Home Page | Rotary Club of London South

The Rotary Club of London South's President, Anette Grue welcomes you to our club.

Are you ready to open a "Door of Opportunity"? The Rotary Club of London South opens opportunities for fellowship, service locally and internationally, and for personal growth in a challenging time. While providing service to the London area we also provide international service in Rotary's seven areas of focus. To find out more, enjoy some fellowship, and make a difference in the world join us.

President

President Elect

Past President

Secretary

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Rotary Foundation

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Avenue of Service Director

Kevin Blaney

Some Great Rotary Videos

Rotary introduces Bill Gates

Polio

This is Rotary

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District 6330

Rotary Internet Auction

Interact

Linkedin Rotary Clubs of London

End Polio Now

How to login to & Navigate Clubrunner

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Rotary International

In communities with no services, incremental steps can go a long way

When Rotary members tried to bring toilets to a remote island, the population wasn’t ready.

The future: What can we expect when we get there?

As we stand at the threshold of the third decade of the 21st century, imagine where we’re

Why Rotarians should engage with program alumni

When clubs cultivate relationships with Rotary alumni, both sides benefit.

The sad truth about altruism is that there aren’t enough altruists

The people who fill the truly essential roles in society are often in short supply

History: Rotary in Spain survives challenges

After successfully establishing a presence in Great Britain and Ireland, Rotary expanded its reach to mainland Europe with the chartering of a club in Madrid, Spain, on New Year’s Day 1921.

Worst Christmas Presents Auction Meeting
Jan 22, 2021
7:30 AM – 8:45 PM
International Committee Meeting by zoom
Jan 26, 2021
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Michael Tesfay- Global Scholar in Scotland
Jan 29, 2021
7:30 AM – 8:45 AM
RCLS Social Evening (Surprise Event)
Feb 11, 2021
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Family Day no meeting
Feb 12, 2021
PDG Dennis Dinsmore - Rotary Foundation
Feb 19, 2021
7:30 AM – 8:45 PM
Business Meeting
Feb 26, 2021
7:30 AM – 8:45 AM

John Saunders on Emergency Preparations

John Saunders from SEEM presented key ideas for personal emergency preparations. As individuals we need to have a personal plan for potential emergencies. Most common emergency evacuations involve fire or weather events. Among John's tips were: 1) conduct a "what if" , 2) have an evacuation and assembly plan, 3) have a contact list someplace safe, 4) scan important documents and photos that can not be replaced and put them on a thumb drive. He suggested going to emergencyontario.ca for a check list.

He also talked about generators as backups in power outages and "bug out bags".

This was a good reminder of how fragile our lives can be and what it takes to recover

Bravery Bead Bags

Several Rotarians and friends have sewn 317 bravery bead bags for the local children’s treatment center. Children who undergo tests and procedures earn beads that are stored in their bag till they can make a bracelet or necklace. The bags are colorful and something the children treasure. Another example of Rotarians making a difference.

Lt Col Haley & Holly Roller Tank

Lt Col (Ret) Ian Haley gave us a short history of London's 1st Hussars and the Holly Roller Tank. The 1st Hussars were established in 1856 and served in the Boer War, WWI,WWII, and peace keeping missions including Afghanistan

The Holly Roller Tank, which sits in Victoria Park as a monument, landed at Juno beach on June 6th 1944 and fought to liberate France, Belgium, and Holland. The 1st Hussars lost 346 tanks but the Holly Roller survived some damage, was repaired and fought to the end of the war in Europe.

At the end of the war, the 1st Hussars were granted the privilege of returning the tank to Canada. It was located in front of the Armoury on Dundas and in the Western Fair prior to taking its current location.

The Holly Roller is in need of restoration due to corrosion that has damaged the interior of the tank. In June of 2021 the tank will be transported to Fanshawe College for restoration. A new pad for the tank will be installed in the park while the restoration is going on and it will be put back in place for the 150th anniversary of the Hussars.

A major fundraising initiative is underway to restore the Holly Roller which is estimated to cost $250,000. This tank is oldest of the 11,388 Sherman M4 tanks in the Western Hemisphere that was built in Grand Blanc MI.

The Holly Roller is an important monument to Canada's WWII efforts and needs to be conserved.

Keeping London Warm

Rotarians from London South packed 100 kits for distribution to the homeless in London. Each kit contained a Hat, Mitts or gloves, two pair of warm socks, sanitary wipes, Kleenex, a space blanket, a fleece neck gaiter, and a granola bar. The kits are distributed by hand to homeless by an agency in London with direct contact to homeless individuals.

