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President Roger called the meeting to order at 7:07 with 31 Rotarians present and one guest (Peta Hall.)

Bill H shared with us his Rotary Eureka Moment. Bill and Karen bought a farm property on County Rd 1 in 1997. About 10 years later Bill attended a Community Supper at the Anglican Church, where he met Barry. They got to talking and Barry invited him to a Rotary meeting. Bill liked the feel of the club but was still working, going back and forth to Toronto each week, and was not in a position to join at that time. About 3 months later he made the decision to retire, ran into Barry again shortly thereafter and decided he was ready to join. He and Barry became very good friends who had a shared interest in creating a housing alternative for people who wanted to downsize. Bill said he has loved his time in Rotary and the friendships he has made.

Health of Members: Roger reported that Izza broke her arm at the Learn to Curl on Sunday, is in a temporary cast and does not expect to need surgery. He also reported that Cathy was absent today because of a chiropractic appointment to deal with a very sore back. Pierre reported that John has a cough that is interfering with his sleep and will be seeing a specialist soon.

Mary introduced our guest speaker, Peta Hall, who is well-known to our club. Peta was originally from Zimbabwe, where she led a life of privilege, and came to Canada 50 years ago. She explained why she works in Ghana. She was struck by the inequity in Africa and felt the need to help. In the coastal region of Ghana where she works, there was 90% youth unemployment and a desperate need for education. In 2007 she started building the Atorkor School. She raised a quarter of a million dollars over 4 years from people in the County and a family foundation and the school opened in 2011. It has been a resounding success with over 500 students currently enrolled in what is now called the Atorkor Technological Institute. Last year she instituted the Atorkor Graduate Program to enable some graduating students to pursue higher education. $600 funds the academic fees for one student for one year. This year there is another new initiative, providing reusable, washable sanitary bag kits for the female students so they don’t have to miss school during that “time of the month.” $25 will provide a kit, to be made by the local independent businesswomen originally trained by Peta. Peta was thanked by Margo, on behalf of the Club.

Christmas dinner doings: Christine has obtained a donation of beer, wine and coolers (left over from the last Hillier Rec Committee Dinner,) which will be available at our Christmas dinner on the 13^th.

Liz announced that she will take leftover food from our dinner to Leeward House (homeless shelter) in Picton.

Peter advised that his daughter will be running in the London Marathon next year and her goal is to raise £3000 for Alzheimer’s research. He circulated a pledge sheet for anyone who would like to donate.

Liz announced that she was sponsoring one of Peta’s sanitary bag kits and circulated a signup sheet for others who might want to as well. She will amass the funds, donate to our Foundation and ask the Foundation to issue one cheque

Mary’s number was drawn in the 50/50 draw but she did not pick the Ace of spades.

President Roger closed the meeting at 8:12 with the Four-Way Test.