The president ‘sez’

I thought I’d share a few highlights of the recent national meeting of Heritage Club presidents, this year in Calgary.  This meeting is held annually to conduct Club business, and to select new executive members up for election.   Here’s what I thought would be of interest to our chapter’s members this year.

  • Constitution: The ‘Past National President’ position, which was dropped in the mid 1990s, was restored in recognition of the historical knowledge that this person can bring to the current executive to assist them in conducting Club business.  As the second and last National president, I assume this position, and I will be pleased and proud to contribute to the future of the Club in any way I can.
  • Tim McGurrin, Director of Communications, gave a presentation on Canada Post’s mental health awareness.  More than $2.5 million has been raised for the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health over the past two years.  In September 2009, the Foundation dispersed its inaugural grants to 19 community0based non-profit organizations across Canada.  So far, more than $1 million has been delivered to community organizations providing front-line support and care for mental health consumers and their caregivers.  While the demand is huge and the need for help is almost without measure, the Foundation, along with Canada Post employees, are providing encouragement, real support and hope to those working so hard to combat mental illness.  (By-Town members are reminded that this chapter has chosen the Mental Health Foundation as its 2010 cause of choice.)
  • A ’round table’ discussion took place, with delegates brainstorming what works in their chapters and what doesn’t.  By-Town’s decision some four years ago to choose an annual cause of choice, its community service work and efforts with the 7 Womens Shelters and the Shepherds of Good Hope in Ottawa , our annual golf tournament, which also raises funds for a particular cause, and our chapter Scholarship Program were shared.  I described our long-standing regular chapter luncheons, and By-Town’s process for greeting new members.  I also mentioned the chapter’s fresh, new website, which we believe will go a long way toward keeping our members up to date on happenings in the chapter and inspire new members to join and participate.
  • Fred Danells of Van Fraser chapter gave an overview of the Club’s involvement in Canada Post’s Santa Letter-writing Program, and asked the presidents to thank their members for their considerable efforts.
  • Elections:  Bob Emmons and Conway Crozier-Smith were re-elected to their positions as National president and 2nd vice-president, respectively.

Bernie Dixon, By-Town president

(Watch for the official Minutes of this meeting, which should be posted soon on the Heritage Club’s main site under National Executive.)

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