2019 Capital Region Rotary Integrity Awards

Integrity is defined as a moral soundness, uprightness, and honesty. The District 5370 Capital Region Rotary clubs annually present Integrity Awards to promote high ethical standards and raise awareness of Rotary ideals. The purpose of these awards is to honour adult, non-Rotarian members of the community for their integrity as citizens. Each participating club recognizes one such individual at an annual Dinner. 2019 is the 23rd year of The Capital Region's Rotary Integrity Awards.

 

The Rotary Club of Edmonton West was proud to nominate Dr. Greg Raymond for a Rotary Integrity Award for 2019. 

Dr. Raymond exemplifies the Rotary Four Way Test in many different ways. He is educated and demonstrates tremendous charitable efforts and integrity in his work with Africa Mercy Ship.  Dr. Raymond and his team provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and friendship. He has connected the community of Edmonton with the teams that treat patients in some of the most impoverished parts of the world.

 Dr. Raymond has united a group of people in Edmonton who are using their vocation and passion to work together to improve the lives of others.  Twelve MIC radiologists volunteer on a regular basis, sharing their specialized expertise in areas such as pediatric and neuroradiology CT scans. Other MIC radiologists pitch in on complex cases and all MIC radiologists take a turn at reporting x-ray films from the Mercy Ship. In addition, MIC’s IT experts have been instrumental in making the RIS PACS connection workable, ensuring images generated in Africa can be viewed in high resolution in MIC’s radiologist reporting suites. The front desk staff at Century Park CT/MRI loads every case and notifies the radiologists when there are cases to be reported.

Dr. Raymond’s team are the only radiology group reporting for Mercy Ships and their commitment is unique. They are proud to be part of an organization that is so dedicated to the well-being of patients and humanitarian causes, including those in dire need in Africa.

This was an evening to network with friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. We also celebrated the 30th Anniversary of Women in Rotary! Dr. Stephanie Urchick spoke about the history of women in Rotary.

1911: Women formed the first 'Women's Rotary Club' in Minneapolis. Their application was turned down.

1917: Another group of women in Duluth, Minnesota tried again, this was also rejected.

1921: The wife of the Chicago Club president formed a club called 'Women of Rotary'. Again it was forbidden.

1923: On May 15, The Rotary Club of Manchester (England) proposed the formation of a ladies club. It was defeated, but this is when the 'Inner Wheel' clubs were started.

For many years they fought hard to belong. On June 1st 1977 the Duarte Club in California admitted 2 women into their club. Rotary International terminated their Charter. The club took their fight to the California Supreme Court, citing discrimination. The case wasn't heard until 1983 - they ruled against it. In 1986 the Duarte Club appealed the ruling and won. Rotary International then appealed that decision and it went all the way to the United States Supreme Court. The decision was upheld, and finally in January 1989 women were admitted into Rotary.

I thank and appreciate all of those tenacious women who came before us, who never gave up. Women know a good thing when they see it!!

I was honoured to receive this award at the event. I feel that this belongs to all of the members and friends of Edmonton West because it is all of you who make the club what it is.

So THANK YOU to all:)

 

This year their fundraising Event, The Broadway Gala was to raise funds for End Polio Now. It was a fabulous event with very high class speakers. Dr. Stephanie Urchick spoke about Rotary's efforts to End Polio. Jackie Hobal talked about her personal experience with Polio. Aly Khan Merali talked about the challenges that the vaccination teams face in the Congo. Dr. mark Joffe outlined the history of polio in Edmonton and the 1953 epidemic and the part that the Royal Alexandra Hospital played during that time. The Rotaractors raised $8,000 for the End Polio Now campaign.

 

Our Daytimers have been out and about in the community this past week. The raised garden beds at the e4c community garden needed some TLC. 

 

 

Thanks to Duart, Duane, Vic, Al, Brian and Rob for all of your hard work. 

 

 

In appreciation of all the work we do with e4c they have invited us to their Volunteer Celebration. Everyone is welcome.

Saturday saw the Edmonton West Crew on the side of our section of Highway 16 picking up garbage. It was made easier by our new handy dandy garbage picker uppers!! We filled 24 large bags and we didn't actually finish all 3 km. We still have 1 km to go.....I will be arranging another day soon.

 

Thanks to the Vimy Ridge Interactors who came out with us!!

 

Edmonton West Rotary Club sponsored members of our Interact Club to attend RYPEN last weekend. Bohun sent this photo along with his thanks. He said it was an amazing experience.

District Governor Changeover Event

2018/2019 District Year End Awards and Recognition

Thursday, June 27  at 6:00 pm

Chateau Louis 
11727 Kingsway NW

Please join 2018/2019 District Governor Ingrid Neitsch and 2019/2020 District Governor Tracey Vavrek

for an evening of celebration and inspiration.  

District Awards will be presented and we will hear from2019/2020 District Governor Tracey Vavrek  about her vision for the upcoming Rotary Year.

 

We look forward to seeing you there!

.....doesn't that sound like a 1950's band .....hahaha!

 

 

Jason gave us an overview of the Belize Project that he was part of in February. Members from the Downtown Club, U of A and MacEwan University Rotaractors partnered with the Rotary Club of Belize City along with other volunteers made this a real collaborative effort. The team built 3 playgrounds in schools across Belize City. In conjunction with the build Jason's non profit organization 'Literacy Without Borders' delivered graded readers to the schools. They attended a Rhymes That Bind teacher and parent training session. The trainer talked passionately about the importance of using rhymes, stories, and fun literacy activities to give young children a strong literacy platform and the ability to then learn the basics in school.

 

 

Ada, a member of MacEwan University Rotaract Club spoke of her experiences being part of the team in Belize City. This was the first time she had ever been to a developing country and she was struck by the poverty and lack of amenities. It made her realize how privileged we are in Canada and how much we take for granted. She encouraged anyone who has the chance to be part of future projects to get involved.