Despite all the challenges that we are facing during these difficult times, I started my official club visits. I had a few official visits in person. I also attended a couple of outdoor social gatherings where I had the pleasure to be part of clubs' official changeovers and awards presentations. Physical distancing was observed. I have visited a few others virtually. Some were official visits and others were social visits to say hello and stay up to date on their activities.
I am pleased that our Area Governors are maintaining contacts with their clubs by holding Virtual Presidents' Councils. I managed to attend some of them to stay in touch and answer any questions or concerns club presidents may have. I continue to meet virtually with Area Governors from across our district to get updates on their clubs.
The Montreal area clubs are all active and all get together serving their communities.
Seaway East Clubs continue to meet virtually. In Cornwall, clubs are preparing to deliver Potted Mums. Mums for Thanksgiving is one of their major fundraisers. Many fundraising and service initiatives are also taking place in the area, doing that with COVID-19 protocols in mind.
Seaway Central Clubs remain active in their communities. Seaway West Area clubs collectively run a Food sharing project in Kingston, this project helps feed many local families. Area clubs maintain crops at a local community garden. They help grow, harvest, and distribute vegetables along with other necessities to over 200 families weekly. I had the opportunity to join them on a Saturday morning and see firsthand what they do.
Besides, Kingston area clubs together with United Way helped distribute backpacks to students. Rotarians approached their local Staples store and managed to get a break on a lot of school supplies to fill the backpacks. 420 backpacks were filled and distributed to school kids who were identified by local schools. I encourage everyone to check out their newly created website www.rotaryinkingston.cool, it features all their areas' activities.
Ottawa Valley Clubs are staying busy lending a hand to their communities. Clubs are meeting regularly and helping their community.
New York Lakes Clubs are meeting virtually. Lake Placid Club continues its fundraising activities. They are working on clothing-drive during September & October.
New York East and New York West Clubs are also meeting virtually and staying visible to help their communities. New York North Central clubs are meeting regularly. 3 out of 4 are meeting in person with physical distancing observed. The Potsdam Club recently hosted a successful benefit Golf Tournament.
The Ottawa Area clubs are all meeting virtually, some are holing outdoor gathering where they socialize with proper physical distancing. The area clubs continue supporting their local communities and food banks.