October 26 Meeting

John Block, one of our speakers, arrived before any of our Rotarians.

O’Canada was led by Alan Benson and grace was from Deirdre.

Some tickets to Sip and Savour were handed out.

 

Fab Fourever went well.  Pat thanked Alan for bringing the idea from Hawaii and Deirdre, Renee and others for making it happen.  Approximately 140 people attended.  People sang and danced.  Left over song sheets were given to the band.  It was suggested we do the event again but in two, three or four years – not next year.

 

Pat received correspondence about a basketball show coming in April or May 2017.

 

Sip and Savour is Nov 5.  It will be one of the main events on the peninsula according to Pat and visitor Mary Brunet.  There are now 20 restaurants, over 23 wineries and 2 breweries involved.  There are websites on internet and facebook.

 

Rotary minute – given by Deirdre referred to World Polio Day on October 24.  Polio is still not eradicated but Rotary was so far a main donator.  There were several private donations of millions of dollars.  Deirdre suggested the 5 clubs should have an article in Peace Arch News.  Mary will pass this idea on.

 

Pat mentioned networking with Rotarians and said that Joann was very helpful in his move.

We have been asked to provide a gift basket valued at $75 to 100 for an event on Saturday Nov. 12.

Pat announced that the Canadian Government has provided $6 million of matching grants in the next few years.

 

Rick Singh introduced John Black and invited him to introduce Ozzie Crompton.  John has been a developer and Ms. Crompton was a mail lady.  They showed slides and made a presentation on a program that Semiahmoo Rotary Club is running which provides funds to the South Surrey Food Bank at no cost to people by buying gift cards from Safeway or Save-on Foods which the companies provide to Rotary at an 8% discount.  John’s family matches the discount on cards sold by Rotary.  Visa and other cards can be used.  The presentation told of the need for and programs of the Food Bank.  Donations to the food bank are often garbage.  Cash is very valuable.  Donations have been decreasing.

Geoff volunteered to run the program for our club.  Most families spend over $500 on food monthly so Geoff is looking for members to buy at least $500 of cards.  Safeway is only in until year end.  Super Store is not in yet but is opening in this area and may be approached.