The Rotary Club of
Kitchener-Westmount

Membership Newsletter

September 9 2026

 

President Karen presented District Governor Uche Okugo with an Operation Eyesight Gift of Sight certificate. Uche gave an update from the District.

 

Assistant District Governor Paul Walman from the Kitchener Grand River club introduced DG Uche Okugo.

September 9-Meeting Minutes

 

Announcements

  • October 9th is the Oktoberfest Luncheon- tickets are available.
  • Everton reminded members of the 5-Club meeting next week.
  • Nice to have Neil Aitchison back. Neil starred in 85 Drayton performances of “Sorry..I'm not sorry!” at the Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre in St. Jacobs. It was an amazing show, congratulations. Great to have you back at Rotary Neil!
  • Julia encouraged members to attend a Concert at the St. Matthew's Centre featuring Diego Carneiro, internationally acclaimed Brazilian cellist and Peace Ambassador. Ray has sent out an email with details.
  • District Conference in Brampton on October 3rd.

Club Anniversaries

  • Gerald Menezes 38 years over 5 clubs
  • Bill Green-26 years
  • Judy Nairn-14 years

Guests

  • Paul Walman -Assistant District Governor
  • Ayo Owodunni-City Councillor, City of Kitchener
  • Kingsley Madu- Founder and CEO of Expedier

 

50/50-Jackpot $426, no winners, Actually Ingrid was the only one with a ticket. lol.

 

Guest Speaker

Uche Okugo, Rotary 7080 District Governor 2026-27

Uche thanked the club for allowing him to speak, he brought greetings from RI President Olayinka Hakeem Babalola.

The Presidential Theme/Message for 2026-27 is “Create Lasting Impact”

Whatever we do should be “meaningful, measurable and impactful”.

We must be ready to welcome change and adapt. 

Uche was born in Nigeria and joined Rotary in 2006. He relocated to Canada in 2018 and has been an active and proud member of the Rotary Club of Brampton.

In his travels as DG he has visited 23 clubs to-date.

He encouraged us to use the services of the Public Image Team at RI.

Rotary currently sponsors over 4,000 youth per year in The Rotary Youth Exchange Program. The Program is over 50 years old. Unfortunately Rotary needs to do a better job converting those participants to become Rotarians.

Uche spoke of member attraction and member engagement to be important to focus on. Our club “To Do List” should include updating our club records, creating club goals, designing a strategic plan and engage in partnerships and innovations.

The District theme is “Roll up your sleeves”.-Show up, step forward, serve with purpose, bring others with you.

He encouraged members to sign up for the District Newsletter-Subscribe, contribute, stay connected.

Uche welcomed all members to participate in the upcoming District Conference.

The 2027 RI Convention will be held in Barcelona, Spain on June 26-30. 

His call to action-Be a Public Image Champion, Attract someone to experience Rotary, Subscribe to the District Newsletter and donate to the RI Foundation.