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.
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
Past President
Secretary
Treasurer
Rotary Foundation
Membership
Avenue of Service Director
Some Great Rotary Videos
Rotary introduces Bill Gates
Polio
Polio
Polio
This is Rotary
History: A Home for Headquarters
The idea that Rotary should own its headquarters dates back at least to the 1920 convention, when RI President Albert Adams said that he hoped to someday see the headquarters in a beautiful building of Rotary’s own.
Hunger hits home: The pandemic reminds us that food insecurity isn’t just ‘over there’
Hunger and malnutrition unleashed by COVID-19 could carry the impact of the pandemic far into the future.
In the face of a pandemic, the important work of fighting polio must continue
Rotary and its partners have mobilized disease-fighting infrastructure to respond to COVID-19 —while remaining dedicated to eradicating polio
For true economic development, women are essential
Here’s why these organizations and their Rotary club partners are supporting local women’s entrepreneurship with financial literacy, small business loans, and one-on-one advisors.
How Rotary is alleviating the effects of isolation during COVID-19
Throughout the pandemic, members are discovering ways to connect, cope, and care for each other and people in the communities they serve.
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Club Assembly/Business meeting
Nov 27, 2020
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM -
Steve Sauder - Impact of Covid on Wildlife
Dec 04, 2020
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM -
Col. Finney - Holy Roller Tank
Dec 11, 2020
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
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 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
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 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.
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 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 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, President and CEO described Ahria's approach to organizational consulting and outlined the three critical factors in developing an dynamic organization.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 Fisher delivered a car load of medical devices to the medical warehouse. Thanks for all you do Joan.
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.
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.
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.
Alex Purdom gave and market update at our June 12th meeting. Alex reviewed the impact of Covid pandemic on the 30% market drop and recent recovery. He reviewed the impact of being out of the market and missing upticks vs staying in the market with a long term point of view. He also reviewed some of the myths versus reality of investment.
Nancy Howard presented information about ELUCO and the programs provided to the East London and the impact of these programs on low income community members. East London has high levels of unemployment and poverty. ELUCO advocates for affordable housing, food stability, affordable transpiration and good schools.
Among the programs they offer for children and families are Growing Chefs, family story time, books and crafts, reading buddies, mad scientist, baby sitting courses, Christmas and pumpkin carving. A special post secondary scholarship has been successful and several graduates have launched ther careers with the help of ELUCO.
Our June 5th meeting featured Duda's presentation of her year in Canada. She described her experience from a family party before she left home to navigating the Toronto Airport and arriving in London to a group of welcoming Rotarians. She told us about her host families, School experience at Saunders, the birthday party we gave her and the other exchange students she has met and become friends with. We are luck to have such an outgoing and adventurous exchange student. To see her full presentation click on this link: https://1drv.ms/p/s!AjT5RxzSUsShoBfGTIbHYoSPn9ef
Our May 29th meeting featured Ubong Umoh from TechAlliance. TechAlliance is part of the Regional Innovation Centre and helps Tech companies start up or improve their business through training, counselling, and collaboration. There are 150 active clients who are learning a range of skills such as "the 60 second pitch", Entrepreneur 101, and peer engagement. They are moving from the innovation park to a new location downtown.
James Coolidge spoke at our May 8th meeting and described the changes YFC made to deal with the Covid pandemic. The programs YFC delivers have gone virtual. Surprisingly this change caused the greatest challenge to millennials who have not dealt with major life changes before. They often went through a grieving process dealing with a changed world. James showed their portal and how programs are connected to participants.
Beyond the change to program delivery the facility on Adelaide Street has become a food distribution centre for individuals, families and youth at risk. Daily drive crews deliver food to those in need. Because YFC operated as a restaurant it has access to the commercial food distribution network and is able to purchase food stuff at a significant discount to grocery prices. They are currently producing and providing 160 meals per night and will be capable of up to 800/900 per day in the future. They have become a collaborative leader helping other social service groups such as Glen Carin purchase, assemble and distribute food. Their operating space has been used by other service groups to stage non-food necessary materials for familles in need.
Thanks James for being a community leader in helping the most vulnerable in our city.
At our May 1st meeting Jon Deactis brought us up-to-date with the programs the pandemic have put under additional pressure. The Centre of Hope is not just a shelter it provides extensive services to people who come to it for help. As a shelter it is the largest in London. A list of the services is shown below this story. At the same time that the Centre is under pressure for services, it is facing a financial challenge because of its aging building-the roof needs replacing, the elevator has problems and the building is just old. The Centre provide needed service to the most vulnerable in London.
Our April 24th meeting featured Christine Geise from Strong Start.
Meetings are being held electronically until further notice
London, ON N6E 1M3
Canada