OTTO AND FLORENCE DRIEDGER--COMMUNITY PAUL HARRIS FELLOWS!
Today was a special day at Eastview. Two deserving individuals, Otto and Florence Driedger, from our Regina community became Paul Harris Fellows. Individually and as a couple the Driedgers have dedicated their lives to service above self. Both are social workers by profession. Otto was directly involved in the creation of Ranch Ehrlo and the Faculty of Human Justice at the University of Regina. He has decades of involvement with Correction services at the provincial level as well nationally. Florence and Otto's involvement in establishing Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) in the late 1990's spread throughout Saskatchewan and eventually resulted in the establishment of CoSA Canada. This organization establishes 'circles' of friends around released high risk individuals who were convicted of offending sexually. Research has shown that individuals who elect to be involved in a friendship circle with 4 or 5 community volunteers (a CoSA Circle) are 80% less likely to re-offend than a similar offender who does not have a circle.
The Driedgers also co-pastor an inter-cultural, small house church in Regina which began in 1986. Peace Mennonite is a faith home for people from many places around the world and persons seeking a faith community.
Over the past 30 years, the Driedgers have hosted international volunteers and refugees in addition to other service work. On the international side they have assisted persons in Zaporizhzhye, Ukraine in their service to children with disabilities and their parents. They have worked with the local University to assist communities to deal with conflict. They have been granted honorary degrees by a grateful University. Along with local volunteers they have established a program to assist the elderly, particularly widows and developed a safe community.
PDG's Peter Peters and Doug Mortin were in the Driedgers' home and presented the Paul Harris Fellows to each of them. Florence and Otto provided stories about their work and their gratitude to Eastview for the honour they received today.
We were happy to have in our midst, Eva Vida, Vice President of The Rotary Foundation of Canada from the R. C. of Winnipeg, Bob Durston, District 5550 Foundation Chair from the R. C. of Neepawa, and Carole Bryant, Assistant Governor from the R. C. of Regina. Eva gave a message of congratulations to the Driedgers and noted that Rotary International is developing plans to assist Ukrainians in these difficult days. Thank you Eva. That is what Rotary does.
Thank you Doug and Peter for acquainting us with the Driedgers. Congratulations Otto and Florence. You exemplify the ideals of Rotary. This was a very good day at Eastview.
Florence and Otto Driedger with Peter Peters
The Driedgers are deeply saddened by events in the Ukraine. They have worked there over the years to improve the lives of handicapped children and have been recognized by the University for their efforts.
Florence, Otto and PDG Doug Mortin--all are with CoSA as is Peter Peters
Jean-Marc with Homaira and Gul Ahmad Ayubi who arrived with their family from Afghanistan and are now permanent residents of Canada and are making their home in Regina.
Jean-Marc met Homaira and Gul Ahmad Ayubi and 7 other family members at the Regina airport this week. They had been in Greece after fleeing from Afghanistan. Homaira was an MP in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and her husband is a physician. Jean-Marc is dedicated to helping this family who came with the clothes on their backs, leaving everything behind. If there is a way anyone can provide assistance, it will be appreciated. The adult family members are: Jamshid, Muska, Parwiz, Basira, Arash, Khesrow Jalalzada and Negina. Jamshid joined the meeting today. Welcome to the Ayubi's. You have a good friend in Jean-Marc.
The Ayubi family
The Family of Rotary
Birthday announcements included: Peter Peters on March 1, Ted Kent on March 2 and Doreen Pankewich on March 5 having a happy birthday on a warm sunny beach. Hope all had a good birthday.
FELLOWSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
In the absence of Sergeant Richard Schwan, President Pat did double duty and took on the Sergeant's role. Jean-Marc offered $10 in anticipation of an unknown transgression.
John Van Koll was fined for not being around.
All were fined $2 if they weren't wearing their Rotary pin.
Because it has been a sad couple of weeks, the acting Sergeant asked for those who had done good deeds this week: Zack and his wife have been helping a friend, who has seven children, with some housekeeping tasks; Ryan bought flowers for his mother-in-law who helps them from time to time; Al officiated at a niece's wedding. In the good deed/Happy buck area was Jean-Marc for meeting with the Ayubi family and he and colleagues are organizing a project to help the people of Ukraine; Tania prays for a miracle for the Ukraine.
As we go about our week, the people of Ukraine will be in our hearts and minds.
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