The Quota Club of Estevan recently enjoyed a visit from one of the leading individuals in the service group.
Emilie Simon, who hails from the Philippines and is one of three international vice-presidents for the organization, was in Estevan from July 16 to 19. She had a whirlwind schedule, as she visited Estevan, Weyburn and Regina, and learned more about Quota in all three communities.
Simon toured SaskPower’s Shand Power Station and Shand Greenhouse, and she visited the Westmoreland Coal Company’s Boundary Dam Mine. She also witnessed how Quota has contributed to the Estevan Salvation Army and St. Joseph’s Hospital’s obstetrics unit.
Quota has donated a hearing screening test, a biliblanket and books through their Books for Babies program to obstetrics.
“With the books for parents to read to their babies, as well as for the natal hearing, which is really a must nowadays, it’s overwhelming,” she told the Mercury.
Simon was also the guest speaker at a banquet on July 18 at St. Paul’s United Church. She spoke to members of the Estevan club and other Quota clubs. The local Filipino community also attended the supper. They heard more about the Philippines and Quota’s global efforts.
She was very impressed with what she saw locally.
“I’ve been going to the different countries for Quota, and each club is very unique in its own way,” she said.
She visited Saskatchewan as part of a tour of North America. She’s on her way to Washington, D.C., for international meetings.
Simon has been in Quota for 21 years. She was encouraged to join by her best friend.
“As I saw what they were doing for the deaf and the disadvantaged women and children, I got more involved,” said Simon. “And then I accepted club positions until I became the president, and moved up to the higher level as the district governor.”
Everyone has been blessed in their lives, so it’s good to give back and say thanks. Simon said people can volunteer time, talents and resources for individuals in need of what she called “Quota love.”
“I can do it on my own through my church, but it’s different when you’re among close friends, and you have your own governance in your own club, you have the support of an international office and friendship among the different clubs worldwide,” said Simon.
She hopes the people who have benefitted from Quota’s service are appreciative, and will have a brighter future.
And she hopes the deaf will enjoy greater self-esteem.
“There are so many deaf people who are just hiding at home, or whose parents aren’t letting them out, or who are dependent on their families forever,” said Simon. “Now we can see they are making a difference, and they’re standing on their own.”
Simon has been Quota’s vice-president for about a year. She is in charge of seven regions, including Canada. She communicates directly with regional directors for membership issues.
The first year as vice-president has been an interesting experience.
“This is my first time to actually see the different projects of the different clubs in the different countries,” said Simon. “I was only on the Philippines side (previously), so I would see how we do it there. But now I have a broader understanding of how things are done in other countries where Quota clubs are located.”
If she is given the chance to be Quota’s president, she would welcome it. First she has to gain the nod as the president-elect. The vote will happen next year at a convention in Brisbane, Australia.
If she is successful, she would become Quota’s president in 2018.
Valerie Hall, who is a member of the local club and the director for District 1, said this is the first time they've had someone as high-ranking as Simon visit the Estevan club in the 18 years Hall has been a member.
