Tags
Awards of Excellence in Education, end polio now, Random Acts of Kindness, Rotary clubs, Rotary District 5370, Rotary District Governor, Rotary Foundation, Wetaskiwin
Before we visited Wetaskiwin all I knew about the community was that cars cost less there. Now I know that it has a Rotary club centered around kindness and devotion to their community.
This small group of community leaders have a lot to be proud of. Have you ever heard of the Awards of Excellence in Education? My club ‘borrowed’ the idea from Grande Prairie Swan City and now I have learned that the birthplace of this project came from Bill Milnthorp, past president, Westaskiwin Rotary. Every year, the Wetaskiwin Rotary Club takes time to recognize those who put their heart and soul into helping to educate the younger generations. Award recipients can be teachers, bus drivers, hot dog moms, librarians, anyone who has gone above and beyond to create an atmosphere of acceptance and learning in the school setting.
They are currently getting geared up for their hockey pool fundraiser.
“The 2015 – 2016 NHL session kicked-off with the Rotary Club of Wetaskiwin Hockey Draft. Eighteen teams participated in a draft of the players they hoped will lead them to victory in June when the NHL season comes to a close. The competition for the best players was intense and the rivalry obvious as teams played mind games with their competitors. As usual the teams participated in a pre-game meal that was outstanding and fueled their desire to compete. Participants showed their community spirit by bidding on silent auction items supplied by many Wetaskiwin businesses and companies. The winner of the evening’s 50/50 prize took home $810.00; not what you might win at Rexall Place but pretty good for an evening in Wetaskiwin.”
The funds raised support a number of community groups and organizations as well as the battle to eliminate Polio. Wetaskiwin Rotary was recently recognized by Rotary International for its contributions to the End Polio Now campaign.
One of the most remarkable programs of this club is an emphasis on spreading kindness in their community.
Many Rotary Clubs have a weekly draw. Sometimes it’s a true 50/50, sometimes it’s a chance at a pot of money. In Westaskiwin they do something truly special. Every week a ticket is drawn and the winner gets a chance at pulling out the RED marble from the bag. If your ticket is drawn, you are expected to perform an act of kindness in the community and report back to the club. One member helped two ladies carry their food to their table at Tim Hortons. Another member delivered soup with Meals on Wheels. If you actually pull the red marble, you win the cash jackpot. There’s a catch…you will donate those earnings to a project of your choosing. It might be Rotary related and it might not. The important thing is to spread kindness and support. What a beautiful idea!
Thank you Wetaskiwin for all the good work you do in your community. You inspire me with your dedication to Service Above Self and kindness to others.