JULY 1984 TO JULY 1986

Throughout this brief history. wehave recorded the events in segments of five years. To bring the chronicle up-to- date. we will take a short look at the years 1984/85 and1985/86.

The club continues to have problems with membership. At the beginning of each new year. the incoming President is faced with trying to find the magic formula for increasing membership. With a group such as the Montreal Club. which. for years depended for revenue on the generosity of its own members, the decrease in the number of active Rotarians had a deterimental effect on the fund-raising of the Welfare Committee. The club wished to continue its service programmes at the same level, but with a decrease in membership and an increase in cost of services, the burden of raising sufficient funds could not fall entirely on its members. Of necessity, a greater emphasis and reliance had to be placed on fund- raising events which would involve the general public as well.

This was the rationale behind the establishment of the Ways and Means Committee which resulted in the creation of the annual Golf Tournament and the Running for Rotary programme in conjunction with the Montreal Marathon. Both these fund- raising projects were of course greatly encouraged: at the same time. however, other avenues for increasing revenues were constantly being explored. The need for new members and increased revenues went hand-in-hand and became a concern of the President and his Board of Directors.

Although club revenues might have been the concern of each incoming President, it did not prevent the club from following its usual service programmes through various community services committees.

The Social Services and Youth Services Committees again were extremely active throughout the 1984/85 year. No major new project was undertaken: however, the usual large number of organizations and
individuals were assisted. Between the two committees, some $35,000 was spent. For example, $3,000 was made available to the Montreal Association for the Blind to modify its elevators, making them more accessible to handicapped clients in wheelchairs. A $1,500 grant was made to the Y.M.C.A. for its '~ Fed Up Program," designed to help young women in Pointe St. Charles to gain a greater knowledge of nutrition. Similarly, a grant was made to the Leo's Boys' Club, while $1000 was donated to I 'Hdpital Marie- Enfant towards the purchase of a truck.

The Youth Services Committee supported its usual programmes:
Student Exchange, Adventure in Citizenship, Adventure in Technology, Critical Issues Conference. Apart from summer camps and youth organizations, many other groups received various kind of equipment. Both committees met regularly to investigate requests and where necessary the required assistance was extended. It is impossible to estimate the number of goods which these committees contribute on an annual basis.

When the Boys' Public Speaking Committee was organized in 1939, only the Montreal area's high schools were included in the competition. Later, it expanded to the rest ofthe province and included girls as well as boys. With the consolidation of schools in various areas, perhaps fewer schools are now represented but competition is still keen, In this period, 43 schools participated. The finals were held before the Montreal Club:
from amongst the five participants, Mathilde Einhorn of Mont Notre Dame School in Sherbrooke was chosen winner. The usual scholarships were awarded.

The Vocational Services Committee continued its career programme with the students of Marymount High School. An attempt was made to include a high school from the French-speaking schools, but unfortunately the response was only lukewarm. A project involving a lecture series on guiding and counselling, in conjunction with McGill University, was recommended to the Board of Directors. It received approval and the committee was directed to work out the details with the university and to set up the programme. This particular project is expected to get under way during the fall term of 1986.

As mentioned previously, the problem with the International Services Committee is not finding a project to support, but rather selecting the right one from several. One which received very careful study involved the establishment of fish ponds as a food source in the Phillipines, in conjunction with a Rotary club in Cagayan de Oro. Unfortunately, due to insurmountable problems, this project was abandoned.

When the Velan Foundation decided to establish the Velan Award for Canadians who had given outstanding service in underdeveloped coumnes, the International Service Committee was delegated the responsibility for selecting the candidates. In 1986 the award was granted to John Consenza for his impressive services among the poor of India. He received a scroll and a substantial cash award. During this
same period, a donation of$800 was made to Father Burns, a former recipient of the Velan Award, in support of his medical clinic in Darjeeling, India.

On several occasions over the years, the Montreal club has joined with other Rotary clubs to finance international projects too onerous for the resources of one club. This was the case during the period under review. In co-operation with the Toronto club and a Rotary club in Manaus, Brazil, the Montreal club undertook to raise funds to supply a cobalt bomb for a Brazilian hospital. The committee felt that the realization of this project would require considerable time.

While the establishment of a medical clinic and educational facilities on the Island ofBukasa in Uganda, Africa, was primarily a project of the Westmount Rotary Club, the Montreal club has taken an interest in it and has assisted financially and has supplied equipment and materials. In 1986 it financed the travelling expenses of Lionel de Chabris, a student who volunteered his services for a four month period.

Every large urban centre has its own problems. Throughout the years, since the founding of the club, Montreal Rotary has concerned itself with questions of puNic interest. The Public Affairs Committee has been responsible for many important undertakings in the City of Montreal and the rest of the province. In 1986 it studied the Vancouver project" Crime Stoppers." It assisted the Salvation Army in financing its Community Relocation Centre. It became involved with the question of the rebuilding of Old Montreal. Other items were also examined as possible areas for Rotary involvement.

