I know I’ve been a little biased when it comes to pushing clubs on campus. I’ve never tried to hide the fact that I shamelessly advocate the Rotaract Club – because of it’s pure awesomeness. Rotaract is the University level of Rotary International, which is a humanitarian group that believes in Service Above Self. So Rotaract here at the University of Lethbridge is committed to helping various local and international groups through fund-raising and volunteering. Cool, right?! It has over 60 active members, who are all just delightful. If you’re looking for a way to get involved in the community, meet new friends, help people, even add to the resume… this is it.
But wait! I haven’t told you the best part. Every year for the past six years, we do a Dinner and Silent Auction night at the Lethbridge Lodge. This event has raised over $100,000 since its inception in 2006, all going to different charities. This year the theme was Siaqtuut – A Journey Together, raising money for a charity in Canada for the first time! The Tasiuqtigiit (Hand in Hand) Society in Iqaluit provides many different services to residents, such as education programs for residents and a bilingual preschool, instructing in English and Inuktitut! It was a very worthwhile cause and we had a great time supporting it.
The adorable programs were shaped like polar bears and the table centerpieces were tiny little Inukshuks. There was also a giant Inukshuk set up for pictures! The places at the tables were marked with little stones, labeled with a word in Inuktitut and the English translation on the back.
In all, the night was a smashing success. The Lodge was packed with guests from the community, mostly Rotarians from Lethbridge’s four Rotary clubs, as well as Rotaractors from the University and other family and friends. Everyone had a great evening and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The silent auction and raffle prizes had everyone excited and feeling a bit competitive! It was a great experience for my second time there – first time as an official Rotaract member – and I am so grateful to the dedicated students who made this happen.
Just in case that wasn’t enough to convince you… did I mention there’s not one, but TWO chocolate fountains? Oh that’s right.