President Ron called the zoom meeting to order with a toast to The Queen, Canada, and Rotary.  He introduced Assistant Governor Brandy, new member in the Satellite club, Sharon Wallace, and guest speakers James Hunt and Marcy Hill.  Regrets from Past President Drew.

 

Membership in Rotary is for community leaders, but some things do change  In the past, it was thought that to be a community leader, you wore a suit and a tie to work and had a senior enough position in the company that you could afford to take a lengthy lunch every week.  Today, Rotary is still made up of community leaders but now we know that they are everyday people with different passions but what all Rotarians have in common is a passion to give back and a huge desire to do so in association with other like-minded people. 

 

Introduction of Guest Speakers: Rotarian Henri introduced the guest speakers: James Hunt began his career with Youth Unlimited in 2012 as the Huntsville Drop-In Director serving dual roles as both the Huntsville community director and the YFC Core Ministries area director for Muskoka. He has a deep-seated passion for YFC.    Marcy Hill is a seasoned youth worker who brings energy and enthusiasm to everything she does, especially reaching the youth of our community.  She is well known for her 15 years with YWCA in Muskoka, running many programs to empower young people. 

 

 

James Hunt, from The Door: Commonly known as The Door, but going through a rebranding.  It is part of an international organization: YFC is the world’s largest faith-based organization working with young people.  Their mission is to see every young person living to their full potential.  All the programs and services are designed to help youth realize their inherent value and to experience meaning and purpose and to look forward to a future filled with hope and overflowing with possibility.  They develop relationships with young people.  James provides oversight for the staff and how they branch out into the communities.  They are working on apprenticeship programs.  They are mostly known for their activities at The Door, but they have many more programs that were outlined on slides.

 

How can Rotary help?  Lunch program volunteers are needed, as well as donations of cookies for their lunch program.  Some projects that they would like to see happen:

Marcy Hill:  This is her first year with this organization. She spoke on programming, where they use the motto: “Be here, be where you belong”.  They have boys and girls, grades six to twelve. They give the older kids leadership roles.  Since Covid, they have been functioning mostly online, they have been doing baking projects.  Some of the young people who go to the facility go there not just to have fun, but because they don’t have anywhere else to go.  They had some fantastic sewing and knitting groups, also a running program.  They work on self-esteem and the power of words.  They stay busy with their Atomic Youth group and the drop-ins. They have about 35 young people now, down from about 50 before Covid. She said they have been blessed with the kids that walk through their doors.

 

Rob: Asked about changes since James last spoke to the club and ownership of their building.  The building is owned by YFC, the chapter of Youth Unlimited that they operate under.  And what kind of activity is there in town for 19-25 year olds? They are in the transitional housing group. James is now developing a young adults’ program.

 

Debbie L: Asked if they received Covid relief funding and yes, they have.

 

Hugh:  Do you have consistency in the youth attending? Like being in a giant living room with a bunch of kids, it is their “home”.  Some attend for years.   Currently, a bigger turnover, and different kids attend different programs.

 

Lou: Previously, there was a lot of couch surfing.  Are kids in more need of a place to stay now in Covid times?  Yes, they lost connection with a lot of kids, and couch surfing is definitely a big issue.

 

Sharon: Any other drop-in places like yours in other areas of Muskoka?  Not in Bracebridge but yes, in Gravenhurst, but not the same organization.

 

Rob: Who funds?  They are a registered charity, and rely heavily on individual donations, and the staff must fundraise their own salaries.  Many individuals in the community give a monthly donation.  They prefer an approach that engages the community.

 

Tim: What are most common concerns of 13-18 year olds?  13 is probably most wonderful but most dangerous age.  They are exposed to a lot.  Drugs, alcohol, self-harm are issues.  Also, mental health is more of an issue in Covid times.

 

Bill:  What is number one on Wish List? The solar panels to generate the $ 5,000 in perpetuity.  But all the items noted are important.

 

Lou thanked James and Marcy for opening the door for members to look inside and for taking care of the youth of our community. 

 

Mary Rashleigh – went for her first snowshoe today.  Also, her brother is bidding her up on an item. 

Jennifer – Received a Thank You from the Terry Fox committee for our donation

Ron – We received a Thank You from The Rotary Foundation for our donation in memory of Lynne Smith.

Brandy – Showed her beautiful Christmas tree.  Also, for the induction of three new members in the Satellite club.  Brandy suggested Rob as Chairman of the new fundraising committee😊

Will- happy buck for Brandy’s tree in the Empire lot.

Tim – there is no snow in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Gord re Salvation Army Support – Dates Dec 12 or 19^th, Metro and Independent, 3 shifts of two hours each, behind a plastic shield.  If at liquor store, have to be outside. 

Ross asked what we can do for The Door? Discussion on paying their tenant back rent of $ 1,250 or buying them a snow blower, $ 1,500, or could we do both?  Board will discuss at meeting on Dec.21