Rotary International District #5360 – Rotary Club of Medicine Hat Sunrise
September 1, 2009 – DG Visit
Club Address / Excerpts:
DG Steve was born in Calgary, earned his Bachelor of Commerce and became a Certified Accountant. He has 3 children and 2 grandchildren. This was his first visit to Medicine Hat since the early ‘90’s.
Steve toured the Medalta Potteries exhibit on Monday and was very impressed and noticed the contributions the three local Rotary Clubs as a Centennial Project. He congratulated our club for it’s growth in membership - more than doubling our membership in 12 years.
Steve asked us why do we become Rotarians? He said for himself, at first, it was an opportunity to network but found he had a love of service, getting a chance to meet with world leaders and helping our local community. He leaves a meeting feeling energized and how each club has its own culture but our goals all remain essentially the same. He also spoke about how Rotary has become more diversified over the years, specifically with the introduction of female members. He noticed the Sunrise club many female members. One and a quarter million people around the world are members of Rotary
International and it is our values that bind us together.
Steve talked about our Four Way Test and how few organizations have been able to match the power and simplicity as a standard of ethics and how these values are more relevant today given the ethical woes of recent economic times. He related what makes our district strong in Albert & Saskatchewan: Community Spirit, integrity, honesty - actions speaks louder than words.
DG Steve touched on the success of our Polio Plus program and the 99% reduction of polio in the world. Eradication is the only option available to us as containment of Polio is simply too expensive and will only cost lives. Because of our commitment to Polio Plus, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged $350 million dollars to Rotary International and that our club is participating in the required commitment from all clubs to Polio Plus.
DG Steve congratulated our club on our international projects and our Community support:
· Mexican School Projects ( He commented many clubs are now focusing there efforts into one geographical area and making a difference)
· Shelter Box support
· Over 20 community donations
Steve closed by encouraging us to attract more members and grow our club.