UTRCA Steve Sauder

Steve Sauder from the Upper Thames River Conservation brought us up to date with the impact of Covid on the operations of UTRCA. Some of the activities of the organization have been complicated by the social distancing requirements of Covid. For example, soft shell turtle egg collection has been complicated since the collection process is usually carried out by two people working closely together. Other activities dependent on volunteer have been reduced. The Authority's office is restricted to 25% of staff, but many programs are outside and still in operation. Significant work in improving water quality on Cedar Creek was accomplished with dam removal and stream enhancement with riffles pool creation. Work is underway to create an Oak Savanna at Kiwanis Park. Steve described several special bird sightings. While the work has been changed by Covid, UTRCA has found new ways of carrying out its mandate.

Keeping London Warm

Rotarians and special helper packed kits for distribution to the homeless this winter. Each kit contains a tuque, gloves/mitts, two pair of thermal socks, a fleece neck gaiter, space blanket, sanitary wipes, Kleenex, and a granola bar.

Sonia Uribe - Columbia

PDG for District 4271 (Columbia) Sonia Uribe made a powerful presentation on the strength of Rotarians in action. She told a story of Rotarians work to provide clean water in one of the poorer Departments of Columbia. Rotarians were called "Gods Returning" because they kept their promises unlike politicians. In one community a water well gave people a new way of life - allowing women and children do other things instead of walking for an hour to collect polluted water, grow gardens, wash, and have water for animals.

Sonia also showed how her foundation benefited people with Spinal Bifita. Individual were given mobility with wheel chairs that allowed them to get an education and the foundation provided virtual learning opportunities.

Deurence Onyango WASHRAG in Kenya

Deurence Onyango told us of the power of the Rotary Foundation Global Grants in providing clean water in Kenya through WASHRAG (Water and Sanitation and Hygiene ). She worked with a community on Remba Island in Kenya. By conducting a proper situation evaluation, engaging the community and providing training for maintenance of equipment, a sustainable water and sanitation project provided a significant improvement in local health and life. The project involved drilling a borehole well, water storage and water filters and treatment powered by solar panels. Her story was an inspiration and an example of the value of Rotary Global Grants. Global Grants are funded partly by our ongoing contributions to the annual fund of the Rotary Foundation

Remembrance Day Tribute

On November 6th we celebrated Remembrance Day early with President Anette leading the meeting with a reading of the tribute to the fallen. Philippe Moran recited "In Flanders Fields" in both official languages. Major Venables played Last Post. Later we acknowledge family members who served.

Elinor Schwob & Paul O'Connell Leukemia Cdn

Elinor Schwob and Paul O'Connell from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada told us about the history, programs and research of the organization. Elinor who is the Southwestern Ontario Area Manager said the 128,000 individuals living with blood cancer have a five times greater life expectance than they would have since the 1960s. The major fundraising event for the organization is the "Light the Night Walk". 35,000 people participated in the walk on Oct. 24th. $4.8 Million was raised in Canada and $205,000 was raised by the walk. To view what the event is like click on the following You tube link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6--6VMk7l4.

The funds raised by this event help fund support programs, support groups and research. Paul O'Connell who is the medical and scientific engagement manager, described the types of research now underway.

C-T cell immuno Therapy, Precision medicine targeting an individuals unique cancer, and potential of vaccines for cancer. Research has been hindered by Covid since researchers must keep social distance and disinfect shared microscopes, etc. Work is underway using AI to provide information to individuals with targeted information exactly when they need it.

There will be a national Leukemia conference Nov. 16 to 20.

Pewter Ornaments Available for Sale

This year's Ornaments have arrived featuring The London Life Building and Novack's. A limited number of previous year's ornaments are also available for sale. To purchase Click Here #LdnOnTree

Margarita Jimenez on Polio

Margarita Jimenez told us about her family experience living with a mother who contracted polio as a child of 7 or 8 in Columbia. While many children in her village died of the disease, Margarita's mother survived and was able to lead a more normal life. She had 9 children and raised a family in a typical manner. She is now 86 and is experiencing post-polio symptoms. No longer able to walk with a cane or walker, she uses a wheelchair. She is an example of the reason Rotary keeps working on ending polio in the world.

Kathleen Naylor on Child Marriage in Canada

Kathleen Naylor joined us from Dartmouth, NS and presented information on Child Marriage in Canada. Marriage is a Federal jurisdiction but provinces are able to enact legislation as long as it conforms to the minimum standards set by Federal legislation. The minimum age for marriage set by the Federal Civil Marriage Act is 16 years of age. The legislation provides for penalties aiding or participating in the celebration of marriage of individuals und the minimum age (16) set by the act.

Various provinces have adopted higher standard, for example 17-19 year of age. However, marriage of individuals 16 and 17 year's old is legal. In addition there is no prohibition of such young people living together with others but not in an "official" marriage. There are various considerations now being studied around setting the minimum age at 18 which is the standard in most of Europe.

