Posted by Manon Lennon
As a business leader, it’s often lonely at the top.
 
In 2002, when I visited the Rotary Club of Laval for the first time, I knew I found my niche.  A group of business and professional leaders with whom I could laugh, share my talents and experiences, ask for advices and plan projects that made a difference here and abroad. Right away, they got me involved in activities I would never have access to as tax preparer.  For example, ask some local leaders to become mannequins for a benefit fashion show, visit local high schools for the Rotary Youth Exchange program, speak at the radio, get my picture in the newspaper, give interviews at the local TV, write a blog, create a Facebook page, etc. !
 
As a teenager, my dream was to dig wells for people with no access to clean water.  When I attended my first Rotary seminar, I realized this became possible thanks to the Rotary Foundation and started giving.  Rotary is a powerful network of leaders doing good around the world!
 
In 2003, with my husband and 13 years old son, we attended our first District conference in Kingston.  WOW, we still have a family picture with the keynote speaker Dr. Joseph MacInnis , Chair of the TD Friends of the environment Foundation who was among the first to dive to the Titanic and a friend of James Cameron, the film maker!  Since 2004 except for Australia, we attended RI conventions hoping they would announce that polio has been eradicated.  Imagine the feeling when they do…  We want to be there!
 
Between 2002 and now, I belonged to 3 different Rotary Clubs and invited many people.  A few joined, some helped and others took advantage of our many programs like RYLA, former GSE and Youth Exchanges.  No matter what, they enjoyed our fellowship and supporting our events.  My husband founded Rotary Club of Laval Rive-Nord and my son was our 2013-2014 President!
 
Think about it : How would you feel if someone told you about their life with Rotary and did not extend an invitation?