ROTARY CLUB OF PICKERING
Community Cheque Presentation
Tuesday, November 19, 2013, 6:30p.m.
McEachnie Family Centre
President Perry Halls, MCfor the evening, extended warm welcome to you all charities, community organizations and special guest on behalf of the Rotary Club of Pickering. The program was opened with the singing of O’Canada, accompanied by David Stone on the guitar. Congratulatory remarks were given by Deputy Mayor Doug Dickerson.
Other dignitaries and special guests in attendance were; His Worship Mayor Dave Ryan of the City of Pickering, Judy Paty, Office Manager, representing Member of Parliament: Chris Alexander –Ajax/ Pickering, who sent his regrets due to a previous commitment in Ottawa; Peter Bashaw representing Member of Parliament: Corneliu Chisu - Pickering/ Scarborough East who also sent his regrets due to a previous commitment in Ottawa, Susan Black, Charity Coordinator and Linda Mair, President of Delta Bingo
The Rotary Club of Pickering is very excited to be able to present funds to very worthy and deserving community agencies and organizations. These agencies work tirelessly to make our community a better place to live, grow and work. These funds, however, would not be availableif it were not for proceeds from our famous RibFest and from Delta Bingo and the Pickering Charitable Gaming Association.Special thanks toSusan Black, Charity Coordinator and Linda Mair, President.
The following community agencies andcharitable organizations were presented with financial contribution from the Rotary Club of Pickering:
Dog Guides Canada, Paula Crebbin;
In the early 1980's Lions Clubs across Canada sought to develop a national project to reflect their service to Canadians with visual impairments. The result was Lions Foundation of Canada and its founding program, Canine Vision Canada which was established in 1985. Since then, the Foundation has grown to include additional Dog Guide programs: Hearing Ear, Special Skills, Seizure Response, Autism Assistance, and newly introduced, Diabetic Alert Dog Guides.
Through the use of Dog Guides, people with a medical or physical disability are provided greater independence, mobility and safety. These Dog Guides are provided at no cost to eligible Canadians from coast to coast. The Foundation relies on donations from individuals, service clubs, foundations and corporations and does not receive any government funding. Rotary is pleased to be part of this worthy endeavour.
AIDS Committee of Durham Region, Devorah Garland, Community Development Coordinator and Founding Member, Women's Wellness Alliance of Durham Region;
The AIDS Committee of Durham Region provides volunteer HIV/AIDS related services to those infected or affected and to the general community in the region of Durham. The organization supports and cares for individuals, families and groups infected or affected by HIV/AIDS in the Region of Durham.They advocate with and on behalf of those individuals, families, and groups infected or affected by HIV/AIDS in the Region of Durham by creating an organizational structure which will support the development and provision of HIV/AIDS related services in the Region of Durham.
Best Buddies (Pine Ridge SS); Vice Principal, Craig Marlatt, Life Skills teacher and Best Buddies advisors, Brenda Hopper and Andrea Anderson,Chapter PresidentMegan Sticew and Vice-President Selina Lutfi;
Best Buddies is a national charitable organization that establishes chapters at high schools and universities across the country to foster one to one friendships between students in the mainstream and those with intellectual challenges. This year is the 10th year of the Pine Ridge Chapter and the club is steadily growing - with an unprecedented 40 Buddy Pairs. These pairs are in contact weekly and spend time together at least once every two weeks. Throughout the year, the chapter is involved in a number of chapter-wide and/or area-wide activities such as dances, movie and bowling outings, and other fun things within the school and the community. These outings are funded largely by the generosity of supporterslike the Pickering Rotary Club.
The Rotary Club of Pickering is pleased to sponsor the Pine Ridge SS chapter of Best Buddies.
Distress Centre Durham, Victoria Kehoe, Executive Officer;
Since 1970, Distress Centre Durham has provided a 24-hour helpline to the residents of Durham Region. This helpline has been staffed by a diverse group of specially trained community volunteers who offer emotional support, crisis intervention, suicide prevention and community referral information to our callers. Annually, the volunteers respond to nearly 8000 calls in which callers discuss any issue, problem or crisis that impact on their sense of wellbeing. In 2012, they successfully intervened in 18 suicide attempts and saved 18 lives.
They could not be more proud of the work performed by their helpline volunteers. In addition to their helpline, Distress Centre Durham also provides: community education and training; support groups for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one to suicide and or homicide; and, an adolescent suicide awareness program in local secondary schools. Rotary is very pleased to continue its support for the Distress Centre.
Durham Attack Volleyball Club, Scott Burrows, President;(along with the entire team)
The Durham Attack Volleyball Club has a grassroots community-based approach to growth, incorporating both a recreational and elite program. Over 19 teams are run annually by the club. The club’s dedicated volunteers augmented by many premier provincial coaches have contributed more than 16, 000 community volunteer hours each session. Their goal is that, through volleyball, youth in Durham are taught integrity, dedication, and commitment as well as skills necessary for success both on the court and in life. The mandate ‘developing character through the pursuit of excellence” is at the core of all they do as a club from players to coaches to parents. As a volleyball community, the success of each member is shared by all together more is achievable. Over time,a growing disparity between families who can, and cannot afford participation by their children has emerged. Rotary is pleased to offer its support to help assist these families, so young people can play and pursue their dreams.
