2014 Community Service Awards

The Community Service Awards Breakfast is always a highlight of our Rotary Year and this year’s program was no exception.  As usual, the program is coordinated with the other 3 rotary clubs in Burlington.

The meeting started off with a “photo op” where at least 10-15 minutes were used to get photos of all groups attending the meeting and I have attached a link for the photos taken by our resident photographer – Marie Cresswell.

http://thomascole.smugmug.com/Events/Rotary-Club-of-Burlington/4-Rotary-Clubs-of-Burlington

After breakfast, Glenn Warnica opened the meeting by welcoming everyone. He gave a brief summary of who the Awards were trying to recognize –people who improve the quality of life of others, who make a difference in our community, who meet the Rotary motto of Service Above Self, etc.

After all the usual Rotary Meeting Duties had been completed by various members of the 4 clubs, Lawrence Leung assumed the role of Master of Ceremonies.  He introduced various dignitaries composed of such people as District Governor, Past District Governors, Club Presidents, etc.

Mayor Rick Goldring, himself a Rotarian, brought greetings from the City of Burlington and offered congratulations to the Award Winners. He also did a short review of Burlington as it pertained to the Award Winners who were either seniors or looked after senior interests.  Burlington is the oldest city in the GTA in terms of the number of seniors per capita.

Michael Gautier, our District Governor offered congratulations to the Award Winners and stated that each winner would be awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship on behalf of the 4 clubs. He also explained the background and meaning behind a PHF for those present who were not Rotary members.

Lawrence Leung introduced the Selection Committee for the Awards and unfortunately I was distracted as he was doing so I only got some of the names – Bernie Scrivener, Dean Rutty, Duncan Hart and a number from the other clubs.

Lawrence Leung also introduced the Individual Award Winner – Joe Veitch.  Joe immigrated to Canada from England in 1966 & worked as a designer at Stelco.  His community work began in England and later in Canada working with  Armed Forces groups such as the Air Cadets and other related youth groups.  After retiring, Joe joined the Burlington Seniors Centre, initially helping in the kitchen but evolved into starting Breakfast at the Bistro, a breakfast program for seniors where they can be nourished and have social contact as well. Seniors pay $6.00 and over 5,000 breakfasts have been served. Joe also initiated the Victorian Afternoon Tea program which is a similar social program with sandwiches, scones and cream cakes being served and ladies are encouraged to wear fancy hats.  Both programs are run by volunteers.  Upon acceptance of the Award, Joe acknowledged the work of the volunteers that made the programs he started, happen.

The Corporate Award was presented to the Out-4-Lunch Seniors Lunch Program in Aldershot by Dean Rutty. This organization is a collaboration of the four churches on Plains Road (Holy Rosary, East Plains, West Plains and St. Matthew’s).  Together, they prepare and serve lunch to 50-70 local seniors every Monday.  They target low income and isolated seniors although all seniors are welcome. Excess food is taken home and once a month a speaker is brought in. The program provides social interaction, nourishment, companionship and community involvement. 70 Volunteers (15 each meal) run the program under the direction of Pauline Jodry, the Program Originator and Coordinator.  Pauline is Chair of the Outreach Committee at St Matthew-on- the-Plains Church and she chairs the Steering Committee for the program which consists of 2 representatives from each of the 4 churches.  Pauline also has served on several other community organizations.

Bernie Scrivener introduced the Guest Speaker – Don Smith. Don is a true native of Burlington having been born, educated and having worked here all his life.  Bernie noted that Don is “one of us” as Don is an active Rotarian.  Don has served on numerous Boards of several agencies serving the Burlington and Hamilton area and has received many awards for his volunteer work.

Don Smith’s presentation could be summarized by saying that he focused on the ”everyday greatness of individuals” who have a way of living, every day, helping people or making the world a better place.  They are not people who have a one - time great event that we hear about or read about and never do anything accountable after that. He asked us to think about the special people in our life who have provided continued contribution to uplift and inspire us every day. He identified 3 choices – of purpose, principles and action.  Purpose defines who we are and what our life is all about. Service Above Self could be part of our purpose. Principles are things that define us - such things as fairness, integrity, honesty and the principles outlined in the 4 way test. Choice to act is taking charge of our life to enact the purpose and principles we have to perform regular greatness each day. He concluded by showing a short video of a young man who selfishly helped a number of people in their daily endeavours. Dave Beckett thanked Don for his inspirational message.