The Bridge | District 6330 Newsletter | October Edition
Official Newsletter for Rotarians of District 6330
bridge@rotary6330 org
Katherine’s Korner
As we welcome September and the beautiful changes this season brings, I’m excited to continue visiting our district’s clubs and share some of the amazing things I’ve encountered along the way!
This month, we celebrate Basic Education and Literacy Month in Rotary, and the literacy projects I’ve seen have been truly inspiring. From little libraries popping up in neighborhoods, to English language support programs, to providing books and dictionaries to schools these initiatives are making a meaningful impact in our communities, both near and far.
One project that has especially caught my eye is the “story board walk” These creative installations, also called "trails and tales," feature large, colorful storyboards set up in public spaces like parks and community centers As you walk along, you’re drawn into captivating stories and messages while enjoying fresh air and physical activity It’s a wonderful way to make reading a fun and engaging experience for all ages! Many clubs have supported these projects, so if your club is interested in starting one, please let me know I’d be happy to connect you with other clubs to share their insights and experiences
Seeing these projects in action has been incredibly inspiring. The creativity and dedication of our clubs are truly making a difference, and I’m so grateful to be on this journey with all of you. Thank you for the passion and hard work you bring to these initiatives!
Upcoming District Events
Rotary Charity Golf Tournament Goderich
20 September 2024
Autumn Indulgence - Grand Bend 28 September 2024
Cocktails & Classics
London Hyde Park 28 September 2024
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN DISTRICT 6330
Wine
Thornbury
Oktoberfest - Goderich 19 October 2024
CALL FOR DISTRICT GOVERNOR NOMINEES
I hope that you have all had a lovely summer and that your fund-raising efforts and service activities have been fun and successful so far this year
It is time for us to search for our next District Governor! This call is for our District Governor for 2027-28 The requirements for this role and processes to be followed to nominate a candidate, are outlined in the attached documents. A fillable PDF form is attached and once completed, please forward it to me by November 4th, 2024.
Sonja Glass, PDG Chair of District 6330 Nominating Committee Rotary Club of Meaford
We’re seeking dedicated volunteers for various roles within our District. If you have skills in public relations or leadership, opportunities await you! Interested in contributing to our district’s success? Contact Katherine Hahn at katherine.hahn@rotarystratford.com. Let’s work together to keep our district thriving and make a positive impact in our communities!
ASSISTANT GOVERNOR ROTARY DISTRICT 6330 AREA 4/9
As Assistant Governor, your responsibility is to assist the District Governor in supporting and guiding Rotary clubs within the district, ensuring they achieve their goals and objectives Download the job description
QUALIFICATIONS
Membership in good standing within the district. Completed a full term as club president. Demonstrated outstanding performance and leadership potential. Willingness and ability to fulfil the responsibilities of Assistant Governor.
SEPTEMBER IS...
Basic Education and Literacy Month
Basic Education and Literacy Month
Rotary clubs
by organizing local projects to support schools, create reading programs, or establish literacy workshops
September is Rotary's Basic Education and Literacy Month, focusing on improving educational opportunities worldwide.
Support initiatives like building and equipping schools. Organize reading programs and distribute educational materials
Provide scholarships and training for teachers
Join Rotary’s efforts this month to promote literacy and education in your community. Learn More
OCTOBER IS...
Community Economic and Development Month
This month encourages Rotary clubs worldwide to focus on initiatives that drive economic growth and improve community livelihoods, especially in areas facing economic challenges.
Rotary emphasizes:
Job creation and local economic development by supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Offering training and education to improve employment opportunities. Promoting sustainable development through long-term economic resilience strategies.
Supporting projects that reduce poverty, enhance infrastructure, and provide financial resources.
Rotary clubs engage in projects like microfinance, vocational training, and community enterprises, furthering Rotary’s mission of sustainable change and reducing inequality. Read more in the feature article “Community Economic and Development Month” on page 5.
JOIN US FOR OUR FIRST “ZOOMER” OF 2024-25 ...
SEPTEMBER 26TH AT 7:00 PM A SPECIAL PRESENTATION WITH COURTNEY DOLDRON!
September is Basic Education & Literacy Month, a time for Rotarians to reflect on the pandemic's impact on education and literacy As one of Rotary's seven Areas of Focus, we recognize that literacy is key to participating fully in society and leading a meaningful life It opens doors to better jobs, healthier families, and improved well-being The Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Action Group (BELRAG) helps Rotarians tackle these challenges, supporting efforts to ensure children become confident readers and learners.
District 6330 is excited to invite you to meet Courtney Doldron, a member of The Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Action Group (BELRAG) Expertise Team! These teams are made up of passionate and knowledgeable Rotarians who come together to support the mission of BELRAG and The Rotary Foundation.
