Peace and The Environment
On July 25, 2022, The Rotary Mississauga Peace Corner was officially opened. It is a joint effort by the City of Mississauga and Rotary clubs within Mississauga (Rotary Mississauga, Rotary Mississauga Meadowvale, Rotary Mississauga West, Rotary Mississauga City Centre and Mississauga Rotaract). A district grant was used to help fund the project.
The Rotary Peace Corner consists of a Peace Pole, two newly planted trees and a bench opposite the Peace Pole. A Peace Pole is an internationally recognized symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family. It's a standing vigil in silent prayer for peace on earth. An inscription on the Peace Pole reads “May peace prevail on earth” that's written in English, French, and Anishinaabemowin (the language of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations).
The location of the Peace Pole is quiet and close to nature. It was selected to embody peace and foster an appreciation for the natural environment. Willowvale Fields is a natural gem in the heart of Mississauga and the Creditview Wetland area. It reflects two of Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus, Peace and Environment.
Among those present for the opening were Rotarians from Mississauga and beyond including District Governor Sandhya Maini, past District Governor and District 7080 Peace Chair Kathi Dick, Assistant District Governor Rajeev Wijesinghe, past Assistant Governor Betty Jo Parent. Also in attendance were City Councilor Ron Starr and City of Mississauga Chief Stacey LaForme. The Chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations attended the opening and shared some words of wisdom and a personal poem.
The wording on the plaque beneath the Peace Pole reads:
You are invited to gather quietly in the Rotary Peace Corner to embrace inner and world peace and to enjoy the natural environment.
Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Founded in 1905, Rotary conducts global forums, hosts international peace symposiums, and advances peace through its 77-year collaboration with the United Nations all in the unwavering pursuit to achieve the goal of worldwide peace and tolerance.
Submitted by Kathi Dick
Rotary Mississauga