Trish Edwards, incoming Foundation Chair, presented two new PolioPlus Society inductees, Janet Markham & Chris Tworkowski. Their commitment to help saving the children of the world from the scourge of this terrible disease is appreciated. BEL Rotary is a long time and dedicated supporter of the Polio Plus Campaign!
Although we had no team as such in Carl Oake Swimathon, we did have some far away participants. The total effort raised more than $19,000. Here are our two swimmers, Rhyland & Emmalena. If you’d like to donate here’s the link: Emmalena and Rylan’s swim for the Carl Oake Swimathon.
Mike congratulated the Club on the huge success of the 2025 Polar Plunge, raising over $52,000 with 100 plungers doing the plunge and supporting over 30 charities. It was quite amazing how the community came together to help this event take place. Congratulations to all!
We then proceeded to recognize those who had won trophies. These included Kara Murray, 11 years old, who won the Most Funds Raised by an Individual, raising over $3000 in honour of her grandma, our very own Mary Lou Tryan.
Mike then introduced Kyra Jackson & Jenne Lyons from Savage Arms who won the plaque for Most Funds Raised by a Team. They were able to raise $5634.10 supporting a number of causes.
Lastly, Mike introduced Nowlan LeBlanc who accepted the trophy for the Smurf Squad who won for the Best Costume. They raised $1850 for a variety of causes. Thank you all!!
Every child has the right to play - it helps develops cognitive, emotional and physical skills. BEL Rotary is proud to support the inclusive playground being built at the beautiful Ennismore Park on Chemong Lake. At the recent meeting Courtney and Emmalena presented a cheque for $6,600 to Nancy Turner of "Jude's Joy" to fund the inclusive swing at the park.
The 45th Annual BEL Rotary Polar Plunge is in the books and what an incredible success it was! Retro TV characters from the Smurfs, to the Simpsons to the Flintstones and Mr. Rogers made an appearance and raised more than $50,000 for local charities and the work of BEL Rotary.
The local Rotary Club Presidents took to the icy waters. Ken Seim, Peterborough Rotary Club President, Dean Ostrander Kawartha Rotary Club President and BEL’s own President Shannon Junkin made a splash as the beloved characters of Gilligan’s Island.
President Shannon jumped for “Jude’s Joy”, an inclusive playground to be built on the beautiful Ennismore waterfront. Play is a fundamental aspect of childhood and child development, and supports cognitive, physical, social and emotional growth. “Every child has the right to a barrier free, inclusive playground”, said Junkin. “As I watch my own nephews grow and develop I can’t imagine what it would be like if they were unable to participate and engage in play. Inclusivity is important and a fundamental of Rotary. When everyone is included it adds to the strength of our society. This playground will make a difference”.
First time plunger Kara Murray was the not only the youngest plunger but also raised the most money as an individual! She took the jump with mom Jay who was doing her third jump. She made the plunge in honour of her Nana, Mary Lou Tryan who has been fighting a courageous battle with cancer. “Nana’s journey has not been easy, but day in and day out she fights this horrible disease. I was so proud to be able to do this for my Nan”. Kara and her mom jumped in support of The Canadian Cancer Society.
The best costume winners are the “loveable” Smurfs, the team from RE/MAX Hallmark and the most money raised by a team was the “Lead Slingin’ Dippers: from Savage Arms.
Thank you to everyone who made this such a huge success!!
What a great way to start the new year! At the Monday meeting BEL member Trish Edwards was recognized with her Paul Harris Fellow +2. Congratulations Trish! Your contribution will make a difference in the world!
Thank you President Shannon for becoming Polio Plus Society member. Your contributions will make a difference as we move to rid the world of the scourge of this horrible disease!
