One of the great things about having new members in the club is hearing their Classification Talks, where they speak about their family, their employment history, their personal story and passions. Today were were privileged to hear from two new club member, who happen to be spouses, about their journey to being members of our Rotary family.
First, Sharon Haywood, currently the Executive Director of the YMCA spoke about growing up in the Prince Albert area, living on a grain farm and attending a rural school. Living in this community introduced her to income inequality, racism and social injustice. It was probably a key to her future career path.
In her teens she was active in Scouts Canada, and was a debate champion in high school. She went on to work for the Heartland Health Region in Kindersley, she was the Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association for five years and then in 2016 joined the YMCA. In her tenure the Y has doubled its impact within the community. She has one daughter who is now 11 and when she has time loves to ride her Harley.
Kevin Walcer was born in Fort St John, but moved to Burstall, Saskatchewan when he was quite young. He has two younger sisters and his Mom and Dad now make Medicine Hat home so family visiting is simple. He was also involved in Scouts Canada, which taught him leadership skills and combined with a family ethic of hard work and service has stood him in good stead through his various careers.
Kevin was the youngest EMT in Saskatchewan, doing that job while he attend Grade 12. He got a nursing degree in Veigerville in 1988 and was working at Holy Cross Hospital and then moved to MH Hospital in 1991. He obtained a Bachelor of Nursing in 2000 at the MH College and has since become an instructor at the College. He has three daughters, loves to golf when he gets a chance and try's to keep up with Sharon on another Harley.
Welcome to Rotary both of you, it was fascinating to hear your stories and we look forward to all the things you can do through Rotary for our Community.
Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3T8
Canada