THE LATEST FIVE YEARS

As we all know, the initials R.I stand for Rotary International. The Rotary movement exists in approximately 160 countries around the world. With some 20,000 clubs boasting of close to one million members, the influence of Rotary is felt in most areas of the world. Each club has an International Services Committee which serves as a link between the various countries.
The International Services Committee has maintained its interest in international students and in contacting clubs across international boundaries. It has become involved in projects designed to help people in developing areas in Africa, South America, Asia, and elsewhere. There is never any lack of projects in which the committee could become involved.

From 1979/1980 to 1983/1984, several possible projects were studied. One promising project was to build fish ponds as a source of food. Unfortunately, insurmountable problems and apparent lack of interest on the part of the government of Bangladesh and Rotary clubs in the area caused the project to be abandoned. Another unsuccessful undertaking was providing clothing to needy people in India. Here, the difficulty appeared to be transportation and eventual distribution. On an annual basis, the International Services Committee occasionally makes minor contributions to relief projects organized by others.

From the year 1978/1979 and for the following two years, the committee worked in conjunction with the Lebanese community in Montreal to purchase medical equipment for the Beit Shebab Hospital in Lebanon. It supplied $1,500 towards the purchase of two monitoring units costing $21,000 and assisted with shipment and custom clearance. This undertaking was very successful. A similar project involving the purchase and shipment of a pregnancy monitoring unit for a hospital in Bombay was done in conjunction with the East Bombay Rotary Club.

With international travel being so common, the committee became involved with groups of Rotarians and foreign students visiting Montreal. Entertainment and educational tours were arranged for groups from France, Italy, Mexico, and elsewhere. Finding suitable accommodations for these groups continued to be a problem.

In conjunction with the Westmount Rotary Club, the committee became involved in a project to establish a medical clinic, schools, and agricultural training facilities on Bukasa Island in Lake Victoria, Uganda. Dr. Kambitis instigated this project and, acting on an invitation from the Westmount Club, the Montreal Club became involved. It donated medical supplies, necessary equipment, and direct financial assistance. Rotarians Bill Devereaux and Lloyd McClintock served on the steering committee set up by the Westmount club under the chairmanship of Bob Layton. The funds provided by Rotary were matched on a three-to-one basis by the Canadian International Development Agency. Rotary International also participated. This project appears to be progressing very successfully. The medical clinic is well underway and the second phase of the project, the education facilities, is moving forward. The facilities should be in full operation within a short time. The role of the Montreal club has been of a supporting nature to Westmount.

During the year 1980/81, Rotarian Bob Velan approached the committee to have it sponsor an annual award to be known as "the Velan Foundation Award." This recognition was to be extended to a Canadian who had rendered outstanding service in another country. The first award was given in November 1981 to Cardinal Leger for his work in Africa. The second award was granted to Mr. Paul Turcot for his services in Thailand. As well as a scroll, the Velan Foundation provided monetary recognition.

We have previously referred to the Agricultural Foundation and the World Food Committee. The first two students, German Alvarez Ayali of Columbia and Pap S&mou Niang of Senegal, were both successful in obtaining their master's degree from McGill and the University of Montreal. Pap Se mou Niang is currently working to obtain his Ph.D. from a Nigerian university. The third candidate, Pedro Benoit, from the Dominican Republic, chose to study bean production. At the time ofthis writing, he had not yet completed his studies.

The club, Rotary International and the federal government, through the Canadian International Development Agency, provided the funds for the three year pilot project. To continue the programme, funding had to be established on an ongoing basis. Preliminary plans to establish a permanent Foundation amounting to $500,000 are progressing satisfactorily.

During this period, Jean-Marie Lachance felt it necessary to relinquish the chairmanship of the Abuette Air Cadet Committee. With reluctance, the club accepted his resignation and Jean Patenaude took over. Unfortunately, he too resigned from the club, and so passed his duties over to Andre~ Demers. The squadron continued to flourish. Many of its cadets achieved success and were chosen for special honours. Numerous outings were organized and special trips, such as a visit to the Air Force Base in Bagotville, were taken. The squadron continues to hold its place and to compete successfully with other squadrons across the country.

From the beginning, the Montreal club's involvement in public affairs has been extensive. There has never been any lack ofpossible projects in which the committee could become involved.

