It is with mixed emotions that I completed my 43rd official visit on November 30th, where I met with my home club, the Rotary Club of Sudbury. Meeting with members of the Rotary family has been the most rewarding part of my term as District Governor thus far.
As we enter December, “Family” month in Rotary, I would like to introduce you to the dedicated volunteers working on behalf of the District as well as provide you with a snapshot of the type of work they do. This will help District Clubs develop a network of support for various projects, as well as inform you of the type of leadership roles available to club members at the District level. The next few blogs will be dedicated to the Rotary District family and the fine work these members are doing on our behalf.
Rotarian Janet McLeod First Nations/Aboriginal Initiative Committee Chair has this to say about her committee.
First Nations represent the fastest growing population of young people in Canada. More than one in three aboriginal people are younger than 15 years of age, compared with fewer than one in five non-aboriginal people. The World Health Organization says that one of the best investments governments can make is in children's programs, noting that every dollar invested in quality programs for children results in $7 in returns to society over the long term thanks to improved outcomes in health, education and social inclusion.
More importantly, inequality robs all of us of benefiting from the enormous contributions that could be made by First Nations children if they had an equal shot at success. (Toronto Star Nov 22, 2009)
The above piece from the Toronto Star highlights the importance of building partnerships in our First Nations communities. As we become more aware of the struggles our neighbours face, we are able to become stronger friends. When I read articles like the one above, I think about the many opportunities that Rotary provides, that can be put into action so easily. I want to congratulate the Rotary Club of Peterborough on the selection of Maggie Cummings - Curve Lake First Nations as their out bound Exchange Student for 2010. Maggie had a beautiful interview and will be a strong and confident ambassador for Canada. Please, continue to look to the First Nations communities in your area for partnerships, Exchange Students and participants for GSE.
Janet McLeod has been a member of the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha since 1991 and served as club president in 1996/97. Janet has been involved in many parts of Rotary, so she has narrowed her Top Ten List to The Top Three for the sake of this blog. Number Three: Being part of the planning team for our Paul Harris Recognition Evening each November. Number Two. Sitting in a two hundred year old church, in the south of France, watching former Exchange Student Frederique walk down the aisle to marry Pierre. Number One: Traveling to Nigeria with District 7080 in 2002 to participate in NID’s.
Janet would like to thank DG Richard for the opportunity to chair the District First Nations Committee. She is enjoying the challenges this far, and is looking forward to what lies ahead.
If you are interested in contacting Janet to learn more about this committee, please email her at info@eastcityflowershop.com
Janet, on behalf of Rotary District 7010, Migwetch for the outstanding work you continue to do. You are truly an inspiration and we are fortunate to have you working with us in the District.
The Future of Rotary is in your hands
DG Richard
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