Why I joined and stay in Rotary-Member Testimonials
We have three more member testimonials to post:
Gary Cumming:
In 1946 I was a five year old living on a dairy farm where my dad worked after returning from the war. I went into the milk-house for a drink of water and tipped up A jug containing lye that was used for cleaning purposes for the equipment. It is a strong corrosive. Long story short it was the start of many medical procedures and hospital stays in Chatham, London and Toronto. It was also a financial hardship for my family. I am not sure of how but I do know that the Rotary Club of Chatham was instrumental in helping my family. I can remember attending special parties that I attended with other children who were assisted by this club. Over the years I always was aware of the good work of Rotary.
Flash ahead to the 80s and my neighbor and good friend Max Frehner who was a Rotarian approached me about joining and invited me to a meeting. There were several members that I knew and it was hard to say no to Max and also my early experience with the Chatham club convinced me that I owed Rotary some pay back. It was a privilege to be accepted by these outstanding community leaders.
Why do I go? I enjoy the chit chat with friends, a good meal, the chance to hear speakers on interesting topics, and the chance to have input on future endeavors.
I am proud of all of the accomplishments of this club and of Rotary International and enjoy the time spent with my fellow members at meetings and on projects. I am a believer of the work of the Rotary Foundation and a contributor. I feel guilty that I am not more involved and about the time that I am away and have contemplated resigning but for now it is an honor to be a Rotarian.
Rotarian Gary Cumming
Stan Malcolm:
My Rotary Story:
The late Jack Whyte proposed me for membership in the Rotary Club of Stratford, after inviting me to several meetings at ( presumably ) his own expense. He solicited me at my business and counselled me that becoming a Rotarian would be a win-win. Jack proposed more members in that club than anyone else before or since.
Continuing to belong to Rotary provides Synergy to our individual efforts. Hence, my small contribution can be multiplied physically and financially through the Service Vehicle which is Rotary. Through Rotary International, I have real and valued friends nearby and in several places abroad. Without exception, these are intelligent, focused, and generous people who add to my pride in belonging to an organization which enjoys unblemished success on all fronts.
The question of "When did I realize that I was a Rotarian, as separate from a Knife and Forker" is difficult for me. Since much good work is done over food and drink (In Vino Veritas!), the regular meetings will always be central to continuity and consensus. For me, becoming a true Rotarian is a life long apprenticeship. There have been many experiences, learning, emotional, and motivational, which come to mind. To have a chance conversation with PRI Pres. D.K. Lee was motivational. He is very successful in business and is giving back. To have visited a class of reformed Guerrillas who would like to have their lives back was emotional! Working with District 6330, particularly in the Peace Fellowship program was a unique learning experience.
Thank you Rotary Club of St. Marys for honouring me with membership.
Daryl McClure:
I joined Rotary mostly because I had just purchased a new accounting business in town and thought joining Rotary would be a good opportunity to meet other people in the community, both as part of Rotary directly, and through the various Rotary activities and services we provide in the area. I also believed joining was a wonderful way to give back to the local community, and to society/mankind as a whole really, through Rotary’s various worldwide projects.
I stay because of the great comradery I’ve found, and especially because it gives me the opportunity, when I can, to help our club and my fellow Rotarians provide the various benefits and support services that we are able to offer back to the local community.
Daryl McClure
Rotary Club of St. Marys, Ontario