Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, October 13, 2022
President Jackie chaired the meeting.
She welcomed everyone back to the Glynmill Inn for the lunch meeting. She thanked Gerry and Olaf for chairing the meetings when she was on vacation.
Two guests Valerie Wheeler, wife of Rotarian Brian and the guest speaker Rick Ash were present.
After lunch, program chair Brian formally introduced his guest speaker Rick Ash.
Rick, from the Emergency Disaster Services, (EDS) of the Salvation Army presented on the work and training of the EDS referring to the help given at various recent disasters particularly the most recent one from tropical storm Fiona.
Rick began his presentation by giving the history of the Emergency Disaster Services, (EDS) of the Salvation Army. This service had its origin in 1917 with the explosion in Halifax when help and support were given to those affected. Now this service has grown into an international network involving thousands that are trained to give support both physically and emotionally when disasters strike. The frequency and impact of hazards has increased dramatically in recent years. The Salvation Army Red Shield symbol is a symbol of hope and compassion to all affected when a disaster happens.
Rick went on to speak of different Canadian recent disasters with which EDS has been involved. Volunteers helped in Fort McMurray when fire ravaged the community. Help was also given in 2018 when tornadoes passed through the Ottawa - Gatineau area and in 2020 when there was flooding in Fort Vermillion.
He noted the Salvation Army plays a critical role in all aspects of emergency management. There are four interdependency functions of disaster management in which volunteers are trained. These functions are preparedness, regular training, regular exercises, and implementation.
Rick described the help given in 2020 in Port aux Basques, PAB at the start of the covid pandemic when long haul truckers were provided with hot meals. A team of six went from Corner Brook to assist with the preparation and serving of hot meals to the truckers arriving or departing the island.
He was pleased to show in his presentation the new mobile kitchen received last October. Rick spoke of the many benefits that the new mobile kitchen has. This kitchen is being used now in Port aux Basques. This kitchen was used in central Newfoundland earlier in the summer when the fires prevented people from returning home.
He continued by talking about what is being done to help those on the South Coast affected by hurricane Fiona. He showed some of the pictures in PAB of destroyed sheds, houses, and roads. Volunteers are in PAB helping. Rick spoke of help being given from across the island. He spoke of the many donations of clothing as well as needed food and goods. Clothing had been sorted on Corner Brook before being trucked to PAB along with clean up kits for homes, and other supplies. The greatest need now he stated, will be housing for those whose homes are lost or unfit for habitation.
Rick was thanked on behalf of the club by Paula, herself a trained EDS volunteer
The meeting adjourned at 1.40pm
Note: Rotarians are asked to donate $20 to the club which will be matched by the club before being donated to the Red Cross to help those affected by Fiona. If this donation is made before the end of the month the federal government will match the donation to the Red Cross. Many Rotarians will already have themselves donated to help those affected by Fiona but this way the request of $20 will become $80 from the club.