The Rotary Club was delighted to welcome, in person the District Governor of 5360 for 2022-2023, Steve Leavitt of the Rotary Club of Raymond. Steve was accompanied by his wife Pat, with whom he shares five children and 15 grandchildren. After a few years of virtual visits, it was wonderful to be back to this particular meeting in "live" form.
DG Steve was introduced by AG Keith Walker from the MH Sunrise Rotary Club, who also got his "Imagine Rotary" baseball hat to wear at Rotary events. Steve has been a member of the RC of Raymond for 21 years. He received his Masters degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Alberta, and he has been involved in marketing and agricultural management his whole career.
Steve became a true Rotarian when he experienced first hand the impact of Rotary in the developing country of Uganda. In 2016 Steve and Pat served a volunteer mission of 18 months in St Lucia. In conjunction with their local Rotary Club, they have participated in fundraising and service opportunities on their local Indigenous Reserve.
Steve spoke about the wonderful opportunity to be District Governor, and his recent experience meeting and interacting with RI President Jennifer Jones. ( You may have seen them both in the Calgary Stampede parade). Steve spoke about his vision for Rotary in the District, and talked up a couple of current issues. The first of course is membership, our District membership has declined to approximately 1,500 people. A second current project is the "Move for Polio" campaign, and he encouraged everyone to participate in the Quad Club social on September 1, which will raise money for continued polio eradication.
DG Steve was thanked by acting President Mike Christie and presented with our Centennial Book, a club banner and our "half full" coffee mug.
Thanks to both Steve and Pat for visiting, bringing the annual club banner and pins and joining us for lunch.