Terry Gillis - Ahria

Terry Gillis, President and CEO described Ahria's approach to organizational consulting and outlined the three critical factors in developing an dynamic organization.

Sept 18 Club Assembly

At our September 18 club assembly we reorganized our avenues of service in accord with the strategic review results. Now we have two avenues of service - International and Community. Club members selected the respective avenue in which they wish to participate and budgets were set and discussed.

August 28th Meeting

PL Gupta told us about the Ekal education movement in India. Ekal provides one room education for children in rural and tribal India in more than 100 thousand villages and provides basic education to three million children. For $500 30 children are provided with a teacher, a blackboard and some supplies for a year. Ekal education is the first step out of poverty and on to the regular education system. Our club has supported Ekal and will continue its support.

Hector Silva Rodriguez Introduction talk

Hector introduced himself to the club with a description of his life in Columbia and his immigration to Canada.

He is from a large family of seven children. He has two grown sons and three grandchildren.

Hector started working in banking after High School and attended University while working at the bank. He graduated from University as a system engineer, continued to work for the bank and also taught at University for ten years.

After immigrating to Canada, Hector set up a computer consulting business for several years. This led him into a manufacturing company for systems work where he was promoted to General Manager. The recession caused the manufacturing company to have troubles and Hector decided to change careers. He gained his insurance broker credentials and is now a broker at Sutherland Elliott.

Hector has set some goals for himself as a Rotarian. He want to work at developing a satellite club for the Hispanic community and work on projects helping children and elders.

To find out more about Columbia Hector provided two youtube links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YVl-aixyfs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxRL6HJq_Es

Hector is a welcomed addition to our club and has shown his willingness to get involved right away.

2020 Christmas Ornaments are in

The 2020 Limited edition Christmas Ornaments are in and will be on sale on line and at selected locations soon.

This year the London Life building and Novack's building are featured.

Northbrea Public School project

President Anette, Elise, Brenda, and Linda presented out donation to the Northbrea Public School which will allow then to upgrade the school yard with ling painting for basketball and other games.

Joan delivers the goods

Joan Fisher delivered a car load of medical devices to the medical warehouse. Thanks for all you do Joan.

August 7th meeting RCLS

The August 7th meeting was a Club Assembly with lots of topics covered. The clubs efforts on Interact clubs was updated by Kathleen. DG David brought us the news of Jennifer Jones becoming RI President in 2023, The back to school backpacks project raised $600+ , the Strategic Review was discussed , on a sad note Lorna advised she was moving to the Hyde Park Club. On a very important and happy note Hector Silva Rodrigues was inducted to our club as our first corporate member.

July 10th Meeting Marsha Bergeron Toastmasters

Marsha Bergeron, Area Director for Toastmasters International presented the history and the benefits of belonging to the organization. Toastmasters was started in 1924 and has grown worldwide to today's 16,300 clubs in 143 countries with nearly 17,000 members. In the London area there are 17 clubs. Marsha joined Toastmasters in 2009 with a goal of becoming a more proficient speaker and with a long term goal of being a motivational speaker. She has serve the organization in various capacities and competed in speaking competitions internationally.

Marsha described the befits of being a Toastmaster including personal development, fellowship and skill development.

She gave a table topic demonstration with three of our members giving a one minute talk on random topics with only a few seconds of preparation.

She encouraged us to be a guest at one of the local club's meeting and give Toastmasters a try.

Change Over for the new Rotary Year

This was our first change over meeting conducted by Zoom. President Joanne's Rotary year was a success under challenging conditions due to Covid 19.

The year started out normally and changed in March. Despite the challenges of figuring how to hold a meeting by Zoom under Joanne's leadership the club did not go dark, but thrived in new ways.

Under the success column Joanne's leadership resulted in 1) a success youth exchange with Duda who charmed everyone with her enthusiasm for exploring her host country; 2) start up of a new Interact club at Central and continuing support for the existing Interact club and Rotaract clubs; 3) Work on a satellite club focusing on the Hispanic community; 4) ongoing strong community support including, dictionaries, science fair, backpacks, pancakes at White Oaks Public School and a project of significance to upgrade the WOPS library with new furniture and books, turkeys to NGOs for distribution to provide food security, and more 5) continuing international support for Days for Girls, Sleeping Children and others, 6) Strong fundraising under difficult conditions for ECKP, Internet auction, Christmas ornaments, and golf; 6) meeting and exceeding our goals for the Rotary Foundation's annual giving [more than double our goal] and beating our polio goal.

Under Joanne's leadership we all pulled together and stayed together- THANKS FOR A GREAT YEAR and helping us to stay connected.