BCITRA Winter 2021 Update
We all live in hope. On a personal level I hope my three Covid and one flu shots are sufficient to protect me in this the winter of our discontent. For the membership of the BCITRA I hope that all members are safe from the ravages of the elements including floods and diseases as well as other maelstroms.
I also hope that I can visit my son and his family again over the upcoming holiday season. I did manage one larger extended family event in July and one restaurant visit with grandsons included on the occasion of my August birthday. Few and far between as far as visits go. I hope for improvements in the future, especially after the youngest grandson gets his first shot as an eleven year old.
Your board of directors did manage two in person events for board members and volunteers, namely a picnic in late July and a face to face board meeting for November, on the Burnaby campus. The rest of this year we battled with a virtual format via Zoom. I never know whether the Zoom gods are not on my side or I am just unlucky with technology. Given my background in the sciences I should be better at this but apparently not so much!
For future consideration, however, we are discussing the possibility of a hybrid event for our AGM in March 2022. Some people present in the real world and some via Zoom. For members who live out of the lower mainland this could be the best of both worlds. Here’s hoping this can happen.
The board continues to work on initiatives related to our members. We are currently trying to strengthen our ties to BCIT in order to make improvements in our website presence, information technology issues, communications and parking. I hope you have had a chance to see our new improved website located within the BCIT Commons area. It is concise, clear, clean and a noticeable improvement.
I hope you will continue to support our organization by the renewal of your membership for the upcoming year. A separate note is being sent to you regarding membership dues and how to pay them. This year we have made exceptional progress with respect to contributions to our endowment fund. Thanks to everyone from the board, the Institute and the students who have benefited.
We have not made such sterling progress related to BCITRA events. The pub we had lunches in has closed and we cannot have our usual Xmas brunch as the casino facility is temporarily closed as well due to its buffet nature. We still plan to have the AGM with its luncheon and a Spring Fling event next year.
Don’t forget you can contact us with general concerns and questions at info@bcitra.ca and with membership related inquiries at membership@bcitra.ca .
Wishing you all a great seasonal holiday experience. Our thoughts are with you and yours always.
Donna Foster
President, BCITRA
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