THE BRIDGE
Official Newsletter for Rotarians of District 6330
bridge@rotary6330 org
Katherine’s Korner
Brrrrr .... our winter here in District 6330 has been quite snowy! February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month. As one of our seven areas of focus, there’s never been a more relevant time to recognize the importance of peacebuilding and its synergy with the other six areas of focus. Peace isn’t just about the absence of conflict it’s about creating conditions where communities can thrive Whether it’s through supporting education, improving health, providing clean water, growing local economies, protecting the environment, or saving mothers and children, peace is the thread that connects t
Aross our district, several clubs are already celebrating peace in their communities through meaningful projects. Many have installed Peace Poles as visible symbols Rotary’s commitment to peace. A Peace Pole is a monument that displays the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” multiple languages, serving as a beacon of hope and unity for all who see it.
As our Stratford clubs prepare for the upcoming District Conference, May 2-4, this focus on peace has really risen the top. One of the exciting projects planned for conference is the installation of new Peace Poles and creation of a peace garden—reminders that peace is not just a concept we talk about but something we actively cultivate in our communities.
May Peace Prevail on Earth—a wish that connects us all.
PDG and Rotary Club of Southampton President Tony Sheard with their Peace Pole
Upcoming District Events
Mar. 13, 2025: Rotaract Birthday
Mar. 18, 2025: London East Celebrates 70 Years
Mar. 20-22, 2025 | Great Lakes Rotary President-Elect Learning Seminar
Mar. 23, 2025: Festival City (Stratford) Celebrates 30 Years
Mar. 24-26, 2025 | WINE SURVIVOR (2nd Edition) - Hanover
Mar. 27, 2025 | Rural Urban Dinner 2025 - Stratford
April 2025
Apr. 7, 2025 | The Continuity Challenge
Apr. 19, 2025 | Paul P. Harris' Birthday
Apr. 22, 2025 | Earth Day
What’s Happening in District 6330
March
2025
Be sure to add your upcoming club event on the district calendar so we can share it here.
You will be inspired by Rotary International President-Elect Mário César Martins de Camargo’s vision for Rotary His message will empower you to take action and make a difference in our communities.
Jenny Stotts is an Assistant Rotary Coordinator for Zone 30. Her powerful message will inspire you to share your Rotary Happy to create a memorable club experience and expand community connections.
Chris Singleton is a former minor league baseball player drafted by the Chicago Cubs. He inspire audiences with his story of resilience as he unites millions of people with his belief that, "Love is Stronger Than Hate."
FEBRUARY IS...
Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month highlights Rotary's global peace efforts.
Rotary Peace Fellowships have educated over 1,800 fellows in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Fellows work in 140+ countries on issues like refugee resettlement, youth and women's empowerment, and reconciliation.
Rotary is celebrating the opening of a new peace center in Istanbul this month. The new center extends Rotary's impact in the Middle East and North Africa.
Rotary's peace initiatives also include supporting grassroots projects and local peacebuilding efforts.
The organization collaborates with global partners to amplify its impact on peace and conflict resolution.
Join Rotary International in promoting peace and resolving conflicts worldwide. Learn more about their initiatives and how you can get involved here.
February is Rotary Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month. It highlights efforts to promote peace through education and dialogue, addressing the root causes of conflict. This month encourages Rotarians to participate in initiatives that foster understanding, such as workshops and interfaith dialogues, and to support scholarships for peace studies. Success stories, such as Rotary Peace Fellows, serve as inspiration for action
MARCH IS...
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month
Highlight the Importance of WASH: Emphasize the critical need for access to clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene practices for health, education, and economic development. Implement Global WASH Initiatives: Rotary clubs worldwide are committed to addressing WASH challenges through clean water projects, sanitation facility construction, and hygiene education campaigns.
Reduce Disease and Empower Communities: By improving WASH conditions, Rotary helps reduce disease, enable children to attend school, and empower women and girls by reducing the time spent collecting water
Encourage Rotarian Involvement: During WASH Month, Rotarians are encouraged to get involved in projects through fundraising, volunteering, or spreading awareness
Join Rotary International in making a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most. Learn more about WASH initiatives and how you can get involved here.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: ROTARY INTERNATIONAL'S WASH PROGRAM
March is Rotary International's Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Month, highlighting the critical importance of these basic needs. Access to clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene practices is essential for health, education, and economic development. Unfortunately, millions of people worldwide still lack these necessities, leading to severe health issues and perpetuating poverty. Rotary International is committed to addressing these challenges through its WASH program, making a significant difference in communities around the globe.
