Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchick (Pennsylvanie, USA) District 6330 Governor, Katherine Hahn (Rotary of Stratford, ON) Club President, Mariann Timmers (2024-25)
District website: https://rotary6330.org/
District 6330 Governor 2024-25
Katherine Hahn
Rotary Club of Stratford
Focus on Adaptation
The Calendar below shows Rotary’s 2024-25 monthly themes.
ROTARY CALENDAR and THEMES
Month
Theme
July Maternal and Child Health
August
Membership and New Club Development
September Basic Education and Literacy
October Economic and Community Development
November Rotary Foundation
December Disease Prevention and Treatment
January
Vocational Service
February Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
March Water and Sanitation
April Environment
May
June
Youth Service
Rotary Fellowships Click
BASIC EDUCATION AND LITERACY
Month of September
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING ONLINE
Wednesday, September 4 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time
HAPPY CHATS ONLINE – JOIN US! Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time
2024-25
RI PRESIDENT STEPHANIE URCHICK THEMAGICOFROTARY
FOCUS ON ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Month of October
WORLD POLIO DAY Thursday, October 24 Rotary Anthem
Right click here to open the link and listen to the Rotary Anthem!
Click here for We are the World.
IMPORTANT ROTARY INFORMATION
2024-25 RI PRESIDENT
INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT, 2024-25
Stephanie Urchick
Pennsylvania, USA
RI President Stephanie urges all members to “grow the Magic of Rotary by adding new members to our Rotary family and providing wonderful experiences to those already involved.”
“Unlock the Magic of Rotary by unlocking the power of women and girls. Advance the Magic of Rotary by fundraising to help change the world.”
“Together, we can make every club and every district ‘simply irresistible.’”
RI PRESIDENT Stephanie Urchick
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
SEPTEMBER 2024 MESSAGE
From meaning of family
The Magic of Rotary is belonging, and it’s a feeling that can appear when you least expect it.
Earlier this year, I was in Slovakia serving as a president’s representative during a six-week trip through Europe. When I wrote to Katarina Cechova, governor of District 2240 at the time, I mentioned that my grandmother Veronica Zilka grew up in a small village in the area before settling in the U.S.
It wasn’t long before Cechova tracked down my grandmother’s village, Jakubova Vol’a. She even organized a visit for me, where I received an unforgettable Slovakian welcome.
When I entered the community center of Jakubova Vol’a, a small crowd of people dressed in traditional Slovakian clothing greeted me. They sang with beautiful and powerful Central European voices that reminded me of my grandmother.
A lot of families play cards or games when they get together. When I was young, my father would pick up his accordion and lead my family in song. My grandmother would sing along with her impressive voice.
When I walked into the community center and heard traditional music from my childhood – when I saw a woman play the accordion the way my dad played – I suddenly felt like a little girl sitting at my grandmother’s house in Monessen, Pennsylvania. I burst into tears of joy at the memories.
But the magic didn’t stop there. District Governor Cechova really outdid herself. A local genealogist worked with a videographer to make a short film about my grandmother. We watched the video together in the community center.
When the video ended, I turned around and saw a man standing in the back of the room. I quickly learned that this stranger, Frantisek Zilka, was my second cousin. His grandmother and mine had been sisters. I felt like I had been struck by lightning.
I visited my newfound cousin’s home, which happens to be the home where my grandmother was born. There, he shared old photographs I had never seen of my dad, my uncle, and my grandmother.
Since then, I can’t stop thinking about my family of Rotary. When I refer to you as my family, I’m not just being kind. I really think of everyone in Rotary as my family. But I never would have imagined that my Rotary family would introduce me to long-lost personal family.
Sitting in that community center listening to traditional Slovakian music from my childhood filled me with joy and a profound sense of belonging. I am so grateful to District Governor Cechova and everyone who helped create that magical experience.
As members of Rotary, we have a unique opportunity to share the same magic with each other and with the world. I encourage you to consider how you can help spread that magic and ensure other members of your club – other members of our Rotary family – feel like they truly belong.
STEPHANIE A. URCHICK PRESIDENT, ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
2024-25
PLAN TO DONATE TODAY TO The Rotary Foundation (TRF) – the engine that runs Rotary!
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION TRUSTEE CHAIR
SEPTEMBER 2024 - MESSAGE
A legacy for future generations
“The great use of a life,” wrote American philosopher William James in 1900, “is to spend it for something that outlasts it.”
Some leave a legacy through family and friendships, others through faith or principles, and still others through their professions. The Rotary Foundation offers another powerful option.
