Rotary during Covid-19
Where is the Rotary Club of St. Marys during the pandemic? Rotary is alive and doing what Rotary does “Serving the Community.”
A big first for us was meeting virtually on Monday, March 30th via Zoom. Regular club and committee meetings have occurred since. It hasn’t been easy. Having over twenty members on screen is a challenge but it works.
First of all, let us assure you that all of the financial commitments of our club will be honored for the coming year despite the fact that our major fundraisers have been cancelled or postponed.
We have made a substantial donation to a sister club Rotary District 6330 Passport Club under Rotarian Lynne Ternosky who was able to obtain Canadian made face shields to be distributed to compromised nursing homes in Perth County.
We have reached out to health services, educators and the town of St. Marys asking how we could help. These efforts are ongoing.
Since the community dinners were cancelled, we have been testing a plan with the help of St. Marys & Area Community Living to deliver meals to those in need. We have partnered with local businesses to deliver meals twice weekly to over 30 residents. A work party led and organized by Rotarian Andrew Middleton distributes the meals in an acceptable and socially responsible manner. Along with the meals, face masks made by President Lucie Stephens are also distributed. A big thanks to the Sunset Diner, Gordy’s, Janice Mitchell, Joe’s Restaurant, Jennie’s and McDonald’s Independent for responding to the call. Rest assured, whatever efforts being made now, and in the future are being conducted safely for the public and our members.
In addition, a $5000 donation has been presented to the Salvation Army to assist with the food bank and additional contributions they make to the community.
The Rotary Club of St. Marys will continue to monitor our service to the community based on the principles of Rotary. Thank you to all of our supporters. For more information on what the Rotary Club of St. Marys is doing, please visit our Facebook page or Instagram feed @rotarystmarys. Stay healthy and safe.