The meeting was called to order by President Roger at 7:07 am. 34 Rotarians were present with 1 guest (speaker Shannon Coull).

 

Peter and Ken announced that raffle tickets are being sold in support of the Legion.  The winning ticket receives a pair of season tickets to the Wellington Dukes home games for this coming year.

 

Roger welcomed back Michelle Kosoy.  Trudy provided a rotary moment.  She came from a small rural Saskatchewan town where involvement in community improvement activities was essentially normal.  She reported that her initial exposure to the Rotary Club of Wellington occurred when she met and spoke with Lana at a local wine tasting event.  She particularly has come to appreciate the international exposure and global reach of Rotary.  She was fortunate to participate in a trip to Laos last year where she witnessed firsthand the profound impact a new water filtration system had on an impoverished Asian community.  The ability to contribute to the wellbeing of others in the world is what Rotary means to Trudy.

 

 ‘O’ Canada’ was sung. David Hawkins recited an invocation. Breakfast was served. Roger provided an update on the health of members:

 

Lyn provided a positive update on her health.  Following recent hip x-rays her surgeon has informed her that all looks well and has advised further convalescence with no need for surgery.

 

David Mackinnon introduced guest speaker Shannon Coull, executive director of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation.  Shannon’s career in the fundraising domain has included campaigns at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, the Royal Ontario Museum, the University of Toronto, School of Medicine and Queen’s University, Faculty of Health Sciences.  She came to Prince Edward County in 2018 and her work has been essential in raising money for the new Picton Hospital.

Shannon thanked everyone for the invitation and the opportunity to provide on update on the PECMHF campaign efforts.  She expressed how unique and special our Rotary Club is – a community of generosity and comradery.  She reported what a pleasure it is to work with our group and explains that this is the reason she loves her job.  She congratulated David Smith on recently receiving the Leo Finnegan Award.

Shannon provided an update on the foundation fundraising campaign.  She articulated the mission statement of the foundation – to raise money to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County.  She notes that giving in this way is an investment in the health of our community.  She provided audit report data from fiscal 2023-24 which outlined 5.2 million dollars raised with an 11% administrative overhead cost. 

 

Shannon reported that the Rotary Club of Wellington has contributed overall approximately $590,000 toward this fundraising campaign.  She noted that the contract for construction was recently awarded to M. Sullivan and Sons Ltd – a Kingston based firm with a strong reputation.  Shannon indicated that she had worked with this contractor on the construction of a building at Queen’s University some time ago and the experience was favourable.  She expanded on some of the features of the new hospital including 20 beds, a CT scanner and enhanced technology.  She also noted the focus on sustainability within the new build with a net carbon neutral footprint – apparently the first hospital of its kind in North America.  She showed some images of the architectural plans and highlighted some of the progressive features such as the integration of nature, high ceilings, excellent lighting and mass timber exposure.

 

Shannon reported that the total cost of this project is approximately $200 million with a local share of $27 million. To date the campaign has raised $22 million.  There is a shovel-in-ground private event scheduled on August 1, 2024 with a large community open invitation celebration at Base 31 on October 1, 2024.  The completion date for the new hospital is slated for 2028.

 

Lana thanked Shannon for her presentation.

 

Trudy provided some follow-up regarding a recent email to Rotary members.  Jim Hughes, a Picton Rotarian and owner of the Blueberry Patch in Waupoos, is currently experiencing health issues and is unable to carry out many functions at the blueberry farm.  She indicates that Jim and his wife Marion would appreciate help with driving/delivering blueberries.  Anyone interested or available should contact Trudy.

 

Peter encouraged members who have not yet paid their annual dues to contact him as soon as possible.

Pierre indicated that the fellowship barbecue scheduled for tomorrow at his home will go ahead rain or shine!  He encourage all participants to bring chairs, bathing suits and alcoholic beverage of choice.  He reported that Tim Cox will be erecting a tent on his property today and could use some assistance.

Roger reminded everyone of the upcoming Brighton Karaoke Barbecue.  Christine will email details in the coming week.  She would like all participants to practice the chosen song after next Tuesdays meeting.

Roger thanked Phyo for his efforts in updating the Rotary webpage.  He also noted that Howard will be chairing a Memorial Garden group meeting immediately after the club meeting.

 

Norm revealed a thank you card/art given by CML Snider students.  He also reported that 2020 CML Snider graduate and Rotary scholarship recipient Allison Jones recently received her $1,000 cheque as she is proceeding with postsecondary education.

 

John Heeringa is celebrating a birthday this week.  Peter and Josephine are celebrating an anniversary (43 years).

 

Bill Mitchell’s ticket was drawn for the 50/50 draw – despite focused concentration and a steely determination he failed to pull the ace of spades.