We had about 26 in attendance for the last meeting in August. President Don opened the meeting promptly at 12:00, greeting members and noting a strong turnout. Members were reminded to “turn their cell phones on again after the meeting” .
O Canada & Land Acknowledgement
Mr. Pearson led the club in O Canada at his chosen tempo. A land acknowledgement followed, recognizing the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut’ina, Stoney Nakoda, and Métis Nation of Alberta Region 3. President Don emphasized: “Our work toward reconciliation will be a long one, and I hope you will join me on it.”
Guests & Introductions
Scott Sword introduced our two guest speakers from Calgary Heritage RC.
Brian Gentles and Brenda Walton
Both were acknowledged warmly by the club.
Breathing Space Initiative
Overview
Brian Gentles and Brenda Walton presented on Breathing Space, a new Alberta Lung initiative designed to support lung‑transplant patients who must temporarily relocate to Edmonton for months at a time.
Brenda’s Personal Story
Brenda shared a powerful account of her sister’s medical crisis, including emergency intubation and discovery of an aggressive emphysema requiring a double lung transplant. “They had intubated her… placed her in a medically induced coma, and they took her to the U of A in Edmonton.”
Her sister’s repeated placement on and off the transplant list highlighted the emotional and financial strain families face.
Patients often must stay 4–12 months near the hospital.
Out‑of‑pocket costs can reach $80,000 .
Edmonton serves a massive catchment area: AB, SK, MB, NWT, and northern BC.
A mini‑Breathing Space already operates successfully in Edmonton, proving the model.
Funding Status
The project is 95% funded and ready to break ground. Rotary clubs are being asked to help complete the final portion and potentially sponsor a designated Rotary space within the facility.
Rotary Opportunities
Multi‑club collaboration
Potential district or international grant
Volunteer support (similar to Ronald McDonald House meal programs)
Encouragement to register as organ donors
Q&A Highlights
Members asked thoughtful questions about:
Lung transplant availability
Donor suitability
Success rates
Patient eligibility and boot camp requirements
Orlin and Debbie McMillan shared firsthand experience of accommodation challenges and Orlin noting: “I would say it’s probably 60% survive more than 5 years… and it’s getting better as they go.”
Club Recognition
President Don thanked Brian and Brenda for their presentation and announced a ShelterBox donation in their names.
Committee Updates
Local Community Service Survey
Results from 34 respondents identified priority areas:
Family & Youth at Risk / Education
Food Security
Senior services, mental health, addiction
Members were reminded to submit funding applications using the guidelines on the club website.
Volunteerism
Terry Felton noted volunteer hours were lower than expected and encouraged greater participation, especially for casino shifts and hands‑on projects.
Recent Support
$2,000 sent to Penticton Rotary for wildfire food relief.
$2,000 provided to help launch the new Indigenous Rotary Club, with Dan Doherty now an honorary member supporting that initiative.
Grants Training
Members were encouraged to complete annual grants training to maintain eligibility.
Announcements
Fall Assembly tentatively moved to October 19 as many me
Volunteers thanked for casino support and meeting duties.
Brian Gentles and Brenda Walton
