So far, I have visited over 60 Rotary/Rotaract clubs, along with their boards. I have about 15 more visits to go, including Iqaluit. Hopefully, I will be finished with all but a few visits by the end of March.
My official club visits have been the best part of my term as District Governor. I am very grateful for having had the opportunity to meet such a diverse group of clubs and Rotarians/Rotaractors within the District. The impact these clubs are having, especially in small communities is remarkable. Learning about the club's various fundraisers along with their service projects, both locally and overseas, are true examples of Rotary’s motto “Service above Self.”
The annual D7040 Rotary Foundation Walk is Saturday, May 9, 2020 in Canton, New York, hosted by the Rotary Club of Canton. The annual Foundation Walk was created to bring all the clubs in the district together in a family-oriented social setting with an emphasis on fellowship while providing an opportunity for clubs and their members to contribute their annual giving to the Rotary Foundation. The Canton Rotary Club is inviting you and your club to join us in a leisurely walk in Canton, our county seat. See some notable sites and hear some of our history.
At our District 7040 Conference, I had the pleasure of presenting 2018-2019 Rotary Citations to 34 of the 66 Rotary clubs in District 7040. Two of those were with Platinum Distinction, three with Gold, and 16 with Silver. Many clubs went from previously not being eligible for a Citation to being eligible with distinction. That was because clubs have been completing the goals, but not inputting their accomplishments into the system. There is a strategy that any club or district can use to increase Citation achievement.
Posted by Greta Du Bois Cleynhens (Cataraqui-Kingston)
This year’s Rotary theme is “Rotary Connects the World” and what better way than through a Friendship Exchange. In 2021 RC Kingston has its 100th anniversary. The four clubs in Kingston have formed a Centennial Committee that, with numerous projects, will celebrate the 100 years of Rotary in Kingston. One of those is a Friendship Exchange inviting Rotary Melbourne (AU) and Rotary Wellington (NZ), both also turning 100 in 2021, to come and celebrate with us. Rotary Peterborough (CA) also having its 100th anniversary that same year is joining in. The incoming international group (12 participants) will be hosted by clubs in Kingston and in Peterborough during June/July 2021. The return exchange is programmed for early 2022. And so, in one simple movement, four Centennial Rotary Clubs are connecting, including Clubs and Rotarians of their city as well as four Rotary Districts.
Nouvelles des Échanges Amicaux
Le thème du Rotary cette année est «Le Rotary connecte le monde» et quoi de mieux que par le biais d'un échange amical. En 2021, le Rotary Kingston fêtera son 100e anniversaire et les quatre clubs de Kingston ont formé un comité centenaire qui, avec de nombreux projets, célébrera les 100 ans du Rotary à Kingston. L'un de ces projets est un échange amical invitant le Rotary de Melbourne (AU) et le Rotary de Wellington (NZ), ayant tous deux 100 ans en 2021, à venir célébrer avec nous. Le Rotary de Peterborough (CA) fêtera également son 100e anniversaire la même année. Le groupe international (12 participants) sera accueilli par les clubs de Kingston et de Peterborough en juin / juillet 2021. L'échange de retour est programmé pour début 2022. Et donc, en un seul mouvement, quatre Clubs Rotary centenaires connectent, y compris des autres Clubs et Rotariens de leur ville ainsi que quatre Districts du Rotary.
Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) is a unique opportunity for high school students to gain insight and knowledge in life and leadership skills. The academy features professionally developed curriculum, exciting guest leaders, small group problem solving and self reflection which lead to enhanced leadership skills. Based on their academy experience, many graduates change their career objectives or educational plans. District 7040 Rotary Clubs may sponsor one to three students (ages 15-17) to attend this Youth Leadership Academy, The program is offered in English only. All students stay in residence at St. Lawrence College for 2 nights/3 days. Registration and transportation costs are covered by the local Rotary club.
De la gauche : Le président international d'optimiste, Adrian M. Elcock, le président de Rotary International, Mark Daniel Maloney, le président international de lions, Jung-Yul Choi, et le président international du Kiwanis, Daniel Vigneron.
The District, in hopes of advancing Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples worldwide, seeks to create a forum for collaboration that can provide a way for allies to contribute to supporting Indigenous partners. The committee will promote, in partnership with Indigenous partners, consistent and meaningful collaboration and coordination between the First Nations, Rotary Clubs and partners on Indigenous programs and services towards improving First Nations communities’ health and well-being.
The D7040 Passport Club on Tuesday January 14 recorded our Club Member, PDG Rene Melchers, explaining a new committee he is Chairing at District Level. Rene is asking for assistance so let's help him. Watch the video! https://vimeopro.com/cochrane/rotary
One of the local charity efforts we support on an annual basis is called Running on Empties. This event is organized by the Caring and Sharing Exchange in Ottawa each year in time for the Christmas season. During this event, the Exchange partners with Local Beer Stores (these stores accept empty beer and liquor bottles for cash) for a one-day event to encourage patrons of the Beer Stores to donate some or all of their bottle returns to the Christmas Hamper Fund in Ottawa. Most Beer Store outlets participate, and are assisted by service clubs, school groups and individuals who set up outside the store to encourage donations throughout the store opening hours.
Our Club participates annually at the Stittsville Beer Store outlet, and this year was part of the Ottawa effort that raised almost $20,000 to provide Christmas Food Hampers and/or vouchers to families in need. The following is the email from the Caring and Sharing Exchange identifying the success of the program.
As you might expect, we are very proud of our work in support of such undertakings throughout the year, and we do our utmost to let the community know how valuable service clubs are to the well being of the communities they serve.
Posted by A special report prepared for Rotary International by the Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies
“The lesson from this report is clear: volunteer service is not only a feel-good calling—it may provide one of the more powerful, and one of the more fulfilling, avenues through which to reach the ambitious United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.” ~ Lester M. Salamon
