DG Visit 2007
Posted by Bill Molesworth
Alison introduced Bert Godin, District Governor for 2007-08. Bert has been a member at Kapuskasing since 1996 and served as President there for 1999-2000 and for 2004-05. He has perfect attendance and has been at every District Conference. He's been active at the District level, especially with the Youth Exchange. He's a receipient of the Rotary Foundation Award is a Paul Harris Fellow and a Benefactor. He relaxes by playing golf, walking, traveling and savouring a scotch on occasion.
Bert has been married to Chris for 26 years and they have three children.
Bert said Rotary is an amazing organization and we should take the opportunity, now and then, to remind ourselves of that. The official definition mentions 'an organization of professionals', 'the good will, the good works', 'the 32,000 clubs conducting projects all over the world', but this is not all of it. When asked why he joined Rotary Bert always says, first, that he was asked, which is an honour in itself. But, second, he attended some meetings and enjoyed the fellowship. When asked why he stays, he talks about the hands on projects and the feeling of belonging to something and of contributing something to the community.
Bert has been married to Chris for 26 years and they have three children.
Bert said Rotary is an amazing organization and we should take the opportunity, now and then, to remind ourselves of that. The official definition mentions 'an organization of professionals', 'the good will, the good works', 'the 32,000 clubs conducting projects all over the world', but this is not all of it. When asked why he joined Rotary Bert always says, first, that he was asked, which is an honour in itself. But, second, he attended some meetings and enjoyed the fellowship. When asked why he stays, he talks about the hands on projects and the feeling of belonging to something and of contributing something to the community.
At every level of Rotary, Bert has experienced this community - at the District level he gets to know others and visit other clubs; at International Conferences he experiences people working together in peace and harmony for peace and harmony. Rotary helps ordinary people do extraordinary things and to reach beyond our daily lives and do more.
Rotary helps us express our love of people, enjoy the fun of fellowship, share Rotary in the community and abroad and, if there's a need beyond our abilities, there's help.
He encouraged the Club to focus on membership because without members there is no Rotary. He says he did not set goals for the District this year; he wants Clubs to pursue their own goals.
He does have a Vision, though. He envisions all Clubs participating in the Every Rotarian, Every Year to increase annual giving to the Permanent Fund. He sees the Clubs ending the year with more members, and with at least 90% of them receiving the Presidential citation. He has confidence in all individual Rotarians to help him fulfill that vision.
Bert thinks the Foundation is the most successful and significant accomplishment and that it justifies the existence of Rotary on its own. He is confident in a Polio free world; 325,000 reported cases in 125 countries have been reduced to 2,000 in 4. This is thrilling but it is not time to let up - support is still needed. Rotary shares, the Foundation cares.
He encouraged every member to share Rotary, to leave Rotary stronger, for each one to invite one and to join International President Boyd in pursuing Past President Wilf's work on water, hunger, health and literacy. These are interdependant. 1.1 billion lack access to water and 2.6 lack access to sanitation. 6,000 people die every day. With water and health, literacy can be encouraged and people can be empowered; poverty reduced, the economy promoted and health and education further enhanced.
Don't forget the District Conference. Come to Kapuskasing and experience the North. General Romeo Dallaire will be a keynote speaker and much else is scheduled. You will be moved, inspired and motivated.
Alison thanked Bert for coming and for his inspiration. She announced a donation to RI has been made in his name to mark the occasion.
Rotary helps us express our love of people, enjoy the fun of fellowship, share Rotary in the community and abroad and, if there's a need beyond our abilities, there's help.
He encouraged the Club to focus on membership because without members there is no Rotary. He says he did not set goals for the District this year; he wants Clubs to pursue their own goals.
He does have a Vision, though. He envisions all Clubs participating in the Every Rotarian, Every Year to increase annual giving to the Permanent Fund. He sees the Clubs ending the year with more members, and with at least 90% of them receiving the Presidential citation. He has confidence in all individual Rotarians to help him fulfill that vision.
Bert thinks the Foundation is the most successful and significant accomplishment and that it justifies the existence of Rotary on its own. He is confident in a Polio free world; 325,000 reported cases in 125 countries have been reduced to 2,000 in 4. This is thrilling but it is not time to let up - support is still needed. Rotary shares, the Foundation cares.
He encouraged every member to share Rotary, to leave Rotary stronger, for each one to invite one and to join International President Boyd in pursuing Past President Wilf's work on water, hunger, health and literacy. These are interdependant. 1.1 billion lack access to water and 2.6 lack access to sanitation. 6,000 people die every day. With water and health, literacy can be encouraged and people can be empowered; poverty reduced, the economy promoted and health and education further enhanced.
Don't forget the District Conference. Come to Kapuskasing and experience the North. General Romeo Dallaire will be a keynote speaker and much else is scheduled. You will be moved, inspired and motivated.
Alison thanked Bert for coming and for his inspiration. She announced a donation to RI has been made in his name to mark the occasion.