Member Health: No report

 

Speakers: The speakers were introduced by Chair Laura.

 

In the picture are (L-R) Alana Hirtle, Steven McCluskey, Joanne Bernard, Martina Munden and John MacDonald.

 

Ms. Bernard has over 15 years of both government and not for profit experience.  Having most recently held the appointment of Nova Scotia’s Minister of Community Services. Prior to serving in the Nova Scotia Legislature, Ms. Bernard established the Margeurite Centre in 2002 before becoming the Executive Director for Alice Housing in 2005. In 2013 she was elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly and appointed to the Executive Council of Nova Scotia, serving as Minister of Community Services, Housing Nova Scotia, Disabled Persons Commission and Advisory Council for the Status of Women.

 

Ms. Bernard has been recognized for her work in the non-profit field, having led Alice Housing to multiple Donner Awards. Professionally she has received the Peter F. Drucker award for Non Profit Management in Canada in 2011, the Holly House Award for her work on the issue of homelessness and in 2015 the Inspire Award for her Public Service.

Ms. Bernard reflected on her days as Minister and her connections to non-profit sector. 

 

She shared a personal story of having a son born who she thought would never be able to play hockey, but one day found herself at Canadian Tire buying hockey tape for him.  It was a very emotional moment for her.  She shared a recent success story of the Easter Seals NewLeaf program where participants made things and sold them at the 2017 Christmas Fair at Scotia Place and the reaction of NewLeaf participants as they began to see people buying things they made at their workshop.

 

Steven is the Camp Director of Camp Tidnish, heading into his second season as Director.  This will be his sixth season working at Easter Seals camps, having worked over 4 seasons with Easter Seals New Brunswick at Camp Rotary.  He noted he has a passion for hands-on experiences, such as living an active lifestyle, exploring the outdoors, and inclusive recreation, which he involves in his approach to camping. A passionate Maritimer, he absolutely loves the work that he does and the difference made in the lives of campers and staff.

 

Steven showed a short video of the 2017 summer experience at Camp Tidnish.  The video included commentary from participants, parents, staff, and volunteers.  Steven noted a considerable number of Camp Counsellors come from Truro.  Covered also was information on camp participants and programs.  Steven presented a list of technology and upgrades in the planning for the Camp, and he invited our club to Camp Tidnish on July 15^th, 2-5:30 for Open House 2018. Their presentation is available as a PDF for those that missed it.

 

Both Steven and Joanne offered several recognitions to our club for the ongoing support of Easter Seals – Camp Tidnish. A certificate of appreciation to the Rotary Club was presented on behalf of the Camp

 

President Alana presented our guests with a cheque for $3000.00. The money was raised at our 2017 Bollywood night.