Trailblazers Presentation

Rotary Club of North Scarborough
Rota-Teller
April 20, 2016

Anthem:   Peter Masson
Grace:   Alan Meredith
Toast: Gerd Wengler

In attendance:     13      (including guests)
Guests:  Justin Brown, Richard West

 

 

 

 

 

Arthur announced the park cleanup this Saturday from 10-12 at Milliken park. Peter Masson will supply hot chocolate. Gloves and garbage bags are provided. We need a good turnout.

 

Fireside is this Friday at 6:00 for a 6:30 start. Directions and entry code to be provided.

 

Basil Dias will be attending a District all-presidents mtg tomorrow night.

 

 

 

Marbelous draw conducted by Emanuel Nwankwo was drawn by Richard West, and won by Carolyn Nicholson

 

The mutant marble was not found and the $5 consolation prize was awarded.

 

Sergeant at Arms. Basil Dias

 

Fines:  Basil was going to ask Rotary questions but said he would not do so, then proceeded to ask where the RI conventional next year. He fined basically everyone and then reminded us that the RI convention is in Toronto in 2018. Then he fined all who were not going to the Fireside or the park cleanup

 

Happy bucks were provided by: Arthur Retnakaran for a visit to Atlanta and seeing the glassblowing exhibit. Jacqueline Smith was happy as she had gotten a new job and starts next week as manager of employer relationships.

 

Today’s speaker, Justin Brown 28, and Richard West 25, of Trailblazers Canada, were introduced by Gordon Brown and they spoke about the work of Trailblazers with a Scarborough Youth Incubator program – directed to low to middle income people, especially youth for their social development. Many immigrants are not well connected enough to develop social networking and youth in this position are even more isolated. Schools do not have the resources. Cultural /language issues abound. Engagement of these vulnerable youth is crucial and must develop over time. They are looking to fill in the gaps and bring youth to a midpoint/compromise position which will reconnect them to society. Assessment, evaluation and feedback are important aspects of their program. They are looking for letters of support, connections to create partnerships with, and funding sources from us.

 

A sound file of his presentation can be found at: 160420_001.MP3

 

Justin was thanked by Arthur Retnakaran for his presentation and presented with an Operation Eyesight Certificate.