Sunrise members had a packed agenda this week as they wrapped-up another Rotary year.
Exchange student, Dom Torrese, who returns home to Italy in July, highlighted his year abroad in a slide presentation to the Club.
He spoke about making new friends, Toronto and the CN Tower, his New York City trip, including Alicia Keyes and bagels for breakfast, Rotary weekends with other exchange students and the Algonquin Trip, "something everyone should have the opportunity to do". In concluding his slide show, Dom asked the question "Why?", finding it hard to understand why Canadians put milk in bags, not bottles, and pineapple on pizza! As a true Italian, he said pineapple on pizza is a "crime"! Two of Dom's three host families were on hand for the meeting, presenting him with a tee shirt sporting his favourite expression - "If I gotta be completely honest". Both Dom, and inbound exchange student, Nora Kampe, thanked Rotarians for the opportunity experience Rotary Exchange.
Russ and Catherine Beaurivage of Hope from Above Ministries gave Rotarians insight into the life-saving work they do in Haiti. The volunteer-driven Canadian charity serves remote areas of the country by plane, transporting people and critical supplies, landing on make-shift airstrips in areas difficult to access. The Club presented Russ and Catherine with a cheque for $1,000 in support of their work.
Other commitments prevented President Andrea Berestovenko from attending the final meeting, but she will be honoured for a great year at a Club social next week.
