RoTell - June 9, 2021

via Zoom, faster than a dozen speeding huskies

Editor: Scott Vetter, Assistant Editor: Rosemary Parker, Photographer: Robin Spencer

Rosemary led our meeting with a prayer for the Salman family that was slain on Sunday:

Dear Lord,

We come before you today with heavy hearts following the senseless act of violence that occurred to an innocent Muslim family this past weekend in London, Ontario. It is absolutely shocking and horrific that this type of racism and hatred is occurring in our communities. As Canadians we must stand beside our Muslim brothers and sisters and create a country that is safe and secure for all our citizens.

The names of the victims have been released and it is important that we hear those names today;

Salman Afzaal, father, his wife Madiha Salman, their daughter, Yumna Salman and Afzaal’s mother. Their nine year old son, Fayza is still in hospital suffering serious injuries but is expected to survive. We bring Fayza before you now and all people who are mourning the loss of this family. We pray for comfort, strength, and peace as we begin to heal from this irrational tragedy.

Psalm 34:14 urges us to “depart from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.”

Calm our hearts and let your love flow through us today.

Announcements

Dave Gough was contacted by West Ottawa Rotary Club to ask for our help in assisting them with their ‘Mums’ fundraiser this year. Dave politely told them our club would not be participating but we, as individuals, are still encouraged to order mums if we so chose.

Golf Tournament: Chris Meecham’s girlfriend has had a serious concussion and he will not be available to help with the golf tournament until next week. We wish Chris’s girlfriend a speedy recovery.

Dave is proposing we have a 9 hole golf tournament on Monday, 20 September 2021. More details to follow at our next meeting as the entire meeting will be dedicated to discussing the golf tournament.

Bursaries: Joan has signed all the certificates for our bursary winners and Janine will deliver the certificates and bursaries to the schools this week. We would like to thank Jeanine for all her hard work on this initiative.

Realize Your Dreams

Guest Speaker – Tanya McCready of Winterdance

Tanya gave an impressive and inspirational presentation on her husband, Hank DeBruin’s first 1000 mile Iditarod Dogsled Race in Alaska. She took us on their gruelling journey from Haliburton, Ontario to Anchorage, Alaska.

Hank had 16 powerful dogs on his team. At the start line, ready to unleash 800 lbs of power, he was finally ready to realize his dream after 13 years of hopes, aspirations and intense training. Part way through the race he ran into trouble, he had gotten his feet wet and with temperatures down to -60 degrees, this was a serious issue. He suffered frostbite and this attributed to him withdrawing from the race.

It was a devastating failure for Hank. Upon their return home, Tanya witnessed her husband turn into a man she did not recognize and in a moment of desperation she suggested he compete in another race.

He decided to race the Yukon Quest, 1000 mile cousin to the Iditarod, and prove to himself and his family that he could do this and be successful. Hank found the strength and courage to complete the Yukon Quest the following year. He also went on to race the famous Iditarod and finish. The message Tanya wanted to leave with us was "Go for your dreams and don’t let your failure defeat you."

Tanya and Hank have written two books: ‘Iditarod Dreamer’ and ‘Journey of 1000 Miles

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Rotary Club of Ottawa South members were inspired and entertained by Tanya's tales of the Iditarod.

Do you have tickets for the 2021 Somali Hope Foundation Gala?

Share the excitement with the first graduating class of the Hope Academy - celebrate their achievements at the June 19 virtual gala.

RoTell - June 9, 2021

Announcements

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