Mention has been made of the committee's interest in cardlo pulmonary resuscitation. This interest continued and increased. Under the guidance of Ross Smyth, a great deal of information was gathered from Seattle, Washington, and other areas in the United States. Other clubs on the Island were contacted to lend their support. Advancement of Emergency Medical Services and other similar organizations worked closely with the committee. Government officials were contacted and other steps were taken to make the public more keenly aware of CPR and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). As work increased, a special CPR Committee was established.

A pamphlet called "CPR - The Heart Saver and You" was produced and 10,000 copies were distributed. Numerous groups such as fire departments began to teach CPR methods. Having given the initial impetus, it was eventually decided that the movement be left to others to develop further. Much of the credit can be attributed to Ross Smyth who devoted much time and energy. Rotary continued to monitor the continuation of the programmes and offered scholarships as encouragement.

The problem of the Public Affairs Committee is choosing a project which would be most beneficial to the community.

The pollution of rivers in the Eastern Townships received attention. Pig manure in a liquid form is used as fertilizer and eventually finds its way into the rivers and streams. The committee undertook a study to determine whether the waste from the pig farms could be processed in such a way as to produce a harmless fertilizer or protein which could be used as animal food. After an expenditure of several thousand dollars and a feasibility study, it was concluded that the project was far beyond the financial capabilities ofthe club. Nevertheless, it was agreed that the seriousness of the problem should be brought to the attention of both the federal and provincial governments. Accordingly, appropriate letters were prepared urging immediate action to solve the water pollution problem and at the same time perhaps create an industry which, in the long run, would prove beneficial to all.

These two projects absorbed a great deal of the committee's time and energy during the years 1979/80 to 1983/84. Despite this, however, the committee organized three Father/Son/Daughter Luncheons as a means of familiarizing students with Rotary's aims and objectives. All three of these efforts were most successful. The committee continued its Community Service Awards programme. City Councillor Sid Stevens was granted the Community Service Award for his support of the Emergency Medical Services, Claude Brunet for his work with the handicapped and aged shut- ins, and Mrs. Vivian Saykaly, President of the Cedars Cancer Research Fund, for her involvement with cancer research. Two monthly awards were presented to Guy Chartier and Peggy Aliman for their quick thinking and action when a Montreal bus passenger suffered a heart attack. While Peggy Ailman attended to first aid measures, Guy Chartier, the bus driver, drove his bus off course to deliver the victim to the emergency entrance of the Montreal General Hospital.

At every meeting the committee discussed possible projects. For instance, one member was given the responsibility to gather information on Break- ins, hostage taking, and other forms of crime in the City. A second member was detailed to investigate and report on how the public image of the police might be enhanced. The committee did adopt one suggestion. In conjunction with the Red Cross, it established a blood donor clinic at which two hundred pints of blood were collected from Rotarian donors.

A problem which confronted the committee during this period involved the question of what was or was not political. The matter was thoroughly studied and Graham Martin was requested to prepare guidelines for the club to follow. These guidelines are reproduced in the following paragraphs.

Political Guidelines: Consistent with Rotary International guidelines, the Rotary Club of Montreal will from time to time, face issues of great importance to the community, but which can be classed as" political". The following guidelines will govern the club's action in such cases.

The club must:
a)Be aware of all issues - whether political or not - as they affect Rotary service to vocations and the community that Rotary serves. To this end, such issues must be presented in a balanced fashion and as much exposure as possible given on the issues.

b)Be prepared to comment, as a club, on such issues as they affect the community and the areas of service. Such comment should avoid allocating blame, but, again, should be factual and balanced.

c)Encourage members to be active as individuals outside of Rotary in as many legally constituted groups as possible to promote Rotary ideals, the awareness of the dignity of man, and the respect of the rights of the individual.

The club must not:
a)Adopt any partisan political stand or issue any partisan political statements.

b)Present any one- sided or partisan information unless the other side is given an equal opportunity to respond.

c)Allow any actions or statements of the club which will have an adverse impact upon any individual in anyway which might affect his rights and dignity.

The Public Affairs and Education Committee is delegated by the Board, the responsibility of maintaining awareness of political and other issues that should be studied by the club.