As a believer in the power of passing down a legacy through The Rotary Foundation Endowment, I was humbled that my wife, Gay, and I were able recently to help others in Rotary leave their legacy.
Our district (6860 in northern Alabama) had never organized a fundraising dinner focused on the Foundation’s Endowment before, but we knew it was time. We called it a legacy dinner, emphasizing giving’s long-term impact.
Progress was slow at first, and there were skeptics who doubted we could raise $1 million, our initial goal. However, we remained optimistic, setting a date for 23 February 2024, Rotary’s anniversary.
During this campaign, committee members traveled throughout northern Alabama, meeting with small groups in fireside chats about contributing to the Endowment. Then, significant gifts began coming in. One Rotarian made a $25,000 commitment, handing over a check for $10,000. Soon, other members followed suit, and we had more than $200,000 in gifts and commitments.
We still had far to go, but if there is one thing I know about Rotary, it is this: If you present the opportunity to members, they will respond. Topping off the district’s generosity were two surprises. One was a bequest commitment of $500,000, and then another of $560,000.
By the end of the campaign, our committee had exceeded our greatest expectations. We had raised $2,729,863.14 for the Endowment, nearly triple our goal. The impact of those gifrts will create a legacy that will keep on giving forever.
No single club or district alone will achieve our goal of fortifying The Rotary Foundation Endowment to $2,025 billion by 2025. Not all of us can give $25,000 now or as part of an estate plan. But I also know many of us can.
Please help us reach that Endowment goal and in doing so leave behgind a legacy and further the work of future generations of Rotary memers by visiting rotary.org/legacy. On behalf of the Foundation Trustees, I am grateful for your Rotary legacy.
MARK DANIEL MALONEY Foundation Trustee Chair, 2024-25
SERVICE ABOVE SELF – THE OBJECT OF ROTARY
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
FIRST – The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service.
SECOND – High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society.
THIRD – The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life.
FOURTH – The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.
How do you want to get involved in the causes you’re most passionate about?
At left - A Basic Education and Literacy project organized by Rotary clubs in Canada placed a twopage spread of a storybook at 21 stations on a trail to encourage children to read and play outdoors.*
* From https://rotaryserviceblog.org/2022/09/16/support-rotarys-commitment-to-quality-education-for-all/
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 –Education!
The United Nations Sustainable Development Gold 4 Education prioritizes ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
The United Nations reports that the COVID-19 pandemic has deepened a global learning crisis.
• An estimated 24 million students (pre-primary to university level) may never return to school.
• Communities are prioritizing getting students back into in-person learning environments, rebuilding and enhancing school infrastructure from reliable electricity to safe drinking water and needed sanitation systems along with hygiene habit training to meet learning needs, training, and supporting teachers.
Rotary members around the world are helping educators, students, and their families access needed infrastructure, resources, and training to ensure all students are receiving an inclusive and equitable quality education.
Here are a few examples of recent basic education and literacy projects from our global community:
• The Rotaract Club of Abia State College of Sciences, and Management Technology, ABA in Nigeria partnered with the Rotary Club of Eziukwu Aba to raise funds and award scholarships to cover students’ school fees and daily transportation costs. The clubs will continue partnering with students to support them with their education journey throughout the school year Read more
• On 8 September 2022, International Literacy Day, the Rotary Club of Dhrangadhra in India recognized 25 outstanding teachers for their commitment to outstanding education. The club organized a special celebratory event to recognize educators for prioritizing students’ physical, social and emotional wellbeing, advancing education for students with special needs, and creating a safe environment for students to return to in-person learning. Learn more.
• The Rotary Club of Ladner, in partnership with two other clubs of North Delta and Tsawwassen in British Columbia, Canada, partnered with the City of Delta and local organizations to create a story walk: a storybook displayed across 21 stations along a one-kilometer trail. The monthly stories encourage curiosity, a love for reading, physical well-being, and literacy. Read more.
Throughout September, Rotary’s Basic Education and Literacy Month, share on Rotary Showcase how your club is supporting educators, learners, and their families to help close the gap in access to quality education.
Looking for additional support?
• Review the Basic Education and Literacy Project Strategies Guide to start or scale your program.
• Contact the Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Action Group for assistance with a project idea.
For more information, click here - https://belrag.org/
Since 2017, BELRAG emphasizes Rotary’s commitment to basic education and literacy by offering clubs and districts opportunity to share their local BEL project. Four projects are selected to receive a $500 award.
Literacy Awards 2023: Acknowledging and Supporting Club BEL Initiatives
Click here to learn and read about the award-winning Literacy projects from 2023.
A second link to provide you more information.
