Margaret began with how her roots are here in Orillia. Her grandfather in fact was a charter member of the Orillia Club. During their time in Yellow Knife her husband Ron became a Rotarian, and at that time, she was "a Rotary-Anne". She officially became a Rotarian (after encouragement from her friends - she'd never been asked previously) while in Bracebridge.
Margaret spent some time speaking about Polio and rotaries ongoing efforts regarding the same. It is an issue close to her heart and partly why she joined Rotary, as her father was a Polio survivor. We are making great strides in eliminating Polio for good. The hardest task remaining being Pakistan, but on a good note, we expect within the next year or so total eradication of the virus in Africa!
We heard a bit about her travels, to Australia and Cambodia. About the international conference where she met world president John Germ who put forward our year's theme: "Rotary Serving Humanity". The World President has put forward some citations for all clubs. 1. Set at least 10 goals in Rotary Club Central, and 2. Pay semi-annual dues on time. He also pushed for clubs to be intentional about Member attraction and Retention, Online tool adoption, Humanitarian service, strengthening/widening public image, and increasing foundational giving. Margaret commended our District as having a good record of giving to the foundation.
Along with the president, Margaret has set goals she would like to see met for the district, or a "District 7010 Strategic Plan" she referred to as "putting it together."
Her goals are an effort to support and strengthen each club within the district. She would like to see a focus on and increase in humanitarian service. She would like to enhance our public image and public awareness of Rotary. She wants to see each club "get connected" with each other and community. She wants to promote leadership and see new upcoming leaders within the clubs, and she wants us to be intentional about celebrating rotary.
Finally, Margaret encouraged people to attend different Rotary functions and events that include multiple clubs. Like the next International Convention in Atlanta June 10th-14th 2017 which will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Foundation. She also encouraged attendance of the upcoming District Conference from October 27th-30th. As well, as space permits, the upcoming friendship exchange to New Zealand in 2017.
It was also mentioned that the international convention in 2018 will be held in Toronto... and o yes... apparently the Leafs may win the Cup that year. So mark your calendars (though I wouldn't place any bets if I were you).
Thank you District Governor for a good presentation and a reminder of the wider world of Rotary.