To this end, it must:
1.Review in a systematic way, through interviews and study, the major issues, whether political or not, making an impact on the community and the way the club serves it.

2.Prepare a series of programmes for the club to ensure that all members are made aware in a balanced way of the issues affecting them.

3.Propose, where appropriate, other actions that the club should undertake to ensure that the Rotary ideals, human dignity, and individual rights are protected, maintained, and increased.

4.Recognize, from time to time, individuals who have performed meritorious service in the above areas.

There are two committees which are responsible for the expenditure of the bulk of the money raised in any given year. One of these is Social Services. Annually, its budget amounts to some $15,000. This sum is spent in various ways: hospitals, rehabilitation centres, various agencies concerned with handicapped persons, institutions devoted to the welfare of senior citizens, and on individuals to meet special needs. The grants given vary from a few dollars to several hundred. Each request is carefully scrutinized. Funds are never given out in support of a general appeal. Only requests for a specific purpose are entertained.

A major project of the Social Services Committee during this period was undertaken jointly with the Senior Citizens Committee. This New Hope Project involved the installation of a ramp and the refurnishing and equipping of the basement of the Robert Campbell Memorial Church. The refurnished quarters were to be used as a low cost meal facility for the area's senior citizens and low income people and also for a Meals on wheels programme.

The conversion and equipping of the premises amounted to some $40,000. The whole venture was a huge success and Rotary can indeed be proud of what it accomplished. For the people of the area, it fulfills a need and is a source of great benefit for those who frequent the premises. As an extra touch, Rotary presented to the people concerned a painting to be displayed in the dining room in recognition of the work done by volunteers.

The club became aware, through its involvement with senior citizens, that many elderly people in homes seldom, ifever, receive visitors. This applied to many whose relatives completely neglected them. To correct this situation, Stan Bickley undertook to visit on a regular basis a number of senior citizens residing in various homes. They all eagerly looked forward to his cheerful visits. Unfortunately, attempts to involve other Rotarians in this programme met with failure.
Health has always been a concern of Rotary. Annually, it receives requests from hospitals and medical centres for assistance. The orthopedic departments of the hospitals are always very busy. New surgical instruments are constantly coming on to the market and most hospitals are not in a position to purchase the latest equipment. In the 1980/1981 year, $8q000 worth of orthopedic instruments went to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, half the amount being supplied by Social Services and the other half by Youth Services. There is no way to estimate the amount of good achieved by this particular Rotary contribution.

Most of us are aware of the emotional impact which is caused by learning that a loved one is about to die or has just died from a lingering disease such as cancer. At such times, it is necessary to have a place where one can retire and express sorrow in private. In the 1979/80 year, the Social Services Committee provided funds to equip a" quiet room for the Palliative Care Unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital. Ramps for facilities occupied by senior citizens or handicapped people, the special wheelchairs provided for the various institutions, and assisting organiza¬tions such as Big Brothers to extend its work to include girls as well as boys are only a few areas in a long list that come under Rotary's service.

The Youth Services Committee continued its usual programmes. Annually, it granted funds for camperships to various organizations such as the Boy Scouts, the Association for the Mentally Retarded, diabetic children, etc. On a yearly basis, it also provided the means for students to attend various youth seminars such as Adventure in Citizenship in Ottawa, Adventure in Industrialization organized in different chies of the country, and the Critical Issues Conference held at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York~ under the auspices of the Canton Rotary Club. The Little Burgundy Association was the recipient of yearly grants to pay for ice time for its hockey team, and in countless other ways other youth oriented organizations were assisted.

From time to time, requests were received from newly- formed bodies and, after careful investigation, assistance of one kind or another was extended. A new wharf was supplied for Camp Caritas summer camp, run by the Holy Family Parish; Camp Amy Molson was provided with funds to purchase sheets and blankets; the Sun Youth Organization through the committee's generosity was able to distribute two hundred safety kits for bicycles; and the John Birks Centre received woodworking tools for its occupational shop for handicapped clients. Rotary was able to obtain these tools free of charge from the Black& Decker Company.

The club has always manifested its interest in juvenile delinquency. During the year 1980/81, it supported a programme known as"Scared Straight." This organization arranged to have young people come into contact with criminals to learn first hand the consequences of a life of crime. The programme was designed to scare young people away from criminal behaviour by presenting them with a picture of prison life. Rotary's participation in this matter eventually resulted in the province providing funds to further the project.

