100th RI Convention, Montreal Quebec

What a great time to be a Rotarian!

Wayne and I are on a Rotary High as we head back home after attending the 100th Rotary International Convention in Montreal this past week. More than 300 Rotarians, Exchange Students, Interactors, Rotaractors and guests from District 5370 took part in this extraordinary convention. This Rotary International convention will stand out as being memorable for a number of reasons –

Canadian Rotarians have cause to celebrate – 100 years ago the first rotary club in Canada was formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba contributing to the formation of our International Rotary organization. This was the first club established outside of the USA. To commemorate this defining moment in Rotary’s history, a commemorative stamp was released recognizing this extraordinary event in history.

We have achieved our goal for completing our Canadian Rotary Centennial Project –Afghanistan Thank You District 5370 club.

Featured speakers included Greg Mortenson – author of Three Cups of Tea, Jo Luck – founder of the Heiffer Foundation providing food for the hungry and Dolly Parton, music star and founder of the Dollywood Foundations’ Imagination Library provided delegates with inspiration and insight into possibilities for making a difference in the world.

Always a highlight is the time to meet with rotary friends from around the world.

District 5370 was well represented at this convention;

· Youth Exchange Committee members Wayne McCutcheon, Pauline Perrault, Darrin King shared the newly developed D5370 leadership training program - the Bs...which is attracting attention throughout the Rotary world; congratulations to this team!

· Interact co-chair Stephen Lindop participated in a discussion forum on engaging youth in Rotary; his interact team from Calmar helped out in…

· D5370 Employment Partnership booth in the House of Friendship provided a wonderful opportunity to share with others from around the world how D5370 Business Owners are changing lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by providing employment; the booth became a meeting place where D5370 Rotarians met and shared information with others promoting this partnership;

· The Rotary Club of Westlock showcased their project in Ethiopia and Rotarians from 5370 were present at the Project Amigo booth sharing more worthwhile opportunities for service;

· PDG Terry Drader, and Rotarians Richard Dickinson, Randy Boissanault from the Edmonton Club presented highlights of literacy initiatives from across the district; in addition, DGE Jackie shared some of the Success Stories from the Belize Literacy Program; Randy provided us with a first glimpse of the new Literacy Without Borders project...watch for details.

Wayne and I also connected with our 2011 Group Study Exchange partners from Australia (D9650) DG Jo Wilkin and Lindsay. Please note the timelines for applying for this exciting GSE opportunity.

Our history of service is truly remarkable and one in which all 1.2 million Rotarians should be proud.

The theme Building Communities; Bridging Continents will be our theme as we undertake to continue the strong tradition of making a difference in the world as we seek to make Rotary BIGGER! BETTER! BOLDER! Our 2010-2011 Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith is appealing to all Rotarians to build on the successes of the past and ensure that Rotary International continues to be the premier service club in the world bring hope to the millions of people around the globe who need our help.