Posted by Mark Chipman, District 7070 Governor , 2020-21

Hello District 7070 Rotarians and the whole Rotary family:

December marks the half way point in the Rotary year, and this year also represents the last month in an exhausting 2020. While we have all felt the impacts of COVID, my heartfelt sympathies go out to those who have experienced loss or hardship during this difficult period.

At the same time, I am inspired by the opportunities that have been found amidst the chaos. Clubs have discovered new and innovative fundraising and community activities to stay engaged, relevant and impactful.  Thank you all for making a positive difference in our communities and around the world especially at a time when it is most needed. ....... 

 

"Ultimately, the greatest lesson that COVID-19 can teach humanity is that we are all in this together." - Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
 

 

Opportunities to Give

As we try to find the perfect Christmas gift, a special way to celebrate the memory of a loved one or even a way to celebrate the closing of 2020, please consider these options:

  1. Help save a 250 year old heritage Red Oak tree.  This tree in west Toronto has connections to the local Indigenous community, has stories to tell and roots that run deep! Donate here.

  2. Donate to The Rotary Foundation. We all know about the great work of the Foundation.  Donate here.

  3. Contribute to the rebuild of a hospital in Beirut.  The explosion at the port of Beirut on August 4, 2020 resulted in widespread destruction and loss of many lives. District 7070 is working with the Rotary Club of Beirut Cosmopolitan on a global grant application to resupply critical medical equipment for the Pediatrics/Neonatal Ward of Karantina Hospital. For more information please check out the website: www.beirut7070.com.  Donate here.

  4. Give to your local food bank or blood services centre.

 

Disease Presentation and Treatment month

December is also Disease Presentation and Treatment month on the Rotary calendar.  While our top priority is the eradication of polio, Rotary has an extensive reach in the battle against other diseases.  Within our District, we regularly recognize and honour members for their significant contributions in this area by awarding them the Dr. Bob Scott Award in Disease Prevention.  Recently we had the opportunity to recognize the efforts of Rotarian Chuck Taylor. In the words of Heather Johnston, Executive Director of Projets Autochtones, ‘His unwavering commitment to providing care and treatment for people living with HIV in Malawi has saved thousands of lives over a decade of engagement.’  Chuck joins past recipients Ron Denham (water treatment and sanitation), Joanne Ashley (HIV/AIDs), Steve Rutledge (water treatment and sanitation in Laos), and Bill Gates (polio). Thank you to these Superheroes and to every Rotarian for their contributions to the Rotary Foundation which helps to battle disease and improve the health of our fellow humans across the globe!

 

Environmental Action

District 7070 has embraced Rotary’s seventh area of focus.  Several clubs such as Markham-Unionville, Whitby, Whitby Sunrise and Uxbridge are “getting out into nature” with regular hikes for members and friends in a COVID responsible manner.  Clubs such as Eglinton, Willowdale and Belleville have planted trees or flowering bulbs and others like Leaside have held eWaste initiatives collecting and properly disposing of old computer hardware and cell phones.   At our next Tuesday Talks session on December 8, 7pm, our focus will be on Environmental Action in Rotary.   Please register here.   We are also excited to announce that District 7070 will join many surrounding Districts on April 24, 2021 as we celebrate Earth Day and participate in the first ever Rotary Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup.  More details to come but mark your calendar now for this exciting event to help our planet Earth. 

 

As this calendar year draws to a close Leslie and I wish you peace and happiness, and hope that our new circumstances have opened opportunities for you in Rotary!

Yours In Rotary, 

 

Mark Chipman

District 7070 Governor, 2020-21

DGChip7070@gmail.com