BEL Rotary continues to meet virtually on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. Please join us!! Contact President Nicole or any of our members for information.
The tradition of the BEL Rotary Polar Plunge will continue, but with a twist. “Plunge, frolic or splash” in a kiddie pool in your own yard, make a snow angel or pour a bucket of ice water over your body in an attempt to emulate the polar plunge. Upload a picture or video to your preferred platform (Facebook, Youtube or any other video sharing site you are comfortable using.) and send us a link or share the video with us so we can promote your plunge and thank you for participating and supporting the event.
All registration and pledges will be done on line at www.belrotaryplunge.com. Please contact Mike Richardson at 705 872 1624 if you need more information.
The theme is “The Pandemic Polar Plunge” and the goal is to have fun in the face of the pandemic and raise money for your favorite charity and the work of BEL Rotary.
It has been a challenging year, and more than ever, many in our community have to face the difficult decision: do they buy presents for their children or do they put food on the table?
For the past several years the BEL Club has provided the “gift of Christmas” to local families through the club “Adopt a Family” program. This year, in response to the pandemic and increased need they doubled the number of families to be supported and expanded the mandate of the program to include food items and the makings of a festive turkey dinner. With input from the local schools and the families, members purchased toys, games, puzzles, sporting equipment, clothing and books suitable to the needs and interests of the children. The theme for 2020 is “Connections: games and resources for families to connect and enjoy healthy living indoors and out”.
Once again BEL Rotary stepped up to the challenge, this time supporting the local foodbanks. Thanks to the generosity of BEL members and community partners, Rotarians shopped for the delivered much needed staples and hygiene products to both the Lakefield and Bridgenorth depots. “It is one more small way we can help the community during these very difficult times”, said President Nicole. “As we head into the Christmas season, we know that many of friends and neighbours are feeling the strain of stretched budgets and extra demands”.
The BEL Club is devasted by the loss of long time member and Charter President, Bob Ash. Girv Devitt gave a heartfelt tribute to our dear friend. “Bob was known as Mr. Rotary. He was responsible for taking the club from the idea of a few likeminded individuals to a newly chartered club. Over the years he held all offices including three terms as President. “
At the Nov. 23 rd Tony Davidson recognized Spence Tucker as an honorary member. Spence has served BEL Rotary for 31 years and due to health issues is not able to continue as an active member.
On Monday evening, BEL Rotary celebrated 44 years of service to the local and international communities.
On October 24 th , Rotary and its partners celebrated World Polio Day and the tremendous progress made toward polio eradication. This progress is thanks to the cooperation of Rotary, WHO and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. As much as it is a team effort – we need champions – and PDG Brian and Dorothy are two of these champions. They have travelled to Nigeria and Pakistan to give children lifesaving drops and support the health care workers on the ground, often putting themselves at personal risk. They have raised money and awareness to continue these efforts and inspired others to do the same.
At our meeting on Oct 26 th PDG Brian and Dorothy were presented with the “Regional Service Award for a Polio Free World”, on behalf of the Rotary Foundation. This prestigious award is presented internationally to Rotarians who have gone above and beyond to rid the world of Polio and spare children across the globe from the scourge of this horrible disease. Congratulations and thank you Brian and Dorothy. We are so proud of you.
Future Rotarians Emmalena (5) and Rhyland (3) walked to raise awareness of the efforts of Rotary and its partners as they celebrated World Polio Day, October 24th. BEL Rotary has been a proud supporter of polio eradication for more than 3 decades. The club with the support of our amazing community has raised tens of thousands of dollars. We are so close! For more information contact Susan Davidson or any BEL Rotarian.
