Message from our April 4, 2013 Meeting

Posted 
on Apr 04, 2013
 
 At this morning's meeting:
  • We had 3 visiting Rotarians:  Don and MJ from the East York club and Paul from the Toronto West club.
  • Our guest speakers this morning were Staff Sgt. Phil Van Andel from Toronto Police Service's 11 Division and Allan Crawford from the City of Toronto PFR Inner City Outtripping Centre.
  • The meeting was very ably chaired by our incoming President Suzanne M.  - fresh off P.E.T.S. training and her recent excursion to RI headquarters in Chicago.
  • Allan Crawford spoke to us of the help that Rotary has been to his outtripping organisation over the years.  He then introduced his "new best friend", S/Sgt. Phil Van Andel.  Phil spoke to us about 11 Division's efforts to create a number of Community Safety Scholarships.   These scholarships have been successfully awarded by 14 Division over the last number of years.  11 Division's Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) would like to create a similar opportunity for students living in the 11 Division area (lake to St. Clair and Dufferin to the Humber).  For 11 Division, this will be the First Annual Community Safety scholarship with the Investing in Our Diversity Scholarship program.  "The scholarship will award up to $4,000 to deserving young people who live or go to school within the boundaries of the Toronto Services 11 Division and who are engaged in making their community a safer place to live."  This program has the support of Bill Blair, Chief of Police.  The program is unique in that it recognises community and civic engagement vs. academic accomplishment.  There are matching scholarships offered through the city's universities and colleges as well as an employment program to help students connect to their chosen fields.  The scholarship supports any form of credible post-seondary education or training, including university, college, trade school, apprenticeship etc.  Time is unfortunately short.  They have raised $750 so far and the awards dinner is on May 23rd.  Applications are with the 4 local high schools and they need to raise money now to reach their objective.  Anything we can do would be appreciated.  There is a free Scholarship Program Breakfast launch Wednesday April 17, 2013 8-9 a.m. at Blaney McMutry LLP, 2 Queen Street East, Suite 1500, 15th floor.  For more information and to make a donation, we can call Phil at 416.808.1183 or email him at phillip.vanandel@torontopolice.on.ca
  • Happy Bucks came from Suzanne M. for conducting her first meeting, Paul for the great work that the Police Services do behind the scenes, and from Danielle for her new grandpa.
  • President Don should be back next week while Hugh will be away on the ShelterBox assessment training.
  • S/Sgt. Van Andel selected Allan Crawford's 50/50 ticket but Allan left the pot.
  • Think that's it for today!