Courtney will be sharing how our clubs and district can tap into the incredible resources BELRAG offers to help us make an even bigger impact in basic education and literacy. Whether you're already involved or just curious, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn how we can all make a difference together. We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring conversation! See you there!
Register in advance for this meeting: click here to register
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Empowering Communities through Sustainable Growth and Economic Resilience COMMUNITY ECONOMIC & DEVELOPMENT MONTH
Rotary International designates October as Community Economic and Development Month. This month encourages Rotary clubs worldwide to focus on initiatives that drive economic growth and improve community livelihoods, especially in areas facing economic challenges. Rotary emphasizes:
Job creation and local economic development by supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses. Offering training and education to improve employment opportunities. Promoting sustainable development through long-term economic resilience strategies. Supporting projects that reduce poverty, enhance infrastructure, and provide financial resources.
Rotary clubs engage in projects like microfinance, vocational training, and community enterprises, furthering Rotary’s mission of sustainable change and reducing inequality
Gabriela Berenice Martinez Flores is a seamstress and makes school uniforms for children. This is possible through a program supported by a Rotary global grant and the Adelante Foundation, where women in rural Honduras receive group lending opportunities and business training aimed at increasing their household income. 22 May 2013.
Resources for Your Club:
Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development (RAGCED): Offers expert guidance on planning and managing projects that focus on economic empowerment. Visit RAGCED’s website.
Rotary International: Explore tools for supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and sustainable agriculture. Learn more on Rotary's Community Economic Development page.
Rotary Brand Center: Download promotional materials to raise awareness and support local events Access resources via My Rotary
By engaging with these resources, clubs can make a significant impact throughout October and beyond.
Register Your Club’s Event WORLD POLIO DAY 2024
On 24 October, Rotary, in collaboration with global health organizations and public health advocates, commemorates World Polio Day. This day presents a critica opportunity for Rotary clubs to organize events that raise awareness and funds to further the mission of eradicating polio. To build on the success of last year’s events, we need your help!
How to Get Involved
Plan Your EventIf you haven’t started yet, now is the perfect time. The Rotary Brand Center provides a comprehensive guide to help clubs plan successful events. Here are a few event ideas:
Host a Presentation: Invite doctors or health experts to speak at your club meeting about the importance of polio eradication.
Organize a Light Show: Project the End Polio Now logo on prominent buildings or landmarks in your city. Set Up a Booth: Raise awareness by setting up a booth in public spaces, or consider organizing a walk or bike ride in collaboration with other clubs and local organizations Fundraise for PolioPlus: Organize a dinner, concert, or use Raise for Rotary and Facebook to start an online fundraiser You can also make a direct club donation to PolioPlus Social Media Campaign: Partner with other Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact clubs to run a social media campaign, sharing the impact Rotary is making in the fight against polio
Promote Your Event
World Polio Day is a prime opportunity to increase visibility in your community Utilize the Rotary Brand Center for ready-to-use graphics, videos, and public relations templates to promote your event and Rotary’s broader efforts to eradicate polio
Register Your Event
Last year, only 10% of clubs registered their World Polio Day events. Let’s aim higher this year! Register your event or action by 24 October to show Rotary’s global commitment to ending polio.
You can register your club’s World Polio Day event here. Together, we can make a lasting impact and help end polio for good.
We are forming a new committee. DISTRICT 6330 ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
Inspired by the Four-Way Test and our commitment to Service Above Self for the planet, the District 6330 Environment Committee is dedicated to working with clubs across the district to establish environment committees, raise awareness of the climate crisis and other environmental challenges, and take meaningful action.
Our goal is to encourage every club in the district to appoint an environmental champion or form an environment committee. We aim to educate, coordinate, support, and celebrate our successes, while recognizing the unique resources and priorities of each club.
A recent survey of Rotarians in our district revealed that the vast majority are concerned about climate change, biodiversity loss, plastic and air pollution, and water quality While many believe these issues will affect them personally, common barriers to action include a lack of knowledge, tools, and optimism As individuals, we can make a difference, but collectively, our clubs have the potential to harness the Power of Rotary to create significant change
Our challenge is to engage Rotarians in meaningful conversations, share concerns positively, and take action. We are seeking environmental champions in every club to join us in this mission. Together, we can be as impactful as our fight against polio. Join the movement to save our planet!
Does your club have a Green Events and Sustainability policy? Here are links to the Rotary Club of Stratford's policies:
Sustainability Document Green Event Checklist
If your club has a member interested in joining the District Environment Committee or if you have any questions or comments, please contact Doug Thompson at douglas.john186681@gmail.com.
