President Bill's chaired his first meeting and held a club assembly to kick off the plans for the various avenues of service.

Members of the Rotary Club of London South joined Rotarians from the London Club and community members in helping Reforest London plant trees in South London.  In under two hours 275 trees native to this area were planted in Paul Haggis park.Kathleen  and Harry's Syrian family joined in the activity.

Mark Pope, Executive Director of Teen Challenge London, told about the programs operated by Teen Challenge.  They operate 9 locations in Canada to assist individuals needing recovery from addictions.  The 12 month program for adults operates out of a facility in Lambeth and provides counselling and personal growth programs with include faith based study, work and physical fitness.

Brittney Webb from Diabetes London brought us up to date on the impact of diabetes on Canada and London Specifically.  There are currently 11 million Canadians dealing with diabetes or pre-diabetic conditions.  90% of these cases are Type 2 diabetes.  Symptoms include always being thirsty, frequent urination, weight change, tiredness, and eyesight loss.  Complications from diabetes include poor recovery from wounds, long lasting bruising, urination, infections resulting in amputations, and blindness.

 

It is important to have regular physicals to check for diabetes, get rest, be physically active and have a balance diet.

 

Brittney told us about D-Camps for children from 7 to 17 held at Camp Woodeden.  Campers learn to manager their insulin and have fun just being kids.  It costs $1,000 per week per child to attend this camp which is staffed by knowledgeable medical and sports leaders.

DGN Tony Sheard shared his experience in streaming meetings.  Several district meetings have been streamed and the response has been favourable.  His own club in Southampton uses streaming to keep members in touch when they are out of town.  He shared some tips on which web services to use, equipment and potential problems.    

Carolyn Ferguson, Major Gifts officer for Zone 24 of RI, visited our club to remind us of the importance of Foundation giving.  The three important functions of the Rotary International Foundation are: ending Polio (only 4 cases this year), Rotary Grants (to do the work of Rotary), and fostering peace through Peace Centres.

Tracy Church, a researcher and consultant to non-profits described the changing environment for fundraising for non-profits and charities. 82% of Canadians donate to charities.  The average family in London donates $1,673 annually to charities.  The demographics of donors is changing.  Previously churches were the beneficiaries of donors, but as church attendance declines the nature of donations is changing.  Tracy underlined the importance of knowing donor demographics and donor objectives.  Board members, employees, and volunteers must be able to articulate the mission of the organization clearly to donors.  Those involved in charities must also give to the charities to show their support and commitment to the mission of the organization.  Philanthropist have varying motivations for giving - foremost is making an impact.  Tax receipts for donations is low on the priorities of donors. Some philanthropists prefer to remain anonymous, Tracy reviewed the reasons for this including a desire to keep personal information private from other charities, fundraisers, and family.  She gave many helpful hints for fundraising.

Heather Peel presented information to our club on how to plan and what tools to use in social media to raise our clubs public profile. Using Facebook, Linked In, Twitter or a blog in a planned social media program we can raise our profile and draw attention to the things we do in London and the wider community.  There are currently 1,958 follower to our webpage.  A planned approach to our target audience can provide news and event information to potential members and the interested London citizens.  Lorna will be heading up this effort for our club.

President Lorna gave an update for Q2 of this Rotary year.  We are well on our way to qualify for the President Citation.  To date we have exceeded most of the qualifying item, but some must wait until the snow thaws to plant trees and other outdoor projects.  Our fundraising has been successful and next year incoming President Bill will have sufficient funds to fund projects.  Our social media projects is underway and Lorna will chair that effort next year.  During Q3 we will kick off our "Don't Meth With Us" project.  We are having a successful year.

Demaris Holmes, returning exchange student provided an entertaining and inspirational overview of her year as an exchange student in Northern Italy.  Valdora di Mezzo is a a predominately German speaking part of Italy, however she was hosted by two Italian speaking families.  Demaris was enrolled in a linguist school where she studied Italian, French, German and English.  She gave us a presentation of the many trips her host families provided around Italy.  she also took advantage of several exchange student gatherings and visited many European cities.

 

Her presentation was professional and inspiring.  She is an example of the value of the Exchange program and gives confidence the future is in good hands.  She is exploring several opportunities in University including linguists.

Brad Thompson, Executive Director of Middlesex Victim Service explained the history and services provided by Victim Services.  In early 2017 the London Middlesex Victim Services was created when Middlesex Victim Services was requested to expand into the City of London.  They are funded by the Attorney General and provides short term emotional support for individuals experiencing tragic circumstances.  These events may include domestic violence, assault, homicide, human trafficking or other events requiring individual immediate support and referral for additional counselling. Victim services has a small staff and in excess of 100 volunteers and provides response within 30 minutes.  They recently partnered with St. Johns Ambulance to provide therapy dogs as an additional support.  In cases of human trafficking they provide transportation home, residential accommodations and tattoo removal.