RCO Meeting (Oct. 07, 2025)

🏠 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.

⛳ 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

🎓 Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI)

👕 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

📣 Final Notes