Service Above Self Awards

Geoff Dean introduced Doxa Journey participants Melissa Mouck and David Mina who are both in their last year at Winston Churchill Collegiate. Melissa plans to pursue a Nursing career at George Brown College while David who is originally from Colombia plans to pursue an International Business Degree at Carleton University.

David learned a lot from his trip to the Dominican Republic. He recalls being touched during one of their English and Geography lessons to local school children. One particular young male student who was in David’s English class repeated every single word he learned the following day in class. Another task included the manufacture of concrete using local techniques to replace the mud floors in homes which was commonplace. Medical supplies were also distributed to local hospitals in great need.

When Doxa was announced at the school, Melissa jumped at the opportunity to attend a 2nd time even though she knew it was a lot of hard work. She always enjoyed helping others and knows it’s her calling in life. On this trip Melissa came to the realization that when you go into a foreign country to volunteer you are not only building relationships with the locals but your physical presence gives them hope for a better future. During one occasion she recalls saying hello to a girl named Candy that she met during a past trip and Candy replied back “Hola Melissa.” These trips have brought out her strong desire to go out in the world and help where before she thought it was impossible to make a difference. Melissa realizes that one can actually help people and make a difference in their lives. She quotes Mother Teresa by saying “if you can’t feed 1000 people then just feed 1.” This trip allowed Melissa to reassess her goals for the future and envision where she can see herself in 10 years.

Calvin Russell, Doxa Director, has brought different groups to the Dominican in the past 12 years. During his visits he is able to see many of the young children grow up and is grateful to be invited back into their homes and even their weddings. Calvin recalls during one trip where a 7 year old girl suffered severe burns to her body during a cooking accident. Locals were unsure about the proper medical treatment. Luckily, the accompanying paramedic with Calvin’s group advised to send her to a private clinic immediately or her life would be in jeopardy. Every volunteer in Calvin’s group quickly reached into their pockets and handed over what they had to save the young child. During the trip this year, Calvin was elated to see the same girl healed from the accident and doing well. In closing, Calvin states that the participants go to the Dominican because they know they can make a difference in the world, a real positive difference and thanked our Club for our financial support.

Attendance

There were 33 in attendance today: 26 were Club members and 7 were guests. Kim introduced Calvin Russell who is with Youth Unlimited which runs the Doxa Program. Ron introduced Muriel Burtenshaw who is here for a special award. Bruce introduced Angela Solomos who is the Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships at Habitat for Humanity Toronto.

Open Membership Classification

There was no classification this week.

Announcements

Gerard Baribeau announced that on Saturday there will be the Highland Creek Heritage Festival. The Club is still looking for volunteers for the parade. Gerard also wanted to wish Donna Worden a Happy Birthday.

Gary MacGregor announced that there are Ribfest volunteer sign-up sheets handed out and that no one leaves today’s meeting without giving it back to him!

Audrey McCaskill announced that she needs to know if you are attending the President’s Night. She threatened to phone you if she hasn’t heard from you! She also needs any photos you may have taken for the President’s photo album gift.

Bruce Petit announced the confirmed Directors for next year’s committees. Club Service – Audrey, International – Sydney, Community Service – Chris, Fundraising – Gary, and Membership – Adam. President Mike and Geoff Dean will share the new Public Relations position.

President Mike welcomed back Ishrani Annamunthodo.

Woods/Cunningham Wheel

Guest Speaker David spun the wheel for the $525 pot and once again Judy held the winning number. The 2nd spin however landed the ‘Jack’ of Hearts!

Sergeant-at-Arms – Gerard Baribeau

Due to the full program there was no Sergeant-at-Arms this week.

Paul Harris Fellow Presentation

Ron introduced Muriel Burtenshaw who has volunteered for the Canadian Cancer Society for the past 52 years and has also volunteered for the Heart & Stroke for the past 30 years. During her younger years, Muriel was able to canvass 15-22 streets in a month but can’t promise that for next year!

Habitat for Humanity Presentation

President Mike handed over the $150,000 Visionary cheque for the 4572 Kingston Road Project to Neil Hetherington, CEO at Habitat for Humanity Toronto. The development will provide 29 simple, decent, and affordable town homes for families living in substandard housing in Toronto. Neil was grateful for our involvement and looked forward to spending time together at the build site.

Celebrations

Scarborough Rotary Club Duty Roster

July 6 to December 28, 2010

THE PEOPLE SHOWN ABOVE HAVE BEEN REQUESTED TO SERVE WITH THESE DUTIES. IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SERVE ON A SPECIFIC DATE, PLEASE CHANGE WITH ANOTHER PERSON ON THE LIST AND ADVISE A MEMBER OF CLUB SERVICE WITH THE NAME OF YOUR REPLACEMENT.

Upcoming Meetings -to update your information, e-mail Gary at garymac@clarkehenning.com

Duty Roster