Fifteen London South members and volunteer friends spent Valentines morning at Harvest Hands in St. Thomas sorting and bagging fresh vegetables for redistribution to those in need in SW Ontario
President Kathleen presents David Knoppert with a Paul Harris 8-time pin from RI recognizing David's continued contribution to our community and international projects.
Rotarian Clay Melnike from the Thornbury Clarkson Club and PDG Sonja Glass enlightened and encouraged our Club to support the HIP (Honouring Indigenous Peoples) Youth-2-Youth Program. There are 19 Rotary Districts working together for youth, peace and environmental sustainability. At HIP they are profoundly grateful for the steadfast support of Rotary clubs across Turtle Island. Rotary’s commitment to building a brighter future—one rooted in reconciliation, youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability—has been a guiding force in their journey. Together, they are not just shaping today; but are securing a hopeful and inclusive tomorrow for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth. Nominations for youth to attend the March 2027 Y2Y Program are due in Fall 2026.
The support of sponsors Unique Training & Development, Bioped Footcare & Orthotics, Fully Promoted and the Law House has let us create a $2,000 valued Package which includes 2 Ed Sheeran Tickets for his August 22nd concert, First Class Via travel from London to Toronto return and overnight accommodation and breakfast at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. Draw date is Feb 13th. Tickets for this raffle are $40 each or three for $100 available from Dennis at northlondon@fullypromoted.ca or Joan 226-973-6573 sinkpolio@rogers.com. E-transfer payment can be directed to davidrotary6330@gmail.com
Our President Kathleen Murphy received a Community Recognition Award from MPP Peggy Sattler for her 25-year commitment to The Rotary Club of London South and for her efforts to strengthen the community through volunteerism and leadership with such projects as the Community Fridge and Lionhearts. Her husband Harry Joostens and fellow Rotarians Brenda Rouse and Jug Manocha were in attendance for the presentation.
CTV News featured the volunteer efforts of RCLS members and friends working with Lionhearts, a charity that redistributes food and other items. An anonymous donor has donated two warehouses on Robins Hill Road to enhance their effectiveness.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/london/video/2025/12/18/lionhearts-charity-moves-into-new-warehouse/
Our very own Rotarian Dennis delighted the children when handing out gifts and was joined by several other RCLS volunteers who helped make the party a success. As one volunteer said “It was a great day seeing the happy faces of those kids who are disadvantaged in our society. Let's volunteer there again”
Rotarians Pavan, Patti and Kathleen delivered 75 children's winter jackets with snow pants and some winter boots to our friends at Nshwaasnangong Child Care & Family Centre, a program offered through Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Center (SOAHAC) on Hill Street in London. Emily, the manager of the daycare happily received the coats for her toddlers who want to stay warm when playing outside.
The Rotary Club of London South is happy to be working with the indigenous community to learn more about our neighbors and to help with gaps in their funding.
Many of the coats were provided by the BGC (Boys and Girls Club) where Pavan volunteered and were made available after Londoner's were able to pick up what they needed.
Our second Bingo fundraising success with Barrie, Alex, Kathleen, David (and Brenda)
