President's Message 

 

 

 

Trudy Brown

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MPres Trudy opened the meeting on time with a total of 23 members attending in person and 6 members by Zoom. After opening formalities of the Rotary Song and O Canada, David Hawkins eloquently introduced and welcomed our in-person guests, Leah Morgan & Ellen Carlisle from Alternatives for Women.

 

Leah started the presentation by introducing Alternatives for Women's mission to provide safe & confidential services to end violence and abuse of women. It serves women aged 16 and up, in PEC, who have experienced abuse or domestic violence.  On the average, about 100 women per year are helped.  Alternatives for Women provides various programs, such as Violence Against Women, Rural Women Support, Transitional Counselling, Kiosan - Second Stage Housing, Training & Public Engagement, Group Counselling, 24 hr help line, etc.  Some of the programs are funded by the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS), and some are funded by the United Way.  In particular, Kiosan - Second Stage Housing is not funded and is served through fundraising.  In 2021, Kiosan provided housing for 15 women and 16 children.   The fundraising target for this program is about $30,000 per year.  Since the onset of Covid, femicide has increased 64% in 2021.  After Leah's presentation, Ellen answered numerous questions from the audience, after which Barry Davidson thanked our guests.

 

In other Club business, Bottle Billy's volunteer needs for next week's Bottle Depot were quickly addressed. MPres Trudy mentioned the Rotary Softball event for June 14 or 21st, and asked if anyone from our Club was interested.  She then announced the Wine Survivor fundraiser initiative by Stirling Rotary, and asked if anyone wanted to participate.  She also mentioned the need for humanitarian support for refugees as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and that the Red Cross was accepting donations, and she has also reached out to DG Ron to enquire how Rotary International is planning to help.  Linda Donneville delivered a passionate plea for supporting the refugee.  It was agreed that Linda (with PP Howard's assistance) will research the best way for the Club and individual members in the Club to contribute, and propose it in next Tuesday's meeting. Next, Margo Langford described to the Club how she is helping the latest Syrian refugee family in Picton to enjoy winter sports by taking all the kids and adults to skating sessions at the Picton arena.  However, skates that fit women's size 9 and men's  size 11 were hard to rent, and she asked for any Club members who may be able to loan such skates. Last but not least, PE Ken Robertson reported that he has lined up Nyden from Hello Bonjour Cafe to provide breakfast sandwiches of egg and bacon for $8 each, and asked for a show of hands how many in attendance would be interested, of which there were many hands in approval.

 

After a round of Happy Bucks, and 50/50 draw, the meeting adjourned at about 8:20 a.m. with the Four Way Test.

 

 

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Bill Pennell, Peter Campbell, David Mackinnon

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Jacques Michaud
Needed: 1 Cashier, 1 Sorter/Receivers

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