Canada

M. Isabelle Butters, Past Board Members, QI of Weyburn, Saskatchewan

"Quota means sharing, service, friendship, and fellowship, and I have enjoyed all of these things in Weyburn, in the 11th District, and in Quota International for over 50 years. I was the youngest member when Quota International of Weyburn was organized by Mrs. Mutchmor in October of 1953 and when chartered on April 24, 1954, by Clara Mason, past president of Fargo, North Dakota.

"The 50th Annual Quota Festival of Christmas Carols was held December 7, 2003. I have been involved with all 50 festivals. That is one of the highlights of Quota, for me."

Ann M. Keating-Morrison, District 18 Secretary/Treasurer, QI of Collingwood, Ontario

"I joined Quota four years ago, when as a military member, I was transferred to the Collingwood area. I have been involved in community service across Canada for 30 years. I have worked with the Big Sisters, Alcoholics Anonymous, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, seniors homes, the Canadian Red Cross, the United Way, Military Family Resource Centers, and the Canadian Institute of Management.

"In my volunteer experiences, I never really gained a sense of friendship with the volunteers. I did what had to be done and went home. The fellowship and love that QUOTA extends to the community is second to none and is fostered by the group itself. All differences are put aside, and we work together for the betterment of the community. In addition to this, the personal touch of each and every member, whether it be through the "Secret Pal" program or a hug when we meet, creates a bond of eternal friendship. THIS is what I love about QUOTA. It is not only a civic duty, but also a GIFT.

'We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.'

Winston Churchill

"Quota has enriched my life with fellowship. I enjoy meeting women from all over the world, and, as I watch and listen to their successes, I know I must always do better. I went to my first convention in New Orleans in 2003 where I learned, firsthand, about the work Quota does in the Philippines, India, and other countries. I saw the real faces of the Club-to-Club projects and they touched my heart.

"My most memorable story, though, is an experience from my home club. I was manning a booth at our local exhibition and a family approached. The young teenager was multi-challenged and he pointed out to me that he was the child in our pamphlet. The mother told me how Quota had assisted her over the years because her son had been born with all these challenges to bear. The Collingwood club had purchased a scooter for him earlier, and it had enhanced his ability to move about and enjoy things. I was deeply touched by her gratitude and her son's bright smile and enthusiasm for life. She told me how additional expenses were now overburdening the family, so I asked her to once again approach Quota. She did, and the Quota Club of Collingwood spent several thousand dollars on upgrading equipment for him.

"How can I not continue to believe in Quota's service? I am so blessed with a strong mind and body. I know there are hundreds of stories like this throughout the Quota world. This is why it means so much to me. I joined Quota to get to know the community in which I am now retired. I learned the benefits of belonging through Quota friends. Service is our goal, yes, but when one of our club members loses a family member, or is ill, we band together to give that person comfort and love. That is why Quota is special! We not only Think Globally, but also, when we Act Locally, hearts and souls are healed."

"My club has asked that I include the Collect that I wrote, which I feel sums up what we do as volunteers:

Q is for the quality
service second to none.
U is for the uniqueness
our Club brings to some.
O is for ordinary
and that we are not.
T is for the teamwork
we perform to fill the pot.
A is for our attitude
positive and sincere.
These words explain Q U O T A
The club we hold dear.
Blossoming and growing, year after year."