The September meeting was a smaller group than we’re used to seeing, but given the nice weather, it’s back to school time, and the fact that the third Tuesday seemed to come so early, it was nice to see as many as there was. There was also a glitch in our Newsletter production, so members didn’t get the newsletter to remind them of the meeting. All in all, it was a succesful meething though.
It was an open Mic session, no speaker was scheduled. John talked most of the time, but everyone seemed interested in the discussion. He introduced the new executive that was present, talked about the summer fundraiser picnic we had in July. He touched on the Website & statistics; we’re actually getting several hits per day from many areas, even as far away as Australia. He gave a short talk on the highlights of the UOAC AGM in Ottawa this past August, including talking about the numbers of members, cost of Ostomy Canada Magazine , the new Ostomy Muskoka chapter that was accepted (There is now 49 chapters under the UOAC), discussed briefly the new UOAC website.
John Made it clear that our mission is not to have thousands upon thousands of dollars in the bank , with hundreds & hundreds of members, but rather, our mission is to be of service & assistance to fellow ostomates & there families within the Niagara Region, but in order to accomplish our mission, we need members & funds. He went on to talk about the Wal-Mart Barbeque that Bruce & Cathy host, and how Wal-Mart matches dollar for dollar the proceeds that are collected at that event. A special thanks to Cathy & Bruce, and of course, Wal-Mart.
On the topic of funds, We have to realize that National Office takes $20 out of your yearly membership dues, so we’re left with a mere $5 from membership, it’s easy to see that $5 per yr doesn’t go very far in running a chapter, One of the members raised a motion to increase the membership fee to $30 per year, John provided some stats taken from the Ostomy Canada Website to show our position in relation to other Chapters, motion was deferred till October Meeting, so notice can be put into the newsletter, informing members of the proposed change. All members are encouraged to come to the October meeting to vote on the change.
In hopes of spurring on some members to participate behind the scenes of the General meetings, areas that the executive could use some help and assistance were discussed, There was also discussion indicating that the Executive meetings are being opened up to regular members; all members are encouraged to attend executive meetings.
.
Members watched a short video on Ostomy Canada Youth Camp, John asked for anyone to step up and explore avenues to create funding to send a child to camp. He told the members If someone comes forward to head up the fundraising , and raised enough funds to pay for the registration for at least 1 child ($550) ,( and he made it clear that funds cannot be taken from existing chapter revenues or events),He would put in $200 on top of that, as his contribution towards Youth Camp.
Meeting was then turned over to have about a 20 minute Open Mic Session, everyone enjoyed refreshments and baked goods, and our first meeting of the year is now behind us!