Rotary's WASH initiatives have transformed lives by providing essential resources and education. Here are some key achievements: improving health by reducing waterborne diseases, enhancing education by improving WASH conditions in schools, empowering women and girls by reducing the time spent collecting water, and fostering community development through education on maintaining WASH systems.
Rotary clubs play a vital role in the success of the WASH program. Clubs can contribute by fundraising, organizing events to raise funds for WASH projects, collaborating with local organizations, governments, and other Rotary clubs, identifying local WASH needs and developing projects to address them, and raising awareness about the importance of WASH in their communities.
Individuals can also make a difference in the WASH program. Actions you can take include volunteering your time and skills to support local WASH projects, donating to help fund essential WASH initiatives, spreading awareness about WASH issues, and practicing good hygiene and encouraging others to do the same.
Join Rotary International in making a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most. Learn more about their WASH initiatives and how you can get involved here: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/providingclean-water
By working together, we can create healthier communities and a better world. Let's make every drop count!
Three things an individual can do:
Volunteer your time and skills to support local WASH projects
Donate to help fund essential WASH initiatives
Spread awareness about WASH issues and practice good hygiene.
Three things a club can do:
Organize fundraising events to raise funds for WASH projects
Collaborate with local organizations, governments, and other Rotary clubs. Identify local WASH needs and develop projects to address them.
ROTARY CLUB OF LONDON KITCHEN/CANTEEN PROJECT IN BENIN
Utilizing rotary.org-service project centre, a search was completed using filters for proposed & seeking other partners, community-based projects, basic education & literacy, and water, sanitation & hygiene. This search identified 18 projects, which were narrowed down to 4 through follow-up emails, and finally, the finalist project was selected.
Our Partner Club
This club, formed in 2009 with 21 members, is led by our contact Rotarian, the current president of the club. The project involves the reconstruction of a canteen at the public primary school of Ouocomey, located in the local administrative area of Possotomè, Benin. The school has 215 students in six classes, from primary one to primary six. The school canteen program, initiated by the government, aims to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The State provides the necessary food for the schools, and parents are asked to make a small contribution for condiments, firewood, or charcoal needed for meal preparation.
The community, in collaboration with the school administration, is responsible for setting up a kitchen space, allowing volunteers to prepare canteen meals away from the elements. To improve current conditions, the school management requested help from the Rotary Club of Cotonou Airport to bring the kitchen up to standard. Once rebuilt, the Parents' Association (APE) and the Village Development Association will maintain the kitchen to ensure its sustainability.
The Rotary Club of London provided financial assistance to help with materials and labor costs to build a 16 x 20foot covered canteen/kitchen at the school. The total cost was $4,500 USD, with the Rotary Club of London contributing $2,500.
This project exemplifies the power of Rotary partnerships in making a tangible difference in communities around the world. Thank you to all Rotarians involved for your dedication and support!
THERE’S MAGIC ALL AROUND STRATFORD
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Full Conference Package $325
Friday Only $75
Saturday Only $250
PEACEFUL HORIZONS THROUGH ADAPTIVE ACTION
Experience pathways to peace through fresh perspectives Through powerful storytelling, we discover how narratives inspire action Author David Scott Smith shows us how storytelling inspires action and connects communities
Social media sensation Brittlestar brings his trademark humor to show how digital innovation connects communities
Olympic medalist Curt Harnett exemplifies perseverance and adaptability through his athletic achievements and philanthropic endeavors, showing how World Bicycle Relief and other initiatives empower communities and foster inclusivity
Jim Collins shares how Harvest Hands adapts to serve changing community needs in meaningful ways, while educator Mary Jean Gallagher demonstrates how education shapes peaceful communities Award-winning artist Loreena McKennitt, in conversation with Judy Maddren, shows how music and community advocacy unite to create positive change and foster stronger, more connected communities
Throughout the weekend, District 6330 clubs will showcase their innovative service projects and fundraising successes, both locally and internationally. These stories of impact and adaptation will inspire your club to discover new ways to serve and build peace in your own community.
In a special ceremony, we'll celebrate our commitment to peace with the unveiling of Rotary peace poles, symbols of our dedication to fostering harmony in our communities. Join us for a weekend where diverse voices and shared experiences show us how adaptive action builds lasting peace. Cap off each day with entertainment that delights - groove to the live music of the Downie Street Collective and prepare to be amazed by the enchanting performance of hypnotist Dale K.
