RCO Bulletin February 1

President Mike Henry called the meeting to order at 7 pm with a Toast to the Queen and Canada.

Members present – 18

Guest – 1

 

Ralf Soeder performed the invocation.

Rod Craig introduced the guest Bob Palmateer

 

 

Mahendra Shah - RCO charitable Fund: We are migrating from Charitable Trust to Charitable Fund. By mid-year 2021 we are hoping to have the Trust wound up. 2: Membership dues invoices have been mailed out, waiting for some of us to still respond.

 

Mike Henry – We are hoping to have to have an AGM soon to pass the bye Laws for the new Charitable fund.

 

Rudy Habesch  – Listed the Rotary International District Awards and what they are for. Rudy reminded us that we can still nominate people for these awards.

 

Mike Henry –  Peggy Dodds was a Winner of the District Award mentioned by Rudy, 3 years ago. Dana won 2 years ago. Last year’s winner was Jean.

George Vincent  – SPEAKER SERIES. March 9th is date of this year’s event. The Keynote Speaker is  The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, who served as the 17th chief justice of Canada from 2000 to 2017, the first woman to hold that position and the longest-serving chief justice in Canadian history. It will be a Webinar at 7 pm. After her speech, there will be a Panel discussion moderated by Sandra Pupatello, who served as a Minister in the Ontario Provincial Government from 1995 to 2011. The panel will also feature Jennifer Jones who is the President elect of Rotary International. They will discuss the challenges of Leadership. The Proceeds of this event will go to provide scholarships in Canada’s Indigenous communities. We were reminded to make donation for the event, although general admission is free. The award for the highest number of ticket sales, “John smith Award” went to Frank Morewood last year. George reminded us to contact all the people in our networks, to encourage them to attend and make a donation towards this worthwhile cause. Also, we should be looking for individuals and businesses to sponsor this event.

 

Mike Henry – Waterside Cleanup on April 24th, Earth Day. This is going to be a Cluster Event, more details to come shortly.

 

Bob Miskelly - Happy Bucks & Fines

Viv Naidoo - Introduced the speaker of the Day, Susanne Zbinden, of the Rotary Club of Orangeville. Susanne is a native of Switzerland with a background in linguistics and international relations. She joined the Rotary Club of Orangeville soon after she came to Canada to meet people and to get involved in the community. For over 12 years Susanne was the Safety Director of Transportation Company in Caledon. In March of 2020, both she and her husband Richard started a new venture as importers and distributors of Oral Health Care Products for cats, dogs and horses; for organic cat and dog supplements and most recently they expanded our line of products to distribute “Made in Canada” surgical face masks.

 

Speaker of the day:

SUSANNE ZBINDEN        

Highlights from Susanne’s Presentation:

Susanne has held several Rotary club Positions, including:

At Rotary Club of Orangeville: Secretary, Executive Secretary, Committee chair.

At the District Level: Annual Fund and Endowment chair, Assistant Governor 2019-2022, Member of Training committee.

At the Rotary Foundation: Sustaining member, Paul Harris Fellow +8, Paul Harris Society Member, Major Honor, Benefactor, Legacy Society Member.

The Rotary foundation transforms our gifts into service projects that change lives throughout the World. There are several ways to contribute, through 3 distinct funds. Recognitions include, Paul Harris Fellow and the  Arch Klumph Society Member. Susanne will be delighted to send us the full Presentation by email, if we send her a request: susannezbinden@me.com

 

Mike Henry: Thanked the speaker and announced the date of our next meeting on February 22nd. At this meeting we will discuss “the Future of Fundraising”. The meeting concluded at 8:17 pm with the usual toast to Queen and Canada.