Official Newsletter for Rotarians of District 6330
bridge@rotary6330 org
Katherine’s Korner
Can you feel that chill creeping into the air? A change of season is definitely on its way! When I think about those whiteknuckle winter drives (i.e. Northern Bruce in December), I've got to tell you, I'm pretty relieved to have visited most of our district clubs already.
It has been amazing visiting with your clubs Thank you for all the warmth and friendliness you’ve shown me It's been such a treat hearing about the projects you're passionate about - and wow, do I see why they mean so much to you!
One thing that keeps amazing me about Rotary is how everything we do seems to fit together like pieces of a perfect puzzle Take this incredible story from the Rotary Club of St Marys, for instance The synergy between Rotary's focus areas really comes alive in how they've helped a Ukrainian family make a new life in Canada From giving Tatyana and her family a safe home away from the conflict, to supporting her growing catering business, getting the kids settled in school, and making sure everyone has good healthcare - it all works together beautifully You can see how these different types of support strengthen each other to help both the family and the community thrive Tatyana's catering business is a perfect example - she's not just making a living, she's also sharing her culture and adding something special to the St Marys community
December is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month. Here’s a great initiative from the Rotaract Club of Stratford! They’re organizing a blood donation clinic where members book appointments together, creating a fun and meaningful opportunity to give back. This approach not only addresses an important community health need but also allows members to enjoy cookies, juice, and a bit of fellowship while supporting Disease Prevention and Treatment Month.
Just imagine what our communities would look like without Rotary's fingerprints all over them! The way people appreciate what you're doing - well, it really shows how much your work matters. Keep making that amazing difference, everyone!
Katherine and Youth Exchange students at Walkerton’s 85th anniversary
Katherine and Addison at the Saugeen Shores Park
Katherine and Adam at the Saugeen River Trail
Upcoming District Events
Trivia Night
RC Strathroy
15 Nov, 6 - 10 pm
Hyde Park Santa Claus Parade
Participation
RC London Hyde Park
23 Nov, 10 - noon
District Conference Early Bird
Registration Deadline 1 Dec 2024
Santa Claus Parade Participation
RC London
6 Dec, 6 - 9 pm
Giving Tuesday 3 Dec
Last day for early registration discount for the Rotary International Convention 15 Dec
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN DISTRICT 6330
Be sure to add your upcoming club event on the district calendar so we can share it here.
DGND 2027-2028 DAWN KENNEDY
Sonja Glass, acting Chair of the Rotary District 6330 Nominating Committee (composed of Mike Chaffee, Jim Schlatman, Joe Reynold, and Don Moore) is pleased to announce that, after reviewing the candidates suggested by clubs and recruited by the Committee, DAWN KENNEDY has been selected to become the current District Governor Nominee Designate for the Rotary year 2027-2028.
Joining Rotary in November 1993, Dawn has contributed significantly to Rotary through her commitment to the Rotary Club of Mildmay. Serving as President and as Treasurer multiple times, Rotary has been a huge focus in her life When you speak with Dawn, her enthusiasm is infectious Currently, as the Assistant Governor for Area 2, Dawn has a focus on growing membership, nurturing volunteerism in youth, and supporting the Rotary Foundation More recently, Dawn has taken on a leadership role in the District’s Visioning Program and looks forward to assisting more clubs in developing their plans for the future. Dawn has completed the Rotary Leadership Institute and is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow.
As per Rotary International Bylaws (Article 12) and per District 6330 Policies and Procedures, we are sending this notice to inform District 6330 membership of the Nominating Committee’s selection and the start of the challenge period From now until November 23rd, 2024, any club in District 6330 (that has been in operation for at least one year) may challenge this selection by proposing a challenge candidate but only if such challenge candidate was already suggested to the Nominating Committee by that club Such a challenge must be substantiated by a resolution of the club adopted at a regular meeting of that club and be submitted in writing to the District Governor on or before November 23rd.
Barring any such challenges, Dawn Kennedy will become the District Governor Nominee Designate for the Rotary year 2027-2028 effective November 24th.
Note: if you wish to research RI Bylaws or District 6330 Policies and Procedures, use the following links:
RI Bylaws
District 6330 Policies and Procedures 2024-25
NOVEMBER IS...
Rotary Foundation Month
As club leaders, here’s how you can engage your members during Rotary Foundation Month:
Raise Awareness: Educate members about the Rotary Foundation's global impact
Encourage Contributions: Motivate members to donate or become Paul Harris Fellows
Plan Fundraisers: Organize events to support the Foundation’s causes.
Highlight Projects: Showcase successful local and global projects funded by the Foundation
Invite Speakers: Bring in guest speakers to discuss the Foundation’s work and inspire further support
Together, we can strengthen club commitment to the Rotary Foundation and its mission to create lasting global change.
December is dedicated to highlighting the crucial work of improving global health through disease prevention and treatment. This month emphasizes Rotary’s commitment to reducing the burden of disease, enhancing health outcomes, and saving lives. Clubs are encouraged to focus on initiatives that promote healthier communities and support Rotary’s mission of global service.
DECEMBER IS...
Disease Prevention and Treatment Month
Focus on Global Health: December is dedicated to improving global health through disease prevention and treatment
Education and Awareness: Rotary clubs educate communities on disease prevention, hygiene, and vaccination through health camps, seminars, and workshops
Medical Missions and Health Camps: Clubs organize free medical check-ups, treatments, blood donation drives, and vaccination camps for underserved populations
Supporting Healthcare Infrastructure: Rotary funds hospitals, clinics, and mobile health units, providing essential medical equipment and supplies
Partnerships with Health Organizations: Collaborations with WHO, local health departments, and NGOs enhance the reach and impact of Rotary’s initiatives.