Rotary Club of Grove, OK , USA (D7750) RC Blackburg VA, USA D7570
Rotaract Club of Salinas Spondylus
RC Salinas Spondylus and Gualaceo (D4400)
RC Golden Hauhinia, Hong Kong (D3450)
INTERNATIONAL DATES TO NOTE
International Day of Charity Thursday, September 5
International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies Saturday, September 7
International Literacy Day Sunday, September 8
International Day to Protect Education from Attack Monday, September 9
Click here to view a short video – Rehabilitating Schools in Gaza
International Day of Democracy Sunday, September 15
International Day of Peace Saturday, September 21
Click here to view a short vide about peace.
World Maritime Day https://www.un.org/en/observances/nuclear-weapons-elimination-day Thursday, September 26
International Day for Awareness of Food Loss and Waste Sunday, September 29
Summary of new polioviruses this week, cases and positive environmental isolates:
• Afghanistan: two WPV1 cases and 11 positive environmental samples
• Niger: four cVDPV2 cases
• Nigeria: one cVDPV2 case
• Sierra Leone: two cVDPV2 positive environmental samples
• A variant poliovirus case has been reported from Deir al-Balah area of Gaza in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). The affected child is 10 months old with paralysis onset on 25 July 2024. This is an advance notification, and the new poliovirus case will be officially reflected in the next week’s global update.
• The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on immunization (SAGE) Polio Working Group is meeting this week at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, to review key aspects of the global polio eradication effort. Among other topics, the group is expected to evaluate and provide recommendations on policy frameworks for eventual cessation of bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV) from routine immunization programmes; use of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) for polio eradication; and, concomitant use of novel OPV type 2 (nOPV2) and bOPV. Outcomes and recommendations of the Working Group’s meeting will be presented to the full SAGE meeting on 23-26 September in Geneva.
POLIO UPDATES
IMMUNIZATION LEVELS –
GLOBAL CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION LEVELS STALLED IN 2023 leaving many without life-saving protection
NEW DATA REVEAL NEARLY 3 IN 4 INFANTS LIVE IN COUNTRIES WHERE LOW VACCINE COVERAGE is driving measles outbreaks 15 July 2024 – Joint News Release Geneva/New York
Global childhood immunization coverage stalled in 2023, leaving 2.7 million additional children un- and undervaccinated compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to data published today by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
The latest WHO and UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage (WUENIC) – which provide the world’s largest and most comprehensive dataset on immunization trends for vaccinations against 14 diseases –underscore the need for ongoing catch-up, recovery and system-strengthening efforts.
“The latest trends demonstrate that many countries continue to miss far too many children,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “Closing the immunization gap requires a global effort, with governments, partners, and local leaders investing in primary healthcare and community workers to ensure every child gets vaccinated, and that overall healthcare is strengthened.”
According to the findings, the number of children who received three doses of the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) in 2023 – a key marker for global immunization coverage –stalled at 84% (108 million).
However, the number of children who did not receive a single dose of the vaccine increased from 13.9 million in 2022 to 14.5 million in 2023.
Click here to read the full article.
VARIANT
TYPE 2 POLIOVIRUS IN GAZA -
VARIANT TYPE 2 POLIOVIRUS ISOLATED FROM SEWAGE SAMPLES IN GAZA
Circulating variant type 2 poliovirus (cVDPV) has been confirmed in the Gaza Strip. Virus was isolated from six environmental (sewage) samples, collected from two different collection sites in two sub-regions within Gaza, collected on 23 June 2024.
The variant poliovirus strains detected in six wastewater samples, collected from two environmental surveillance sites in Khan Younis and Deir al Balah. Further genomic sequencing of poliovirus isolates has identified that these strains have close genetic links with each other and are also closely related to the poliovirus variant that was circulating in Egypt during the second half of 2023. The last detection of the related variant polioviruses in Egypt was in samples collected in December 2023.
Based on the analysis of genetic changes in the isolates, the variant poliovirus could have been introduced in Gaza as early as September 2023. It is important to note that virus has been isolated from the environment only at this time; no associated paralytic cases have been detected.
A risk assessment is being implemented, led by the Ministry of Health, including to assess surveillance sensitivity for the detection of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) and environmental surveillance, and subnational immunity levels are being more clearly assessed.
WHO, UNICEF and UNRWA continue to work with all public health authorities on the ground, as part of urgent efforts to mitigate the impact of the current crisis on the health of populations in Gaza. The ongoing crisis continues to pose a significant challenge to the ability to implement full disease surveillance and outreach with immunization services.
