January 27th Video Meeting
The meeting opened with a wide range of Trivia brain teasers wonderfully done by Mac Graham.
Our Speakers today were Karin Voisin, Angela Cote (Karin’s daughter from Victoria) and special guest Alex Blair, a Rotarian, attending our meeting from Scotland.
We had a terrific turnout of 39 and began the formal part of the meeting with O Canada and toasts to the Queen, Canada and Rotary KW.
Our first speaker Alex Blair helped those with Scottish blood (or wish they had) celebrate the birth on January 25th of Robert Burns (2 days late). Alex addressed our Club and provided a true Burns experience at this meeting.
Alex provided us with insights from his childhood, and shared two Burns poems, "To a Mouse" and possible "To a louse", with some explanation/translation of the subject matter.
Next up was our own Karin Voisin, introduced by Laura Power, who detailed Karin’s heavy involvement with the Community at large. Karin ran through an excellent slide presentation on Rotary including information on the founder Paul Harris; quite a unique individual.
From there she segued over to 3 Club members who presented their thoughts on their years, some long term and some short, with our Club.
First up was Chuck Thompson, a Charter Member.
Some keys points in his talk include:
- Joining the “new KW” club at the request of his employer and fellow Rotarian Ralph Forbes
- Chuck’s year as President was memorable as it was that year that women for the first time ever were accepted in Rotary. It presented some challenges dealing with existing members for him as President, but he persevered and was proud of the fact that our club has had several outstanding women Presidents in the ensuing years.
- The year following Chuck’s term has President, Canada became a District on its own.
- Also that year, RI began the Polio Plus Program to eradicate that terrible disease.
- Chuck stated that the weekly Wednesday noon lunches were like an “oasis” in his work week with an opportunity to enjoy fellowship of the KW members.
Next was Ed Simon, 20-year member.
Ed’s points included:
- Rotary offered him a chance to “give back” to the Community.
- He was amazed at the number of things that Rotary did in the Community and worldwide to improve the lives of many.
- Knowing about Rotary he wasn’t sure he’d fit in with but was welcomed from the start as an equal. Because of that he has developed many friendships he might not have had otherwise.
Next was Kyle Lambert, member less than 5 years.
Kyle’s points included:
- Kyle was an Optimist member and enrolled with Leadership W.R. He heard a presentation and decided to look into Rotary through his neighbour (Past President) Todd Aitchison. Todd introduced Kyle and he joined our Club.
- The thing that has struck him most was the welcoming he received and the fellowship that continues.
To round out our meeting and with limited time remaining, Angela Cote took over leading us in an exercise of brainstorming one or two thoughts on Rotary.
Cathy Brothers was first and told a heartwarming story of engaging with Rotarian John Villemaire when her organization was looking for property (they had no money) and John was in the real estate business at the time. He suggested she speak to Rotary. The rest is history including Cathy becoming a member.
Past President Laura Power’s biggest thought was how she was welcomed so warmly into our Club, which somewhat surprised her.
Mac Graham’s thought was walking into a Club of influencers and leaders and being treated equally from the start.
Bill Green was introduced by Paul Dietrich, but well before that he had a good understanding of what Rotary was all about from exposure growing up in London. So, it was an easy decision. Plus, the convenience of noon hour meetings was a bonus.
David Barth’s knew of and was exposed to Rotary living in St. Martin; however, he couldn’t afford to join. When he returned to Canada, Rotarian Ed Simon was the auditor for World Accord. Dave was always “asking for money” so he saw an opportunity to give back by joining Rotary.
Past President Jerome Freiburger worked with the late Rotarian Bob Forwell (father of member Dave Forwell). Jerome joined when Ed Simon was President and the convenience of noon meetings made it easier for him to attend as he often worked evenings.
We ran out of time at that point and PP Todd Aitchison thanked Angela. The suggestion was made that at some point in the future we should have Angela return for an extended session.