ROTARIANS GOING THE EXTRA MILE
FLINT, MICH – On August 24, 2024, thousands of runners, walkers and wheelers filled the streets of Flint, Mich , to take part in the 47th annual HAP Crim Festival of Races and Rotary was there. Approximately 5,300 participants in the 10-mile race had a unique opportunity to see Rotary in action while winding their way through mile markers six and seven, an area officially designated as the “Rotary Mile.”
This one-mile stretch is staffed by Area 7 club members and guests who volunteer their time assisting with traffic control, taking runner photos at the Rotary photo booth, and operating a water station to help keep participants hydrated. In addition to staffing the Mile, there were numerous banners and signs along the way to promote Rotary.
There were 31 Rotarians from the Fenton, Flint, Flushing, Genesee Valley, Grand Blanc and Greater Flint Sunrise Rotary Clubs, 7 Interactors from the Flushing Interact Club and eight guests or potential members volunteered during the event.
We had the additional pleasure of having District Governor Katherine Hahn with the team this year She was impressed by what she saw, stating that the Race and the Rotary Mile “brings people from all walks of life together, showing the energy and enthusiasm of Rotarians working side by side with the community to create a healthier, stronger future I was proud to be a part of it, seeing how everyone came together to make a real difference ”
LIONHEARTS INTRODUCED TO LONDON CLUBS
On August 29, 2024, Rotary members from all local London clubs, including Rotaract, gathered in person at Fanshawe College and via Zoom to learn about Lionhearts Inc., a volunteer-based organization dedicated to supporting disenfranchised communities. Organized by Kathleen Murphy, President of the Rotary Club of London South, and John McDonald of the Rotary Club of London Hyde Park, the event featured a presentation by Travis Blackmore, CEO of Lionhearts.
Lionhearts, operating out of Kingston and Ottawa, works with major retailers like Amazon, Costco, and Walmart to repurpose returned, surplus, and misordered goods that would otherwise be destined for landfills. These products are distributed to non-profit organizations and agencies serving individuals and families in need Rotary Clubs in both Kingston and Ottawa actively support Lionhearts' operations
Lionhearts collaborates with organizations such as Harvest Hands to avoid duplicating services and enhance community support programs Rotary Clubs also benefit from Lionhearts' contributions, such as providing backpacks filled with school supplies for children in low-income neighbourhoods
Expansion to London, Ontario: Lionhearts is exploring the possibility of expanding its operations to London They seek a 30,000 sq. ft. warehouse to receive, sort, and distribute goods to local organizations The organization has already engaged with the Mayor of London to gain municipal support for the initiative.
Next Steps: Rotary members are encouraged to discuss this opportunity within their clubs and report on their level of interest and potential involvement. Clubs can contribute through fundraising and/or by providing volunteers without any financial commitment, making it an ideal service opportunity for clubs with committed project budgets but members eager to engage in additional service activities.
The Rotary Club of London East is proud to announce a $10,000 donation to the Saint Vincent de Paul Affordable Housing Project. This initiative addresses the critical need for affordable housing in the London area.
The project, located at 1 Fallons Lane at Huron Street East, will provide 73 one- and two-bedroom units for individuals and families in need, with 17 accessible units All units will be rented on a fully affordable basis The goal is to begin construction by October 2024 and complete the project by spring 2026
The project is led by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (London Particular Council), a respected charitable organization that has been serving Canada’s most vulnerable populations since 1833
This donation highlights Rotary’s commitment to supporting community initiatives that improve the quality of life for all.
In response to the chronic and acute affordable housing crisis in London, the SSVP has obtained a portion of property from the Diocese of London adjacent to St Andrew the Apostle Church located in northeast London The location is ideal with easy access to shopping, schools, transit and a community Centre
CALLING ALL ROTARIAN RADIO ENTHUSIASTS
Join Our Amateur Radio Fellowship
Are you a Rotarian with a passion for amateur radio? If so, there’s a new opportunity to connect with like-minded Rotarians in our district who share your hobby.
I’m Noel R McLaren, Past District Governor and an amateur radio operator with the call sign VE3QHD My goal is to bring together Rotarians who are also amateur radio enthusiasts to form a fellowship within our district.
This group would provide a platform for us to share our club and radio activities, strengthen our bonds, and even explore potential service projects that combine our mutual love for radio and our commitment to Rotary’s ideals.
Amateur radio has always been a powerful tool for communication and community service, and I believe that by coming together, we can discover new ways to leverage our skills and interests for the greater good
If you’re interested in joining this fellowship or would like to learn more about my vision, I’d love to hear from you. This is an opportunity to not only connect over a shared interest but also to explore how we can make a difference through our hobby.
Please contact me at 519-296-4539 or by mail at 79 Royal Street, Box 258, Thedford, ON N0M 2N0 to express your interest or to discuss this initiative further
Let’s come together, strengthen our bonds, and explore new ways to serve our communities through amateur radio.
