Our club on this day of celebration in France had a busy and interesting meeting.
Mihaela Craciun made her classification presentation and delivered a most interesting story. She was 18 years old when she left Romania to visit her Grandmother in Flin Flon in Northern Manitoba. She said she was in awe of the landscape and the people in this new world for her and with the help of her grandmother, she was granted a visa to study at the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Science.
There she met her husband to be and was very proud to say that he worked hard to help her through her study by working three jobs to afford completion of her degree. They moved back to Flin Flon where she worked as a Chemistry professor for nearly 18 years. By then her husband convinced her that it was time for a new experience and sold the house to move to Medicine Hat where she is now Manager of Programs at SAAMIS Immigration.
Mihaela loves to give back to the community. Like many young Romanian girls, she became an accomplished competitive gymnast and did not hesitate to form a new club in Flin Flon and has been a strong supporter of gymnastics in Medicine Hat. Moreover, in her role at Saamis, she is proud to show new Canadians that they are welcomed in a 'safe place to be' for their family to grow and prosper.
At the end of this vey interesting presentation, Sandy MacKay presented her with a Paul Harris Fellow certificate and pin. She feels this is a great start for her to continue to give to her community.
The second presentation by Alain Guerard was a summary of medical equipment supply activities in Ukraine as well as presenting a picture of the scope of efforts needed to assist people experiencing war conditions.
As there are many initiatives by Rotarians world wide, Alain will continue to work with others and provide as much support as possible where required.