Events

A Tour and Program at the Coalition of Muslim Women of KW

Over the past few years we have been developing a relationship with the Coalition of Muslim Women of KW and on Monday, September 25 our meeting will be at their new office space in Kitchener.  In addition to a tour of their facilities we will hear about their programs and services while sharing their passion for what they do.  Our hosts for the evening will be - Kitchener Rotary Member, Sarah Shafiq, Director of Advocacy, Research & Youth Programming and Uzma Bhutto, Director of Development & Training.

Free parking is available in the municpal lot directly opposite their offices after 5:00 p.m.  Following the program we will gather at a nearby restaurant for fellowship and dinner.

There is no cost for this program but to assist with planning we do ask that those planning to attend register and those not attending to decline the invitation by Friday, September 22.

The Orange Shirt / National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day Walk

Each year, September 30, a federal statutory holiday, marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Wear Orange

Orange Shirt Day, also taking place on September 30, is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

Local Event

One of the local events in recognition of Orange Shirt Day will be a walk from the Healing of the Seven Generations building at 300 Frederick Street to Victoria Park starting at 10:00 a.m.   There will be drumming and Indigenous dancing once the group arrives at Victoria Park.

As part of our club’s efforts toward Indigenous Learnings and Reconciliation we are inviting members who are interested and available (along with family and friends) to wear orange and join in the walk.  We will be gathering at the Frederick Street and Edna Street corner of the Frederick Street Mall at 9:15 a.m.  We will have Rotary Vests to wear as well.

So we know who all to expect and so we can join/walk as a group we are asking those planning to attend to please register by Thursday evening, Sepetmber 28, at 6:00 p.m.

GIZHAWENIMEN
Journey Together For A Stronger Tomorrow - Recognition Feast

The local indigenous community, supporters, and politicians gather together for a potluck fall feast to celebrate opportunities provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.  They promote and facilitate permanent connections, safety, and belonging for indigenous youth who are vulnerable, at risk, in care or kinship, have aged out of the system, or who have lost family connections.

In our ongoing efforts to develop positive working relationships with the local indigenous community we will be assisting with this event - helping with set up or clean up, serving food, providing support.  The event itself runs from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.  The event is open to the public and is a great event for all to help increase our knowledge and understanding of indigenonous culture.

Members of our Indigenous Relations Committee will be attending but additional support from a few additonal members will be appreciated.  If unable to attend for the full event, assisting for part will be fine, please indicate when you are available in the comment box when you register.

To assist with planning please register (or decline) by Friday, September 29.

https://rotary7080.zoom.us/j/86031395729?pwd=WkRRemcwV1BERkVPL0R6YWRvNVhkQT09

Visit the website rotaryonlineauction.ca

The auction starts on Saturday November 4th at 9AM

The auction runs until Saturday November 18th at 10PM

Please contact auction@kitchenerrotary to donate items, become a sponsor or ask questions.