It was almost 45 years ago when teenager Earl Dreeshen was presented the opportunity to make his mark in agriculture.
The 16-year-old was sent to Lethbridge by the Rotary Club of Innisfail as winner of its “So Much For The Young Mind” program. Dreeshen, an eager young farm kid, was chosen by Rotary for his commitment to 4-H, his exemplary work at school, and his hard work as a community volunteer.
“To get this opportunity to head down to Lethbridge I had a chance to see the research station there and meet up with a bunch of Rotarians,” Dreeshen. “We had a chance to speak with others. It was a well-rounded opportunity to speak with business people. This is why I have such great admiration for Rotary.”
And this memory that has stuck for 45 years is one very big reason why the town's member of Parliament was an enthusiastic participant at the local Rotary club's 50th Anniversary Friendship Dinner on April 23.
The dinner, held in the auditorium at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 104, was packed with up to 250 Rotarians and appreciative members of the local business community who paid up to $95 total admission for the evening's dinner, entertainment and raffle.
It was an evening of joyous camaraderie, and of proud reminiscing while enjoying a top-of-the-line dinner catered by the legion's Ladies Auxiliary. As well, the audience enjoyed a lively comedy show that was bookended by the countdown of a reverse draw offering cash prizes – including the finale worth $1,500 to the top winner.
“We had to celebrate the 50th anniversary and hope it will carry on. We put out extra prize money this year for the event we wouldn't normally do and we had a good turnout,” said John Newsham, friendship dinner chairman.
More importantly though, the annual dinner has always been one of the local service club's most important fundraising events. Thousands and thousands of dollars was raised on April 23 that will support local youth as well as important community projects.
“The money will go to things like the school band, sending students to Ottawa for four or five days to learn about Parliament, or for students interested in an agriculture career,” said Rod Bradshaw, president of the local Rotary. He also emphasized the service group's ongoing commitment to the community with projects like last year's new $10,000 pole shelter for the historical village's picnic table area, the music program at the Innisfail schools, the new speaker system inside the legion auditorium and the current community trail project at Napoleon Lake.
And all of this is done with quiet humility, reflecting Rotary's cherished motto, “Service above Self”.
“We tend to do things without blowing our horn, so to speak. On many occasions we tend to do it quietly and let it be done,” said Newsham. “We are starting to put our brand or label on some of the projects we've done.”
But what mattered most was the coming together to salute the club's ongoing and tireless efforts to support the citizens of Innisfail.
“It is great this organization has been able to keep the community together,” said Dreeshen. “They have done so many things for Innisfail and Central Alberta.”