Durham Hospice Dawnette Hoo-Hing, Executive Directorand Linda Van Schyndel, Administration and Finance;
Hospice is not a place; it is a philosophy of care when a cure is no longer possible.Hospice is about enhancing quality of life and acts as a complement to other professional medical care.
Durham Hospice is a non-profit, community based, charitable organization that for the past 20 years has and continues to provide emotional, social, spiritual and physical support to individualsand their families, friends and caregiversfacing advanced illness, death and/or bereavement through one-to-one matches and facilitated group discussions, volunteers provide support to clients living with a life-threatening illness, caregivers and bereaved people.One-to-one matches are based on common personality traits, life experiences and availability and volunteers provide peer-based support both in their office and in the community.The recognition and respect for the client’s individual values, beliefs, choices, diversity and importance of their families, friends and caregivers are essential in all that they do.Their services focus on compassion, caring, celebrating life and honoring the dying. Rotary would like to continue its support of your agency.
FOOTPRINTS, David Green – Director andSandra Halls, Secretary of the board;
FOOTPRINTS is a charitable, volunteer-driven program dedicated to the provision of providing respite care and services for families with children age 13 and under who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. FOOTPRINTS began in 2004 and provides a safe and happy environment that exists solely for the benefit of the children and for the much needed relief of their families. Being a parent means you are “on” 24/7 and, raising a child with ASD means being “on” 24/7 PLUS! FOOTPRINTS’ dedicated, caring, compassionate volunteers currently support approximately 30 families per month allowing their children to play, interact and learn while giving the parents, siblings and caregiversa very precious gift – the gift of time to tend to other needs without the additional demands of caring for their child with Autism. The Rotary Club of Pickering is pleased to provide financial support to this much needed program in Pickering.
Helping Other Parents Everywhere (HOPE) Inc.,Sandra McQuaid, President and Brian McMillan;
Hope Foundation is acommunity based parent-run organization that provides hope, encouragement, resources and education to parents of acting out youth in a safe, confidential and supportive environment.HOPE’s network of community based groups are recognized and respected sources of support for parents who are facing their children’s challenges of verbal or physical abuse, skipping school, defiance, in trouble with the law or drug and alcohol abuse. Being given the knowledge, tools and support, parents of acting out youth can achieve the confidence to positively change the dynamics within their families. This is achieved through creating healthy boundaries and implementing non-confrontational approaches. Holding the values of mutual support and respect, HOPE is a "Go To" resource for early intervention thereby avoiding escalation to a crisis level. Rotary supports HOPE in helping parents in these very trying circumstances.
Herizon House, Vanessa Falcon, Acting Executive Director and Bruce Boyle, Chairperson of the Board of Directors;
Every day women and children in Durham Region seek help and refuge from violent and abusive situations. Herizon House is a 30 bed woman’s emergency shelter and safe haven for women and children to seek refuge from the abuse.In addition to their shelter, Herizon House offers services to women in the community such as crisis counseling, housing and legal support, safety planning, advocacy and resource planning.They provide safe non-judgmental services to support women in moving towards an independent life that is free from abuse and violence. Domestic violence remains a reality in our society but safety and help can be found at Herizon House. Pickering Rotary has been a supporter of the agency since inception and, we are pleased to continue that support this year once again.
Immunodeficiency Canada, Richard Thompson, CEO and John Paul Jones - Primary Immunodeficiency Patient, Marathoner, and Run and Run the Lake Volunteer;
When a defect in the immune system is inherited, it is called Primary Immunodeficiency. Because of the genetic nature of PI, some patients may be the first in their families to be afflicted and would, therefore, have no known family history. There are over 150 forms of PI (Primary Immunodeficiency. Together, they affect more people than leukemia and lymphoma combined. In Canada, approximately 13,000 people, mostly children, suffer from PI. The CIS provides funding to families dealing with financial strain due to illness from PI registered at Toronto Sick Children's Hospital. Families can access financial assistance for transportation, overnight stays, food, parking and other critical needs through the clinic or social work department. Events such as the Kids Picnic provide an opportunity for social interaction and emotional support for families that often feel isolated. Rotary is pleased to be able to support the CIS society this evening.
Joanne’s House
(Operated by Durham Youth Housing and Support Services), Mary Dunlop, Executive Director;
Youth homelessness is a community challenge and requires a community response. Joanne’s House is a registered charity located in Ajax, which addresses the needs of at risk and homeless youth in Durham Region by providing emergency shelter to youth ages 16-24 from all eight Durham Region municipalities, who have nowhere else to live. The youth they assist could be your neighbours’ teenagers, or the young person who served your coffee at the drive-through this morning. Joanne’s House, the only youth shelter in Durham Region, not only provides shelter and meals, but also an array of other services. Many youth arrive on their doorstep abused or suffering from undiagnosed mental health issues. The staff provides options for the youth to pursue the help they need. Since opening 5.5 years ago Joanne’s House has helped over 700 shelter residents to address their problems and transition more smoothly back into the community or to return home. Rotary is proud to continue providing support to Joanne’s House and the youth of Durham.
