Posted by Dan Currie on Feb 21, 2019
 “Be the Inspiration” is the theme of the 2019 district conference, and it could not be more appropriate!  This year we have secured a number of speakers and guests who are inspiring leaders in their own lives, and the work they do to help others.
 
We are delighted to have Mr. Greg Yank and his wife Catherine as our Representatives from Rotary International. Mr. Yank is a member of the RI Board of Directors and a Past District Governor of District 6510. He has a long list of accomplishments in Rotary and in his private life that demonstrate his commitment to Service Above Self. He is a renowned speaker who inspires fellow Rotarians all over the world.
 
You will definitely want to hear our Youth Speaker, Miss Nina Davy, and her amazing story of how, at thirteen, she lost her best friend to cancer. Instead of dwelling on her loss, Nina chose to remember her friend by forming “Jena's Girls” an organization of young ladies that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help fight cancer and support those coping with serious health issues. She is the 2018 Nova Scotia volunteer of the year and may be the youngest Paul Harris Fellow! We have received a number of questions regarding the youth program. You may find the schedule of events here. Please note that the youth registration has been capped at 30 people, so register now to avoid disappointment.
 
On Saturday we will be addressed by Senator Dan Christmas, the first Mi'kmaw person ever to serve in Canada's Senate. His leadership in the aboriginal community has, and continues, to improve the lives of our First Nations citizens.  Through his leadership he has transformed his community of Membertou from one of poverty to a vibrant and successful centre of entrepreneurial enterprise.
 
We will also be addressed by fellow Rotarian Wayne King of Labrador. He has inspired fellow Rotarians with his many special projects to assist those in need in his community, including his spin bike initiative and his annual Christmas projects.  His message is Charity Begins at Home.
 
At our Gala dinner on Saturday our Keynote speaker is Mr. Buhle Diamini. Originally from South Africa, Buhle rose from a life of abject poverty to become a world renowned speaker on managing change.  He has been honoured by Bishop Desmond Tutu for his work and is an author of several books in his field. Buhle's life embodies our theme of “be the inspiration”.
 
But that is not all that is going on at our conference. There will be lots to learn at our strategic planning sessions, training for incoming executive members, and sessions on membership and RI Foundation. We also plan on having fun! On Friday evening we will gather at the beautiful Decoste Entertainment Centre in Pictou for an evening of music with a Pictou County twist, food and fellowship.  And since no event is complete in Pictou without bagpipes, we will be welcomed by a pipe band concert on the deck of the centre.
 
On Saturday evening after our Conference we conclude our weekend with a gala dinner at Summer Street Industries in New Glasgow. Summer Street is a centre for intellectually challenged adults that teaches its clients to reach their full potential as members of our community.  Their story is another inspiring achievement that makes us proud to be part of Pictou County.
 
We can hardly wait to meet you. And as they say in our neck of District 7820 “Ciad Mile Failte” (a hundred thousand welcomes). See you soon!