As I write this, I look out at our first major snowstorm of the decade, knowing that February brings us the promise of more winter weather. But it also promises longer days, fewer dark evenings and brings us that much closer to Spring. Every cloud has a silver lining!
Sadly, there have been several natural disasters around the world recently which can make us feel that no matter how much we do, we cannot keep up. But the resilience of the human spirit is boundless. For many years I have received solace from the quotes of people far wiser than me. Their voices seem to boost my resilience and increase my resolve. They let me know that I can make a difference and that I am on the right path. Author Steve Maraboli writes: “Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.”
As Rotarians, we understand that we cannot solve all the ills of the world, but we can each make a small difference in our own way. In the words of Maya Angelou: “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”
I also remind myself that in the past, Rotary’s strength has not been as a first responder. Instead, we partner with first responders like ShelterBox who are ready and prepared to move in quickly, accurately assess the need, and deliver the required help in the most effective way.
Last year, Rotary International established a Disaster Response Fund, that offers grants to affected districts. You can donate at https://my.rotary.org/en/disaster-response-fund. Districts that have been affected by natural disasters can use Rotary disaster response grants to launch their own projects or work with established relief organizations to help their communities recover. Grant funds can be used to provide basic items such as water, food, medicine, and clothing. Affected districts must work closely with local officials and groups to ensure that the funding will meet a specific community need. For the terms and conditions of these grants please see "Rotary Disaster Response Grants Terms and Conditions" and https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/disaster-response.
Still, our most productive efforts remain in rebuilding affected communities with sustainable solutions. By using grants, we can leverage our contributions often by 3.5 times, and sometimes by as much as 6.5 times. Moving forward, there will be many new opportunities for our clubs to work together as we provide hope to those in need.
Finally, a reminder that February 23rd is Paul Harris’ 115th birthday and is celebrated by the Rotary family throughout the globe as World Understanding and Peace Day. How will your club celebrate this wonderful day?
Quote of the Month
“Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it.” – Mahatma Ghandi
Rotaract District Representatives Pari Gujar & Jananee Savuntharanathan
On January 18th, 2020 at the Trinity Church in Streetsville, the Rotaract Club of Mississauga and the Rotary Club of Mississauga-Meadowvale partnered with the Ontario Electronic Stewardship's program for a successful Electronic Waste and Clothing collections drive from local residents towards diverting waste from our landfills. Great work to both clubs for collaborating together on the event!
We want to hear about your events! Want to have your Rotaract event featured in the District newsletter? Send an email to rotaract7080@gmail.com with details on your event so we can let the District know the amazing work Rotaract clubs do!
Did You Know?
Environment - RI Trustees researching Area of Focus for the Environment
I hope many members took time to complete the survey I sent on January 25th to all members. This is an important issue for the world, and one in which Rotary can play a more impactful role.
Deadline for D7080 Awards nominations is March 31st, 2020
Clarence Haverson, Awards Chair
As Rotarians, we all follow the motto “Service Above Self”. However District 7080 District also feels it is important to recognize outstanding contributions that are quietly and selflessly made by dedicated Rotarians and Rotary Partners who go above and beyond. That is why the D7080 District Awards were created.
Nominations are now open for District recognition.
Six years ago two Rotary clubs in Guelph put together the first Tour de Guelph cycle ride to raise funds for the Guelph General Hospital and other Rotary programs. Charlie is an 82-year-old triathlete with 2 World Triathlon placings, and last September 2017 reached his goal of a podium win. He won the bronze medal in his age group in Rotterdam, Holland at the World Triathlon Finals!
Just last March 2019, Charlie became a Rotarian, joining the Guelph South Rotary club. He wanted to help grow the Tour de Guelph and also reach his personal goal of becoming its top fundraiser out of 800 riders.
With focus, drive and dedication on this from February till ride time in June, he achieved his goal and ended up raising $8,500. He was also captain of the cycling team, the Guelph Triathlon Club, and they became the top fundraising cycle team out of 12 teams!
He's now on the Marketing Committee of the Tour de Guelph. The goal for 2023 is to grow the ride from 800 to 1500 riders and grow the fundraising from $125,000 to $200,000. Charlie adds - "In the words of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory - Just do it!”
