Todd Aitchison, District Governor Kathy Dick, President Ed Simon
Guest Speaker - District Governor Kathy Dick
Kathy spoke of the inspirations that she has experienced through Rotary International beginning at the International Convention in Spain and at many events since. She was impressed by the actions of young people supported by various Rotary Projects and introduced this years International Theme of "Rotary Making a Difference"
Kathy mentioned her goals for the year of supporting individual clubs, enhancing the public image of Rotary and retaining new members. She mentioned that clubs are having success in introducing new members but the level of drop off within a few years is troubling. There is always a focus on membership and new strategies for mentoring and engaging the members is important to assist retention.
She mentioned they are working on policies and procedures and a new District plan which she hopes to have in place by the end of 2017. Changes to the website have made it more accessible and user friendly.
Rotary is working to support a Peace Centre in Waterloo in an effort to have it established at the University of Waterloo.
At the Atlanta convention another push to once and for all eradicate polio was supported with significant donations from the government of Canada, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and many other supporters.
Rotary is hoping to "get the word out" about the significant contributions made by Rotary Worldwide through fund raising and hours volunteered. Rotary is able to influence good work world wide on a scale even greater than the United Nations.
In the spring Rotary will be spearheading a project to ask every Rotarian to plant a tree to focus on the importance of protecting our environment.
Lastly Kathy reminded us that Rotary International will be meeting in Toronto and this will be a great opportunity to experience the inspiration that Kathy and many other involved Rotarians have used to achieve greater involvement and success in the great work of Rotary.
She again asked members to sign up for the District Conference in Mississauga. This can be done on the Rotary District website.
Allison Scott is still accepting Backpacks and donations for her annual school drive
POGO Run volunteers are still needed for a few hours for September 10 - Troy is collecting names.
The District Conference is September 23 at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga with the theme "Peace through Music". Check the District website for details.
The Oktoberfest Luncheon will now be at Concordia Club.
The Sign up for Crown and Anchor will be at the September 6 meeting.
Next week's Speaker is Mark Godin from Hospice of Waterloo Region.
50/50 draw prize of $231.00 was not won.
Karin Voisin and President Ed thanked Guest Speaker Kathy Dick.
Kitchener-Westmount Rotarians Laura Power, Todd Aitchison, Alison Scott and Karin Voisin participated in the recent Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region Golf Tournament.
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