Secretary Brenda Snider introduced Tim, although no formal introduction was necessary. To be the President of a Rotary Club is a demanding job and Tim had the greater challenge of no in-person training or meetings due to COVID restrictions. Everything was done remotely, even pats on the back and virtual hugs. But Tim is a positive person and does see light at the end of the tunnel. Here is a little bit about his year as President.
The Rotary Theme was Rotary Opens Opportunities where together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves. We believe in Rotary opportunities for others and within ourselves. We believe that our acts of service create opportunities for people who need our help, in our community and around the world. Everything we do opens another opportunity for someone, somewhere.
Tim thanked many Rotarians for their support and on-going commitment to the work that the Club does. He thanked Tracy Bray for lining up some great speakers over the past year and highlighted many of them. He thanked the committee chairs who put in thousands of hours to make our community a better place to live, work that is needed and appreciated from the back office administration support by Brenda as secretary, the bulletin published bi-weekly by Nadine Langlois and the soon-to-be printed Roster, the newly formed and effective Finance Committee under the guidance of Randy Coker, a thorough Strategic Plan put together by Jo-Anne Wheeler and Jeanette Minaker, a plan that will set the course for the next few years under the leadership of soon-to-be President Darrell Smith, followed by Cory MacKay and Peter Malone, to projects like Diners and Duffers led by Jeanette Minaker and Ken Wheeler, Camp Merrywood, the Indigenous People Partnership Committee under the direction of Birgit Wartenberg, successfully building partnerships with northern communities and other Rotary Clubs, the continued hard work by Dr. Ruth Mathieson on international service in much needed areas of the world. Cassandra Bonn and Kelly McKinney who co-chaired the Membership Committee and a big shout-out to Anya Deane Best for keeping the Satellite group alive and well. It wasn't all work and no play. The Special Needs Christmas Drive-By organized by Tracy Bray and Sam Brady brought a smile to many and we were well entertained by those who took on the task of Sergeant-at-Arms, namely David Allen, Kelly McKinney and Sam Brady. And the first drive-by Santa Claus Parade at the Wellness Centre was hugely successful, even with traffic challenges. Cory and Bill MacKay made sure that 25,000 meals were delivered under the Kids Against Hunger initiative, locally as well as to other countries and to community partners, helping to feed those who are hungry. Some programs like Rotary Loves Trees hit roadblocks due to COVID restrictions, but there will be a Fall 2021 planting so be ready. Rotary Loves Golf (RLK), the Club's largest fundraiser is going ahead on July 23rd and is full steam at this point. There will be some new initiatives such as the Great Lakes Watershed program headed up by Samantha Reid and the reintroduction of Ride for Rotary, by bike enthusiast Peter Malone.
Tim thanked the Rotary Board for all they accomplished this past year and welcomed the newest members. Doug Peterson, as Past President, has been a valuable resource to Tim and the Board over the past year and provided good advice on a regular basis. Tim thanked Melanie Cressman for her commitment on the Board and who will be taking the lead on Rotary Loves Trees in the coming months.
And lastly, Tim thanked his wife Judy for her support as he was kept busy with many Zoom meetings. He has promised to pull up his socks now that he will have some time on his hands to help out at home. Tim shared a special short film produced by Victor Cooper from Eighty Twenty Studios, a video that pokes fun at his year as President. Hope you enjoy. Here is the link timrotary.mp4 on Vimeo
Past President Doug Peterson thanked President Tim for a very successful Rotary year and for his exceptional stewardship of the Club this past year. Tim has laid the foundation to keep the Club steady as the reins are passed to incoming President Darrell Smith. We are ready for doors to open after a year or more of restrictions, so that lives can be changed.