Amica Bronte Harbour

 

President Mitch called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and toasted the King and Canada.

 

The Land Acknowledgement was read by Nancy and Frank led us in singing of the National Anthem. The invocation was then delivered by Nancy.

 

Fourteen members were in attendance along with eight guests.

 

Lynn introduced 4 guests from Sheridan College. Their capacities include being a part of, working with and a past student inclusive of the Indigenous learning program.

 

Audrey Rochette is Anishinaabe from Waabadowgang-Whitesand First Nation. She is Associate Vice President (AVP) Indigenous Engagement & Education Inclusive Communities and a member of Sheridan's Indigenous Education Council.

 

Amy Reader is an Anishnaabe-kwe from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and is Associate Vice President, Indigenous Education and Internal Engagement at Sheridan College.

 

Lindsay James is the Development Manager, supporting the Faculty of Animation, Art and Design or FAAD at Sheridan College.

 

Haley Wrigley is a student in the Makeup for Media and Creative Arts program and is a recipient of one of our bursaries. 

 

Both Lindsay and Haley were featured speakers for the evening.

 

Ralf introduced 2 guests – Mark Hope and Erika Coetzer who were both attending their second meeting as potential new members.

Ralf also introduced Sawn Hsu, a visiting Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Taipei South west.

And Bob’s wife Peggy, a familiar face to us all, joined us as well.

 

Announcements

Ralf announced that the centennial celebration of Rotary in Oakville will take place on April 30 at the Oakville Convention Centre. Things are progressing well for the event and registration is expected to open on March 15

 

Happy Bucks and Fines

Amin was the fine master for the evening and passed on fines but asked for Happy Bucks. Of particular note was Ralf sharing a recent email that he received from a former Camp Enterprise student who was a participant in the camp in 2012. The email was to share with Ralf how successful his life now is, how much he owed that to his participation in Camp Enterprise 12 years ago, and to thank Ralf again. Quite a testament to how Rotary and this club can impact people with its service and programs.

 

Guest Speakers

Lynn introduced our guest speakers Lindsay and Haley.

 

Lindsay presented an overview of Sheridan College (40,000 students, five faculties, and 100 + programs !) , some of the key challenges facing the college and how it is in the process of reimagining its future. She also highlighted how Indigenous Students are supported at Sheridan and the key role our club has played over the past 5 years. Since 2019, RCO has provided 30 Indigenous students with $36,000 in financial aid, including 4 students in 2025 receiving $2,500 each. Lindsay’s presentation is attached for your reference.

 

Haley is one of the Indigenous students to receive a RCO bursary. She is currently enrolled in the 3 year program Makeup for Media and Creative Arts. Haley shared with us a very personal account of the challenges she faced in her first year at Sheridan and how the RCO bursary she received instilled a vote of confidence in her, allowing her to focus on her studies and achieve success. She has been able to produce the cover for a local magazine, has a movie documentary coming out this year, and continues to do well in school. In addition, she is an active volunteer in several programs in our community.

 

On conclusion of Haley’s presentation, Lynn delivered a warm thank you Lindsay, Haley and the entire Sheridan team.

 

President Mitch then adjourned the formal part of the meeting with a Toast to Friends and Rotarians around the world at 8:00pm.