The Environment is one of Rotary’s areas of focus and the BEL Club was out in full force on April 23^rd.  Despite the cold and at times rainy weather members picked up garbage and collected and sorted recycling around Rotary Park and on the neighbouring roads.  They were joined by members of the Peterborough Bass Masters who were also out in force to help with garbage and recycling collecting! 

The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to change the world through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.  Simply said, it is to do “good” in the world and come one step closer to peace.  When a person is recognized with a Paul Harris Fellow, it means that 1000 USD has been donated to the Foundation either by or on behalf of the individual. 

 

Foundation dollars make a difference.  Local projects supported by the Rotary Foundation include the annual adopt a family project, support of the Lakefield and Bridgenorth Food Banks, support for local agencies and Long Term Care facilities during the pandemic, the BEL Rotary Bridegenorth Trail and the provision of equipment to local schools.   Internationally, foundation dollars have supported the eradication of polio, the Rotary School of Cambodia and most recently the disaster relief fund to support those most affected by the war in Ukraine.

 

A Paul Harris recipient upholds the ideals of Rotary in their personal and professional life.  At the Monday meeting, BEL Rotary recognized three of its own.  Rotarian Girv Devitt received his Paul Harris +6 (a total of 7000 USD) in person, Bob Fawcett his Paul Harris +2 (a total of 2000 USD) and Christopher Tworkowski his Paul Harris +8 (a total of 9000 USD) both virtually.  All three of these members have been tireless in their commitment of time, expertise and resources to the betterment of the community.

The BEL Rotary Club sends a huge THANK YOU to all of the sponsors, supporters and participants of the second annual Pandemic Polar Plunge.  Plungers demonstrated the true spirit of giving, showed their creativity and raised more than $15,000.  The true benefactors of this event are the charities named by the plungers and the members of our community who benefit from the work of BEL Rotary. Thank you to the plungers for your efforts to make this event so much fun.  Thank you to the “pledgers” for your ongoing support.  To see the antics of this crazy, community minded group of people visit the youtube link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrJ_vjU_4l2JaS8j5mZoW5A  The most money raised by an individual was Jodie Mulder.  She raised more than $3500 in support of Community Care! The best video was by the KVEC Porcupines team: Amber McGill, Elizabeth Dillon, Dana Salahub and Shelby Cohen who plunged to raise money for the Kawartha Wildlife Centre.

 

We also extend a sincere thank you to our sponsors: The Wolf, Fresh Radio, Global Peterborough, Bridgenorth Guardian, Bridgenorth Home Hardware, Savage Arms and the Lakefield Herald for your ongoing and tremendous support.  You are awesome!

 

A heartfelt thank you to all – we couldn’t do it without you.