Club News
Community Paul Harris Fellowship Awards
Community Paul Harris Fellowship Awards
President Karen Baker welcomed everyone to the Community Paul Harris Fellow Recognition evening.  What a great crowd!  The gift of Rotary was very evident in the room with friends all around with special gifts to share.  A toast to each person present in our daily routine to come to know the joy of caring and sharing with others.  To friendship, fellowship, the gift of giving and to Rotary!  Since 2003, the Rotary Club of Belleville has honoured local members of the community for their "Service Above Self", a Rotary motto.  At that time, the Club decided that on an annual basis, we could present up to three (3) "Paul Harris Fellow" recognitions based on the criteria set by the Board of Directors of the day, community people who most reflect the spirit of Rotary.
 
Master of Ceremonies for the evening and Past President Peter Malone provided a little background on what it means to be a Paul Harris Fellow.  Named after Rotary's founder, Paul Harris who started Rotary with three business associates in 1905.  The numbers grew and Rotary became a global organization of over 1.4 million members in 200 countries.  In the words of Paul Harris "if you have the love of your fellow men in your hearts, my friends, you are a potential Rotarian.  The Rotary Club of Belleville is very proud to say that some 58 Community Paul Harris Fellows have been recognized for a lot of good they do and that says a lot about the great and generous people around us.
 
Past President Tracy Bray introduced the first CPHF Recipient - Ryan Turcotte.  For the past thirteen (13) years, Ryan has been the person behind the Belleville Fire Fighters Toy Drive.  He has spent countless volunteer hours filling a need in our community so that all children can have a very happy Christmas.  Ryan has built a community around this mission, raising funds through community partnerships, welcoming and thanking numerous volunteers, working with students to earn community hours and fostering relationships in the retail sector, like Giant Tiger.  Ryan works 60 hours a week from the end of October until the stockings are all hung Christmas Eve, tirelessly giving of his own time to ensure no child goes without on Christmas morning. 
 
Director Brenda Snider introduced Shannon Bellemare, who began her volunteer career with the Food for Learning program, supporting children and youth in the community.  She has been a long-standing volunteer for VIQ, always willing to lend a hand to an event such as Dancing with the Stars, Rockfest, Big Brother Big Sisters Ribfest, The Children's Foundation and BGH Foundation.  Even when relaxing during the summer months, Shannon and her husband, Jared are the Entertainment Directors at their trailer park.  She has supported Rotary at both Camp Merrywood and at Rotary Loves Kids golf tournament, providing guidance and support to anything she is involved with, always with a smile and encouragement, building strength and unity through her leadership.
 
Past President Kristin Crowe and Rotarian Cassandra Bonn introduced Julie Lange, described as giving extensive, quiet and continuous support across countless initiatives.  Julie lives and breathes Service Above Self, impacting the lives of individuals across generations and sectors, creating ripples of kindness and compassion.  Her legacy is told in the voices of family members, colleagues, friends and even strangers, who have all been deeply touched by her dedication.  Kristin and Cassandra shared a number of reflections from the community from an array of people who have seen Julie's unwavering kindness to many.  She creates a unique sense of belonging and warmth, bringing comfort and accountability to her role(s), shining brightly in all that she does.
 
Peter Malone thanked those who sought out these incredibly worthy Community Paul Harris Fellow recipients and for sharing these inspirational stories.  Peter passed on Rotary's congratulations and sincere thanks for their commitment to our communities.  Very happy to have them, their friends and family as a part of the Rotary family. (Pictured L to R Past President Peter Malone, recipient Ryan Turcotte, Past President and Director Tracy Bray, Director Brenda Snider, recipient Shannon Bellemare, Rotarian Cassandra Bonn, recipient Julie Lange, Past President Kristin Crowe, President Karen Baker).
 
 
 
 
Rescue Readers
Rescue Readers
Rescue Readers is a program where classes of elementary school children visit the Humane Society Shelter.  The students learn about what is involved in having and caring for a pet, the role of Shelters and the importance of developing empathy for other living creatures.  An excellent learning opportunity for the students that meet the educational objectives required by the School Board for field trips.  Reading aloud improves fluency and confidence.  Rotary Clubs of Belleville and Trenton have committed financial support, other Clubs in Hastings Prince Edward are invited to join in.
 
