Welcome to February, our shortest month and we rejoice seeing the daylight stretching a little longer each day. As Canadians, our national identity is partially formed by our four very different seasons and the opportunity to be active outdoors. Winter brings us a chance to engage in alpine and Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, snow shoeing and ski-doing; but this year we had to adjust to the Pandemic rules and do these things differently, if at all.
In Rotary, 23 February is our anniversary, and February is also the month when we focus on promoting peace. There is a reason for this: Contributing to peace and international understanding has been a high priority for us since our earliest days. We are often asked: “How can we get involved in peace now?” There are many paths to peace in Rotary. Our youth programs point us in the direction of Positive Peace, as does the work of intercountry committees and the Rotary Action Group for Peace.
As a Rotary brand specialist, I see Rotary signs everywhere. I guess you could say it’s an occupational hazard. Even my children spot Rotary signs wherever we go. So when I attended a local Rotary event in my hometown last year, I couldn’t help but notice how Rotary’s logo was being used.
DG Michael Lawrie recently launched a new District Committee to help our clubs tackle environmental issues and support Rotary’s newest Area of Focus. Our Environment Committee is currently planning a series of webinars to inform Rotarians about ways our clubs, and club members, can work to protect the environment.
As you all know, our District Youth Exchange Program is currently suspended. Our District Committee recently met via Zoom with our 8 anxious yet patient outbounds (the group that would have been abroad right now had it not been for the pandemic), and they, as are we, cautiously optimistic that the program can resume for 2021-22.
The Disaster Advisory Resource Group (DARG) was established in the summer of 2020 to communicate, connect and coordinate information from members regarding local and international disaster initiatives. For clarification, the DARG Committee will not manage projects; their role is to provide information to support our members and clubs.
In a year filled with uncertainty and unprecedented change, we have missed out on many fellowship events. However, we have pivoted to bring you the first ever virtual Rotary District 7080 Conference where you can take part in fellowship sessions, breakout sessions and listen to thought-provoking and inspiring guest speakers, all from the comfort and safety of your own home.
How many times, as Rotarians and Canadians, have we heard the comment; “(We) help with water projects all over the world, why do we still have clean water issues in Canada” and then, “what can we do to assist First Nation people who are dealing with clean water issues?”
Together, the four clubs in Burlington joined to prepare 800 goody bags full of candy canes, chocolates, a cookie and other sweets ready to add to the Christmas Dinners served on Christmas Day by the Meal Bag Program at Wellington Square United Church.
Spreading Christmas Cheer - Rotary Club of Palgrave
These unprecedented times have forced Rotary clubs around the world to reinvent many of their events and fundraising activities. Palgrave Rotary club is proud to have embraced this challenge and successfully developed a fundraiser that replaced income lost to the pandemic, facilitated continued interaction between the club and the community we serve most immediately, and provided a much-needed dose of Christmas cheer!
Adapting to Change - Rotary Club of Brampton Flower City Centennial
The Rotary Club of Brampton Flower City Centennial is a relatively small but active club. The COVID 19 Pandemic affected both of our primary fund-raising events from last years. Notwithstanding our members continues to serve the community. They were able to identify
several causes where the club could be of assistance.
Please check-out upcoming events and Zoom meetings in D7080. To add your event to this list simply enter it on the Events Calendar on the District 7080 website. Please note that registration is required for many of these events. Click on each event for full details.
Thank you to all club members who submitted stories and images for this month’s issue of 7080 Connects. If you have a story that you’d like to share please sent it to connects@rotary7080.org
The deadline for submissions is February 21st. All stories that don’t make it into the monthly bulletin will be posted on the district website, the district's Facebook Page or the District's Facebook Group.