Fellow Rotarians,
 
April is Magazine Month! Our “Rotarian” has been in publication since 1911, spreading the word about Rotary! We share Rotary now through many different social media but there is still a very important role for our magazine. It showcases the work of Rotarians around the world and as President Huang stated, “It engages, entertains, enlightens and inspires”.
 
Personally, I look forward to each issue and read each article, enjoying success stories, following the Presidents’ travels, and just learning more about the Rotary world.   When you are finished reading issues of the magazine, share it with non-Rotarian co-workers, friends, and place it in waiting rooms, etc to help tell our story!
 
Our travels have continued this month; we were honored to attend Moose Jaw Wakamow’s  Global Service Above Self Awards Banquet, celebrating the achievements of several Community members both locally and Internationally ……… their passions are above and beyond! While in the area, we shared at meetings in both the Assiniboia and Moose Jaw Clubs; plus we had a stop at Watrous for more food and fellowship!
 
Thank You to the Rotary Clubs of Saskatoon for inviting us to the 2015 Badge Shield & Star Dinner, honoring very worthy professionals for their achievements,and making the Community of Saskatoon a better place! Special Thanks to Bev and Vic Dubois for hosting us there! The motto of the special guest Speaker Sandy Davis of this event “The highest reward for your work is not what you get from it but what you become from it” parallels, I believe, how we grow in Rotary!
 
The Winnipeg Career Symposium  What an opportunity for the participants! Cudos to the Rotarians of Winnipeg along with their Partners in making this huge event such a success! Thank You Cheryl for the time you spent with me on such a busy day; it was great to reconnect with so many Rotarians in the city!
 
Warm hospitality was a part of the Paul Harris Evening which we attended in Neepawa on April 23rd recognizing Rotarians and Non Rotarians for their generosity and Community work! Information about OUR Foundation was also presented and shared. Thank You President Dave and Bob and Carolyn!
 
Long Term Youth Exchange, Outbound Orientation in Russell April 24-26th was a success, as always! Good job, Leanne and Committee! Our students, parents and counsellors connected so well there, receiving their much needed information while having fun as well! I am so proud of our Youth Exchange Program! 
 
OUR FOUNDATION ………….. Annual giving now totals $141,136.32 YTD.  Continued support is encouraged to continue both local and International projects from this fund. The goal of AT LEAST $100.00 per Rotarian for this year has not been achieved yet BUT we still have 2 months to do it! Let’s get over the top! We have some Clubs that have done very well in this area and you will hear about them at District Conference!
 
MEMBERSHIP ……… Recent data shows our membership has grown from 1513 July 1st 2014 to 1565 on March 31st 2015! ( 52 Members Net Gain! ) Good work and please keep the momentum going!
 
Our Zone 24 West Major Gifts Officer Carolyn Ferguson will be visiting our District. She will be in Winnipeg on May 27th, Regina May 28th, and Saskatoon May 28th Evening and morning May 29th.  Details are being finalized with her and ALL clubs will be notified when these are complete with times, etc for each day. She will discuss Major Giving and the Permanent Fund, and also meet with individuals/small groups for further discussions.
Remember to continue supporting  Polio Plus through our 2 Fundraisers or personal/Club contributions as you wish!    
 
DISTRICT CONFERENCE June 18-21st 2015 A great conference is planned and we are excited to see many Rotarians, partners, students, Interactors and Rotaractors there! We will send frequent updates to everyone through Clubrunner emails!  Detailed information will come via that source, so please stay closely tuned to us there.  Please visit our website as new information is added regularly!
 
We have all been touched by the recent enormous tragedy in Nepal; thoughts and prayers are with the many involved.  Rotary has joined forces with our official Project Partner Shelterbox to supply the much needed cover for these people. District 5550 has launched a fundraising campaign through our Website so please contribute as you are able!
 
 
Thank you for “Lighting up Rotary” in your own way to make our local and Global Communities shine  just a little more!  Lighting ONE candle in a dark corner of the world for even ONE human being makes a difference in that ONE life!