Yellowknife - September 9

Wayne and I were greeted at the airport by AG Mike Adamchick and Ruth from Yellowknife and President Tom Lakusta from Hay River. We were treated to a tour of Yellowknife. Dinner was at the famous Bullocks Restaurant on the shores of the Great Slave Lake. A feed of fresh fish followed by more touring and a visit with Yellowknife’s Mayor was most enjoyable. Thanks Ruth and Mike for hosting and touring.

After an early morning meeting with President Craig and his Board, Wayne and I were invited to join Craig for a helicopter ride to Cameron Falls and the City of Yellowknife. WOW! The vistas and colours were incredible and we were able to appreciate first -hand the landscape and beauty of this part of the Canadian North.

This energetic Rotary club has established a presence in Yellowknife- will be working on a strategic plan for their club led by Rotarian Darel Baker from the Edmonton Club. One of the areas of discussion will be club expansion – in the North (High level, Fort Simpson, Inuvik, Norman Wells). The club is highly visible and active in the community – lobster dinners,

The rotary meeting was action packed with the induction of a new member, an award presentation for perfect attendance and passing the hat for Juniper s wheelchair fund. Juniper is the daughter of Rotarian Paul who has been collecting coins for wheelchairs.

Rotarians who attended the Montreal convention presented a Montreal Banner to the club. The long list of projects - including Rotary Park and their very strong New Generations Programs are outstanding. Interact is flouring and members are planning a trip/project in South Africa.

Thanks to Rotarian Chuck (and Muriel) and Rotarians who came out for a fun evening of Rotary fellowship and hospitality.

Another highlight of our visit to Yellowknife was the Herc Pull. Sponsored by First Air and Rotarian Kim –members of TEAM ROTARY pulled together to drag the Hercules Airplane a number of meters. The event was timed and the many team entries of this great community event raised money for Special Olympics. Another example of Rotarians pulling together to make things happen in their community! Thanks to Rotarian Roy for sponsoring Team Rotary and raising over $600. The Team shirts were great. Rotarians in bright orange stood out in this crowd.

Thanks for a great trip to Yellowknife!