The 10^th annual Rotary Rib 'n' Roll, Brampton's popular ribfest, runs May 23, 24 and 25 at Gage Park -Friday evening 5 to 11 pm; Saturday from 12 noon to 11 pm and Sunday Noon until 7 pm.

 

“We continue to build on record crowds each year,” says Brad Goodison, chair of the event for the Rotary Club of Brampton.  “We are fortunate that we have such great support from sponsors and our volunteers.”

 

Money raised at the event goes to support children with cancer and Rotary’s other charities. Last year more than $50,000 was raised.

 

In 2014 the major change is the addition of a major sponsor WARD FUNERAL HOMES, celebrating 100 years in 2014, and the retooling of our activities on Sunday with significant enhancements aimed at making the whole day an interactive event for families.

 

The WARD family is celebrating a 100 years in business this year. Founder W.J. Ward had a personal vision about how families were to be treated with service choices that respect their values and honour the people they cherish.  It resonates to this day. At WARD FUNERAL HOMES family matters.  As a family-owned funeral home for four generations, they have the experience and outstanding service to honour the life of your loved one with care and integrity.

 

“We wanted to make Sunday about families with kids in an interactive environment that’s fun for everyone and the fit with the Ward commitment to family was a perfect partnership. Friday still tends to be an adult night and Saturday starts with families and builds to an adult crowd in the evening, Goodison said."
 

The music is non- stop Friday through Saturday. The Carpet Frogs are back as the Saturday night headliner. The rest of the lineup includes The Dave Murphy Band, Stacey Zegers  and New Hollywood on Friday; Hidden Agenda, Practically Petty,  Elyse Saunders Band, David Love Band, Uptown Express and The Carpet Frogs on Saturday. On Sunday there is family entertainment through the day with Skip Tracer on at 3:30 and Marc Joseph Band closing out at 5:30.

 

Check www.ribnroll.com for details and times.

 

“Admission is by voluntary contribution at the gate. Even a toonie would be great because it all goes to support Rotary work in our community.”

Rotary Rib 'n' Roll ribber lineup includes Jake's Boathouse, Louisiana Seafood Oyster Bar and Grill, P&P Catering and RD’s Southern BBQ and Turtle Jack’s Muskoka Grill.

"Rotary believes in supporting local business, and we get terrific support from local business as well. Key sponsors include City of Brampton, RBC Royal Bank, RBC Dominion Securities, Ward Funeral Homes,  Investors Group, Amber Brewery, The Marketing PAD, The Brampton Guardian, Rogers TV, Lawrences, The Rose Theatre, Meri-Mac, and  Carl’s Catering,” says Goodison.

 

This is the tenth year for Rib ‘n’ Roll, an event that was started as Blade-a-thon 17 years ago by founder Rob van Kessel.  Ribs were added in 2004.  Attendance last year at the event was more than 20,000 over three days.

 

 EM will be the well-loved Ali Hassan, and entertainment will be provided by Anwar Khurshid of the Toronto School of Sitar.  Contact Badar Shamim for tickets – 905-456-2024  badar.shamim@gmail.com

 

The school in Pakistan is an afternoon shift in a secular school of about 200 children (both boys and girls).  The staff are all female, which both provides employment and ensures that girls can attend classes.   The morning shift of the school is supported by Magna International.  

Let’s support our final international project for the 2013-4 program year.

 

Each club presented a “Special Contribution Award” to one member.  The RC Brampton’s recipient was Dittie Voegele, who has demonstrated “Service Above Self” through her work in Tanzania, leadership to the Rotary Walk for Rapport, and anchoring the Sick & Visiting committee. 

 

Keynote speaker on the Rotary theme of “Saving Mothers and Children “ was Christina Marchand, a undergraduate student at University of Waterloo study Public Health.  While she has worked in several cooperative settings, she spoke of her profound experience in Uganda. 

 

Assigned to teach leadership skills to health providers, she found herself in Maternity Clinics, working with very limited resources – and delivering babies.  While many were successful, she recounted the loss of mothers and children routinely.  Much is due to limited pre-natal care, few medical resources at the clinics including no facilities for caesarian deliveries – and the lack of such basic items as scissors and rubber gloves. 

 

She titled her presentation as “Minding the Gap” and she is now working on the gap in medical supplies at Ugandan clinics.  Along with Rotarian Hyder Hassan, she has formed FullSoul – a clothing line that will generate profits to fund medical supplies.  She is also raising funds through speaking to groups with a goal of $10,000.  In September she will return to Uganda and plans to equip 10 clinics with enough supplies to last for 20+ years (equipment can be reused as they do have sterilizers).  

 

Christina also mentioned that Rotary has made a tremendous impact on her life – from her experience as an exchange student to Germany, RYLA, and Rotaract.  The happy buck collection and sale of table centres generated $807 – which was given to FullSoul.  This will purchase two $400 kits.   Christina, still in her twenties, is a remarkable young woman’; her presentation was inspiring.  Perhaps we can all find a “gap” to mind.

Join the Rotary Walk for Rapport on Sunday, June 8th, registration 8:30 a.m., 4-1/2 km walk starts at 10 a.m. We are looking for people who will walk and collect pledges; also lots of volunteers are needed for this event. We are also looking for sponsors. Please see Dittie if you are able to help in any of these areas.

 

More information on Facebook (please like our page) and on the website