A major fundraiser, organized by the Humane Society HPE, Wiggle Waggle Walkathon is being held at Zwicks Park on May 17th, 2025.  Form teams of friends and family and pledge funds to support the Rescue Readers Program.  For more information, reach out to Sharon McConnell, Literacy Chair Rotary Club of Belleville at sharonmcconnell50@gmail.com
Rotary Youth Exchange Program
Rotary Youth Exchange Program
Rotarian Kim McKinney, Chair of the Rotary Youth Exchange program for the Rotary Club of Belleville invites everyone to a presentation at the evening meeting at Capers on November 28th at 5:30 p.m.  Heather Murray will be speaking.  All are welcome to join Kim, Peter Malone, Karen Baker and Liv Ahinas, the Rotarians behind the quote "are you ready for the greatest year of your life?".
The Bulyshevs' Story
The Bulyshevs' Story
Rotarian Andrew Kole introduced Denys and Tetiana aka Tanya as guest speakers at the Rotary Club of Belleville's lunch meeting in recognition of Remembrance Day coming up.  Andrew, Denys and Tetiana were all born in Ukraine and met in Belleville through an event organized by Rotarians for the Ukraine community, to show support and help wherever they could.  Denys and Tetiana and their three children were sponsored and hosted by Judi Rufo and Doug Peterson, Past President of the Rotary Club after narrowly escaping their home in Ukraine as war broke out.  Through courage, resilience and hope their journey started 2 1/2 years ago.
 
Today we are gathered to honour those who have served and sacrificed so that we can live in peace and freedom.  As we remember the bravery of past generations, we also think of people around us today who have been affected by the lasting impact of war.   Both Denys and Tetiana were born in Odesa, a beautiful seashore city in Ukraine, married almost 15 years ago and have three wonderful children, 13 and 9 year old sons and a 4 year old daughter.  Both obtained their Master's degrees and had good jobs in Ukraine.  Life was stable, something they thought would last forever.  In January 2022, they sensed that war was on the horizon.  By early February, emergency bags with documents were packed, a travel route identified toward a NATO country.  By later in February, their fears became a reality and the Odesa airport was destroyed and military installations and infrastructures were attacked. Overwhelmed by fear and confusion, they initially moved to their cottage, hoping to find peace, but days later, they packed their car along with some friends' car and headed to Tetiana's parents' home located south on the border with Romania.  Constant news updates and explosions across the country kept them on edge and very stressed.  Crossing a bridge, the only route in their escape to Romania was a terrible experience and when that bridge was bombed a few months later, they realized they had narrowly escaped death.  In Romania they found an apartment and were introduced to a Canadian who encouraged them to consider Canada.  Some research told them that a labour shortage in construction and finance might provide them with good jobs as they were both qualified in these areas.
 
By March 2022, over 3 million people were forced to leave their homes in Ukraine, and this became one of Europe's largest refugee crisis since WWII.  Canada has welcomed nearly 300,000 Ukrainians.  A website proposing accommodation for Ukrainian refugees led them to Judi Rufo and Doug Peterson and through that connection they found hope once again that the world is full of wonderful people after the nightmare they had been through.  Quickly they became part of the Belleville community, guided by people like Andrew Kole and his wife Julie, now very close friends.  Advice they gave was invaluable in helping Denys and Tetiana rebuild their lives, even today.  In turn, Denys and Tetiana have helped other families settle here and organized an event at Zwicks Park that brought almost 100 Ukrainians together on Ukrainian Independence Day.  Surrounded by people who shared similar experiences and understood the journey taken.  Denys is a project manager at TaskForce Engineering and has earned his professional project management certification.  Tetiana has recently completed the Canada Payroll Compliance Professional course and is an assistant Chief Financial Officer at Truck Right.
 
One of their happiest days was when their schnauzer Deya arrived in Canada, bringing much joy and happiness to the family.  Denys left us with a powerful truth "nobody should see the war".  Peace should never be taken for granted.  Let us not only honour the courage of those who served, but also celebrate the courage of those who start over, those who carry the values of freedom and resilience into a new future.  Thank you for your kindness and generosity, our journey would not have been possible without the support of people like you.
World Polio Day
World Polio Day
Today, October 24th is World Polio Day, a day set apart for Rotary members, public health advocates and all who want a world free from polio to come together, to recognize the progress that has been made in the fight to end polio and to talk about actions that are still needed.  Welcomed to the Rotary Club of Belleville by Past President Peter Malone, Bob Wallace spoke to the Club about the number one priority in his mind and that is the eradication of polio. 
 
