Club Fireside

Posted by Mike Storey

on Apr 26, 2013

On the evening of April 25, President Ray hosted this year's first Fireside Meeting in Tsawwassen. It was well attended with 13 Rotarians and 5 guests.

This Fireside is an introduction/familiarization meeting about Rotary for "new Rotarians".

President Ray started the evening off by hosting a wine and appetizer bar, then introduced a Rotary International video showing the changes Rotary has made to Rotarians and the changes Rotary has made around the world.

The first speaker was Past District Chris Offer and he spoke on some of the international aspects of Rotary including his recent trip to South Sudan where he was a Rotary observer.

The technical advisory group which manages polio eradication in the Horn of Africa were concerned with the quality of polio data from South Sudan. They wanted a team on the ground to assess the polio campaign even though no confirmed polio cases have been reported since 2009. The strife in South Sudan made obtaining reliable information difficult. South Sudan, one of the world's poorest countries, has had more than 20 years of devastating civil war, leaving millions in refugee camps.

After two days of planning and security briefings in Juba the ten team members from WHO, UNICEF, CDC (US Centers for Disease Control) dispersed to their assigned area.

Chris travelled with Dr. Ann Buff from WHO on a UN flight to Rumbek, landing on the dirt runway. Their task was to examine medical records in very isolated medical clinics to see if all suspected polio cases are reported. Chris also wanted to see how Rotary's polio eradication dollars are being invested and what recognition Rotary receives.

The early hint of polio is children with paralysis of legs or arms. Childhood paralysis has many causes, however it is important that every case is examined to eliminate polio. When a paralysis case is reported a health worker bicycles, often 50 km or more on dirt roads to collect stool samples from the child, their siblings and from children in the village. The samples are flown to a lab in Kenya. If the sample is positive a mass immunization program is launched.

Chris met amazing dedicated medical staff at very remote clinics operated by government, NGOs, religious groups and traditional health workers. They work with limited infrastructure in tough surroundings to eliminate polio.

The conclusion is that suspected polio cases in the areas we were able to visit are being investigated. However, due to security concerns such as landmines, violence and the vast transient population they were unable to visit all areas and cannot confidently conclude there are no polio cases in South Sudan.

Chris found the Rotary wheel on local polio posters, banners, hats and shirts. The people of South Sudan may not always know what Rotary is, they do know Rotary cares about their children.

Chris came away with deep respect for WHO and the local health clinic workers. These dedicated people are a key component of polio eradication. They work under unbelievably difficult conditions to get the job done. Rotary is privileged to have such partners.

Rotarians should be confident that their dollars are being well spent and well managed in South Sudan

The second speaker was Past District Governor Sonia Baron who spoke on Rotary VTT (Vocational Training Team) and on Rotary Fellowships.

A vocational training team (VTT) is a group of professionals who travel to another country either to learn more about their profession or to teach local professionals about a particular field. Under Future Vision, Rotary Foundation district, global, and packaged grants all support VTTs, but each grant type has different requirements.

Rotary Fellowships are autonomous, international groups of Rotarians, Rotarian spouses, and Rotaractors who join together to:

Share a common interest in worthwhile recreational activities (sports, hobbies, etc.)

Further their vocational development through acquaintance with others of the same profession

Make new friends around the world

Explore new opportunities for service

Have fun and enhance their Rotary experience

A list of Rotary Fellowships and their websites can be found at this link: Rotary Fellowship Directory

The final speaker of the evening was Past District Governor Leo Nimsick who spoke on his 49 years in Rotary, how it has changed him and he spoke on TRF Canada; the Rotary Foundation Canada, our charity. Leo spoke of how the Rotary Foundation supports Rotary programs through out the world by providing funding for local community projects and international projects.

This Fireside was very successful in educating the newer Rotarians in our club and encouraging them to use the many resources we have in Rotary. Rotarians make a difference in their community and around the world.