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Stories
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Posted by Susan Stefanyshyn
on Dec 01, 2015
Photo Credit: Roy Prevost
DR NJENGA FOUNDATION UPDATE
Our Rotary Club currently donates money to this foundation, so Jennifer Kube (in Peter Njenga’s absence due to sickness) gave us an update on the Foundation’s projects. As a reminder this foundation helps relieve poverty by providing basic amenities, such as food clothing, shelter, education and medicines to orphaned children, homeless people and people living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya and Canada.
Recently, volunteers from the Njenga Foundation distributed 260 food hampers containing food, assorted warm clothing, and blankets to homeless people in various parts of Metro Vancouver, mainly Vancouver, Richmond and Surrey.
Kenya update, pending donations, plans to build a large two story extension to house 40 more orphan girls. Ongoing projects are, moving the kitchen, renovate and repair the original orphanage, as well as building a new septic field and installing a new septic tank. The funds in part are from Royal City Rotary were used for this auspicious project
Unbeknownst to Jennifer or Peter, the RCR presented a cheque for $3,100 for the current and future projects, which Jennifer gratefully accepted .
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Posted by Susan Stefanyshyn
on Dec 01, 2015
Photo Credit: Roy Prevost
MOHAMMED MURAD, PAST INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT-OF TOASTMASTERS, CURRENT VOLUNTEER AS AN OFFICER ON THE TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS. HE WORKS WITH THE BOARD TO DEVELOP, SUPPORT AND MODIFY THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES THAT GUIDE TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL.
TOASTMASTERS ARE A NONPROFIT EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATION THAT TEACHES PUBLIC SPEAKING AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS THROUGH A WORLDWIDE NETWORK OF MEETING LOCATIONS. HEADQUARTERED IN RANDCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, THE ORGANIZATION’S MEMBRSHIP EXCEEDS 292,000 IN MORE THAN 14,350 CLUBS IN 122 COURTRIES. SINCE 1924, TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL HAS HELPED PEOPLE OF ALL BACKGROUNDS BECOME MORE CONFIDENT IN FRONT OF AN AUDIENCE.
Some of Mohammed’s ideas are to collaborate with other charitable organizations, like the Rotary. For instance, Toastmasters would learn more on being leaders & volunteers; conversely Rotarians may benefit by improving their public speaking skills. He is also looking for ideas to entice young people to join their organization.
Toastmasters want to rebrand their message to; helping people become better communicators which in turn helps create better leaders.
Immediate Past International President
Mohammed Murad, DTM of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), is an entrepreneur and Managing Director of three companies. He holds an MBA and a Master of Quality Management degree from the University of Wollongong in New South Wales, Australia. He is also a graduate of the City of Dubai’s Leadership Development Program, and has received training at Harvard, London Business School and the Singapore School of Government. Along with extensive experience in global marketing and branding, Murad has more than 28 years of experience at the director and chief executive officer levels in emergency medical services management, human resource development and strategic planning for organizations.
A dedicated Toastmaster since 1996, Murad has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within the organization, and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.
Murad says Toastmasters will always be important in his life. “I am excited by the opportunity to give back to the organization that has given me so much.”
As an officer on the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Murad is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.
News Release
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Posted by Kathryn MacKerricher
on Dec 01, 2015
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Posted by Nicholas Jordan
on Dec 01, 2015
Hi Laurie and Nick,
I hope you are doing well!
I'm writing today to request your help promoting our club's upcoming event.
The New West Rotaract club is holding a Burger and Beer fundraiser on Sunday, December 13 at the Heritage Grill, and we would love to invite you and any interested Rotarians to join us! All funds raised will be donated to the Union Gospel Mission's homeless outreach programs in New West.
I don't believe any of our members are able to attend a Rotary meeting to extend the invite in person, but I was hoping that as our liaisons you might be able to share the event with your fellow Rotarians, (or anyone else you think might be interested!)
The details of the event can be found on our Facebook event page (you don't need a Facebook account to view the event): https://www.facebook.com/events/528580497308622/
If anyone has any questions they can please feel free to contact me personally, or our general Rotaract email noted on the event page.
Thank you in advance! Enjoy the rest of your week!
Best,
Courtney Balaz-Munn
Vice-President
New Westminster Rotaract Club
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Posted by Hansi Natzke
on Dec 01, 2015
We're thinking of you Louis. Stay Safe.
Hey Hansi,
So far so good as they say. But, it has been a hell of a weekend! But what media in Canada maybe did not say is that it all started last wednesday. As you know, I am now studying full time in Brussels and my University is bang in the historic center... So we were the first concerned (classes are canceled today and I stayed at home).
But last thursday, I was out with friends at a party and they evacuated the neigborhood. They shut down the club I was in with metal fences so we were stuck in and could only go out through a back door surrounded by security officers.
The city of Brussels is crazy, there are military all over the places, metros are shut down, some train station as well, some stores, malls,... it really feels like we're at war.
