Lauri returns from Finland and June heads south to Mexico. Read their comments as our leadership changes.
What Are We Actually Doing and Achieving?
After returning from my extended stay, I found our club more alive than ever—almost overwhelming!
- RibFest 2024: The RibFest team is gearing up for another event in 2024, carefully considering the significant effort it takes.
- Bingo Success: Our bingo program keeps giving more than any of us imagined.
- Online Auction: I’ve already reached out to my dentist, reminding them that it’s time again—the online auction is fast approaching.
- Bottle Collection: A small but dedicated team continues to bring in bottles.
Through these efforts, we generate the funds we’re proud to give away.
- Global Impact: We’re building a school in Uganda, developing healthcare in Central America, and seeking more opportunities to collaborate with other Rotary Clubs.
- Supporting Local Youth: Oakville’s youth are receiving more attention with larger bursaries and increased Interact and Rotaract activities.
- Local Causes: Local community initiatives are receiving more funding than they have in a long time.
- Hands-On Work: We’re also engaging hands-on by preparing meals and packing supplies.
- Indigenous Program: Our indigenous program continues to thrive.
We’re adapting and collaborating in new ways:
- Zoom: The Zoom platform has become an everyday tool, used whenever practical.
- Meeting Schedule: Our weekly meetings now follow the new 1-2-1 schedule.
- Streamlining Processes: We’re simplifying our processes and doing more online, like paying for meals and other tasks.
It’s incredible to reflect on how much we’re achieving. If you feel a sense of pride in our club, it’s certainly justified.
Thank you for making all of this possible!
- co-President Lauri Asikainen
Outgoing Co-President's message
My Swan Song - thank you Lauri for putting together a fantastic summary outlining 'where we are at' for October 1st.
When Stephanie Urchick came onboard as this year's RI president, in her opening address (July 2024 Rotary magazine) she wrote about the Rotary Action Plan. She said "the world is changing and our clubs can't afford to stand still". And we all know the saying that goes something like....if you keep doing the same things, you can expect the same results (or something like that). I started the past six months with Stephanie's comments in mind and following are some of the changes we made ......
1) changing the 'invocation' to 'inspiration' (in keeping with Rotary being a non-religious organization)
2) replacing the singing of O Canada with the Rotary 4 Way Test
3) accommodating Mo's with their renovation plans by having casual lunch meetings for members during July and August
4) establishing a new meeting schedule which (selfishly) includes one meeting per month via zoom
I have enjoyed the last six months and I look forward to the next six months when I can work with my Mexican Rotary Club on their projects. I hope you all have a wonderful winter, and I'll see you in April.
- co-President June Oliver