To encourage Montreal citizens to become involved with welfare and other important fields of activity, the Montreal club established the Community Service Award which is granted annually. For the year 1986 the Leavitt Community Service Award was granted to Sister Dorothy Lazore for her educational work among the Mohawk Indians on the Caughnawaga Reserve, especially for teaching the Mohawk language. After this award was granted to Sister Lazore, club members were entertained by a children's choir who sang several songs in Mohawk.

As frequently happens, one individual can influence a group to follow a certain path of activity because ofthat individual's deep interest in the matter. Such was the case with Past President Mackay Smith who was deeply interested in the problems of our native people. As a result of his influence, the Indian Affairs Committee was established, along with the Indian and Eskimo Foundation.

This committee in 1986 continued its work with the two native peoples' reserves of Caughnawaga and Oka. Equipment of various kinds was purchased for the recreation centres at these two reserves. Funds were available for long distance calls between Montreal-based hospital patients (particularly children) and their families in northern settlements.
 
The most important undertaking of the committee for this particular year was a project the club undertookjointly with radio station CFCF in Montreal. This was to establish on the Oka Reserve an FM radio station similar to the one existing at Caughnawaga. It was estimated that it would cost some $60,000; $20,000 to be raised by the club, $20,000 from the Federal Government, and the last $20,000 by a public campaign. To achieve this objective, a Roast was organized for radio personality Jimmy Tapp of radio station CFCF. This was held on April 17 at the Sheraton Hotel on Dorchester Boulevard. Unfortunately, it was far from being the success which had been anticipated. Nevertheless, the project is still going ahead, although it may not be established as soon as was hoped. Even though the project was not entirely successful, it is nevertheless another example ofRotary's initiative and Rotary's desire to help with worthwhile projects.

Rotary and other service clubs are voluntary organizations. Members give their time and energy freely to achieve the objectives of the organization. Since everything is done on a volunteer basis, it frequently takes time to bring about the desired ends.

While recording the events of 1986, on several occasions we have mentioned the problems of membership and financing. These are problems which are always faced by the Board of Directors and the membership as a whole.

As a result of the thought given to finances, the club decided to follow the example of the Toronto Rotary Club and organize an Endowment Committee. The objective for the Endowment was established at a million dollars over a period of years. At a special meeting, various ways were suggested as to how this figure might be reached. Members were encouraged to make donations, to provide for legacies in their wills, and to purchase insurance policies naming the club as beneficiary. All these methods were outlined in detail by the experts. Any Rotarian, present or future, may obtain complete information on how to help the club.

The Foundation, as suggested by the Endowment Committee, must not be confused with the World Food Committee's '~ Agricultural Foundation." The objective of the Agricultural Foundation is to raise sufficient funds to finance carefully selected third world agricultural students to study some phase of agricultural in Canada. Up to the time of writing, this Foundation had received substantial donations from individuals, other Foundations, and several corporate donors. The Committee is very optimistic about the future. The most recent student studying a phase of agriculture is Yohannes Kebede from Ethiopia. The severe droughts in Ethiopia encouraged the Committee to seek a candidate from this area of the world; he then returns to his country and helps solve some of the problems confronting the unfortunate farmers in this part of Africa.

The International Services Committee, the parent of the Food Services Committee and the Agricultural Foundation, continues its worthwhile work in the international field. It successfully brought to a
conclusion the project which it had undertaken with the Toronto and Manaus Rotary clubs. The cobalt bomb was purchased and delivered to Brazil. Much to the delight of everyone, the Canadian government co¬operated magnificently, thus greatly reducing the cost. The Manaus Club succeeded in raising a substantial sum to help with the purchase and an airline provided the transportation free of charge. This project is considered very worthwhile for it will provide a valuable medical service to cancer patients in Brazil. The Committee continues its work in other areas of the world. One project worth mentioning is that a decision has been taken to establish fish ponds in Honduras. The Phillipines project did not materialize. Of course, it also continued its role with Rotary Foundation Scholars, helping to find the candidates from District 704 to go abroad, and to extend hospitality to those students studying in Canada from other countries.

A praise worthy feature about a club such as the Montreal Rotary is that when it undertakes a project it sees it through to a successful conc]usion. Mention has already been made regarding the disappointing results realized from the Jimmy Tapp Roast. The $12,000 generated by the event was a far cry from the desired $60,000. Accordingly, a sub¬committee was established to continue work on the radio project. Radio station CFCF undertook to supply funds over the next three years. A programme, approved by Peter Simpson ofCBC Engineering, calculated that approximately $40,000 was needed to complete the project:
$13,000 for 1985; $10,350 for 1986, and $17,250 for 1987. Rotary undertook to raise $30,000 through foundations and other sources. Certain pieces of equipment were purchased such as a transmitter and exciter. Through Rotarian David Green two trailers, valued at $1,000, were supplied by the Boy Scouts, the trailers to be used as the initial buildings. In addition, a three-year-plan was formulated to attend to such questions as procuring the land for the site of the station, obtaining an operating license, and negotiating with the government.