All mainstage, breakout sessions, meals and entertainment will be held at the Best Western Arden Park Hotel. To book accommodations we recommend you call the hotel directly. (519) 275-2936 and use reservation code DISCON2025. Additional discounts are available for CAA and Best Western Rewards members (free enrollment).
Friday, May 2nd
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
(Subject to additions and deletions)
4:00 p m Opening session- Flag Presentation Land Acknowledgement Greeting by Governor & Club President Session #1
4:30 p m The Art of Storytelling- David Smith
5:30 p.m. WINE AND CHEESE- CASH BAR Session #2
6:10 p m RI Presidential Representative
6:45 p.m. DINNER- plated
7:48 p.m. Stewart Reynolds- aka Brittlestar
8:45-? p m Downie Street Collective- CASH BARFun, dancing, great live music
Sunday, May 4th
8:30 a m Buffet Breakfast Session #9
9:20 a m District Book Launch - Richard Bain/ Lorna Gunning-Fratschko
9:30 a.m. Celebration of Life
9:40 a.m. Environment Committee Closing Session
10:15 a m RI Pres Rep closing remarks
11:30 a m District Conference 2026
11:40 a m District Governor closing remarks Handover
12:00 p m END
Thank you to our Magic of Leadership Sponsor
Saturday, May 3rd
7:30 a m BUFFET BREAKFAST Session #3
8:30 a.m. Youth Program
9:30 a.m. Introduction of the District team
10:00 a.m. BREAKOUT Sessions Session #4
11:00 a m Mary Jean Gallagher
11:50 a m LUNCH Session #5
12:35 p.m. Curt Harnett- World's Bicycle Relief
1:20 p.m. Peace Building Plenary
2:00 p m Saturday Afternoon FREE TIME OPTIONAL - Peace Pole Unveiling
4:30 p m WINE AND CHEESE- CASH BAR Session #6
5:05 p.m. Jim Collins - Harvest Hands
5:30 p.m. District Service Project Sessions Session #7
5 50 p m Foundation Celebration- David Elliott
6:05 p m District Awards Presentation
6:15 p.m. DINNER- plated Session #8
7.20 p.m. Loreena McKennitt, Judy Maddren
8:00 p m Live Auction, Silent Auction closes
8 45 p m Dale K
WANTED: Auction Items
We invite you to support The Rotary Foundation by donating items for our upcoming live and silent auctions Your generous contributions whether unique experiences, valuable collectibles, or special services will help us raise critical funds to advance Rotary's global humanitarian mission. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in communities around the world. Please contact Janice Rauser for more details.
FANSHAWE ROTARACTORS AT WORK
FANSHAWE ROTARACT CLUB TACKLES
FOOD INSECURITY WITH SUCCESSFUL FOOD DRIVE
Due to the rising rate of food insecurity in London and surrounding communities, the Fanshawe Rotaract Club embarked on an initiative to provide relief to those in need, particularly targeting students experiencing food insecurity, especially female students with children.
The team reached out to potential sponsors to bring this project to life and received favourable support from brands like Costco, Loblaws, No Frills, and Walmart. Combined with donations from friends and members, the team successfully prepared 250 bags of food items, each designed to feed an entire household.
On January 25, 2025, at Forwell Hall in Fanshawe College, these bags were distributed to students who expressed immense gratitude for the initiative. Many shared how much this support meant to them, emphasizing how it helped alleviate a significant challenge in their lives.
Together, we are making a difference!
Akindele Ogunoiki. President Fanshawe Rotaractors Club
PROTECTING BIODIVERSITY
With the support of his club, one Rotarian makes it happen
The Warner Preserve is a magical place – 55 acres of wooded sand dunes, sunny meadows, swamp forests, and a forested river corridor. Located in Grand Bend, Ontario. on the northern tip of the Carolinian Life Zone, it was once slated for residential development. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Peter Warner, a charter member of the Rotary Club of Grand Ben, and the support of his Club and the Grand Bend community, the land is now protected as a refuge for wildlife, used for outdoor education, and planted with native trees and plants to restore it to pre-settlement conditions.
Peter and his wife Esther bought the land, then used as a horse training facility, in 1987. They moved into a house on the property, developed a portion of it, but soon realized they wanted to keep the remainder natural. “We just fell in love with the place,” says Peter.
