Paul Harris Fellows recognition – Steve McGregor (Fellow +3) and Ted Watson (Fellow +4) presented by Jeff Buday and District Governor Brian Roberson.
District 6290 Governor Brian Robertson: Part of the Sault Ste Marie (ours is the 41st club out of 62 visits). Encouraged to ask folks to consider being a Rotarian as opposed to ‘joining a club.’ Shared the vision for Rotary International and how we as Rotarians can take care the vision by caring for our members first. Since inception, Rotary has offered fellowship and friendship. Our foundation has launched worldwide health initiatives. We are part of a global network of people who have the talent and drive to change the world. We have the capacity and resources to change almost anything.
Rotary is a microcosm of a world of peace. We have a billion people living in poverty, 3 million affected by preventable diseases, too many living in war-torn areas. Peace index helps us understand how we can affect countries in a measurable way. “Fair distribution of resources, good relations with neighbors, opportunity for business to name a few.” Optimal conditions for a peaceful society.
Rotary foundation is the world’s leading foundation. Less than 9% of the donations goes to administrative costs. Gifts are only giving to projects that can be sustainable. Current district giving goal is $100. This is giving directly to ability to impact our local area. Encouraged each of us to give as we can to meet that district goal.
Polio eradication is top on the list, Nigeria is close, Pakistan (4 outbreaks this year) and Afghanistan (14 outbreaks this year) both have current cases. We have current US troops in both countries. If we stopped the focus, it is predicted that 200,000 cases would appear in the next 10,000 years.
Questions to Governor Robertson: How do you raise around $600,000 a year? Good Rotarians and partners with other organizations, and value are what makes the difference. For example, we partnered with Easter Seals for the purpose of helping disabled youth. Biggest fundraiser we do is for a car draw in July plus other appealing prizes. Generosity of General Motors helps make it happen. This year sold 18,000 tickets, sold all in one weekend at the Rotary Festival.
May of 2019 the district conference will be held in Sault Ste Marie – Brian invited us all and gifted Gary Brown with a special Canadian pen with secret hints about Canada. Ask him to show you!