Routine immunization rates in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) were optimal before the start of conflict in October 2023. Polio vaccination coverage (POL3), primarily conducted through routine immunization, was estimated at 99% in 2022.
This has declined to 89% in 2023, according to the latest WHO-UNICEF routine immunization estimates (WUENIC).
Currently, only 16 out of 36 hospitals are partially functional and 45 out of 105 primary health care facilities are operational.
The impact on health system, insecurity, inaccessibility, population displacement, and shortages of medical supplies, coupled with poor quality of water and weakened sanitation, have contributed to reduced routine immunization rates and an increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, including polio.
WHO considers there to be a high risk of spread of this strain within Gaza, and internationally, particularly given the impact the current situation continues to have on public health services.
This statement was published on 19 July and was updated with additional information on 21 July.
Click here to learn more.
WHO POLIO WORKERS REFLECT ON THEIR ROLE IN 2022 AFGHANISTAN EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE
11 June 2024
When a 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck south-eastern Afghanistan in the early hours of 22 June 2022, WHO’s polio workers were among the first responders. As dawn broke in Khost and Paktika provinces, and the extent of the devastation became evident, they helped attend to the many injured.
WHO’s polio teams dressed wounds, provided trauma care and generally gave a helping hand wherever needed. This included digging for survivors, putting up tents, unpacking trucks and distributing shipments of WHO emergency and surgical kits, medical supplies and equipment. Polio workers were also involved in the heartbreaking task of preparing the dead for burial.
Here they reflect on their experiences.
My name is Najibullah, and I am the District Polio Officer for Gyan district in Paktika province. When the earthquake struck Gyan, I was at home, sleeping. I woke up because the house was shaking and dust was falling on me. It was dark and I didn’t know what had happened until I heard people’s shouts.
“We used a tent and beds and chairs from people’s houses and by late morning we had built a small temporary clinic.”
The phones were still working so I called our Provincial Polio Officer and let him know what had happened. I was the first person to report the earthquake in Gyan. After finishing my call, I ran to help rescue the injured.
It was dark but I could see houses were destroyed and could hear people screaming and crying. We used any cars that were available to transport the injured to the nearest clinic for first aid. But there were many injured and the clinic was 4 kilometres away, so we established a makeshift clinic in the village.
Our polio staff, who live all over the district, came to help. We used a tent and beds and chairs from people’s houses and by late morning we had built a small temporary clinic.
I have worked for the Polio Eradication Programme in Gyan for 20 years. Over the next 5 days, I used my local knowledge to help guide partners and other agencies, directing them to the most affected areas. I accompanied United Nations partners to every village – anywhere people needed assistance and medical services – and used my familiarity with the region to help map out the UN-wide response.
In Gyan district, we have 11 villages, and more than 19 000 people were affected by the earthquake. It was difficult to move from one village to another because the roads, which are unpaved, were badly damaged by the earthquake. In such a devastating time of need, I did everything I could to help my people, both day and night. I remember I even helped rescue livestock trapped in the rubble.
Click here to read the rest of the article
Mr Najibullah, District Polio Officer, Gyan district, Paktika
Dear polio eradication supporter†
In a major win for children’s health, the annual Soccer Aid for UNICEF raised over £15 million this year, bringing its total fundraising to over £106 million since 2006. These funds will support UNICEF’s work to ensure that children everywhere have access to life-saving vaccines and are protected from diseases like polio.
Meanwhile, the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases gained momentum as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance launched their investment opportunity to raise US $9 billion to vaccinate 500 million more children by 2030. World leaders met in Paris for the launch event, hosted by Gavi alongside the African Union, and the French Republic where an early pledge of support worth US $2.4 billion was made towards Gavi’s goal.
On the ground in Liberia, Michael Essien, the celebrated football icon and coach, along with his wife, Akosua Puni Essien, joined the country’s ongoing efforts to eradicate polio, and increase child immunization. Their visit coincided with the second round of synchronized polio campaigns across Liberia and six West African countries.
Gender-informed strategies help stop wild polio outbreak
On 14 May 2024, the wild poliovirus outbreaks in Malawi and Mozambique were declared officially closed.
This achievement was driven by the dedicated efforts of health workers and authorities across Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, with support from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
By actively addressing cultural norms, and overcoming societal barriers that limited vaccine access, gender-informed strategies Eradication Initiative.
We have a historic opportunity to get to zero cases, but if we don’t keep working, polio could quickly make a comeback, paralyzing hundreds of thousands of children again in our lifetime. The GPEI has the knowledge and tools to end polio for good, but we need your help to finish the job.
