We are now 4 months into our Rotary year, and I continue to be impressed with the energy, dedication and innovation shown by our clubs. By visiting almost exclusively on Zoom, the creativity and imagination that I have witnessed is amazing.
One of the opportunities that I enjoy is seeing the wide variety of styles and customs employed at the club level. We have been encouraged by International President Holger to be revolutionary and try different things. Many clubs no longer ring the bell to call members to order, some sing Oh Canada while others have video assistance and some of the videos are spectacular. Most clubs have a happy bucks report where for a small fee you can share your celebrations or brag a bit. While some do an every- member check in, others have the President or moderator single out Rotarians for updates. It is great to see visitors at club meetings, even via Zoom; some of whom are local prospective members while others are doing “make-ups” from far away. 
 
I hope you are visiting the website regularly to see the reports on the creative fundraisers that are happening throughout the District as well as the service projects. Many clubs continue to address the food insecurity in their areas by supporting local food banks and doing projects that deliver the food directly to families. From the on-line auction, to long distance bike rides, wine auctions and drive-thru Ribfests our clubs have been out there and fundraising. Our Rotaract clubs have also been out in the community, doing bottle drives and park clean ups.
 
November is Foundation month, and we have a chance to be updated on our amazing “service arm” and the great works that enable us to do good in the world. You will no doubt hear the appeal to financially support our Foundation through your financial gifts. Our cumulative giving to the fund is carefully tracked and recognized with Paul Harris points. Personally, after over 30 years in Rotary, I was surprised by that total but in modesty admitted the average was just a few hundred dollars per year.
 
I hope you were able to participate in World Polio Day on October 24 in some way even if only while viewing a presentation of YouTube. I attended a very interesting session hosted by the Guelph Wellington Cluster featuring Dr. Christopher Rutty from Connaught Labs in Toronto talking about the history of polio in the 20th century and the Canadian role in the development of vaccines. Many clusters supported smaller flag raising ceremonies this year by raising the End Polio Now at their City halls. Our district-wide Facebook initiative reached over 5000 club followers and raised $1000 for Polio Plus! 
 
Until next month, keep well, take care and live each day looking for opportunities to serve!
 
DG Mike