. She outlined the services provided and how to access them.
On Thursday, Aug. 22, club members, Bastion Place staff and residents, Salmon Arm Mayor Alan Harrison and other volunteers, guests and supporters gathered at Bastion Place to celebrate the completion of the Rotary project that included the addition of new patio furniture, contained planters, two barbecues, a storage shed and a gazebo.
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November is Rotary Foundation month. The Club's Foundation Chair, Sterling Land, gave an informative talk this month about how donations are used in our communities and world-wide.