BUT far from the idea of being imprudent, we keep on living, greeting refugees from Syria with open arms (now that we tasted a glimpse of they're going through),... Someone said over the radio that "DAESH fears our unity more than our bombs" and I believe this is true and that is the word that need to be spread. Also, never call them ISIS anymore: there are not a state and even less Islamic representant.
The whole night there have been operations in Brussels, 19 persons got arrested (yet the main suspect Salah Abdeslam is no where to be found). It was quite funny though because police asked people and medias not to realte anything that was going on (not on facebook, twitter,...) to keep as much as possible the secret of the operations being conducted.
This is how Belgium reacted on social medias:
I have to say that I feel proud to see how courageous are Belgians in those situations and more than that, give the best counter-attack you can on DAESH - not give a sh-t.
So here is the situation. I am waiting on an email from my University to know if classes are canceled tomorrow. Hopefully not, and I ll go back up in Brussels either tonight or tomorrow morning. Terror level should not be going down any time soon but nothing is for sure!
Thank you so much for checking on me!
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Posted by Paul Esslinger
on Dec 01, 2015
Syrian Refugee Crisis – How can you make a difference?
The Syrian Civil War has generated the largest refugee crisis in decades. Since 2011, when the conflict began, over four million people have fled Syria. An additional eight million people have been displaced within the country. Based on the most recently communicated information, 25,000 Syrian refugees will be admitted to Canada by February 28, 2016, with 10,000 arriving prior to December 31, 2015. Of the latter refugees, about 8,000 will be Privately Sponsored Refugees and about 2,000 will be Government Assisted Refugees.
Businesses, organizations and residents are inquiring as to how they can welcome the refugees to the community and assist them in their settlement and integration. The Welcoming and Inclusive New Westminster (WINS) Local Immigration Partnership Council, which comprises business, community, faith, settlement and social service organizations, recently held a meeting related to Syrian refugee resettlement. Based on this meeting, WINS is providing the following information to assist those who want to make a difference.
Inquiries related to Accommodation and Volunteering
The Immigrant Services Society of BC has established a registry where those wanting to make a contribution can sign-up to provide accommodation and employment or volunteer their time. Please see the below link.
Inquiries related to Private Refugee Sponsorships
Citizenship and Immigration Canada provides information related to sponsoring refugees. As a sponsor, you would provide financial and emotional support for the refugees for the duration of the sponsorship, which is typically one year. This includes housing, clothing and food. Please see the below link:
MOSAIC is playing a key role with regard to facilitating Private Refugee Sponsorships. To access information about being a sponsor or to attend an information session, please see the below link:
Inquiries related to Making a Donation
The Welcoming and Inclusive New Westminster (WINS) Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) Council has established an account to hold cash donations to help support the settlement of Syrian refugees in New Westminster. The Lower Mainland Purpose Society, as host agency for the LIP initiative, is designated to hold the funds. Use and distribution of the funds will be overseen by a sub-committee of the LIP Council.
To make a donation and to receive a tax receipt, the following methods are available.
By Cheque: Payable to the ‘Lower Mainland Purpose Society,’ plus indicate ‘LIP Refugee Fund.’ Cheques can be dropped off at:
Lower Mainland Purpose Society, 40 Begbie Street, New Westminster, BC, V3M, 3L9.
By Credit Card:
Telephone the Lower Mainland Purpose Society at 604-526-2522.
In Person:
Drop by the Lower Mainland Purpose Society, 40 Begbie Street, New Westminster.
Don’t forget your return address for a tax receipt and indicate that your donation is for the ‘Lip Refugee Fund.’
Inquiries related to Donating Products and Services at No or Low Cost
MLA Judy Darcy’s Constituency Office has established a registry where businesses and organizations can offer products and services to assist in Syrian refugee resettlement in New Westminster – e.g., dental services, grocery gift cards, etc. Please see below contact information:
Inquiries related to Donating Clothing and Household Items
Discussions are underway with the New Westminster Inter-Ministerial Association and Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar (Sikh Temple) with regard to establishing reception sites for the donation of new or good condition clothing and households items. These reception sites will not be operational until there is a better idea as to refugee numbers, age, gender and family composition. In this way, donations can be targeted to the needs of refugees. This information will be available on the City’s website and WINS member websites.
Inquiries related to Food and Meal Programs
Discussions will soon commence with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society, which operates a food bank in New Westminster, and the Muslim Food Bank. These discussions will help ensure that Syrian refugees who are in need of food security programs can access culturally appropriate food. In the meantime, those wanting to make a contribution can purchase a food bank voucher at their local grocery store, in which the proceeds will be used in New Westminster, or make a donation of food or money to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society and the Muslim Food Bank. This will not only benefit Syrian refugees but residents with low-incomes or living in poverty. Please see the below links:
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Posted by Roy Prevost
on Dec 01, 2015
Happy 85th Birthday Tom!!!
And Many Happy Returns.
