History Moment Week 14

In the 1960s a popular fundraising activity was the sale of hats.  Manufactured by Rotarian Bob Lanning the hats were sold at the International Plowing Match and at the Belleville Fair. Besides funding services exclusively for crippled children, proceeds from hat projects provided in September, 1969, for the physiotherapy department of Belleville General Hospital a Hubbard Tank at a cost of $6,414.60 to be used in the treatment of both children and adults following orthopaedic surgery and for various physically disabling conditions.

It could be termed a joint effort between a Belleville enforcer and a force in Belleville: City Police Services and the Rotary Club of Belleville.  The Club had decided to assist the local Police - community services branch - in the “hiring” of a new “officer” to help promote safety education for elementary school children.  The officer selected was part of that new breed of police - 5’4”, 180 lbs. - who came with his own trailer. To make the new officer welcome, and not just be a faceless automaton, the Club ran a contest to name the new recruit, open to children in Kindergarten through grade eight, in the Quinte area.  The name selected was ORION [which is defined in the dictionary as a constellation named The Great Hunter, and was seen by ancients as carrying a shield, club and sword.]  The winning name was submitted by Melody Storey of Sir Winston Churchill Public School.  In June of 1986 a cheque for $14,714 was presented by Past-President Bob McKnight to Chief of Police [and Rotarian] Bob Begbie, toward the cost of Officer Orion.

Beginning in 1984, the Club actively participated in the annual Quinte Exhibition performing varied duties - refreshment stands, ticket sales and security, banking and bookkeeping.  The Clubs participation in the 1984 Quinte Exhibition ticket sales netted the club over $3,500 as well as further adding to our reputation in the community through our visibility in a service role.  By 1987, this project had become limited to manning the ticket booths at all entrances to the Fair.  Proceeds to the club were $4,000.