Initially, they put a provision in their wills to donate the land to the local Conservation Authority. It was a fellow Rotarian who told Peter about the opportunity to give it to the Huron Tract Land Trust during his lifetime and ensure that it is preserved forever. After Esther’s death in 2020, Peter went ahead with the gift.
The Rotary Club and other members of the community provided financial support to offset costs related to zoning changes, ecological certification, and other tasks involved in the long-term protection of the property Funds were also used to create accessible pathways and educational signage and to plant diverse tree species to enhance the learning opportunities “There are few places in all of Canada that have the ecological diversity that resides here,” says Kerry Teskey, past president of the Club and a close friend of Peter’s “It’s been very meaningful to me to be able to participate in this project of protection ”
On June 15, 2024, Rotarians and community members met on the property to celebrate this remarkable act of generosity, a shining example of Service Above Self for the Planet
For more on the value of biodiversity: https://www un org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/biodiversity
EVERY DROP OF WATER IS A PROMISE OF LIFE
Rotary Clubs and Hand-Up in District 6330 have been busy throughout 2024, with all projects in GUATEMALA Tuilam Rainwater Harvesting Project (GG2235005): Led by Southampton Rotary Club Watch the video to see the story Amigos de Santa Cruz Economic Development Project (GG2346063): Completed, teaching up to fifty women to run their own businesses, led by the Rotary Club of Walkerton Santa Cruz la Laguna Basic Education Project (GG2459764): Providing academic support to 90 children, led by The Rotary Club of Wiarton. Includes teacher training and a community Children’s Library.
New Project Starting (GG2567164) in January 2025, led by Area 5: Courses for Entrepreneurship and Business Management: For 20 Indigenous entrepreneurs 1 Courses for Product and Services Improvement: For 15 Indigenous entrepreneurs 2 Capacity Building Strategy for Business Sustainability: For 10 Indigenous entrepreneurs 3
Business plans will be developed, and a Seed Capital Provision will be implemented Entrepreneurs can enter a contest to acquire seed capital for their business (approx $3,250 USD)
Northern Bruce Peninsula Rotary Club is gathering information about another water project in Guatemala. In February, five members of the Hand Up team will travel to Guatemala to see first-hand what our Rotary Foundation dollars have accomplished.
Let’s join hands to make a difference Your support can turn dreams of clean water into reality! We need YOUR SUPPORT The Hand Up Committee will make international connections, write grant applications, and visit completed projects We will report back to your clubs and let you know exactly how your money has been spent Your generous contribution not only transforms lives but also counts towards Paul Harris points
Donations from individuals are also welcome and eligible for a tax receipt in both the U S and Canada Cheques in either US or Canadian Funds, payable to “Rotary Hand UP” may be mailed to:
Bob Carson
525 9th St E
Owen Sound, ON N4K 1P4 Canada
If you would like a club presentation on the Hand Up projects, one of our Team will be pleased to join you for a virtual or inperson presentation
Bob Carson
Rotary Club of Wiarton Treasurer, Hand Up Committee robert.g.carson99@gmail.com 519-371-1632
PDG Nancy Ottewell
Rotary Club of 6330 Passport Chair, Hand Up Committee nottewell@gmail.com 519-376-4476
MAKING CONNECTIONS THROUGH ITHF
In 2017, Martin Ward and I attended the International Rotary Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. While exploring the Friendship Room, we discovered the International Travel and Hosting Fellowship (ITHF), a group dedicated to building connections through travel and hosting. Intrigued, we signed up, created a profile, and waited. Little did we know, this was the start of some unforgettable journeys.
Just before the 2018 Rotary Convention in Toronto, we received our first request for accommodation from Martin and Mary Catharine Limbird, a delightful couple from Fort Collins, Colorado. We were thrilled to host them in our home in Grand Bend, Ontario, for three days. During their stay, we showed them the beauty of Lake Huron and enjoyed great conversations about Rotary and life. This first experience with ITHF was a true joy, and we realized how special it was to connect with fellow Rotarians across the globe.
Inspired by this newfound community, we decided to explore even more connections. While planning a cruise to New Zealand, we reached out to ITHF members in the area. It didn’t take long before we heard from a wonderful Rotarian couple in Auckland. They welcomed us into their home for four nights, showed us around the city, took us to local Rotary events, and became lifelong friends. We were fortunate enough to meet other Rotarians in New Zealand—in Rotorua and Christchurch—who shared their local insights and hospitality. This is what being part of the ITHF group is all about: fostering friendships through travel and the Rotary spirit.
