The following is what Dianne Spencer (Chair of Salvation Army Kettle Campaign Committee) presented at the podium at the lunch meeting on January 16th, 2025. President Karen, your Worship Mayor Ellis, fellow Rotarians and guests - I have Happy Bucks in recognition of the club’s support of the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign again this year. You’re no doubt aware of media reports this week that the Salvation Army is very close to meeting its goal of $365,000 in spite of the postal strike, and that’s great news. We hope that the goal will be met by tomorrow as the campaign deadline set by the Salvation Army.
32 volunteers signed up through Rotary to help at the LCBO location in December. This included 17 Belleville Rotarians and three former members of the Club, as well as two members of Stirling Rotary and 10 others - friends and family members who signed up to help out - very impressive! A total of 82 shifts were covered so at least 164 hours of volunteer hours provided – and many of our volunteers provided multiple shifts - at least two or three during the month. I would like to mention Jamie Trudeau, who started the Club with the tradition of annual support of the Kettle Campaign several years ago. Jamie covered five shifts, and others with at least 2 or 3 shifts included Vince Lynch, Sharon McConnell, Brenda Snider, Hazzem Koudsi, Ken Wheeler, Jo-Anne Wheeler, Mike Henry (and his wife Cathy). A special shout out to Nadine Langlois who is the real champion of this effort for Rotary - Nadine covered at least 15 shifts - I say that because she was listed on the schedule for 15, but I know there were other shifts which she took over to make sure they were covered. Volunteers have been invited by the Salvation Army to an Appreciation event on February 21 and five or six folks have signed up at this point in time. We hope that others will be able to attend as well, but Rotary will be well represented. Thank you to everyone for your support! I have 32 Happy Bucks in recognition of our 32 wonderful volunteers!
