By Scott Hood, President Ring 49, Hamilton Ontario, Canada
Once again the I.B.M. 2012 Convention (whose slogan is "Sea the Magic • Norfolk") planning committee is hard at work pulling together the annual “Operation Tricks Are Treats” hospital shows. It has been the I.B.M. practice for many years to have some of the magicians who are attending the annual convention to donate their time and talents to perform for local hospitals in the convention city and area. Norfolk 2012 will be no exception. However, 2012 will have a slightly different twist to it.
We are working with the Naval Medical Centre at Portsmouth. This hospital provides care for military families who are stationed at the local Navy base. As with any other hospital they have children who are in the hospital for a variety of reasons. However, the Naval Medical Centre has a unique set of patients. They have a Wounded Warrior Program. These patients are service men and women who are returning from service overseas and who need medical attention and rehabilitation for injuries received during their active service.
We are making the arrangements to present two shows on July 3rd. The morning show will be for the children and their family members. The afternoon show will be for the Wounded Warriors and their family members. As in the past years, both shows will be concluded early enough so that the performers can return to the hotel well in advance of the convention’s opening ceremonies and festivities.
Two members of the local club, Ring 103, have stepped up to help us with these performances. If you would like to participate in and/or help with this very rewarding part of the annual convention, please send an e-mail to me, Scott Hood, at shood1@cogeco.ca.
See you in Norfolk!
