Meeting Summary

Meeting Summary - March 23, 2015

 

Speakers:           Harold and Diane Stephan

Topic:                 Battle River Ranch,  Lloydminster

Introduced by:    President Richard Young

Thanked by:       Rotarian Tyler Morrissettee

 

Harold and Diane Stephan made a presentation on the Battle River Ranch South of Lloydminster, the only one of its kind in Canada. 

 

In conversation with a local farmer in April of '08 Stephan spoke of his desire to establish a business that would teach people to develop their skills (hidden or otherwise) that would build their self esteem and make them happy and productive in their journey of life.  It was than that prayers were answered and the farmer made an 80 acre donation of land for this purpose. As they say, the rest is history.  If  people are happy in their work they are more productive. Stephan noted that more than 70% of people do not like their job but it is necessary in order to make a living for their families.

 

Their Mission Statement is to equipment people with the skills necessary to succeed in the workplace, to cultivate in them a character that contributes to the community and to nurture in them a heart that seeks to honor God in all areas of life, that they may live purposeful and satisfying lives as productive members of the work force, their community, and their church.

 

They offer a different trade skill each day of the week such as Plumbing and Heating, Carpentry, Welding, Mechanics,and  Electrical and then Saturday is Community Involvement Day where anyone can come to the Ranch and help out wherever necessary.  When their course is complete it is the responsibility of the Ranch to find them a job with a good employer so they can become productive,  responsible members of the community.

 

At the conclusion of their talk, President Richard made a $5,000.00 to the Ranch, from the Rotary Club,  as part of his President's project for this year.

 

Auction Winner was Ron Gillies - gift donated by Mike Sidoryk.

 

Upcoming Events:   Me and Rotary - May 9th  This is a one day workshop 9:00 - 4:30 and would be of particular benefit to newer Rotarians. Registration to be done on-line at the District Web Site

 

Sgt-at-Arms Bob Little raised some dollars by way of an 'educational presentation' based on the 50 Things Every Rotarian Should Know.  There is no way of telling if Rotarians left the meeting with more knowledge than when they arrived!!

 

Next Week:   Guest Speaker is Perry Floen, Atco

 

Yours in Rotary

Pat