Rotary Club of Palgrave International Partnership Success Story
In the summer of 2018, Dr. Syed Imtiaz Ahmad, a member of the Rotary Club of Palgrave (RCP) in Canada was approached by Dr. Amal El Sisi, Professor of General Pediatrics and Neonatology at Cairo University Pediatric Hospital and Head of Neonatal Cardiology Unit in Egypt. Dr. El Sisi was approaching RCP on behalf of the Rotary Club of El Tahrir (RCT) in Cairo to explore the possibility of support from RCP for their project on Heart2Heart-Pediatric Catheter Non- Invasive Cardiac Procedures.
Helene and Clem Burrowes have been working with EarlyAct and
Interact clubs in the Malton area for several years. I asked Helene to tell us about the community service projects that the Ridgewood EarlyActors’ were involved with last year. (Unfortunately, the students and teachers are not allowed to participate in any projects this year due to the current labour dispute.) Take a look at what these fourth and fifth-graders did last year.
Interact - Rotarians Working Together To Set Up New Interact Club
Article by Desmond Jordan – Rotary Club of Oakville Trafalgar (RCOT)
This is an inspiring example of how Rotarians from different clubs working together can achieve things they might not be able to do on their own.
Local youth engagement champions, Desmond Jordan of the Rotary Club of Oakville Trafalgar (RCOT) and new Rotarian Lina Sakkab of the Passport South Club, have collaborated to open the doors to a new Interact Club at St Thomas Aquinas (STA) Catholic High School in Oakville.
Through Desmond, fellow Interact Mentor John Kubacki and others, RCOT have been trying for over a decade to get an invitation to open an Interact Club at St Thomas Aquinas. Their club has historically had very strong student connections to the school through Rotary International Student Exchange and the Education Awards in particular, so opening an Interact Club seemed an obvious next step.
However, they just could not get an opportunity to bring Rotary and Rotaract into the school until Lina came along and opened the door from the inside.
District Grant Applications for the 2020 -2021 Rotary Year close on March 15, 2020. To qualify, a Rotarian from your club, preferably the primary contact for the Grant, must complete the online Grants Management Seminar. Please contact Vanora Spreen vanora.rotary@gmail.com or Norm Bindon norm.rotary@rogers.com if you have any questions.
Learning more about Rotary
There’s a wealth of information at your fingertips that’ll keep you updated on ideas, success stories, and new initiatives. The Rotary Leader has some excellent articles. https://www.rotaryleader-en.org/. To read, sign in to My Rotary my.rotary.org/en. Hover over “News & Media”, then click on “Rotary Leader” under “Magazines”. You can also subscribe by clicking on the button at the bottom left-hand corner of page one. Enjoy!
There’s a great opportunity to take advantage of the Rotary Friendship Exchange visit to Taiwan before attending the RI Convention June 12 - 16, 2021 in Taipei. You will need to book quickly as space is limited for the exchange. Contact Eva Quijano equijano08@gmail.comor Lawrence Leung burlington328@gmail.com for more information.
Flamingo Challenge
We haven’t heard from you about new ideas that are being tried by clubs. If you have found a “better path”, or are trying something new, please send the information to jananeesnathan@gmail.comand she will share it on our Ideas page. We’ll also publish it in 7080 Connects.
D7080 Conference – May 30th, 2020 @ Bingemans in Kitchener
Great news! 127 people took advantage of the EarlyBird special that ended on December 31st. As of January 22nd, 133 people had signed up. Thank you to all who registered…and it’s still not too late for others to take advantage of the early booking price of $119 for adults and $49 for Youth, Rotaractors, and Interactors. These prices are available until March 31st, 2020. Don’t wait…register now at http://www.rotary7080conference.com/. It will be an action-packed, memorable day featuring a fun team-building, hands-on service project that will make a difference to children in our communities!
RI Convention in Honolulu – June 6 – 10, 2020
If you haven’t done so already, please take the time to let Anum know your travel details as she is coordinating an evening event where our members can meet up during the convention. We’ve done this for the past few years…and it’s been fun!
ride to raise funds for the Guelph General Hospital and other Rotary programs. Charlie is an 82-year-old triathlete with 2 World Triathlon placings, and last September 2017 reached his goal of a podium win. He won the bronze medal in his age group in Rotterdam, Holland at the World Triathlon Finals!
