Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, April 28, 2022
Gerry, Program-Chair welcomed all to the meeting.
Club Business
Rotary Read A-Long
Kathleen informed everyone that the previous day, she and Olaf had presented a cheque for $500 to the principal, Robert Matthews and reading specialist Michelle Greely of Eastside Elementary School. This money will be used to buy classroom library books.
It is hoped that before the end of the school year Rotarians and friends will visit the school and read to students in primary grades from the donated books. Eleven readers will be needed to do this so when the time comes, please volunteer. It will be wonderful to hold an in-person Read A-Long Event after a break due to covid restrictions.
Program
Program – chair Gerry introduced the guest speaker Mel Dean. Mel is a member of the Rotary Club of Stephenville and is the ADG, Rotary area district governor for Western Newfoundland, District 7820.
Mel began by thanking the Club for the donation made through the Rotary Foundation to give humanitarian aid to Ukrainians. He also mentioned the Corner Brook Club’s donation towards a water, sanitation, and health project in Ghana.
His topic of his talk today was Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene and its importance.
Mel began by talking about water and how in many parts of the world there is a lack of clean water. Many Rotary projects involve providing safe, clean water. He noted at least one child dies every minute from water born diseases and half the people in the world do not have clean drinking water. District 7820 has been involved over the years with different projects to improve this situation.
He went on to the topic of Sanitation and how 50% of the world’s population do not have flush toilets and proper sewage disposal. The Rotary aim is to have proper sanitation for all.
Mel noted Water and Sanitation go hand in hand with Hygiene.
He continued by speaking of WASH. A Rotary Action Group that supports and ensures sustainable long-lasting clean water, sanitation, and hygiene programs to communities in need. One project he identified is one that has helped girls with feminine hygiene products. It has been found that 50% of menstruating girls drop out of school or are away from school when menstruating. He noted Rotary Clubs have helped to supply reusable kits for female students which has made a big difference to the lives of these students. He continued by speaking of other areas of focus of WASH.
Mel finished by speaking of the value of Rotarians donating to the Rotary Foundation and urged all Rotarians to consider making donations to the Foundation.
He answered several questions before being thanked by Gerry.
The meeting adjourned at 1.30pm