Minutes of June 16, 2014 meeting

Announcements

Golf Tourney-Cyril wanted to thank all the members taking part as well as all those who have volunteered and donated prizes. Looks like it is going to be a great day.

Beer Fest- Anders- 9 breweries and 3-4 bands have been confirmed. Will be selling tickets at the Golf Tourn. Last time our Club sold 130 tickets. Beer will be $1.00 per sample. 4 restaurants will be involved.

Heritage Village Festival- Susan wanted to thank everyone that had helped promote Rotary this past Sat. Thanks to Susan for being there all day!

June 11 Golf Tourn.-David O. mentioned that this event was a great success and looks like enough money was raised to reach our goal for the Jean Do Fund.

Pres.-elect David T.-a reminder of Turnover Night at S. Harris’s home starting at 4:00. There will be a photo booth and we might try and get a picture of each Club member for the website. Rick and Gord will BBQ.
 
Special Guest Speaker- Toni Urbanski from L’Arche- Daybreak

Gerry introduced our special speaker- Toni from the L’Arche. This centre is the first that was founded in Richmond Hill. The term L’Arche is French for Ark and meant to be a safe place for those in need. In 1999 Toni became a volunteer there and now is resources co-ordinator. Toni brought a member ( Tim) to support her.

Toni
Jean Vanier started the Ark concept with 3 men from an institution in France shortly after the second World War in France. Jean had studied to be a priest and realized that one to one contact with the disadvantaged could create a positive environment for everyone.

In 1964 a cottage was rented to start  and these patients wrote about their experiences to friends and family. Soon people form all over the world came to visit or be a part of the community. In 1969 Jean came to King City and a group of nuns offered him a convent and 7 acres of land in Richmond Hill. It was opened to serve people with developmental disabilities. At the start there were 25 people in the convent running the farm. It was noted for its diverse community.

In the L’Arche community all people live together while supporting each other. It is a model of  diverse peoples working together. From 1969-85 it ran as a farm with a bakery and woodery. Today- occupational therapy and physical therapy are offered on a daily basis.. They have a group called Spirit Movers who do artistic performances with the help of their wheelchairs or walkers. They also represent many faith traditions. There are now 8 homes in RH serving 37 individuals.

 Graham thanked Toni for a very informative presentation. He also thanked her for her dedication to working with  needy clients.

50/50 winner- Steve K.