Every colour carries meaning, and sometimes a single shade can speak to history, identity, remembrance, and hope. Orange is one of those colours. It is a colour that, depending on context, can represent celebration, resilience, or healing. For us in Rotary, it serves as a reminder of our global connections and our responsibility to one another.
In many parts of the world, orange symbolizes warmth, energy, and optimism. It is the colour of sunrise, of autumn leaves, and of life lived with vibrancy. Yet, it is also a colour of caution—used on safety vests and signs to remind us to take care. That dual nature—both joyful and serious—makes orange uniquely powerful.
For the Dutch, orange is a national colour. Though their flag is red, white, and blue, orange is tied to the Dutch Royal Family, the House of Orange-Nassau. It has become a symbol of unity and pride for the Netherlands. During celebrations like King’s Day, the entire country transforms into a sea of orange. Streets, boats, and people are covered in the colour as a sign of belonging and shared identity. For Dutch people, orange is not just a colour, but a way to say “we are together.”
In Canada, orange holds another meaning. Each year on September 30th, Orange Shirt Day is observed as a time of remembrance and reflection. It honours the Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools and recognizes the lasting impacts on survivors, families, and communities. The day was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose brand-new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at a residential school. That simple act became a symbol of the loss of culture, identity, and dignity experienced by thousands.
By wearing orange on this day, Canadians collectively acknowledge a painful truth in our history. It is a gesture of solidarity, a way to say that every child matters, and a promise to work toward reconciliation. The colour orange, once linked to loss, is now also a sign of healing and hope for a better future built on respect and understanding.
For Rotary, orange can serve as a bridge between these meanings. Just as the Dutch use orange to unite and celebrate, we too can use it as a reminder of the importance of community and belonging. And just as Orange Shirt Day challenges us to face history and work toward justice, it can inspire us to deepen our commitment to Service Above Self.
As we move forward this fall, let’s think about the colour orange not just as a shade we see around us, but as a symbol of connection. Whether it is the brightness of Dutch celebration or the solemn reflection of Orange Shirt Day, orange calls us to come together, to remember, and to act.
In wearing orange—whether in joy or remembrance—we embrace both the light of community and the responsibility of truth.
Yvonne Buys President 2025/26
Thought for the week.
‘There are some things in our social system that I’m proud to be maladjusted to, and I call upon you to be maladjusted too. The salvation of our world lies in the hands of the maladjusted.’ – Dr Martin Luther King Jr
This Week's Zoom Meeting Details:
Topic: Weekly Rotary Meeting Time: Aug 05, 2025 07:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81827939082 Meeting ID: 818 2793 9082 Passcode: rotary
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Last Week: cancelled due to illness
Rotary meeting minutes September 16, 2025 Notes by: Lyn McGowan
President Yvonne called the meeting to order at 7:07 with 31 members in attendance and 1 guest, Brenda Hellier. This week’s guest speaker, Suzanne Latchfold, cancelled due to illness.
Yvonne wished Buen Camino to Lana, who just returned from walking the Camino Trail. Yvonne shared the good news that Shawn will be returning to the club once things settle down for him. Yvonne also reported that she did, in fact, have a heart attack enroute to receiving her Ophthalmology award a couple of months ago. Her message – Don’t ignore your symptoms!
Club Business:
Mike gave an update on the upcoming County Marathon. There was only one slot open on the signup and Chris stepped up to fill the gap. On race day October 5th, marshals are to be at their locations from 7:30 until the last racer passes. Their main job is to maintain a safe running environment and keep cars off the road.
Yvonne reported that the Minto Group is holding a 13 person retreat on the County on October 1 and wants to do some volunteer activity. As that is a Wednesday, Yvonne suggested helping at the Bottle Depot.
Starting next July, we need someone new to take over leadership of the breakfast committee.
Christine circulated a signup sheet for the Sprigwich breakfast for Club Forum.
FOR Appreciation Event: A budget was approved for the event, moved by Norm, seconded by Mike, carried.
Dinner/Dance: Only 11 tickets have been paid for so far, although we know of others who plan to take tables. There is a conflict with a big concert at Base 31 that night. Howard reported there are $6500 worth of items on the auction list so far. We want as much as possible on the site by October 1. In total he is expecting 70+ items.
Pumpkinfest: Margo is arranging the float for the parade again this year. John H volunteered to drive his truck. Volunteers are needed to decorate the float the morning of the parade. Howard has arranged the 6-person lifting team for the pumpkin weighing. The 50/50 draw will take place at the pumpkin-weighing; Lana offered her big plastic pumpkin for the purpose. There will be a tent in front of the church for selling tickets, along with some Rotary literature. Bill M also needs some volunteers to walk around selling tickets.
Upcoming Events:
Sep 23 – Take a Hike for the Health of It
Sep 28 – Rotary Foundation Walk, 28 signed up so far, carpooling is recommended, Margo is arranging refreshments
Oct 5 – County Marathon
Oct 26 – Electronic Recycling Event (rescheduled from Oct 5)
Margo suggested shifting some of the Fellowship Dinners into Jan/Feb when there is less going on.
Yvonne will not be at next week’s meeting. She advised we will be doing a Land Acknowledgment in lieu of an invocation.
Members wished Happy Birthday to Liz (today) and Happy Anniversary to Dawn (Sep 17), Lana (Sep 19) and Geoff (Sep 20)
50/50 draw - John I’s ticket was drawn but he did not pick the ace of spades. The pot continues to build!
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50/50 Draw This Week: $1525.50
Make sure you get your ticket(s) this week!
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Bottle Depot Volunteers Schedule for This Week
Wednesday September 24, 2025
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: John Inwood, Ken Robertson, Dave Robinet, Pierre LeBrun,
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Gregor Stuart, Dave Wallace (FoR), Lari Langford (FoR), Sethu Madhavan (FoR)
Saturday September 27, 2025
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Geoff Telling, Phyo Kyi, Alex Lacher (FoR), Doug Henderson (FoR)
