Land Acknowledgment: President Avrum

 

Anthem: Rocco

 

Toast to the King, Canada, and Rotary: President Avrum

 

Attendance: 8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bob was born and raised in London, Ontario, where he attended public and secondary schools and university, graduating in engineering from the University of Western Ontario. Bob and Kathy married and moved to Port Hope after a short stay in Ottawa. They have two children, Kristen and Andrew, and four grandchildren Deveraux, Preston Natalie, and David. Kathy is a retired registered nurse.

Living in Port Hope has led to a lifetime of volunteer work with various organizations Bob has always been involved in local activities.

Bob has been a member of the Rotary Club of Port Hope since 1988. In 1997-1998 he was club president and has held various other positions as director, treasurer, and webmaster. During his year as president, he led the club's efforts to assist the victims of the massive ice storm in Eastern Ontario. Bob has served on numerous district committees, including membership, foundation, long-range planning communication, and the district secretary. In 2012 Bob and Kathy traveled to India to participate in a Polio National Immunization Day.

Bob spent his entire working life in the nuclear energy industry in Port Hope. Starting in 1978 Bob has held various positions in production, maintenance, engineering, and research and quality assurance. He recently retired after 37 years of service.

Bob is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Paul Harris Society Member, Major Donor, Foundation Benefactor, and member of The Arch Klumph Society.

 

Bob introduced the members to the Foundation's Mission Statement:

 

 Polio Plus Fund:  Funds go straight to Polio eradication.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rotary Foundation: A Brief History and Its Purpose
- The Rotary Foundation was established in 1917 with funds from an international convention in Atlanta, Georgia.
- It was initiated by Arch Klumph to use the convention's surplus funds for a meaningful purpose.
- The foundation's goal is to promote goodwill and understanding among people worldwide.

Rotary International Foundation's Mission
- Rotary International Foundation helps rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace.
- It focuses on improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.
- The foundation assists members in achieving these goals.

Understanding Rotary Foundation Funds
- Rotary Foundation consists of various funds, including the Annual Fund, PolioPlus Fund, and Endowment Fund.
- Annual Fund donations are used for projects and grants, while the PolioPlus Fund is dedicated to polio eradication.
- The Endowment Fund is the opposite of the Annual Fund and is invested to generate long-term income.

Endowment Fund for Public Projects
- The endowment fund serves as a savings account with a preserved principal.
- Using interest from the fund for public projects provides financial stability.
- The goal is to reach 2.025 billion by 2025, and progress is being made towards this target.
Understanding Rotary Foundation Funds
- The endowment fund consists of cash and promises of future donations.
- The annual fund is like a checking account that is emptied and refilled each year.
- Donations to the annual fund are used to support Rotary Foundation projects, including district and global grants.

Rotary Club's Budget and Grant Process
- The Rotary Club will start its budgeting process soon, with a deadline for applications on May 31st.
- The club will request funds from the Rotary Foundation through District Designated Funds (DDF) for the next rotary year.
- District grants can be applied for online, and clubs can request a combination of club cash and PDF district funds for their projects.

Understanding District and Global Grants
- District grants are smaller and quicker, while Global grants are larger and have a minimum size of $30,000.
- Both types of grants require an application, budget, and approval process.
- Global grants emphasize community assessment and sustainability.
Rotary Foundation Funding
- Sustainability is important, and the annual fund provides financial support.
- EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year) encourages participation in the Rotary Foundation without a specific dollar amount.
- EDF (District Designated Funds) and the World Fund support district and global initiatives.

Rotary Foundation's Disaster Response Fund
- Rotary Foundation's disaster response fund provides support during global crises like the Ukraine conflict and Hawaii fire.
- Challenges arise due to frequent disasters, requiring clear definitions for fund allocation.
- Encouraging club members to donate and setting fundraising goals are crucial.

Rotary Foundation's Endeavors in Polio Eradication
- Rotary's long-standing commitment to polio eradication dates back to 1977, collaborating with the World Health Organization and UNICEF since 1985.
- Despite significant progress, with only 4 cases reported this year in Pakistan and Afghanistan, continued funding is crucial to achieve complete eradication.
- Post eradication, a 5-year immunization and certification period is required to declare a country polio-free, while vaccine-derived cases are still being monitored.

Rotary Club Membership and Programs
- Encouragement to join societies by donating $100 for polio eradication and $1000 for the Paul Harris Society.
- Recognition for individual and club donations to the foundation.
- Rotary Peace Fellowships program actively supports students in the district, including several at the University of Toronto.

Financial Analysis of Fundraising
- This analysis compares a financial club's current fundraising progress against its five-year goals.
- Our club has exceeded its annual fund goal and is significantly above the district average per capita.
- Membership numbers have remained consistent.

Global Grant Requirements and Rotary Club Projects
- Global grants require projects to fit into one of seven focus areas, including conflict resolution, disease prevention, and maternal and child health.
- Rotary Club projects can easily fit into these focus areas.
- The environment is a relatively new focus area for global grants.

Encouraging Rotary Foundation Participation
- Global grant requires members to participate in the foundation by donating.
- Regular donations can be made through bank accounts or credit cards.
- The Rotary Foundation Walk is an upcoming event that encourages participation.

- The Rotary Club of North Scarborough was heavily involved in last year's walk.

Rotary Foundation Workshop and Qualification
- Rotary Foundation workshop in November at Oshawa and North Oshawa for the Rory Foundation.
- To be involved in grants, two people must attend the November meeting or complete online quizzes and modules.
- The club President and President-elect sign a memorandum to abide by the rules established by the foundation.

Encouraging Donations to the Rotary Foundation
- The Rotary Foundation is a great charity with over 90% of donations going to projects.
- Consider attending a workshop or walk to get qualified and support the foundation.
- Think about the administrative costs of other charities before donating.

Spreading Awareness about the Rotary Foundation
-Bob went to India in 2012 to promote the Rotary Foundation.
- An Indian mother gave her 6-week-old baby to him, highlighting the trust in Rotary.
- Rotary connects people from different countries and creates global friendships.
Global Food Distribution
- Bob has friends all over the world due to their involvement in global food distribution.
- They are responsible for submitting vehicle log books and ensuring compliance with CRA regulations.
- Bob's new role involves meeting people and advocating for the Canadian government.

Bill Gates's Contribution to Rotary
- Rotary and Gates Foundation partnership for various projects.
- The Gates Foundation provides significant financial support to Rotary, with a 2:1 matching ratio.
- Rotary's focus on efficient use of funds, with over 90% of donations going directly to programs.

Charity Navigator Review
- Charity Navigator review of a foundation.
- The foundation has received a 4-star rating, which is the highest possible rating.
- The foundation manages its funds efficiently.

 

Barry Smith Thanked Bob on behalf of the club for his interesting and informative presentation

 

 

 

President Avrum announced the board meeting for Monday, April 29th