The meeting was called to order by President Roger at 7:07 am
27 Rotarians were present with 2 members on Zoom and 1 guest (speaker Cynthia Riordan).
Yvonne provided an insight as to why she joined Rotary. As she was approaching retirement she was aware that social engagement was very important. She had come to know Brian McGowan as a friendly neighbour who would occasionally stop by to chat. She was aware that Brian was a Rotarian and she felt that this might be an organization where she could meet people and make friends. When she retired in July 2020 she reached out to Lyn McGowan to inquire about Rotary membership. Her subsequent involvement in our Rotary club has ‘checked all the boxes’ required for a happy retirement – namely socialization and keeping busy with worthwhile activities. Yvonne’s ‘Aha’ moment occurred at last fall’s Rotary District Conference in Alliston. She was amazed at the high quality of presentations and came to truly appreciate the impact of Rotary on both a regional and global scale.
‘O’ Canada’ was sung. David Hawkins recited an invocation. Breakfast was served.
Colin introduced our guest speaker. Cynthia Riordan was born and raised in Bathurst, New Brunswick. She subsequently relocated to Miramichi, Toronto and ultimately Wellington. She has had numerous roles in her life; small business owner, teacher, union representative and mother. She was a prior Rotarian; in fact the first female president of the Rotary Club of Bathurst. For the past two years she has been president of the Wellington Storehouse Foodbank.
Cynthia provided a brief history of the Wellington Storehouse Foodbank. It was established by Linda Downey out of her garage when she recognized food insecurity amongst people in her community. The Foodbank is currently operated out of the basement of the Pentecostal Church on Niles Street in Wellington. She noted that many of the Rotarians present this morning are volunteers at the Foodbank. The Wellington Storehouse Foodbank is a volunteer-run organization with more than twenty volunteer members in total. The mission of the organization is that ‘everyone has a right to food security’ and the expressed goal is ‘to end hunger and poverty in our community’.
Cynthia provided data which highlighted the scope of food insecurity in our community and country. The County Foundation’s Vital Signs report indicates that food insecurity is a problem in 25% of people in the County due to financial constraints (compared to a reported provincial average of @17.4%). It is reported that more than one million people in Ontario currently use foodbanks. Reports also indicate that recent rising grocery costs have impacted the budgeting of approximately 73% of Ontario residents. Cynthia noted a 35% rise in clients using the Wellington Storehouse Foodbank since December 2023. Currently 250 adults and 150 children in our community benefit from our Foodbank.
Cynthia also noted, however, that the Foodbank is actually more than just a Foodbank. Specifically she noted the Food to Share program, the After the Bell program, the Christmas Angel program, County Kids Read and the Button Fund – all of which have active associations with the Wellington Storehouse Foodbank. Cynthia also highlighted the important partnership that the Foodbank has with the Rotary Club of Wellington. In 2020 a search committee was established by the Rotary (chaired by Bill Hurst and Barry Davidson) which sought to find a location to build a new foodbank. Unfortunately, at that time a viable location for a new foodbank was not found. However, in mid-December 2024 a local benefactor stepped forward with the intent to fund and build both a foodbank and a day care on the site of the former Duke Dome on Niles Street. Cynthia articulated next steps at this exciting juncture: establish a business plan including a financial plan for the construction and development of a new foodbank and day care, initiate a PR/marketing campaign, garner public support, present a deputation to council with the intent of acquiring the Niles Street vacant lot, and initiate a fundraising campaign.
Dave Robinet thanked Cynthia for her inspiring presentation.
Business
Roger reported that this week’s Rotary board meeting will be held at Chris and Yvonne’s home. He also noted that there will be a photo shoot at 1 pm at the Wellington Arena to acknowledge our Rotary Club’s contribution to the purchase of a new electronic sign.
Colin reported that there has been a strong response to the June Rotary Golf Tournament with 16 foursomes having signed up so far. In addition numerous hole sponsors have also stepped forward.
There were no birthdays or anniversaries this week.
Ted Hannigan’s ticket was drawn for the 50/50 draw – despite a strong attempt he failed to pull the ace of spades.
The meeting concluded with the 4-way test.
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