October 2009

Fellow Rotarians from District 7010,

What a thrill it is for me to continue visiting the clubs in our District – especially during this beautiful time of the year! I am very appreciative of the warm reception I receive throughout my travels and I continue to enjoy the diversity of each club and the engagement with members.
Je suis toujours émerveillé de l’accueil chaleureux que je reçois lors de mes visites à travers le district. Un gros merci à chacun d’entre vous!

I am always impressed at the good work that all Rotarians do…from small clubs to large clubs, whether they are in Havelock or North Bay. Rotarians can and do make a difference everyday, a point which is validated by the level and the quality of projects District 7010 Rotarians and their clubs take on. There is definitely a lot of excitement in the air!

The excitement is especially building as we approach our annual District Conference – Fellowship at the Falls from October 16th to the 18th. Join us as we Celebrate 100 Years of Rotary in Canada in the country's most historic town! I look forward to seeing many of the Rotarians I have met during my travels over the past few months. Rotarian Bill Querney from the Rotary Club of Sudbury and his devoted committee are working tirelessly to ensure that District 7010 Rotarians engage in great dialogue and fellowship. Our lineup of dynamic speakers include Captain Ray Wiss, MD, just back from Afghanistan, Dr. Liliana Mayo, who runs a Rotary-supported centre for children with developmental disabilities in Peru, and the Mallory family who conquered Mount Everest. Dr. Monty Audenart, Past VP Rotary International will also share his Rotary knowledge with us. If you haven’t yet registered for the District conference please go to www.clubrunner.ca/7010/

Rotarians around the world and throughout District 7010 continue to work tirelessly to help eradicate Polio. In the most recent issue of The Rotarian, there was a message from Glenn E. Estess Sr., Foundation trustee chair. If you haven’t yet read this inspiring article please go to http://www.rotary.org/en/aboutus/rotaryleadership/TrusteeChair/Pages/ridefault.aspx

Il y existe seulement quatre pays où le Polio est toujours endémique, soit l’Afghanistan, l’Inde, la Nigeria et le Pakistan.
Let’s work together to help rid the world of this horrible disease.
A few clubs in our District have shared with me their Polio initiatives. Please feel free to contact any of these clubs to learn more about their plans. Better yet, speak with them in person at the District Conference!

During my travels across the District I have spotted many END POLIO NOW Car Magnets – a project from the Rotary Club of Washago & Area. Great work!

The Rotary Club of Sudbury has issued a challenge to each member – Pennies for Polio. Each club member is to donate or raise $50 towards the campaign. A specially-designed coin box is front and centre at each meeting for Rotarians to drop in their spare change, or their fifty dollar bills. To date, the club is half-way towards their goal of raising $3,000.

The Collingwood South Georgian Bay Club is hosting a big band/jazz evening to raise funds, combining an evening of fellowship with an opportunity to help eradicate this disease.

The Rotary Club in Kapuskasing is hoping to raise $4,500 with Fishing Rod racks sales – which I have been delighted to distribute for them as I travel throughout the District.

Congratulations to each and every Club and each and every Rotarian for what you continue to do to help our world’s children. You continue to inspire me!

As we celebrate Vocational month in October, it has been a real pleasure to host the GSE Team from India. If you have not yet met the team, you will have an opportunity to connect with Ajay, Sammerjit, Biswa and Meghna at the District Conference beginning October 16th.
Until we meet at the Falls later this week…

The Future of Rotary is in your hands
DG Richard