Impact and Success: Rotary’s efforts have significantly improved global health, from eradicating polio to providing essential health services in remote areas.
DISEASE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT MONTH
Rotary’s Global Impact
Rotary International’s Disease Prevention and Treatment
Month December is dedicated to improving global health through disease prevention and treatment. Rotary clubs focus on reducing the global burden of disease, improving health outcomes, and saving lives.
Key Initiatives and Focus Areas
Education and Awareness:
Host health camps, seminars, and workshops.
Raise awareness about hygiene, vaccination, and preventive measures
Medical Missions and Health Camps:
Organize free medical check-ups, treatments, and medication distribution
Conduct blood donation drives and vaccination camps
Supporting Healthcare Infrastructure:
Fund hospitals, clinics, and mobile health units
Provide essential medical equipment and supplies Partnerships with Health Organizations:
Collaborate with WHO, local health departments, and NGOs
Implement comprehensive healthcare initiatives
Action Items for Clubs
Plan and Host Events: Organize health camps, seminars, and workshops to educate communities.
Conduct Medical Missions: Arrange free medical check-ups and treatments for underserved populations.
Support Infrastructure: Fund and equip local healthcare facilities.
Collaborate: Partner with health organizations to enhance the impact of initiatives.
members from 21 districts, in partnership with UNICEF, are working with local governments to develop and implement immunization programs to protect 100,000 children from rotavirus, pneumococcal disease, and cervical cancer across nine South Pacific Island countries, including Kiribati and Fiji.
The Give Every Child a Future project is committed to strengthening the immunization programs in each country so that these vaccines continue to be delivered to future generations of children. Tarawa, Kiribati. 28 March 2023.
Health workers and volunteers participate in a door-to-door polio immunization campaign in Kaduna, Nigeria. 13 April 2019. Rotary International is working closely with the government of Nigeria and its GPEI partners to intensify polio-eradication efforts there by addressing cultural barriers, fostering community education, and increasing surveillance in a mobile population.
Rotary
ECO CORNER
News and Views from the District 6330 Environment Committee
Eco-Tip #1
Eat for a climate-stable planet: Choose delicious plantrich meals, buy organic and local whenever possible, and try to not waste food
.A Q&A with Doug Thompson, Chair, District 6330 Environment Committee
Why did you become involved in environmental issues?
The science around climate is serious, it’s believable, and it’s urgent
What do you consider the key environmental issues facing our world?
This glass dome over our world, the atmosphere, is being polluted We must reduce our use of fossil fuels and do it quickly.
Why do you think Rotary clubs should be involved in environmental action?
We need more influential leaders to help us find our way through these challenges When Rotary speaks, people listen
What is the Stratford club doing in this area?
Our environment committee created sustainability and green event policies which have been adopted by the club Projects include PPE recycling during COVID, pollinator gardens, eco-friendly stoves for developing countries, and water filtration systems for disaster areas.
What advice would you have for other clubs that want to get involved in environmental action?
Consider forming an environment committee or naming an environment champion Provide education and information to the club Think about hands-on projects Collaborate with other organizations and individuals Look at everything you do through a green lens
Dr Patricia Nascu with a load of masks ready for recycling Learn More
Polinator garden, Stratford Ontario. Learn More
JOIN THE ROLLING RALLY TO THE CALGARY R.I. CONVENTION!
My wife and I are excited to serve as Wagon Masters for the upcoming Rolling Rally (RR) of the RV Fellowship of Rotarians (RVFR). We will be traveling from London, ON, starting on June 1, 2025, and arriving in Calgary (Chestermere, AB) on June 16th, just in time for the Rotary International Convention
We currently have 15 couples registered and have room for at least 5 more rigs. If you are interested in joining us, please let us know. We welcome all Rotarians with RVs, even if you are not yet members of the RVFR.
Action Items:
Register: If you would like to join the rally, please contact us for a registration form
Publication: We plan to publish the registration form in the next two issues of “The Bridge.” Our cut-off date is February 15, 2025, but we are flexible.
For more information or to receive the registration form, please contact us at:
Rick & Roberta Offord
RVFR Wagon Masters, 2018 Toronto, 2025 RR to Calgary
146 Orchard Dr , Thornbury, ON Canada N0H 2P0
Email: rickofford13@gmail.com or roberta.offord@gmail.com
Phone: 705-446-8159 (Rick), 705-446-8213
We look forward to a fantastic journey and hope to see you on the road!
Yours in Rotary, Rick & Roberta Offord
Our annual conference provides opportunities for you to become a sponsor of this great event.
Your sponsorship will not only support the success of the conference but also help to create lasting positive change in the communities of District 6330.
The theme of the "Magic of Rotary", has four levels available to chose from:
$10,000 - The Magic of Leadership
$5,000 - The Magic of Service
$2,500 - The Magic of Community
$1,500 - The Magic of Fellowship
We would be delighted to have your support and look forward to discussing how we can make the 2025 Rotary District 6330 Conference a success.
Sponsorship Contact Peter Maranger
Thank you to our Magic of Leadership Sponsor
Got a Success Story to Share?
We know your club is doing amazing things, and we'd love to put your project in the spotlight! Whether it's a quick presentation on the main stage or a deeper dive in a breakout session, your story could be just what another club needs to hear.
Inspire your fellow Rotarians by sharing what worked for you - big or small, every success story matters! Email katherine.hahn@rotarystratford.com to tell us about it.
Click here for more details and to Register. The Early Bird Deadline is December 1st.
