The Rotary Club of Oak Bay

Program for March 13, 2007, reported by David Maxwell


Kids Kits packing day - photos courtesy Jim Force.

Pres. Tav., back from skiing, opened the meeting by asking Tom Lidkea to play O Canada and Steve Harthill to say grace.
Visiting Rotarians & Guests, introduced by Brian Lamb
Don Dudley, Brighton, ON., Eng. Tech.,
Chuck Newarsh, Calgary, S/A;
Ross McLaughlin, Harbourside, Small Business.
Jennifer Owen, Guest Speaker, was guest of the Club;
Lara Chay and Simon Leung were guests of Pablo Diemecke.

Sergeant-at-Arms Mark Bedford was in efficient mood today with a multitude of Fines for most people in the club. Mark even began by fining himself for not being able to help out with the kits of kids. John Edgill was Mark’s asst. on the teapot shaking down the members for loose change. Fines included: Early leavers and sign in omissions from Giles, Jan, David Philip, Tom and Jerry. Volunteers for the kids kits were fine free for the rest of the day. The club would therefore lose significant contributions from the usual fine recipients like Ron Cooley! All those with a hint of Irish in their blood were fined for St Patrick’s day. The Scottish in the crowd rejoiced! Carl was fined for missing his duties in the 50/50 draw administration. Fortunately Carl did not win the draw which was won by the Treasurer Brian Lamb.

Happy Dollars were donated by Barbara who was happy to be back; Jack was happy to be going to PETS and said he would come back a new man; Tav for skiing at Whistler. We sang Happy Birthday to Anne who carries her 39 years very well!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Dave proudly presented yet another Paul Harris plus 2 stones to Victoria Pitt. Dave informed the club that we are still #1 in Foundation giving in total dollars and per member giving.
2. Steve Harthill was recognized by President Tav for bringing in a new member. Well done!!
3. The fireside chat has 27 people attending on March 21. This is a great opportunity to learn about the aspects of Rotary you never knew about.
4. Jack asked for Photographers for the meetings as the job is too big for 1 person
and Tricia is currently away.
5. Tav reminded everyone to get their Polio contributions into Joan through the envelopes
handed out by Joan. The suggested donation is the cost of 1 meal.
6. The Kids kits needed to be filled after the meeting. Lots of support was volunteered to contribute towards the 400 kits to be sent by Victoria. Well done Jim Force!

Guest Speaker, introduced by a surprised Tom Lidkea (read the duty roster, Tom).

Jennifer Owen spoke about Big Brothers & Big Sisters.

Here are some highlights:
♦ Worked with Kids for 25 years
♦ Kids form the future of our society
♦ Many challenges for kids today and the community support does not always seem to be there as it was years ago. Kids need more adult interaction. It was suggested that kids only get 12 minutes per week of direct contact from some parents.
♦ Adult support or interaction with kids helps to decrease the costs within our society such as healthcare, police, education, housing. Kids who get this interaction are more likely to finish school, rely less on society support, get involved in crime less etc.
♦ Big Brothers and Big Sisters has been around for 80 year
♦ Is in all communities in Victoria
♦ Supports 23,000 kids in Canada between the ages 7-17
♦ The goal is for any of us to provide 1 hour per kid per week
♦ Mentors can be from 19 years old to 100!! You just need to have some spare time. It is not costly but for every dollar invested the payback to society is 7x!
♦ Kids are referred to BB BS by schools and parents. Most come from low resource families
♦ Training is provided by BB BS to all mentors.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters is divided into three main areas.
1. Dontations of clothing and furniture that is resold. This brings in 200,000$ per year to the group
2. Community events raise funds as well such as the chocolate fest and golf tournament.
3. Community programs are provided such as:
-child/mentor relationships
-group programs
-couples mentoring
-school mentoring
-summer camps
-workshops such as violence against women, higher levels of training for mentors
BB and BS are taking applications for Mentors!!. Resources were available after the presentations. Jack thanked Jennifer for a very enlightening presentation.

	April 14th - Don't miss the Annual Palm Tree sale at the Municipal Hall - 9:00AM.