Ontario Regiment 2525 Army Cadets,Captain Geoffrey Hickey, Commanding Officer and Cadet RSM Bychok;
The 2525 Army Cadets develop in youth the attributes of leadership, self discipline, physical fitness and active citizenship engagement all within an environment that stimulates an interest in, and understanding of, the Canadian Armed Forces. Youth are provided with the opportunity to grow and expand their horizons, accept and overcome challenges and contribute to society. Currently this year 2525 is parading 70 cadets from ages 12 to 19. This past summer, 2525 has had numerous cadets place in the top three of their summer training courses and win awards for outstanding leadership. All cadetsthis year have successfully completed their Fall FTX (Field Training Exercise) for 2013. 2525 organized its first annual event, "The 2525 Push Up Athon" where the cadets gathered in the Pickering Mall and 30 cadets did 2525 push ups. The Cadets are active in the community assisting the Legion in the poppy campaign and Veterans dinnerand, in assisting the Rotary Club with Run the Lake and Rib Fest.The Corps has a long history in Pickering. The youth of today are the adults of tomorrow –so to support 2525 in its work with these young people, Pickering Rotary is please to offer our financial assistance.
Pickering Soccer Club, David Lordof the Pickering Soccer Club;
The Pickering Soccer Club is a registered non-profit organization incorporated in 1984 and is governed by a 13 member volunteer board of directors. The mission of the PSC is to “create and enhance opportunities to participate, develop, and excel in the sport of soccer. The PSC maintains over 3,350 players allocated to 280 teams and has over 5,350 program registrations annually, engaging 18% of the Pickering residents. It offers recreational programs segmented into age-groups identified as Micro boys and girls (aged 3-8), Mini boys and girls (aged 9-12), Full Field boys and girls (aged 13-21) and Adult Men, Women, and Co-ed. It also has a recognised program for special needs athletes and ensures opportunities for disadvantaged youth to participate in our soccer programs through a variety of club and community financials subsidies. During 2014, PSC will be celebrating their 30th anniversary and will be relocating to its new home which is a 7,000 sq ft building adjacent to a full size domed soccer field at 1975 Clements Road called the Pickering Soccer Centre. Rotary is excited to support you in your journey, and to be able to support those families in need to enable their children to play your sport.
PineRidge Arts Council, Cathy Schnippering, President and Art Scene Editor, Vice-Presidents Gwen Williams and Robert Hinves, and Mary Cook,Publicist/Photographer/Web mistress to come forward to receive the donation.
The Pine Ridge Arts Council is an umbrella organization whose membership represents the vast array of Artists and of arts supporters in our communities. A longtime advocate for the arts, Pine Ridge Arts Council provides opportunities for young artists to show their works and for aspiring artists to gain experience and knowledge from the many workshops sponsored through PRAC. The Ajax and Pickering Youth Juried Art Show, Ajax Creative Arts, Artfest on the Esplanade, Dunbarton-Fairport United Church, Durham Philharmonic Choir,Pickering Community Concert Band, and,of course, PRAC’s own Juried Art Show are just a few of he examples of PRAC’s generosity and assistance. Rotary is proud to support this organization and thanks PRAC for its dedication and support of the arts in Durham.
Rouge Valley Health System Foundation, Maureen Dowhaniuk, Manager Special Events;
The Rouge Valley Health System Foundation raises funds to support the purchase of leading edge medical equipment for both hospital sites of the Rouge Valley Health System. With the help of its generous donors, the Foundation has contributed more than $15 million to the hospital in the past decade. Each year, the Rotary Clubs of Ajax and Pickering host a Run the Lake fundraiser at Rotary Park in Ajax. The Rotary Club of Pickering is pleased to be able to top up the proceeds from the Run to purchase needed extra equipment for the hospital that is otherwise not done through the regular budget process.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch #606 – Poppy Fund, Myrna Picotte, Poppy Fund Chair, Gil Barrett, Branch President and Helen Wishnowski, Service Officer;
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #606 has been a member of the Pickering community for over 45 yrs. They started and organize the Easter Parade with the City of Pickering. With financial assistance from the Poppy Fund, they provide emergency support to Veterans like glasses, special shoes, hearing aids, wheel chairs, and hospital beds. As well, even rent and food is given to a Veteran in dire need.Not all Veterans are on Veterans Pensions, especially our British Veterans as they do not get assistance form England, nor do they qualify for a pension from Canada.Many veterans find themselves homeless as well as Veterans from Afghanistan who face a very difficult ordeal. Within the community, Branch #606 supports many groups such as three different Cadet Units, seniors, handicapped persons, sports groups. Pickering Rotary is proud to contribute to the Legionin support of the Poppy Fund and the many good works they do in our community.