Why I Joined Rotary by Wayne Brewer
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What is really important to understand is that had Ray Van not invited me to attend that first Rotary meeting I likely would not be a Rotarian today. I was new to Winnipeg having just been transferred there and was trying to establish a network of friends and business associates. Ray, as it turned out, after I got to know him, was very committed to bringing out new members, and had brought in many to the Winnipeg Club. Ray was also a Paul Harris Fellow and had attended Rotary meetings and conventions all over the world in his business and vacation travels.
I think back to when I first joined the Winnipeg club…. the reasons were not entirely unselfish. Ray said there were a number of very successful business owners and professional in the club, which were all great prospects for a good banker!!
When I joined Canada's first Rotary Club, being under age 50, I comparatively brought youth to the Winnipeg Club membership!! I learned I had just joined the club that made Rotary international as Winnipeg was the 1st club outside the USA. I had in the past been a Kinsman Club member, a Cosmopolitan Club member and had been involved with a variety of non-profits so my expectation was more of the same. What surprised me was the size and scope of Rotary and the level of personal commitment and conduct of the membership. The four way test along with the Rotary prayer (grace) and service above self all made being a Rotarian quite a compelling proposition. The sincere welcome I received at Rotary by many members along with the interesting guest speakers made attendance important to me. As I became involved I noted that while the level of affluence and influence was astounding, it was truly exceeded by genuine respect and kindness the members had for fellow Rotarians. As time went along I learned more about the depth and reach of Rotary worldwide and the accomplishments of Rotary International. The Winnipeg Club was not a prolific fundraiser but was without a doubt a very effective and connected part of the community. The club had several social events and hosted a curling bonspiel that was attended by several clubs from around Manitoba and Minnesota. We had a sister club in South Carolina which did annual visits to Winnipeg. They stayed with our members and we sent a group down there as well. All of these activities made being a Rotarian a source of pride and lot of fun.
When I moved back to Lethbridge and was visiting with Greg Weadick, I learned about the Sunrise Club. He offered to bring me out as his guest. After a couple of meetings I became a proud member of the Sunrise Rotary Club.
Wayne Brewer