Most people do not really understand the problems which handicapped and especially multiple handicapped individuals face. The committee provided funds to produce a film on the training of young blind people with multiple handicaps to become involved with music and what might be achieved in this area as possible field of employment.

As with the Social Services Committee, Youth Services' annual budget ranged from $14,000 to $20,000. There was never any difficulty in finding worthy causes for which to spend its funds. During this period, it sponsored a student exchange project with Toronto; encouraged and assisted a group of youngsters from Fairhaven, Massachusetts, who were on a cycling marathon to raise funds for cancer research; and on more than one occasion made funds available to assist with a skiing programme for cerebral palsy victims. With technological advances, particularly in the area of computers, it was inevitable that sooner or later the club would become involved with computers. During this particular period, it provided $2,000 to purchase equipment for the Montreal Children's Hospital's Learning Centre. This new area of interest soon brought about the formation of a new committee know as

Computers for the Handicapped." Under the chairmanship of Bruce Tingley, this new committee was charged with the responsibility of examining how the micro-computer and modern technology might be adapted to the use of handicapped people in order to broaden the employment possibilities.

Several meetings were held and avenues were explored. The micro-computer was only one of many pieces of equipment which could help disabled individuals. Modern technology produces many other items which might help achieve independence. It was initially felt that the establishment ofan assessment and exhibit centre was needed. Disabled people could then be exposed to the various aids available and their practicality be tested.

The Caughnawaga Youth Centre continued to be the focus of the Indian Affairs Committee's attention. Rotarians formed part of the Board ofDirectors and from time to time new requests were received for additional equipment. For example, a ceiling ventilating fan was installed at a cost of$2,500. Funds were also provided to the Native Friendship Centre to" improve the quality ofnative peoples handicrafts and marketing." Another minor undertaking during this period was the provision of books for the Indian school at Great Whale.

The major effort of the committee, though, was its involvement with the establishment ofa gymnasium and cultural centre for the Oka Indian Reserve. This project was estimated to cost in the neighborhood of $250,000 and would provide facilities for the Oka Reserves similar to those at Caughnawaga. After a great deal of negotiation the project was realized. Rotary and the Quebec Foundation for Indians and Eskimos provided some $50,000, the Department of Indian Affairs $80,000, and the balance came from other donations such as the Band Council and private contributions including one for S5 ,000 from a Rotarian. The leader in this undertaking was Rotarian Bob Velan who, because of his efforts, was honoured by being created on honorary chief. Some years ago, a young Mohawk Chief was imprisoned by the Band Council for inciting unrest on the Reserve. While serving his sentence, he passed his time by translating four books of the Bible into the Mohawk language. Only three copies of his work remained so Rotary provided the funds to print 500 new copies. This gesture was greatly appreciated and a suitable presentation ceremony was arranged.

Rotary and the Indian and Eskimo Foundation can be proud of its work both in Caughnawaga and Oka and in other areas of Quebec where native people reside. Rotary's involvement with Indians and Eskimos can be attributed almost entirely to Mackay Smith.

After the Montclair Residence had been established, the Senior Citizens Committee continued to interest itself in the building. At different times new equipment was supplied, such as aluminum windows for the basement, a fence to provide privacy for those who use the outside facilities, and a water heating unit for the dining room. The funds for those undertakings came from those originally allocated for the residence.

Mention has already been made of this committee's involvement with the Robert Campbell Memorial Church's project. Another similar undertaking was the refurnishing and refurbishing ofthe kitchen facilities of the Y.M.C.A. on Ash Street, the premises having been taken over from the Boys' Work Association by the Y.M.C.A. The funds provided for this particular project came jointly from the Senior Citizens Committee and the proceeds of the Golf Tournament. The refurnishing of the kitchen and the necessary alternations made it possible to operate a Meals on Wheels programme, a day care centre for local children, and various other programmes involving the citizens of the area.

By the year 1981/82, the Senior Citizens Committee was deemed no longer necessary and its function was absorbed by the Social Services Committee. Before this fusion, however, the committee did provide funds to improve a building operated by Skiff, an organization mentioned in previous paragraphs.