Join the Make Polio History campaign by raising your voice in support of polio eradication to tell donors, polio-affected country governments and other global partners that eradication is possible and urgently needed now.
Click here or the graphic at right to view a short inspiring video -
The WASH Rotary Action Group was formed in 2007 by a group of Rotarians, recognized by Rotary International, and focused on WASH projects. Since then, it has facilitated many hundreds of projects – helping clubs find partners, ensuring sustainability, stressing the importance of a needs-driven approach, and developing best practices.
We encourage a holistic, integrated approach in which water is not the end in itself but is rather the means to a better life and livelihood in the community.
Most importantly, WASH Rotary Action Group links water and sanitation to improved hygiene, better health, and empowerment of the community – especially women, irrigation and agriculture, education and literacy and, ultimately, child mortality.
Click here to see how Climate Change is affecting Antarctica.
WHAT IS IT?
Operation Pollination
Operation Pollination is an inclusive framework that helps you recruit a diverse array of organizational partners willing to engage in the framework’s two goals: pollinator habitat restoration and education projects.
While your Rotary District/Club can be the sole lead on this framework, if you happen to overlap with a National Heritage Area (in the USA), please ask if they have also signed a Pollinator Resolution. If they have, you can resign a joint Pollinator Resolution with your overlapping National Heritage Area.
Click the graphic below or click here to view a short Environment video.
Upcoming Events
Empowering Children's Futures Through Education Register at https://unicef.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VwylzTFATyOJHivUteTZbw#/registration
Sep 05, 2024 5:00 PM UTC-05:00‡ International Literacy Day
Sep 08, 2024 UTC-05:00
14th Annual 2024 mEducation Alliance Symposium Arlington, Virginia and Washington, D.C., USA
‡ UTC-5 time zone, which means the time in Toronto is five hours behind UTC (except during daylight saving, when it is four hours behind).
ROTARY’S CORE VALUES
WHAT IS ROTARY?
Do you need a make-up? missed meetings?
To learn about other Rotary clubs?
The Passport Club members are encouraged to join local (and other) clubs to learn more about Rotary, get to know other Rotarians, gain a new perspective and appreciation for Rotary and Rotarians. Here is a list of online clubs where you can earn a make-up along with learning a whole lot more about Rotary! Why not visit them all?
• Rotary E-Club of Canada One – Rotary On Demand, Where you want, When you want!
• Rotary Club of One World
• Rotary E-Club of World Peace
Click here to attend this week’s posted meeting of E-Club of Canada One.
These meetings are posted online and available 24/7!
President for 2024-25 – Mariann Timmers
Club
Marilyn Buttery was inspired early on in life to always do good for her community. She’s continued that throughout her life most recently supporting veterans and other programs at St. Joseph’s.§
From an early age, Marilyn Buttery was encouraged by her mother to “be good to your community.” With those words firmly planted in her head and heart, Marilyn made up her mind that she was “going to do this and do it well!”
As the founder of CommonWealth Financial in Strathroy, Marilyn observed firsthand the benefits of giving.
“I learned by watching my philanthropic clients,” says Marilyn, who retired in 2019. “I saw the benefit of their gifts to charity, to their community, and to the client themselves.”
In 2017, during Canada’s 150th anniversary, Marilyn invited her clients to donate $150 to the charity of their choice, along with a promise to personally match each donation.
“What was so wonderful about the initiative was that I was able to learn about so many different charities in our community while showing my clients that ‘what’s important to you is important to me.’”
Marilyn has continued to learn by example through her involvement in organizations such as 4-H Ontario, Junior Farmers Association of Ontario, The Rotary Club of Strathroy, and the Order of the Eastern Star.
Club member & devoted Rotarian, Marilyn
As a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Marilyn witnessed her chapter’s Worthy Matron and Patron support the care programs based at St. Joseph's Health Care London’s Parkwood Institute. “I greatly admire them and their giving is what inspired me to also support St. Joseph’s,” she says.
Marilyn has been generously contributing to St. Joseph’s since 2016, giving to its rehabilitation programs, the Complex Care Program, and, most recently, the Veterans Care Program.
In June 2024, Marilyn attended St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation’s annual Hall of Heroes celebration, an event that honours the community’s unwavering support of veterans who now make their home at Parkwood.
This year's event showcased the Music Therapy program, featuring talks by music therapists and a heartwarming performance by the Veteran’s choir.
The Veterans choir performs at the 2024 Hall of Heroes event at Parkwood Institute.
The experience struck a chord with Marilyn, who plays the piano for the Eastern Star and shares a love of music. “I was more than impressed with how the event was put together,” she says. “Hearing the choir sing and learning about the psychology behind the music and its ability to bring people together was truly amazing.”
