District Governor Ian Ferguson

The Rotary club of Mississauga-Meadowvale was pleased to welcome our District Governor Ian Ferguson to our club meeting.  Ian covered a wide range of topics and discussed the initiatives of Rotary International.   Membership was an important theme and Ian emphasized retention through engagement, noting that retaining our current members was more important than new membership.  The onus is on each Rotarian to ensure than we are including all members in our projects and activities.   

The club was excited to hear that RI is embarking on a marketing campaign designed to raise awareness.  The re-branding of the Rotary image and message will begin in 2012. 

Ian talked about the Rotary efforts to End Polio.  He believes we are within two years of eradicating this awful disease.  He noted that the Canadian government was among the top eight countries in the world who support Rotary's fight against Polio.  In terms of our international efforts, Ian also touched upon our RI Presidents mission of Peace.  He noted that seven centers offering education in conflict resolution known as "Peace Centers" are to be established and supported by Rotary. 

Ian embodies the spirit if Rotary and encourages each of us to live by the Rotary motto; "Service before Self:.  He noted that "service is the rent you pay for being on this earth".