Yours in Rotary Service, Noel R. McLaren, PDG MD1 wd8qhd@gmail.com 519-296-4539
Call Sign: VE3QHD
Happy 80th Anniversary to the Rotary Club of Walkerton, Ontario CLUB MILESTONES
The Walkerton Rotary Club proudly marks its 80th anniversary in 2024, reflecting on eight decades of service, community engagement, and fellowship The journey began on May 4, 1939, when the first recorded meeting of the Walkerton Rotary Club took place This was followed by a remarkable Charter Night on August 3, 1939, held at the Town Hall
Our Beginnings
The Walkerton Rotary Club owes its formation to the tireless efforts of members from the Owen Sound and Hanover Rotary Clubs, with Hanover serving as our sponsor. By May 1939, twenty of Walkerton’s leading citizens had committed to establishing the club, culminating in the formal application for the charter. On August 3, 1939, Rotary dignitaries gathered in Walkerton for a truly historic event Past District Governor Dr Thomas J Carney from Alma, Michigan, presented the club’s charter, marking the formal birth of Rotary Club No 5059 The evening, described by J A Wesley, editor of the Walkerton Herald Times, as “the most colourful event in district Rotary history,” featured 160 attendees, including Rotarians from across the district and beyond
A Memorable Charter Night
The night was filled with speeches, laughter, and camaraderie. Dr. J.H. Polkey, President of the Hanover Club, chaired the event, with Mayor Harry Watts offering a warm welcome Dr Carney’s address emphasized the service-oriented mission of Rotary and heralded Walkerton’s future success in Rotary endeavours
Significant moments from the night included:
President John Thomson of Owen Sound presenting the Canadian flag, symbolizing the democratic values of Rotary Rev John Preston of Michigan presenting the U S flag, highlighting the friendship between Canada and the U S Rotarian Alvin Kurtz of Hanover gifting the club with the Rotary Gong and Gavel District Governor H Norheim of Owasso, Michigan, entwining the two national flags in a gesture of international unity
Celebrating 80 Years
To commemorate this milestone, the Walkerton Rotary Club will host a special dinner at the Knights of Columbus Hall on October 4, 2024. The evening will feature greetings from local leaders, entertainment by Mandy Craddock and the Ballagh Dancers, and appearances from Rotary’s District Governor, Assistant Governor, and former Rotarians. As we look back on 80 years of service, we extend our gratitude to all who have supported and participated in our journey Here’s to many more years of making a positive impact in our community and beyond!
Happy 45th Anniversary to the Rotary Club of Burton, Michigan CLUB MILESTONES
The Burton Rotary Club had its beginning through the interest of past District Governor, Jack Hamady, a member of the Flint Rotary Club. Businessmen in the Burton area were contacted in early 1979 regarding their interest in the new club The first meeting place was Walli's East The second was the El Rancho Restaurant, both in Burton We were a provisional club only for a short time We received our charter at a special Charter Presentation and dinner held at the El Rancho Currently, the club meets every Thursday at the IMA Brookwood Golf Course Clubhouse
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Hello, my name is John McDonald, and I’m the President of the Rotary Club of London Hyde Park. When I’m not engaged in Rotary, I work as a Senior Product Owner at InvestorCOM, where I help build and improve software products that ensure companies stay compliant with financial regulation. My job is to bridge the gap between clients and the technical team, making sure everything runs smoothly and meets their needs.
As the Editor of "The Bridge," our District 6330 newsletter, I have the pleasure of gathering stories, updates, and achievements from clubs across the district. Think of it like a family newsletter—my goal is to ensure everyone stays connected and up-to-date with what’s happening in Rotary.
Now, I need your help! I’m looking for:
Important milestones your club has achieved Fundraising events you’d like to share Rotarians in action making an impact Any information about what your club is focusing on right now
I’d love to spotlight your club and highlight how you’re making a difference. Don’t worry about writing polished articles—I’ll take care of that! Just send me the details: who, what, where, when, why, and how, along with any relevant photos or links.
Looking forward to hearing your stories and showcasing the incredible work happening across our district!
Warm regards, John McDonald Editor, The Bridge, jmcdonald.rotary@gmail.com
Support Mitchell Rotary by purchasing a car wash through our custom checkout page. For every wash sold, $10 goes directly to Mitchell Rotary.
How it works:
1 Enter your cell number, and you'll receive a QR code.
Visit our checkout page and purchase as many washes as you like—there's no limit.
3.
2. Use the QR code at any of the following locations: Keswick, London, Orleans, Stittsville, Stratford, Woodstock, and Waterloo.
Timeframe: This fundraiser ends October 31, 2024
Spread the Word: Share this fundraiser with your Rotary Club and community. The more washes sold, the more funds we raise!
