Scott Forbes brought us the story of the International Justice Mission's efforts to free slaves and protect children for sexual exploitation.  Some 40 million people are enslaved in the world toady.  India and some parts of Africa are the centres for this activity.  People can be enslaved for debts owing from generations before.  Slaves and bought and sold to work off debts they have little knowledge about.  IJM is working in 14 countries helping educate police, justices and others involved in the justice system about fundamental legal process and at the same time actively working to free slaves.  Slaves work in agriculture, brick kilns, quarries and factories.

 

One of the initiatives IJM has deals with cyber sexual exploitation  of children.  In the Philippines and parts of Asia and Africa western sexual predators can direct children to have sex or preform sexual acts for a fee on the web.  IJM  has been working to end these crimes and bring predators to justice in western jurisdictions.

Our Dec. 21st meeting featured a  Christmas sing along.

Morgan Marks, a peace fellowship scholar studying at The University of Queensland in Australia, explained the Masters program she is in and the local practicum where she is working.  Morgan gave us her history of working in the America Corps and the Peace Corps in the US.  She described her interest in peace and community development.  Her talk was a reminder of the work the RI Foundation in one of the six areas of focus. 

Ornaments for 2018 and 2017 may be purchased at:

 

Boutique Firenze, 189 Adelaide St. S.

Wine Worx, 971 Commissioners Rd. E

Young & Co. Fine Jewellery, 6010 Col. Talbot Rd.

 

Ceeps and Joe Kool's Ornaments are sold at their locations 

Kelly brought us up to date with the United Ways work in Elgin and Middlesex.  UW is coordinating the work on the Mayor report on poverty in London and region.  London ranks 3rd in Canada for the number of children living in poverty - approximately 70,000 individuals live in poverty in our region.  UW is the coordinator for discussion/action groups working to reduce key components leading to poverty.  There are groups working on transportation, mental health, addiction, job readiness and other critical issues.

Carolyn Young, Director of Continuing Studies at Western described the extensive continuing studies programs and Western's role

as the bridge between the University and the global community.  There are 284 courses provided by Western and 2,713 students are taking advantage of the programs around the world.  There are certificate programs and general interest programs in diverse topics including - Project Management, Conflict Management, Business, Art Appreciation, language and other personal development topics.  The French program is extensive including residential French language week and two week programs in Quebec.  If there is a professional or personal growth interest you have Western has a program to fit.  The Continuing studies facilities are located downtown in Citi Plaza.

Major Gary Venerables playing of the "Last Post"  was a moving tribute to those of served in the War To End All Wars and those who served in other conflicts.  He gave us a history of the Last Post from its starting in the 1790's as part of army life to mark the final rounds of inspection and end of the day  to today's memorial.  The the cease fire on the 11 hour of 11th day of the 11th month marked the end of WWI which cost 40 Million lives.  Major Venerables also answered question about the Coronet , the British bugle, the American bugle and the Salvation Army.  Various members mentioned family member who served in wars.

Brenda and Lorna talked about their experience at the RI Convention in Toronto.  Brenda described the opening session and the daily plenary sessions held in the Air Canada Centre.  Because 25,00+ Rotarians and guests attended and the ACC only holds 18,000, the opening sessions were held in two groups.  She described some of the speakers and the high quality of presentations. Lorna talked about exploring the range of service opportunities in the house of friendship.

Stephanie Field and Erin Bhatia joined our club for breakfast to explain the history, process, and successes of the Make A Wish organization.  Since 1986 Make A Wish in Southwestern Ontario has been granting life changing wishes to children with critical illnesses and creating joy for these children in the 16 counties of SW Ont. The process of granting a wish starts with identifying a qualified child through referrals, the family is visited by volunteers to discover a child's heartfelt wish.  If the wish fits the policy volunteers and staff go about creating a plan for wish experience.  When the wish plan is executed - joy is created for the child.  

 

Stephanie and Erin gave several examples of successful wishes.  Make A Wish is supported by fund raising and does not receive any government help.

Emma Lim, our out bound exchange student for last year shared her experiences in Taiwan with our club.  During her year in Taiwan and Tiapai she stayed with three families.  One of her favourite activities was hiking.  She shared photo of spectacular vista and daring cliff side hikes. While in Taiwan she experienced several earthquakes.  A picture of a three story building damaged by earthquake was dramatic.  Emma talked about her school, the transportation system and the food.  Evening food markets were one of her memories of Taiwan.  The Rotary Club she was sponsored by in Taiwan had 600 member.  The meeting were more formal than ours and monthly a very formal dinner dance was held.  Emma is a good ambassador for our Club and Canada.  With young people such as Emma in our country we are in good hands.

We were honoured to have Leah Turcott and Jack Dunn attend our meeting Friday and hear their report about attending the Seminar for Tomorrow's Leaders in May. We sponsored three students including Leah, Jack and our exchange student Anthony.  Leah and Jack attend South Secondary School and were selected by their guidance counselor because of their active participation in school life at South.

 

They talked about the inspiring speakers, team building events and the new friendships they made.  They learned that leadership can be available to anyone they just have to reach out and try.