Every team has a leader and Rotarian John Smale undertook the task of commemorating Rotary International's 100th Anniversary in 2005. The team researched ideas while at the same time, endeavouring to be realistic in the scope of this tremendous gift to the City of Belleville, marking the gateway into the downtown district. The local artist who was commissioned to design and create what became known as the Children of Hope sculpture was the late Michael Rutland. It was a priority to involve art in this project, to create something of significance, so Michael went to work and came up with some sketches that were presented to the Rotary Board for approval of the concept and expense. The Connor Parkette was the preferred location, followed by many more steps to design a pedestal base and have a retaining wall built at the location. The final sculpture was celebrated in 2005 as planned. Fast forward seventeen years to 2022 and it became obvious that the statue had deteriorated and needed extensive repair. John Smale, Vince Lynch and Joe Reid, City of Belleville got to work and researched a company to do the work. The services of two local companies were retained by the City to bring the cherished statue back to its original condition. Research Castings International of Trenton, world renowned, did the amazing work of carefully recreating the sculpture with great attention to quality and detail. Eastern Renovations of Belleville built the pedestal base out of material that was not porous and would withstand environmental deterioration. John Smale thanked Mayor Ellis and the City for their hard work and cooperation in restoring this very meaningful statue as it depicts the joy and hope of children and youth in our community and around the world. Rotary President Karen Baker was very proud to be part of the community and able to support initiatives such as the Children of Hope statue that remind us of the good work that Rotary does and that reminds us of the joy and innocence in children.
Marilyn Lawrie, wife of the late Michael Rutland was on hand to explain as the sculpture's wife how she was the model for the project right from the beginning. Her husband took photos of her "modelling" each of the three children that were part of the sculpture and created forms from those pictures. He worked day and night and was so pleased and proud to have been asked by the Rotary Club of Belleville to be involved in the original project. Marilyn is very proud to be known as Michael Rutland's wife.
Past President Wolf Tausendfreund was President of the Club in 2005 when the project was put in place and was very pleased to see the restoration results and the statue back in place. It represents what the Rotary Club has achieved over the years in helping children. Mayor Ellis thanked everyone involved and for all the projects that Rotary has given back to the community over the years -- trails, parks, parties. All of these efforts build unity and great partnerships. A perfect spot for the gateway landmark.