EXPLORING SASKATCHEWAN SENIORS MECHANISM WITH HOLLY SCHICK!
President Al Hoeft was looking well as he called the gathered Regina Eastviewians, Guests and visiting Rotarians to order. He welcomed all to the last meeting of our Club in 2023. President Al was delighted to welcome to our meeting Rotarian Michel Ndaiyikengurukiye, a member of the Rotary Club of Arusha-Mount Meru, Tanzania, who recently arrived in Regina. The President shared our Land Acknowledgement statement along with our commitment to continue our work at reconciliation and walking together with the original occupants of this land which we share. The President recognized PP Pat Dell for stepping in to serve as MC of the December 9th Rotary Christmas Banquet, while he isolated himself at home. He invited words of Wisdom from Gail Bradley.
President Al invited our Guest Speaker, Holly Schick, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism to speak to us about the SSM and in the process introduce herself. Holly is a true Saskatchewanian having lived her whole life in this province, having grown up in Lemberg, She attended university in both Saskatoon and Regina. Much of her working career has been as ministry personnel in the United Church where she had the opportunity to live and work in a number of communities throughout Saskatchewan. Looking for an opportunity to do something different resulted in her accepting the position of Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism for the past 14 years. Here she has worked on projects and programs that allow various groups to collaborate, address issues and build a positive view of older adults.
Holly's presentation titled, Home Supports Make it Possible to Age in Place, was conveyed using descriptive Power Point slides. She spoke about the changing demographics where in 2020 the number of people globally aged 60 and over outnumbered children under the age of 5 for the first time in history, Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over the age of 60 will increase from 12% 50 22% , and have been dubbed the "Silver Tsunami". Generally older adults are feared as being a burden on Society, but quite the opposite is the reality, rather than a burden they (we) are a strength. Saskatchewan statistics show this "Silver" community which when combining volunteering, caregiving, working in the labour force contributed nearly $1 billion to Saskatchewan's economy
Holly indicated SSM's has a broad range of activities which include; i) Celebrating Seniors; ii) Social Inclusion; iii) Ageism Awareness; iv) Advocacy; v) Positive Aging; vi) Gray Matters; vii) Member Organizations; vii Century Club, These 8 components fit into 4 areas of focus: a) Facilitating Independence; b) Social Prescribing; c) Age Friendly Saskatchewan; and, d) Home Supports, which was Holly’s focus for the rest of her presentation.
Older adults indicate they want to live in their own homes for as long as possible, and this focus is what governments seem to have happen. The barriers to making this happen, is that governments have a four year election cycle which does not coincide with the vision of the aging population. SSM have identified home support initiatives like raising the awareness of the need to expand home supports and organizing a movement to demand action. Creating Real Options like assistance with housekeeping, yard care, minor home renovations and pet care. Home supports are a win-win for everyone involved. Home supports are significantly cheaper than the annual cost of institutional care which can exceed $60,000.00.
Holly shared SSM's Publicity for 2024 which includes: i) more public awareness of the need for Home Supports; ii) Election Readiness; iii) Presentations; and, iv) Information related to Social Prescribing - this being, "a means for health care workers to connect patients to a range of nonclinical services in the community to improve health and well-being". The SSM is asking people to join in the movement. They are creating a community of advocates who are committed to the Home Supports initiative. If you are interested in this opportunity please: 1) Send an email including your name and phone number to: HomeSupports@skseniorsmechanism.ca ; 2) Go to the SSM website: www.skseniorsmechanism.ca ; or, 3) Phone the SSM Office at 306-359-9956.
Thank you, Holly Schick, for your presentation and your service passion.
Holly Schick, Executive Director
Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism
Rotary Leads 28 Sessions at United Nations Climate Conference
Rotary experts hosted more than two dozen sessions at the 28th United Nations climate conference, addressing how a changing climate intersects with health, poverty, and other factors. Rotary International President R. Gordon R. McInally discussed the mental health effects of climate-linked disasters.
The two-week conference in Dubai, also known as COP28 (short for Conference of the Parties, now in its 28th year), is the world’s highest decision-making process addressing climate issues. It brings together more than 70,000 delegates from 197 countries and geographical areas as well as thousands of nongovernmental organizations, companies, and others. Rotary took part in the conference for the third time, highlighting community-led solutions, partnerships, and dialogue.
