Why I Joined Rotary by Brian Treadwell
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My grandfather served as my surrogate father growing up. He was a businessman, respected community member and an active Kiwanian, serving as club president. I often attended meetings; the “father & son” banquets were awesome.
“Pop” stressed community involvement and so when I was ready to really get into a community (radio by nature made you a gypsy) I was open to an invitation to join Rotary.
It was in the late 80’s that I was invited into the Nisku/Leduc club. I remember helping at a food booth at the Edmonton Air show at Namao. We moved to Athabasca, and I was invited into the club there. Though we didn’t remain in the community for long, I remember going on-air after my youngest son (Pat) had been born (5am) and having Rotarians drop-in on me with presents and good wishes.
It was true. Rotary did run that community!
Back to Lethbridge in ’97 and an invite to join the downtown club. Immediately got on the “Black Tie” committee and grew to know the community in a bigger way. I could see that many potential Rotarians were being missed because meeting times prevented them from attending, so when an opportunity arose to formulate a “Sunrise” club, I jumped on board serving as the Charter President.
I found it rewarding “inviting” good people to join our club and grew as an individual learning more about the wide-world of Rotary and its initiatives, not only in the district but around the world. Spear-heading the Dragon Boat festival was a key initiative of this young club.
Like a proud father, I have delighted in the growth of “Sunrise” to where it is a respected cog in the community while maintaining its “fun” demeanor. Rotary now must move from being exclusive to being an inclusive organization thereby attracting all worthy individuals who wish to give back to their community, country and world.