John Stevens from the Markham Sunrise Rotary club joined with Tracey Burton and Tammy Isa of the Canadians Care Collective (a team of Canadian Volunteers) and other partners to deliver urgently needed  medications and medical supplies to Ukrainian hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices and directly to the front lines. John and the club initially raised  around $83,000 through the CanadaHelps online platform and another $42,000 via other means for a total of about $125,000 cash raised – in addition to the $100 million of in-kind donations.

We just received approximately $100 million (retail value) of drugs donated by various pharmaceutical companies (see below) and we are raising funds to pay for audits and shipping:

John and the club raised  around $83,000 through the CanadaHelps online platform and another $42,000 via other means for a total of about $125,000 cash raised – in addition to the $100 million of in-kind donations. When they first started, they planned to use the money to buy medical supplies but  realized that they could make much more difference by getting Pharma companies to donate supplies and we would use the funds raised to pay for audit and shipping.

John put together a info graphic that describes the initiative:

 

This is an inspirational story that speaks to the creativity, energy and resolve to help the people of Ukraine in their time of need. This speaks to the ability of Rotarians to leverage our relationships with community partners to make a difference. Congratulations to John Stevens from Markham Sunrise, the members of the Markham Sunrise Club, the Canadian Care Collective and the other partners named above to make this happen. Kudos!

 

This past week we have been witnessing the devastating earthquake disaster that struck Türkiye and Syria, over 33000 people have  died with many more injured, over 6000 homes and buildings destroyed. They are in immediate need of help! It is times like these that Rotarians across our district come together to make a difference.

Niecy, our DGND elect who has taken over the position of District 7070 Foundation Disaster Relief Chair from our dear friend, the late Michael Parker regarding Rotary District 7070's response to the Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.

Toronto Club approved the set up for a matching campaign for ShelterBox Canada - Türkiye Earthquake Disaster Relief Program. Please click on the direct link below, to contribute to this campaign. 

Canada will match donations to the Canadian Red Cross Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria Appeal. Every donation made by individuals to the Canadian Red Cross between February 6 and 22, 2023, will be matched, up to a maximum of $10 million.  https://donate.redcross.ca/page/121799/donate/1?locale=en-CA 

Our District is working very closely with a Rotaract member who has connected with Rotary in Türkiye. They have set up a warehouse in Toronto where they are also accepting: new clothing, blankets, canned food, hygiene products etc.  

If you have any questions, please reach out to Niecy at: niecydillon@royallepage.ca  

 

You are cordially invited to an incredible Peace Symposium with music, art and incredible speakers on Thursday Febraury 23, 2023 at 7:00p.m. where you will hear Nobel Prize Winner Ouided Bouchamaoui who will join us all the way from Tunis, different entities that Rotary International is collaborating with to promote peace such as Mediators without Borders, The Peace and Economic Peace Centre, Rotary Inter-Country Committees (RotaryICC) and learn about how Rotary is collaborating with these different entities to extend peace and understanding around the world. Register today: https://rotary7070.org/event/world-understanding-and-peace-day-conference/

 

Come embrace women and equity in the district as we celebrate the women of Rotary District 7070! We gather March 8th @ 6pm in the Rotary Global Classroom at Durham College in a hybrid setting (In person and online) to celebrate fellowship and hear from female leaders of Rotary District 7070. Reception from 6 to 7 pm. Broadcast starts at 7 pm. Register here: https://rotary7070.org/event/international-women-s-day-celebration-2023/

 

 

Our 3rd Annual Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup Event (GLWC) is quickly approaching!  Please mark your calendar for Saturday April 22 (Earth Day).  More information to come from your District Environmental Action Committee. Thank you - Dan Coombes - Chair GLWC (dancoombes4@gmail.com)

 

 

 

The 2023 Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium (RYLS) is taking place, May 11-14, 2023 at the Ganaraska Forest Centre!  The 3-night experience is geared toward youth between the ages of 17-23 and will offer an inspiring program including: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Reconciliation and Land Based Education, Hands-on Activities, Group Dynamics, Public Speaking, Outdoor Survival and GPS Geocache adventures along with campfires, friendship and tons of fun and learning!!!  All this for only $375 per participant which covers all programs, accommodation, and meals.  Rotary Clubs are encouraged to find and sponsor eligible participants within their community, as well as members of the Rotaract and Interact Clubs that they host.  There are only 30 spots available!  Applications and further information for RYLS 2023 can now be found at this link:   https://rotary7070.org/stories/rotary-youth-leadership-symposium-(ryls)-is-may-11-14-2023-apply-today Due date for submission is March 10, 2023. #rotary7070

 

Have a great week! 

 

Cheers,

DG Iosif

 

Final thought: