| ||
 The end of 2020 saw a flurry of activity as the Rotary Club of Grimsby welcomed the colder weather and an increased spirit of fellowship in these trying times of COVID-19.Getting fresh air and some much-needed exercise was the idea behind the start of a walking group. Twice weekly, members of the club met up in a variety of locations in the West Niagara area and went for a one hour walk. Respecting the 2-meter social distancing guidelines and everyone always wearing masks, the walkers acquainted themselves with new neighborhoods, conservation areas, and the wonders of the Lake Ontario shoreline. Walkers include Joan W (organizer), George W, Katherine F, Paul F, Bill H, Dave F, photo by Liz F, enjoying the picturesque sites of Grimsby Beach - an area that once hosted an amusement park, roller coaster, and quaint cabins on the lake during the first half of the 20th century. | ||
With Christmas holidays just around the corner, President Liz proposed to the club that cards with holiday greetings be sent to residents at all seven seniors’ residences, assisted living, and long-term care facilities in the immediate area. Many club members jumped on the opportunity to share some holiday cheer and ADG Jeanette took on the significant organizing duties. Andy D, Rotarian, and owner/operator of the local Giant Tiger donated over 900 cards, and Grimsby Secondary School Principal Mat M, recruited a cadre of high school students to help with writing personal greetings in each one of the cards. Over 1,050+ seniors living alone or as couples received a personalized card in the 5 days directly before Christmas.
Lindsay, Director at Maplecrest Retirement Village shared: “Thanks to the Rotary Club of Grimsby for their thoughtful efforts to bring holiday cheer to the residents at Maplecrest. It was a kind and generous gesture to give each one of our residents a personal Christmas card. Thanks to you, all 70 residents will have a holiday greeting card to open. The cards have been included in our residents’ personalized stocking for Christmas.”
Knowing there were many readers amongst the club’s membership, a Bookclub was proposed, and many members loved the opportunity to read and discuss a variety of novels. The idea was extended to a combination book/film appreciation group when Rotarian and CEO of the local Grimsby Public Library Kathryn, suggested that many of the ‘book bags’ also had copies of movies available.
The discussions at the monthly Zoom meetings range from opinions on the quality of the writing, the impact on the reader of the characters, and comparisons of the impact of the book versus the movies. Previous reviews have included The Girl on The Train and The Hate U Give, and the group will be tackling Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. Roger B and Grant S lead discussions and distribute the books monthly.
With a special date approaching – Valentine’s Day, the club has embarked on another virtual fundraising effort. Recognizing the impact of the stay-at-home orders on individuals and businesses in the community, Rotarians are preparing for the Donate and Dine – This Valentine fundraiser event.
It includes an online silent auction website and a take-out dinner component. Community members are encouraged to pre-order either a Lobster Roll/Clam Chowder dinner or a Full Rack of Ribs dinner online and use curbside pick-up the evening of February 13th to enjoy Valentine’s dinner with their loved ones, families, and partners. Two food vendors are providing excellent pricing on the food which allows the club to add a ‘donation’ component to each meal’s price. All silent auction items will be themed for Valentines and available for pick-up on the 13th as well.
This fundraiser is a pivot for the club since its past silent auctions and community events have been in-person get-togethers. However, in this time of COVID-19, the club realizes it needs to do things differently. We are hoping neighboring and sister Rotary Clubs will support and advertise this initiative. The online auction site and dinner order site go live on February 1st. For more information, please contact fundraiser lead Liz F at evfisk5012@rogers.com.