Back in the 70's, one man thought we could eradicate polio in the Phillipines and he received grant money and was successful in his endeavour.  Shortly after, the World Health Organization joined the fight and with Rotary's experience along with Unicef and other government partners, the drive to eradicate polio worldwide became a reality.  Polio is a paralyzing and potentially fatal disease that still threatens children in some part of the world.  Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries from this disease.  Rotary's advocacy efforts have played a role in governments contributing more than $10 billion to the effort.
 
Rotary has committed to raising $50 million per year for polio eradication.  The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged to match that 2-to-1 for a total commitment of $150 million each year.  These funds provide much needed operational support, medical workers, laboratory equipment and educational materials.
 
Rotary and its partners have made tremendous progress against polio, but eliminating all cases is going to take even more progress and perseverance. Afghanistan and Pakistan face unique challenges, including political insecurity, highly mobile populations, difficult terrain and in some instances, vaccine refusal and misinformation.  There are currently 23 cases of polio in Afghanistan and 39 cases in Pakistan.
 
When Rotary and its partners formed the GPEI in 1988, there were 350,000 cases of polio in 125 countries every year.  Today, polio cases have been reduced by 99.9%.  Because of the efforts of Rotary and its partners, nearly 19 million people who would otherwise have been paralyzed are walking and more than 1.5 million people are alive who would otherwise have died.  The infrastructure that Rotary helped to build to end polio is also being used to treat and prevent other diseases (including COVID-19).  There is trust in Rotary.  Bob himself has participated in an immunization project in India and although he will never see that mom or baby again, he is determined that polio will not be one of the hardships in life that they face.  What can we do?  Continue to support financially, continue to advocate for support from our governments.  Canada has led the way for others to donate to this cause.  Keep talking.  Keep supporting.  Polio is still around and really, it's only a plane ride away. 
 
 
Clowns for Kids
Clowns for Kids

Quite simply, clowns help kids and on Sunday, November 17th, 2024, Clowns for Kids will be returning to Belleville, ready to put smiles on kids’ faces at the annual Santa Claus Parade! 

Started in 2022, Clowns for Kids is a fundraising initiative where local businesses and members of the community generously donate their time and money in order to give kids the unforgettable experience of dressing up and walking in the Belleville Santa Claus parade as a Rotary Clown, handing out candy-canes and engaging in some good old-fashioned clowning around!  

Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available, so if you would like to sponsor this event, please reach out. You can also sponsor a clown in the parade - whether it be your own child, grandchild or neighbour. If you would like to get in on all the shenanigans yourself, you can sign up and join us on parade day – it really is a blast and we would be thrilled to have you!  Simply donating to this incredible event is yet another way to support this incredible event. Sign up or donate here  https://bit.ly/3zBnQNx  

So far, this unique fundraiser has raised more than $20,000 in support of local children’s programming and we’re excited to continue raising funds in 2024. This year, all funds raised will go to initiatives supported by the Rotary Club of Belleville, including the Belleville YMCA’s new Centre for Life facility, Food for Learning warm breakfasts, The Children's Foundation and Easter Seals Camp Merrywood near Perth Ontario, helping kids with physical disabilities.

Joining us again this year are Belleville Senators Head Coach Dave Bell and Alternate Captain Donovan Sebrango. The Belleville Senators have been supporting Clowns for Kids since the beginning, and we are thrilled to have them back again this year!

For more information, please reach out to Committee Chair Heather Hall at heatherahall22@gmail.com.  You can also check out our Facebook page at Clowns for Kids - Belleville Rotary. 

Tipi Moza
Tipi Moza
Tipi Moza is an urban First Nation, Metis and Inuit housing providing in the City of Kingston.  It is governed by a seven member volunteer Board of Directors.  The Rotary Club of Belleville, as part of the Indigenous Peoples Partnerships under the Chair Birgit Wartenberg have been working with and supporting Tipi Moza since 2017.  Most recently the Rotary Clubs of Belleville, Trenton, Palgrave and Catarqui-Kingston supported the Backpack Program put together by Tipi Moza.  By providing financial support and school items, Tipi Moza was able to help 17 children with a new backpack filled with most of the school supplies needed to return to school.  Thanks for Rotary's never-ending support.  The generosity provides the families with peace of mind and assistance in transitioning to another school year.  Rotary's support goes a long way to setting these young students up for academic success.  Dozens have been assisted along the way and Tipi Moza expressed gratefulness for everything Rotary does.  This Backpack program would not be able to continue without this support. 
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