Photo Credit: Roy Prevost
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Posted by Gordon Hobbis
on Dec 01, 2015
There is a lot of exciting things going on. To find out more about the Purpose Society, Heart Of The Matter, Syrian Refugees, and more, click Read More:
- Kathy reminds us about the Heart of the Matter:
- Raffle tickets have been distributed and please SELL SELL SELL. Get the money into Tony and keep track of the tickets.
- Attending tickets are being tended to by Dave, purchase yours now before they sell out. $125 per seat.
- Auction items are needed for the Live and Silent auction. Gift certificates are always popular.
- Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Monica has a digital sponsorship package and would be delighted to share it.
- Beneficieries for the HOM this year are the clubs two international projects, Tulbagh in South Africa and the Dr Njenga orphanage in Kenya.
- Bob told us about the upcoming Rotary Foundation Tax Receipt Auction. It’s coming
- Paul had information about the Syrian refugees. Paul is on the Welcoming and Inclusive New West (WINS) committee and attended a meeting for planning on the upcoming arrival of the Syrian Refugees. There were reps from 12 organizations there including Fraserhealth, Purpose and Mosaic. Most of the alphabet was also in attendance as there was the SD, FSGV, MLA, ISSBC and CNW. There will be 2500-2750 Syrians heading to BC and about 100 to New Westminster. More information will be out in the community paper and Paul would be happy to pass along info.
- Gloria related her experience at the Day of Dialogue. She attended with Monica and will have a full report at our Dec 2nd meeting.
- Paige has news from the Purpose Society that on Dec 2nd there is a breakfast for kids event at the Paddlewheeler. Bring an upwrapped toy and enjoy some pancakes. The proceeds go to Purpose Society.
- Paige is also looking for volunteers to help with the Christmas Hampers this year. Drivers are needed for delivery.
- Dave is putting together 10 kits for the Salvation Army Stevenson House. Mens socks, underwear, hats, gloves, shaving needs, etc.
- Andrew mentioned that the next meeting is election of officers and there are a few openings on the board to fill.
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Posted by Marie Jang
on Nov 28, 2015
Dec 2
Kathyrn MacKerricher
Robert MacKerricher
Rob McCullough
Dec 9
Richard Molstad
Hansi Natzke
Ron O'Genski
Dec 16
Roy Prevost
Anthony Scott
Wendy Scott
Greeter Duties
Greeters are the first point of contact for guests, potential new members, and our members. Making all who attend our meeting feel welcome is the responsibility of all of us as we all take turns being greeters.
1. All greeters should arrive no later than 6:40 am and be prepared to assist in setting up and preparing for the meeting. If a greeter cannot be present for their day of duties, please contact another member to fill in for you.
2. Greeter # 1 will ensure that the sandwich board at the entrance
3. Greeter # 2 will ensure that flags and banners are in place.
4. Greeters should welcome all members and guests and make them comfortable with the proceedings and surroundings, i.e., seating, coffee, schedule of meeting etc.
5. Greeter # 1 greets and sits with the speaker to gather information useful in providing a respectful and meaningful introduction of the speaker and the program.
6. Greeter # 2 thanks the speaker and presents the certificate of appreciation for their presentation. NOTE: The certificate is NOT a contribution of $20.00 in the speakers’ name. We donate $20.00 to the Rotary Foundation in recognition of their presentation at the meeting.
7. Greeter # 3 assists in taking down the flags, banners and places the sandwich board back in Kathy's office.
· Greeters may change duties amongst themselves if desired.
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Posted by Marie Jang
on Nov 28, 2015
The Good Host program is how YOU can get involved - you are invited to help out by meeting, greeting and sharing cultural experiences with our Youth Exchange student. Franciele Henk is here and deserves to see and experience Canada to the fullest.
Good Hosts are designated each week - but also can be anyone who would like to share some time with Franciele - a phone call, lunch, dinner with family, sporting event, cultural outing. However - all who host our youth exchange student unsupervised - even for a day event - must have submitted the YE police check paperwork to Paige Freeman prior to hosting.
To get a hold of Franciele, simply call her on her Cel: 778-829-2532 or email her at francielemelaine@hotmail.com
Franciele is currently staying with The Bartons at 332 Keary Street, New Westminster and you can contact them @ 604-522-3997.
Good Hosts for:
Nov 26 - Dec 2 Ron O'Genski, Roy Prevost, Gloria Staudt
Dec 3 - Dec 9 Susan Stefanyshyn, Lorna Stewart, Robert Whitelaw
Dec 10 - Dec 16 Ken Brewster, Angiola De Stefanis, Paul Esslinger
Dec 17 - Dec 23 Paige Freeman, Sandy Freeman, Carlos Galvez
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Posted by Marie Jang
on Nov 28, 2015
Current total membership - 33
Attending total - 31
Members attending total - 22
Welcome to our guests: Jennifer Njenga (Speaker), Mohammed Murad (Speaker), Nina Hobbis, Giacomo Stocco, Steve Vickers, Lydia Burchell, Jamie Larsen, Richard Prill, Nathan Kousalya.
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