Marilyn’s generosity to the community extends beyond St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation. She supports several other organizations, including the Strathroy Middlesex Hospital Foundation, YMCA, VON, and Middlesex Community Living.
Marilyn notes that much of her charitable work has been done quietly without a lot of fanfare – and she’s proud of that. “I give because it's the right thing to do.”
Dear Marilyn
Thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of Rotary within your/our community. Your dedicationand hard work inspire us all. We deeply appreciate your commitment to Service Above Self.
Your Rotary family –Rotary Club of District 6330 Passport
OUR CLUB PROJECTS
HELPING MIGRANT WORKERS
The Passport Club of District 6330 is happy to be continuing our successful service project, Backpacks for Migrant Workers. More information to follow.
North Lambton Community Health Care created the Migrant Worker Project to support the 700 migrant workers working in Sarnia and Lambton County Our club is working with the Project Coordinator, Andrea Jones-Peper, by providing backpacks for newly arriving workers.
We will continue through the 2024-25 year to fill the backpacks with items requested by workers, such as toiletries. Our club will request a district grant to increase our impact. Stay tuned!
A GREAT SUCCESS – CUP OF KINDNESS
We also are continuing our successful club project – a Cup of Kindness. The club chose to make a substantial impact on reducing food insecurity with a project aimed at raising funds for Food Banks in our individual communities.
Each member will “fill a Cup of Kindness" by filling a cup or two cups (or more) with coins, hopefully loonies and toonies, then donating the funds to their local food bank. Or you can choose to make donations directly to those in need. Donations should be rewarded with a tax receipt. The results will be tallied regularly. With the success of this project, we are planning to keep it going.
Rotarians, friends, and relatives are encouraged to help members fill the cups in support of this excellent project!
Some useful links
London Food Bank
Strathroy
Sarnia – Inn of the Good Shepherd
Stratford
CLUB
OFFICERS 2024-25
President Mariann Timmers
Secretary and IPP
Treasurer
Membership Chair
Project Chair
Directors
Sue Storie
Lynn Coates
Deb Beaupré
Bev Andersen
Rick Storie
Kitty Bucsko
MEMBERSHIP LIST BELOW –CLUB MEMBERS LIST WITH EMAIL ADDRESSES
A.C. Alrey acalrey@gmail.com
Bev Andersen bandersen181@gmail.com
Deb Beaupré debmarjean@gmail.com
Terry Bennett terbenn@gmail.com
Rich Bouchard rbouchard@racetoerase.com
Kitty Bucsko ladykitt@gmail.com
Marilyn Buttery marilyn@buttery.com
Lynn Coates lynn.coates.1@outlook.com
Brittany Elliott brittany.lyn.elliott@hotmail.com
Sue Elliott susan@sutherlandelliott.ca
Wendy Jennings wendy.jennings@bell.net
Heather Macdonald heathermac@BMTS.com
Jessica Morrow jessicacmorrow@gmail.com
George Ottewell george.ottewell@gmail.com
Nancy Ottewell nottewell@gmail.com
Nancy Powers nancypowers607@hotmail.com
Rick Storie rick.storie@sympatico.ca
Sue Storie sue.storie@sympatico.ca
Lynne Ternosky lynneternosky@gmail.com
Mariann Timmers gtimmers@aol.com
John Wade john@askthedogguy.com
AWARDS FROM ROTARY INTERNATIONAL THAT RECOGNIZE MEMBERS
SERVICE-ABOVE-SELF AWARD
The Service-Above-Self Award is considered the highest honor that Rotary International can bestow on a member.
• It recognizes up to 150 outstanding Rotarians and Rotaractors each year throughout the world whose service activities make an impact on humanity.
• No more than one recipient is selected from a given district each year, and a person can receive the award only once.
Nomination process: Current governors and RI directors can nominate one candidate from their district using this online nomination form. RI’s current special representatives to non-districted Rotary clubs may also nominate one member per year from the group of non-districted clubs they serve. All eligible nominations will be reviewed by a review committee for recommendation to the RI Board for selection. Their recommended recipients are presented to the RI Board for approval at their January meeting, after which, nominators will be notified.
Nomination period: 1-31 October
Eligibility criteria: Nominees must be Rotarians or Rotaractors in good standing, and may not be current, incoming, or immediate past governors, RI directors, RI presidents, or Rotary Foundation trustees. Nominees must have demonstrated exemplary continuing humanitarian service, in any form and at any level.
