Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, June 23, 2026.
President Olaf chaired the meeting and welcomed everyone including the 7815 District Governor Christa (Chris) Hornberger who was visiting Rotary Clubs in Western and Central Newfoundland. Chris spoke at the end of the meeting to those Rotarians who could stay a little longer than 1.30pm.
Guest Speaker:
After lunch Linda introduced the guest speaker Paul Thomey from St John’s. Paul has been for almost 13 years the Executive Director of the Eating Disorders Foundation. Paul began by introducing Olivia Brake. Olivia from Corner Brook is attending Memorial University in St John’s and she will be working during the summer at the new Eating Disorders Foundation office based in the Community Health Centre in the former Western Memorial Hospital, Brookfield Avenue. He explained how excited he was that the Eating Disorders Foundation was going to open this office outside St John’s which became possible because of community support through fund raising. He spoke of the Drive-In Bingo held at the Corner Brook Civic Centre on July 15 and how successful this had been.
The Eating Disorders Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrado, EDFNL has been in existence for 20 years, so this is a milestone year in which to celebrate the family approach to recovery from eating disorders. The mandate of EDFNL is to be a leadership advocacy group dedicated to providing public support services and available treatment services to individuals and families experiencing disordered eating and eating disorders as well as promoting research relating to eating disorders.
The EDFNL was established by the Withers family in 2006 when there were not many services for those with eating disorders. In 2013 the foundation had identified a need for an in-patient service and a 4-bed unit in the Health Centre, St John’s was used for in-patient care. Services have increased over the years. There are now services available in the new Mental Heath Centre in St John’s. The focus now is on family support plus there is a Navigator to help individuals and families understand and assist with treatments. The foundation also gives educational support to professionals.
Paul stressed that the stigma around eating disorders needs to be removed. He noted that for a person with eating disorders that it is not a phase, nor a free choice but it is a serious mental illness which affects all people and its base is not just about food. The foundation provides information about the different steps of the recovery journey, and the support is not limited to a person and family but also offers training, gives skills and supports the belief of a full recovery. There are 3-day coaching sessions, workshops plus a resource centre all aided by a Navigator. All services can be handled virtually and there are a wide range of treatments. The provincial government has invested resources through money and staff with recommendations being made regularly to the provincial Health Minister.
He concluded his talk by speaking of the plans to celebrate the foundations 20th year with new goals, a new strategic plan and a refreshing of the foundation’s brand with new colours and logo. There will also be celebration events.
Paul answered several questions before being thanked by Olaf on behalf of the club.
After a short break Olaf welcomed the 7815 District Governor Christa (Chris) Hornberg. Chris spoke to Rotarians using a short video about issues which are critical to Rotary clubs the world over. She then gave the Rotary theme for the year from Rotary International President Olayinka Babalola, - Create Lasting Impact and his powerful message to Rotarians – “Before we change the world, we must allow Rotary to change us."
Olaf thanked her for coming to the meeting before the meeting adjourned.