The Vocational Services Committee has had its ups and downs. During the year 1979/80 to 1983/84, its main programme was its Student Career Education project. This was a project carried out in cooperation with Marymount High School. Students wishing to learn more about a particular career were given the opportunity to spend some time with a person already involved. For example, students wishing to become chartered accountants were matched witf. a Rotarian in this profession and they spent an afternoon together discussing everything about the business. In like manner, students were matched up with doctors, lawyers. engineers, and other professionals. When no Rotarian was available for this function, outsiders were solicited. The programme proved very successful and both the professionals and students were extremely satisfied with the results.

The committee attempted to become involved with finding employment for handicapped people, but unfortunately its efforts did not meet with success. rt also continued to provide classification speakers and to maintain a list of possible speakers for other Rotary clubs, should they require this type of service. At the time of writing, it is examining the feasibility of establishing a Rotaract Club, but so far nothing has resulted from its efforts. It is hoped that a Rotaract organization will eventually be established.

Membership in Rotary is based on the classification system. Technically speaking only two representatives of any trade, profession or vocation can be eligible for membership. Thus, any individual Rotary Club represents a wide field of interests for, among its members you will find lawyers, medical men, clergymen, welfare workers, businessmen, international representatives, etc.

We have covered the work of the various committee endeavouring to outline briefly what Rotary has accomplished. As stated on many occasions, it is impossible to make a catalogue of all the organizations helped. By furnishing a few examples, we hope that our readers will be able to imagine the broad nature and scope of Rotary's service.

The Public Affairs Committee continues its watchdog function in the continuation of the CPR movement, as well as air and water pollution control activities. At any moment, it is prepared to reactivate its activities in order to keep our governments aware of the need for laws regulating pollution. Knowing that air and water belong to all of us and not only to those who wish to profit by their undertakings, regardless of the harm they might do to others, many of the businessmen in Rotary advocating for air and water purification are potentially creating problems for themselves in their particular industry. This is a substantial example of the meaning of Rotary service.

The club committees keep the machinery of the club functioning by providing essential support for the important community, international and vocational activities. The Information, Publicity, and Rotary Record Committees are involved with recruiting new members and providing them with club information. The Attendance Committee assures discipline in maintaining members' attendance in the club.

The fund-raising arms of the club also play an essential role. The Welfare Committee solicits donations from each member requesting a minimum of $250 from each active member. This committee brings in some $35,000 and more annually.

The Golf Committee organizes a golf tournament every year which raises an additional $30,000. After expenses. 60 percent of the net proceeds go for a specific project. Over the years, the proceeds from this

Golf Tournament have purchased an ambulance for the Quebec Society for Disabled Children; have provided funds to refurbish the headquarters of" Head& Hands," a youth oriented organization in Notre Dame de Grace; and have replaced camping equipment for Dornaine des Pins. a summer camp which lost its equipment through a fire. It has also refurnished and equipped the Pointe St. Charles Y.M.C.A. kitchen facilities. Its funds purchased a new furnace for the Negro Community Centre. And lastly, it purchased new equipment for a summer camp for deaf children in Hudson and an equipped van for a handicapped rehabilitation centre on the West Island.

Acting on the inspired action of Rotarian Gus Fischer. Rotary has participated in the Montreal Marathon for the last few years. Naming the project,  6 Running for Rotary,'9 those taking part in the Marathon are backed by financial pledges which generate some S16.OO0 annually for the welfare funds. These three committees, Welfare, Golf Tournament, and Marathon, furnish the life blood for Rotary.

The Public Speaking Committee and the Fellowship Committee continue to provide their imoportant services. The Council of Past Presidents, forming a senate of the Rotary Club, often conducts studies on certain projects and makes recommendations. Other committees are constantly at work promoting projects recommended by Rotary International, such as Youth Exchange, Rotary Foundation Fellows. and other programmes which encourage the interchange of people so that greater international understanding can be achieved.

Ever since the Montreal club was founded in 1913, it has required men of leadership ability to serve as President each year. During the five years ending with the 1983/84 year, men who filled the important post of President were: 1979/80, Edward H. Garside: 1980/81, Earle C. Moore: 1981/82, Howard T. Oliver: 1982/83, Hank Valle: and 1983/84, Claude Lemay.