Emphasis is placed on personal volunteer efforts and active involvement in helping others through Rotary, rather than one’s performance in an elected or appointed Rotary assignment. Personal financial contributions to Rotary, its Foundation, or any individual project are not relevant considerations for this award.
Award type: Engraved crystal and lapel pin, and an invitation to a private reception at the Rotary Convention
For information on Rotary Membership, enhancing the club experience, crafting a great club experience, and more information on celebrating people of action with Rotary’s Service Awards, click here
A message from RI President, Stephanie
Find strength in diversity
We know that most members are introduced to Rotary through friends, who may share the same values, background, or education. Let’s grow Rotary by inviting people from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives who also share our passion for community and service to join and become people of action.
I challenge you to invite someone who might not share the same background as the typical member of your club or district to experience Rotary. If you need help expanding your club’s reach, you can find several tools and resources in My Rotary.
How can you take action? Access membership tools
Join the effort to end polio now
Maintaining our membership and growing Rotary help us continue our fight to eradicate polio. You can support our efforts in many ways:
• Join or initiate a PolioPlus Society in your club or district. Donations are matched annually 2-to-1 by the Gates Foundation up to US$50 million, generating a potential total of US$150 million toward polio eradication.
• Raise awareness in your community by planning events or projects that support the fight against polio.
• Visit endpolio.org to find the latest information and tools to help you share the story of our fight against polio and raise support.
Ending this disease forever remains our top humanitarian priority and needs our full commitment.
WORLD POLIO DAY –
OCTOBER 24, 2024
World Polio Day was established by Rotary International to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis. Wikipedia
How can you take action? Donate to end polio.
Tips from a Rotary, Toastmasters webinar:
Posted on August 15, 2024
How to inspire others through storytelling
By Mary Shackleton, District 7230 Endowment/Major Gifts subcommittee chair
Do you have an answer ready if you are asked, Why Rotary? Even seasoned Rotary members struggle to answer this seemingly basic question if we’re honest with ourselves, especially when speaking with prospective members. We inundate prospects with lists of what we do and proud accounts of how we do it, instead of helping them figure out why they might want to check out our next club meeting or service project in the first place.
Don’t feel bad. Simon Sinek, a notable speaker and author on business leadership, points out, the way our brain processes language can make finding our “why” difficult. Sharing effective stories is one way we can get around this anatomical roadblock. My journey in Rotary and Toastmasters has convinced me that telling effective stories is imperative for our growth as membership organizations. We all have stories to tell – those inspiring Rotary “moments.” And we can all learn to be better, even great, storytellers.
In April, I had the privilege of moderating a joint webinar produced by Rotary International and Toastmasters International, Connect & Inspire Through Storytelling. The distinguished panelists agreed that we must express ourselves through stories more often.
Nikita Williams, a Toronto Rotarian and Toastmaster, observed that good stories connect across every demographic and cultural boundary. Nikita emphasized creativity and personal adaptation. She compared selecting story elements to share to the process of choosing toppings for a pizza. Maybe even include pineapple!
Verity Price, the 2021 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking shared a clever pneumonic device to help us remember the elements of a great story – HOME.
AHero faces an Obstacle, then finds a Mentor, and Emerges successfully.
She also emphasized the importance of simplicity, editing, and practice. According to Verity, the elements of a great story are like the number of blocks in a winning Jenga tower, just enough to keep it structurally sound.
In another analogy, Verity talked about making breakfast for her son. She may keep the first pancake for herself, because it’s usually not one of her better efforts. Similarly, the first attempt or two at sharing your story may not be ready for prime time, but practice can make it perfect.
Mike Carr, 2020 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking, urged us to emphasize the humanity and humor in our stories, making what you say relatable to your audience up to the point of envisioning themselves
Mary Shackleton is an Endowment/Major Gifts subcommittee chair for District 7230 (New York, Bermuda, USA
as the hero of the stories you tell. The more vulnerability and authenticity you can bring to your story, the better, he advised.
So here’s our call to action, as Nikita puts it. We all have stories to share, so we must find our unique voices and tell our stories in every space that we’re in.
To practice and get inspired, why not make it an agenda item at your next Rotary meeting to ask members to share their Rotary moments? You and the members of your club will then be ready to share a great story with a prospective member who asks, “Why Rotary?”
View the entire webinar here.
Rotary and Micro-lending/Micro-finance**
Rotary International has long been involved in projects that support economic development, and micro-lending is one of the ways it helps communities thrive. Rotary clubs around the world partner with local organizations, nonprofits, and financial institutions to implement micro-lending programs. These initiatives align with Rotary’s focus on economic and community development, one of the organization’s seven areas of focus.
