The Rotary Club of
St Thomas
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15Apr2020 Joint meeting with St T Railway City Club, Interactors, and Rotaractors
Joint meeting with St Thomas Railway City Rotary Club, Interactors and Rotaractors
Our club met in a way never previously experienced. We shared a virtual Zoom meeting with the St. Thomas Railway City Rotary Club, the Interactors and Rotaractors. The Interact Club attendance was near perfect, an indicator of the speed their generation is adapting to COVID-19. Trudy, Adriana, and Wade Coombs from the Railway City Club introduced Interactors to the group of about 42. Attendees could come and go with minimal disruption. Interact involvement in the community is very high thanks to the enthusiasm of the members and their leaders; they will leave a great legacy. There are 11 Interactors and one potential new member. The future of this year's car wash is uncertain.
President Gerry turned the meeting over to Trudy who called Interactors to speak as follows:
 
Andrew Valdez, past president and past treasurer, was the Easter Bunny a year ago at the chocolate extravaganza. The group planted trees at Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. The "Shovel and Run" event pleased those who benefited from the group shovelling laneways. The side benefit was the joy they spread.
 
Connor Thompson, President-elect reported the club raised $4000 this year. Lydia spoke about human trafficking. The club did "Rake and Run"; they raked leaves for people, left a note from the club and ran. The "Halloween for Hunger" event collected food for the food bank. It was a red-letter day when members received the Youth Volunteer award from the city.
 
Hannah, the treasurer, spoke about the Adventures in Citizenship trip to Ottawa. She and 200 other students from across Canada renewed citizenship vows and saw new Canadians take their vows. On a separate occasion, teddy bears went to the women's shelter to cover the Interactors’ commitment. Members also distributed personal care products. On another time, they attended the release of 300 butterflies at Pinafore Park to celebrate the women’s shelter. The photo booth was organized in support of abused people. Members contributed a TV to the hospital and got a tour. They took cookies to decorate with seniors at a retirement home.
 
Hannah Miller and others toured the fire Department. They used tools that act like a giant can opener for entering a car after an accident. They even sprayed water with the hoses. She worked three days at the Tour of Homes and helped with the silent auction; soon after, the group participated in the Rotary Club Christmas party.
 
Carlie, President of the Interact club, reported that members attended the District Conference and camped. The changeover of officers was at the end of their year. They created Christmas window paintings at the Wayside Dining Lounge and the Salvation Army. Pizza and music were mandatory. They also took Naloxone training.
 
Lee helped the club gather food for Inn Out of the Cold. He said the Christmas party at Trudy's house was fun; they swapped gifts and had a sleepover.
 
Chloe Newfield talked about the group writing cards for veterans for Valentine’s Day.
 
Riley helped Liz Brown at the women's shelter to make breakfast and donated money. MyFM interviewed him and Hannah.
 
Rotaractors tell their story
Liam reported that back in March, the club elected new officials. Because of COVID-19, they have been inactive but are ready to go in September and want to be more involved.
 
Farrah and Alasdair are co-presidents of the Rotaractors. The following are examples of activities of the club:
Juvenile Diabetes, food, fun, camp coordinator, volunteer at Ronald McDonald House, Run for the Cure, education, hear speakers, reading at schools, learning self-esteem. On the yearly Day of Giving”, each small group of three individuals completes household chores, such as raking, painting or cleaning an oven to help people who live alone. They helped someone sell their extra belongings on Kijiji. Rotary members drive for the Rotaractors. The Interactors said they want to get involved, so Farrah will get back to them about that.
 
There are 108 Rotaractors, down by 20. Farrah wants the club to be a community. She wants the executive to be more familiar with the other members. They use Skype. She asked, "What fundraiser is the best?' Hannah Miller liked the Car Wash because it was fun, and clients were happy to donate to the Hospital Foundation.
Wade Coombes reported the Shamrock Shuffle raised $15000 for Inn out of the Cold.
 
Outbound exchange students
Scott got back just last night from the Phillipines. The Canadian Embassy there organized the flight from COVID-19. He had been there for nine months but had to cut the trip short by 2 months. The education system there is not as good as Canada’s.
Lauren Cowan returned from France 1 month ago after 7 of 11 months. Meals there are special as the French value spending time together. Bread and cheese were the most common fare.
 
Inbound Exchange student
Anna is from southern Italy and cannot go home because of COVID-19. Wade helped with Anna's fear of dogs, and now she wants a dog when she gets back to Italy. She is speaking up and advocating for herself and has developed personally. This home is her 3rd host family.
 
Future Outbound/Inbound exchange students
Andrew Valdez is making plans to go to Germany and Emily for exchange in S Korea. There will be assignments and language training.
There are plans to receive an exchange student from Argentina.
 
More news from Trudy!
Photo compliments of Facebook. Trudy donated $1000 of Walmart gift cards from our club.
 
Next week
Catharine Janssen will give her Classification talk as a new member! Time to celebrate!
 
Please let me know of any corrections or omissions. Edited by Stew and Trish and Grammarly
 
Web site of the Rotary Club of St Thomas  http://rotarystthomas.org
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