Fast forward to Fall 2024, when we were planning another cruise—this time to Australia. We once again reached out to ITHF members, and soon we were hearing from Rotarians in Newcastle and Brisbane. The connections kept growing, and the world kept getting smaller. Our hosts in Newcastle, Adrien and Chris Roach, were incredible, taking us around the city and even connecting us with our former exchange student’s family! It turned out that Adrien and Chris were going to be the host parents of our exchange student’s youngest daughter, Kirsten Chur Fischer, in the Newcastle area. What an amazing coincidence! While the ITHF member we contacted in Brisbane was away on her honeymoon, she kindly arranged for fellow Rotarian Kim Hockings and his wife Ann to tour us around. We had a wonderful day visiting the Koala Sanctuary and downtown Brisbane with Kim and Ann, even though Rotarian Kim was not a member of ITHF.
It's a small world, and the connections we’ve made through ITHF have made it feel even smaller. These experiences have enriched our lives in ways we never imagined. As we look ahead to the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, we’re excited to reconnect with many of these incredible Rotarians. We also hope to connect with new friends, sharing the beauty of Grand Bend and the surrounding areas with all who visit.
If you're ever planning a trip, we highly recommend reaching out through the ITHF group. You never know where a simple connection might take you—or who you'll meet along the way. The world truly is a much smaller, friendlier place when you’re part of the Rotary family.
Safe travels and happy connections!
Best regards, Mary Ruston
WIN A TRIP OF A LIFETIME ON A GREAT LAKES FREIGHTER!
St Clair Rotary Club and Interlake Steamship Company bring you a chance to win the ultimate maritime experience – an exclusive multi-day trip on an Interlake freighter Enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, unwind on the open water, revel in your personal state room and relish delicious freighter fare Best of all, experience real great lakes commerce in action!
Passenger staterooms have an expansive view of the lake, private bath facilities, and access to the guest lounge which features a game table for leisure activities. You will have the opportunity to visit various areas of the ship, and a designated porter will ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
This exclusive raffle opportunity was first offered by the St. Clair Rotary Club in 1985 and continued every year until the pandemic. This is the first raffle since the pandemic and may be our last. So, don’t miss your chance to win – buy a ticket today!
Tickets are $600 each, for a chance to win the trip for six adults Only 200 tickets will be sold
Since Interlake Steamship Company is generously donating the costs of the trip, all proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the St Clair Rotary Club Endowment Fund A new endowment managed by the Community Foundation of St Clair County, supported by donor gifts and provides vital services to the citizens of St Clair and surrounding communities
To help the St Clair Rotary Club provide important community services, and to enter the raffle for a chance to win the freighter trip, please purchase your ticket on-line, at https://greatlakesfreighterraffle.com/
ROTARY SEMINAR FOR TOMORROW'S LEADERS: REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Event dates: May 9th - 11th, 2025
Registration Deadline: April 4th, 2025 Register Here
The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a leadership program organized and facilitated by Rotary Clubs around the globe. Each year, thousands of youth, invited based on their leadership potential and sponsored by Rotary Clubs, participate in this amazing program. Rotary Clubs and the Rotary District cover all expenses for the participants. The format of the event varies from district to district, but commonly takes the form of a seminar, workshop, or camp where participants learn, discuss, and practice leadership skills.
In District 6330, our RYLA program is known as the Rotary Seminar for Tomorrow's Leaders. It is a weekend seminar usually held at Western University in London, Ontario. Our seminar is devoted to enhancing and expanding the leadership skills and abilities of grade 10 and 11 students—the next generation of leaders in communities throughout the District! Students are provided with a range of new experiences, tools, and perspectives through icebreakers, group discussions, amazing guest speakers, and other interactive activities that engage and nurture their inner leader!
RYLA aims to:
Demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth.
Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders.
Encourage leadership of youth by youth.
Recognize young people who are rendering service to their communities.
Most RYLA programs cover the following topics:
Fundamentals of leadership
Ethics of positive leadership
Importance of communication skills in effective leadership
Problem-solving and conflict management
Rotary's purpose and service to the community
Building self-confidence and self-esteem
Elements of community and global citizenship
Each year, students create lifelong friends from across District 6330. They are introduced to other Rotary youth programs, including Interact, Rotaract, and Rotary Youth Exchange, and learn how they can stay involved with Rotary in their community after the seminar— they expand their horizons both inside and outside the organization!
If you have questions about Rotary Seminar for Tomorrow's Leaders, please email d6330ryla@gmail.com.