Micro-lending. Micro-lending refers to the provision of small loans, often just a few hundred dollars or less, to individuals or groups who do not qualify for traditional loans due to a lack of credit history, collateral, or stable income.
Micro-finance. Micro-finance is a broader concept that includes not only micro-lending but also other financial services like savings accounts, insurance, and training in financial literacy.
Rotary’s focus in October is Economic and Community Development – so what better topic to understand than micro-lending?
For example, Rotary clubs have facilitated micro-lending projects in various countries, including India, Uganda, and Honduras. These projects often focus on women entrepreneurs, who are statistically more likely to reinvest their earnings into their families and communities. By providing access to micro-loans, Rotary helps these women start businesses, send their children to school, and improve their overall living conditions.
In addition to providing capital, Rotary projects often include training in financial literacy, business management, and vocational skills. This holistic approach ensures that loan recipients have the knowledge and support they need to succeed, increasing the long-term impact of the micro-lending program.
These small loans allow recipients to invest in their businesses, such as purchasing equipment, materials, or inventory. The idea is that even a small amount of capital can make a significant difference in the lives of those who are financially marginalized. Repayment rates for micro-loans are often high, as borrowers are motivated to improve their financial situations and maintain access to credit.
** This article draws on general knowledge about micro-lending and micro-finance, as well as Rotary International's commitment to economic development and their seven areas of focus. For specific details on Rotary’s micro-lending projects and areas of focus, refer to Rotary International’s official website and resources.(rotary.org)
Click here to view this Rotary video.
Click here to learn more about Kiva.org.
Click here to view this video about how micro loans are changing lives in Sierra Leone.
Click here to view this video about how microfinance works.
For our club members – The Passport Club is actively researching how to become involved effectively through kiva.org to become MicroLenders.
Each club member who wishes to get involved can become an individual lender; it might also be possible for our club to set a Club Account to become a club lender.
Please take the time to have a look at the website kiva.org. …and more importantly, please view a video presentation to the E-Club of Canada One on the micro-lending topic by Patrick, a member who has been lending individually since 2012.
This project falls well into International Service as well as Economic and Community Development.
To view the meeting and presentation - Click here. The presentation actually begins about the 3-minute mark.
Why should someone join Rotary? Click here for a short, important video.
Remember our Happy Chats – get to know our club members!
Join the Happy Chats – get to know our club members!
Happy Chats are online now only on Wednesdays.
Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. -ish – Join us!
Join your Rotary friends for an informal 30 minute get together.
Chat about “stuff” – and what’s important to you. Let’s get to know our members!
Plan to join our Zoom Meetings! Click here
EFFECTIVE ROTARY CLUBS
Effective Rotary Clubs
An effective Rotary club typically focuses on five key areas to achieve its goals and serve its community. These areas are:
1. Club Service: This involves managing and supporting the operations of the club, ensuring it functions efficiently and provides a positive experience for its members. Activities include organizing meetings, events, and projects, as well as fostering fellowship and leadership development among members.
2. Vocational Service: Rotary encourages members to use their professional skills to serve others, promote ethical standards in their professions, and recognize the value of all occupations. This area includes career development programs, vocational training, and mentorship.
3. Community Service: Rotary clubs engage in projects that address the needs of their local communities. This can include initiatives related to health, education, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability. The goal is to make a positive impact and improve the quality of life for community members.
4. International Service: Rotary is an international organization, and clubs participate in projects that have a global reach. This includes efforts to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, support education, and grow local economies worldwide. International service often involves partnerships with other clubs and organizations.
5. Youth Service (New Generations Service): This area focuses on programs that support the development and leadership of young people. Rotary clubs often sponsor youth programs like Interact, Rotaract, Rotary Youth Exchange, and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), which provide opportunities for young people to develop skills, engage in service, and build leadership abilities.
These five areas collectively help Rotary clubs to fulfill their mission of Service Above Self and contribute positively to their communities and the world.
Right click the 4-way test above to open and listen to the Four-Way Test by RC of Saskatoon Nutana –
And Sing along!
See our Passport Club Facebook page for more up-to-the-minute Passport news!
https://www.facebook.com/rotary6330passport/
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
EREY – Every Rotarian Every Year
Click here for a short video.
Our Every Rotarian, Every Year (EREY)
It’s an initiative that encourages all Rotary club members to contribute at least what they can afford every year to help us reach our goal to support the Rotary Foundation financially every year.
A LITTLE HUMOUR
And a funny – and fun – video you may enjoy. It should bring a smile!