Copy of 15 November 2023 RCST Bulletin (May 11, 2024)

St. Thomas-Elgin YMCA

Art Sterling joined the St. Thomas-Elgin YMCA in December 2022 as Funding Director.

He provided us with some very interesting statistics regarding the financial support that the Y gives to its members:

$269,000 in financial support in 2023 to 35% (900) members
$5,366 to send 14 children to Summer Day Camp
44% of members needed financial assistance as of March 2024

The Y's mandate is to provide support, inclusion, and make a healthier community.

In July a new Pool Only pass is being instituted. Unlike 1987, when males did not wear bathing suits at the Y (Nancy had first hand knowledge of this), all swimmers must now wear swim suits. This reduced rate pass will allow many more people to take advantage of the only indoor pool in St. Thomas.

The Club presented a cheque for $10,000.00 to the Y for their summer programs including transportation to the Day Camp.

Arusha and School Wash Presentation

Linda Bass, President of the Rotary Club of Arusha, spoke to the club about the School Wash program, providing clean water and sanitation to local schools in Tanzania.

The presentation has been sent via email to all club members.

15 Nov 2023 Guest Speaker from CCHA

Introduction

President Mark began the meeting with the ringing of the Rotary bell and with toasts to King and Country and Rotary International. Maggie led in the recitation of the 4-way Test. Mark read a quote from Paul Harris.

*Guest Speaker: Allan Weatherall from the Canadian Congenital Health Alliance* With special guest Robbi Howlett of Howlett Consulting Allan gave us a presentation on the work that the Canadian Congenital Health Alliance does to support infant and adult congenital heart disease (CHD). This disease comes in many forms and impacts 1 in 100 babies born in Canada. With evolving technology, many more children are able to survive this affliction into adulthood. This means that support is needed for CHD from infancy to adult. There are only 15 treatment centres in all of Canada with the major one (world-renowned) being in Toronto. Plenty of research is being done to try and understand the cause of CHD and financial support is always needed and welcome. Bill thanked the speaker, noting that a bear would be donated to a women's shelter in the area on their behalf. For more information, visit their website at https://www.cchaforlife.org/
Club Announcements November 22nd - Club Foundation AGM November 28th - Board Meeting by Zoom November 28th - Giving Tuesday (you may have received an email about this) November 29th - Hospice are coming to present and the Railway City Club members have been invited to join (this is instead of Club Assembly)
Happy Fins	50/50 Draw

Our club collected 21 "Fins" today for the Rotary Foundation!	Mark Holmes won the 50/50 draw. Congratulations!!