Recognizing the central role of young people in shaping a sustainable future, Rotary sponsored 12 youth volunteers to attend COP28. This amplifies young voices in the climate discussion and offers the volunteers learning opportunities and international experience.
RI President R. Gordon R. McInally
Rotary’s 28 sessions included presentations by members of various Rotary clubs on issues such as invasive species causing biodiversity loss, community led watershed protection efforts, how artificial intelligence can revolutionize areas like energy, agriculture and disaster resilience. Other sessions focused on food systems, Indigenous land rights, and related topics.
The Rotary Foundation has committed more than US$23.7 million toward environmental projects led by Rotary members around the world.
December 5, 2023 was a repeat of what has happened on in Regina Eastview's service above self calendar the 1st Tuesday in December for decades. Ordered HAMS and Regina Eastview members and friends gather at a prescribed location to facilitate one of the Club's major fundraisers. This year the crew, went to "Mr. Ham King" John Van Koll's place of business, London Drugs in Harbour Landing,
An Assembly Line was formed; Individual ham delivery boxes were created; each ham was lovingly tucked in to a box;, the box sealed (ham inside) by trained "Tape Persons"; boxed hams were stacked on 4 wheel carts or wood pallet; rolled to the left loading dock door; boxes gently transfer to cars, trucks and SUV; and delivered to hundreds of purchaser homes around the city and province.
Member commitment sold something over 620 hams and by my tally 291 hams were donated to Charities in Regina, which were delivered to the respective charity by Rotarians and friends. The Assembly Line participants are pictured below. With the exception of Pat Dell, all the dedicated workers faced the camera - Pat chose to turn her back so viewers could see the "Rotarians At Work" inscription on her T-Shirt.
In addition to those pictured, there were Club and family members involved in delivering these tasty delights to the respective purchasers and Charities. Thanks to all for making this a great Rotary Service Above Self hands-on project.
(l - R) Sam Berg, John Van Koll, Toshi Shinmura, Jayna Amadasun, Ann Grahame, Peter Peters, Pat Dell, Hans Gaastra & Glen Tressel
FELLOWSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
We were so pleased to be joined by a Rotarian from the African Continent - welcome Michel;
The December 9th joint Rotary Clubs of Regina Christmas Banquet was a good event and will be assessed by Club Directors at a future meeting looking how it can be improved.
Sam Berg turned 79 on December 7, and is so pleased he has been gifted with aging gracefully;
PDG Peter Neufeldt was recognized and commended for serving through Rotary, as member of this Club for 45 years - service to this Club and Community, but also beyond to the District Zone and International levels;;
Peter N expressed his appreciation for the support he has received and the opportunities Rotary has provided;
Ann Grahame was at the Canadian Mental Health Association Christmas Banquet, where the CMHA clients received and were overjoyed with the Gifts of Warmth the Club provided, and were particularly appreciative of the card which Ann included with each gift;
Jeanne Alexander was delighted that she had the opportunity to MC the Dickens Yuletide Singers Concert at Government House - a most delightful sharing of talent;
Jeff Barber had Happy dollars because he was able to discuss the Regina Public Library mill rate increase with Regina City Council Budget session before lunch, which is seemingly this is better than late in the afternoon;
Allen Hillsden was thankful for successful knee surgery and recovery;
Al Hoeft spoke about attending the Knights of Columbus Christmas Concert at Knox Untied Church on Monday and Tuesday of this week. The K of C took over the project when the Rotary Club of Regina Stepped away from the project offer 8 plus decades of hosting the event in Regina;
Have a wonderful, safe festive season - Merry Christmas to all.
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"The secret to change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old but building the new."
Socrates.
Today's guests
We were delighted to welcome Michel Ndaiyikengurukiye, from the Rotary Club of Arusha-Mount Meru, Tanzania, Dist. 9214, Zone 22, along with Guest Speaker, Holly Schick, and visiting Rotarians Bob Durston (Neepawa) and Doug Keam (Regina). Thank you all for joining us and adding to the quality of our Rotary experience.
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