Rotary International’s monthly theme for May is Youth Service Month
 
Rotary clubs of the world give special emphasis to the many Rotary-sponsored programs which serve children and young people. We currently have 5 early act clubs, 27 Interact Clubs and 10 Rotaract clubs. So far, we have visited the Rotaract Clubs of Mississauga, Brampton, Wilfred Laurier University, Guelph, Oakville and Burlington.  What we encountered was a bright, intelligent and volunteer minded group of young people.
They are looking to Rotary for mentorship, networking opportunities, help with promoting their club’s activities and increasing their public image. These young people are the future of Rotary.  They have some refreshing ideas about the future of Rotary and what a Rotary club looks like to them. Reach out to them!  Listen to them!  
 
Thank you, Madhya Kahn for your leadership as our District Rotaract Chair. I am always amazed at the enthusiasm and dedication of Earlyactors and Interactors.  They truly inspire me.  Thank you, Jennifer Ngo for your leadership as our District Interact Chair.
 
A very special thanks, goes out to Helene Burrows, a member of Rotary Mississauga Airport.  Helene and her partner, Clem have started 5 Interact Clubs and 4 Early Act Clubs. They personally go to all of their meetings and greet the children with joy and respect.  Helene puts service above self and makes a huge difference in her community.
 
Thank you, Helene and Clem and congratulations to you and Mississauga Airport for your support of Interact and Earlyact.
 
Timothy and I have attended many of your fundraising events this past month. 
  • Mississauga Dixie Line Dance event was so much fun, with line dancing and a silent auction.
  • Brampton Flower City Centennial celebrated their Spring Fling with wonderful food, fellowship and dancing.  The proceeds of this evening went to their scholarship program and the Children’s Breakfast Club.
  • Rotary Milton held their Denim and Diamonds fundraiser with more line dancing and fun!
  • This event is in support of a Pediatric Lounge at the Milton District Hospital.
  • Rotary Shelburn celebrated their 80th Anniversary with a cocktail party and a fabulous show by Oh Canada We Sing For Thee!  This event was also a fundraiser.
  • Mississauga West held a special meeting for a cheque presentation to the many organizations they support in the community.  Sajaad Jiwaji spoke about our recent Polio Inoculation trip to Mexico.
  • The Cambridge Cluster had a social evening at Beertown on April 26th.
It seems that the Fun Meters are off the chart with all the amazing events going on in our District. Thank you all for making a difference in your communities and for having fun while you are at it!
 
Conrad Grebel College’s Peace and Conflict Studies celebrated their 40th Anniversary at the University of Waterloo with Bob Rae as guest speaker. We sat with a young lady who is the recipient of a Rotary Scholarship to attend this program. The evening ended with a sing along with Bob Rae, including Blowing in the Wind and What a What a Wonderful World. Peace Through Music!
 
Rotary Bramalea is hosting a social event on May 5th, at noon at Woodbine Racetrack which includes lunch.  Contact Dave McGregor from the club if interested. They are also having a fund-raising event at Spot One on May 27th at 1 p.m.  It is Texas Hold’em Poker.  The $60.00 charge includes a buffet meal.  Contact Randy Kerman.
 
Camp Enterprise and RYLA are coming up in early May.  Both of these programs are excellent opportunities to engage our youth. 
 
On Earth Day weekend we held our District wide tree planting event! Timothy and I tried to get to as many as we could, travelling to Woodstock, Mississauga and Cambridge.  We tried to make the Guelph event, but despite speeding to get there we just missed it.  I have heard that they planted 4,000 trees and, that Dr. David Suzuki made an appearance. Many dignitaries were at the events, including the Mayor of Mississauga!
 
I will have a final count of the number of trees planted, but I know that we have surpassed one tree per Rotarian. Arriving at the events we witnessed a sea of white tee shirts!  To say that I am proud of our District would be an understatement. You stepped up for President Ian Riseley’s challenge to plant 1.2 million trees world-wide by Earth Day.  You did it!!  You have made a lasting difference in your communities and to our planet earth!  It is my job as District Governor to inspire!  You have turned the tables and inspired me! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
 
I will get a video together in the near future of all of the clubs in the District participating and send it to you.
 
That’s it for now.  My final news video will arrive on June 1.  We are taking a different approach for this one!  See you then!
 
Yours in Rotary,
Kathi