🏠Welcome and Acknowledgements
- Meeting opened with a welcome to guests, including Sylvia and her husband Aninda, Denise Kollee, Sara Cummings, Neeraj Nulu, and Joe White.
- Indigenous land acknowledgment recognizing the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Anishinaabe Nation was read by Larry Rodrigue, who then led our O Canada.
- Lynn toasted the King & Canada, and George Farrow invocated.
- October-born members: Lindsay James, Lois Knepflar & M. Bissauge.
- New members were then welcomed to the Rotary family: Joe White & Neeraj Nulu.
- Andreas Rivero led our Happy Bucks
⛳ Golf Tournament Recap
- Successful charity golf tournament held – thank you Bob Miskelley & team.
- Raised $40,000 for Home Sweet Hope, a local not-for-profit supporting single mothers transitioning from homelessness to self-sufficiency.
- Sara Cummings talked to their program which includes housing, college education, life skills, and professional development.
🌟 FASD Collaborative Presentation – Denise Kollee
- Overview of Halton FASD Collaborative and Camp Unity.
- Camp Unity supports youth (up to 18) diagnosed or at risk of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
- Camp provides a one-to-one camper-to-staff ratio and tailored programming.
- Activities include sensory-motor programs, outings, guest visits (e.g., guide dogs, Triple C Farms), and a camper-run fundraising car wash.
- Emphasis on creating safe, predictable environments for success.
- Police engagement and outreach included to build familiarity and support.
- Camp supported by 12–13 community agencies with no formal budget—entirely donation and partnership-based.
- Denise thanked RCO CF and our members for their recent support that helped to fund camp activities, etc. this year.
- https://www.insidehalton.com/news/rotary-oakville-donates-10k-to-this-special-kids-camp/article_1a91cfc7-2ebc-52d4-9281-e008ef24b841.html
🎥 Camper Testimonial - Dallas
- Dallas, a former camper, now a mentor and speaker, created a video for a national conference.
- This video highlighted the long-term impact of Camp Unity and the collaborative model.
🛍️ Online Auction Updates
- Auction is now live; members encouraged to register and bid.
- Items include high-quality gift baskets curated by Francesca (TSH/ OCHI employee).
- Featured items include Raptors tickets, platinum seats, wine, and holiday packages.
- Deadline for item donations: October 31, with a grace period into early November.
- Members encouraged to solicit donations from local businesses and shops.
🏕️ District Conference Recap
- Nine RCO members attended the recent district conference.
- Positive feedback and strong representation from the club.
🎓 Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI)
- RLI scheduled for October 18.
- Levels 1, 2, and 3 available; professional development opportunity.
- Club may cover the $85 registration fee for interested members.
- Carpooling options being arranged.
đź‘• Rotary Shirts Available
- Rotary District shirts available in 2X and 3X sizes - $5.
- Oakville Canopy Club (tree planting initiative) shirts available in many sizes - $5.
- Limited stock of RCO Centennial shirts (ladies’ medium and large) also available.
- Proceeds go to the club – contact Rod Craig & George Vincent.
🎳 Bowling Night Fundraiser – James Montegue
- Mental wellness series bowling night on October 14.
- $40 per person; proceeds support girlfriend’s camp.
- Rotary has four lanes reserved; five lanes remain open.
- Family-friendly event—members encouraged to bring grandkids.
đź“Ł Final Notes
- Reminder to continue gathering auction items.
- Emphasis on community impact and collective fundraising success.
- Meeting concluded with a toast to friends & Rotarians around the world.