On October 11, the Club’s Community Services Committee hosted its first University of Alberta student dinner on October 11th at St George's Anglican Church. The objective was to provide a meal to students experiencing food insufficiency. This was the first event of this kind for the Club. Several students attended and enjoyed a wholesome meal.
Rotarians Lindsay Robinson and Sheila Hagan-Bloxham, assisted by Rev Maddie Urion, prepared the meal of rotisserie chicken, mini potatoes (generously donated) along with carrots and a salad. Seven Rotaract Students from U of A provided the serving. They also made a short presentation on what a Rotaract Student is, and the objectives of Rotary (such as improving life in the world through support of many humanitarian causes).
Rotarian Sheila Hagan-Bloxham, had opportunity to speak with a young man who had just arrived from China. He expressed feeling unconnected to family and home. Sheila was able to connect him with another student from China and within minutes their phones were out and they were exchanging information. Following the Rotaract presentation, several students were inquiring about when the next Rotaract was being held.
A second dinner is now being planned for November 15th. Though it is reading week it is expected that the students in need of this service will still come.