November 9, 2023 – Guest Speaker- Brenda Small, Operations Consultant, Gift of Life International
Brenda returned to Canada in September 2020 after living in California for 27 years. Brenda has been a Rotarian since 2006 and has received five Paul Harris Awards as a result of her work with Gift of Life.
The birth of Brenda’s youngest daughter changed life as it was forever. At just one week of age, she was diagnosed with complex heart disease. Doctors delivered the heart wrenching news that she would not survive her first birthday without receiving corrective heart surgery. Thankfully, the surgery was a success and Brenda had a new purpose in life. Following her daughter's surgery in 2002, Brenda began to raise funds to help children in need with heart disease. In 2006 Brenda joined Rotary and also founded the Los Angeles chapter of Gift of Life where she held the position of President until 2021. In 2012, Brenda was hired as the Assistant to Gift of Life International CEO, Rob Raylman. Brenda has worked Full Time for Gift of Life International for the past 11 years. She also implemented the Gift of Life Nutritional Assistance Program in El Salvador in 2008. Brenda currently resides in Stoney Creek, ON and holds the position of Operations Consultant for Gift of Life International and feels blessed to be able to save the lives of children in need each and every day.
Brenda’s presentation outlined the beginnings of the organization in 1975, the affiliation with Rotary International, and the milestones and impacts for nearly 50 years.
Here is the link to an inspiring short video. https://www.youtube.com/
