April 13, 2023
Meeting Summary
Presiding: Jamie Terry
Meeting Room setup/takedown and general problem solving: Tom Mangan & Team
Inspiration: Natalie White
Professor’s Quote:
Foundation Flash:
Introduction of Guests: Murray Schroeder
Guests: Dave Hansen introduced prospective members, Natalie White and Anna Cramer
Visiting Rotarians:
Junior Rotarians/RYLA/Young RYLA/Exchange Students: Amanda Nilsson; Kathryn; Kody
Rotaract/Interact Students:
Humor:
Foundation Drawing: Jaime Stine won $10 with $42.50 in the jackpot.
O’Dwyers Drawing: Keith Downey
Announcements:
- Dave Hansen told the club that the elementary students have finished the Read to Feed program. Rotary will distribute the funding for the students to pick a gift on Heifer International. It is not too late to donate. Thanks to: Randi Downham, Kelly Neville, Keith Downey, Steve Morgan, Mattress by Appointment, UniWyo, Riegel Body Shop, Groathouse Construction, Amanda Paul, Tim Eisenhauer, and all Rotarians that gave when the can was passed.
- Caitlin White reminded the club that we are looking for host families for next year.
- Murray Schroeder noted that clean-up day will be May 6.
- Murray Schroeder told the club to watch for information about a bingo night at O’Dwyers.
Upcoming Programs:
- April 27: UW Program in Israel, Caroline McCracken-Flescher
- May 4: Hospital Renovation, Tom Mangan, Karen Saunders, Doug Faus
- May 11: Relative Theatrics, Anne Mason
- May 18: State Engineer’s Office, Jeff Cowley
Rotarian of the Week: Tony Hoch nominated Murray Schroeder for heading clean-up day.
Songs:
Program: ShelterBox, Mike Howe
Introduction: Kelly Neville
ShelterBox is now over 20 years old. The current spots ShelterBox is helping in are Ukraine, Syria, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Burkina-Faso.
The organization started in 1999 in Cornwall, England, with a Rotary Club doing a millennial project. In 2012, ShelterBox named Rotary International its Global Project Partner.
A box has changed over the years to be more efficient. It mainly works to be bring shelter to people. Each box used to have all the supplies in it, but now it has been altered to be more specific to the current disaster.
A few things in the box are a large tent, blankets, mosquito netting, building tools, luminated light with charging station, food prep items, and other needed items related to shelter. The tent can fit about 10 people comfortably.
The response team works with the local community to determine what is needed. ShelterBox was a missing niche in disaster areas because other organizations help with food or medical, but often these people are struggling most with shelter.
The team always goes back in after a disaster to see what worked well, so it can continue to improve.
During cyclone Ide in 2019 off the coast of South Africa, ShelterBox went into a community that was seeing no response help. It used the Rotary network to get invited in and to get stuff where it needed to go. It also helps in extreme conflict areas to help refugees.
In Ukraine, ShelterBox helped a mom of four whose apartment was destroyed in the war. She and her family crossed the border and now live in a collaborative center.
In Honduras, there were two back-to-back hurricanes, so Rotarians helped to bring in Shelter Box to allow people to rebuild homes.
In Syria, there are no Rotary clubs, which made it tricky. Half of this country’s population has been displaced. ShelterBox has been working in this crisis area since 2012.
The organization is run by volunteers. The cost of one ShelterBox is about $1,000.
ShelterBox has been involved in more than 300 disasters in over 100 countries, even in the U.S. It has sheltered over 2 million people.
ShelterBox was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018 and 2019.
The Laramie Rotary Club has donated one ShelterBox for many years.
Response: Amanda Nilsson
Rotary 4-way test
Of the things we think, say, or do:
•Is it the Truth?
•Is it Fair?
•Will it build Good Will and Better Friendships?
•Will it be Beneficial to All Concerned?
‘Response: The Rotary Club of Laramie will make a donation to the public library children’s book fund in the speaker’s name.
NOTE: We Do Not Donate a Book!
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Website: laramierotaryclub.org
Spoke Editor: Caitlin White, 307-630-1965, cwhite@acplwy.org