Although occupied with the Oka radio station project, the Committee continued its involvement with its telephone service to northern settlements, assisting native children and adults attending Montreal hospitals. It also extended financial help to a native who, through a diving accident, became a quadraplegic. The tradition of helping our Indian population, as encouraged by former President Mackay Smith, is being adhered to vigorously by those who have taken up his cause.

From previous chapters, we know that the club was responsible for alterations and refurbishings of the former nurses' residence of the Catherine Booth Hospital to make it into a home for senior citizens. The interest in the hospital has continued. During this period. the Public Affairs Committee, worked in conjunction with the public relations officer of the Salvation Army, Rotarian Bob McKenzie, and the ladies of the Inner Wheel. A telephoning programme was established; the ladies of the Inner Wheel kept in contact with patients discharged from the hospital for six weeks. This has proven to be a very worthwhile project.

Former activities of the Committee continued, such as the Annual Community Service Award. For the year 1986 the Award was granted to Miss Gwendoline Mousley, an elderly lady who for 20 years has been involved with the Meals on Wheels programme operated by St. Mathias Church in Westmount. It should be noted here that Miss Mousley, although over 80 years of age, is still extremely active and is still delivering the meals to shut-ins in all types of weather.

Other projects presently under study by the committee include architectural barriers encountered by the handicapped, transportation and shopping assistance for those unable to take advantage of public transportation or forced to do their shopping at closer corner stores where everything is more expensive. It is hoped that solutions will be found to solve these problems.

The welfare agency structure in Montreal relies heavily on volunteers. Many of those volunteers who faithifilly assist these agencies very seldom receive recognition for their tireless, unselfish efforts. The Public Affairs Committee intends to establish a procedure to recognize these men and women; selected individuals will be given awards so as to make the public more aware offlie excellent services. Ten awards will be granted annually.

As has been mentioned previously, the bulk of community services extended by the club are carried out either by the Social Services Committee or by Youth Services. During 1986 the Social Services Committee assisted 28 different agencies, including the Salvation Army. the Negro Community Centre, the Montreal General Hospital, the Y.M.C.A., and others. The largest single donation was made to the Montclair Residence of the Salvation Army to cover expenses connected with the planning of the building of a solarium. The project was estimated at a cost of $70,000   $30,000 to be supplied by the Salvation Army; $25,000 by a private donor(a Rotarian); $5,000 by the Rotary Club in addition to the $2,500 already mentioned; and the balance by the residents. This new facility will enable the residents to sit out in spring and autumn when the weather is too cold to remain outside.

The Youth Services Committee's activities for the period under review were very similar to those of previous years. Twenty-nine agencies or individuals were assisted in many ways. One interesting project which the Committee sponsored was the special Olympics for the handicapped. While it did not necessarily involve expenditure, the members of the Committee, together with other Rotarians, turned out to help with various events. Rotarian Jim Foley was responsible for the organization and the event was extremely successful.

These two committees accounted for expenditures amounting to some $40,000 which of course came from Rotary's Welfare Fund, plus proceeds from the Golf Tournament and the Running for Rotary.

The annual Golf Tournament always donates a percentage of the proceeds allocated for a specific project or projects. The 1986 Tournament was very successful. The two organizations assisted were Toujours Ensemble, a Westmount- based youth agency which used the grant to refurbish its premises on Hillcrest Avenue9 and the Boy Scouts Association which utilized the money to pay for part of the construction of an additional winterized cabin at Camp Tamaracouta.

When the Rotary movement was only a few years old, the 4-Way Test was formulated as a means of instilling in the hearts of Rotarians a high standard of ethics in business. It has always been a problem, however, to devise ways of communicating the real purpose of the 4 -Way Test. The Vocational Services Committee devised a way of doing this by presenting a short play at one of the general meetings, a play written by Lloyd A. McClintock and acted out by the members, dealing with the four points of the 4 - Way Test; the play was well received and enjoyed.

Outside of this venture into theatrics, the Committee continued its program of vocational counselling with students of the Marymount High School. It continued to arrange classification talks and to promote in every way possible the interchange of business information between members.

There were two projects on which it spent some time, but unfortunately neither reached fruition. The attempt to establish a Rotaract Club did not progress and the proposed lecture series on Guiding and Counselling as proposed by McGill University never got off the ground and eventually had to be abandoned.

The Montreal club, over the years, has not been too active with the Rotary Foundation. It did of course co-operate with District 704 in finding students for the Rotary International Scholarship programme.

During the previous year a great effort was made to increase the club's participation in contributions to the Rotary International Foundation's Scholarship Fund. The more a district contributes to the fund, the greater number of students were permitted to present as candidates for the scholarships. During the year under review two students were sent forward by the club to be interviewed for studies abroad. They were Jill Samis and George Anhang. The latter was fortunate enough to be selected to pursue studies in political science with a view to becoming a career diplomat. The club has been fortunate in having a number of candidates selected.

From time to time the club becomes involved in certain projects as a result of requests from outside organizations who turned to Rotary to have certain matters attended to because they thems~ves are not equipped to carry them out. Such was the case with an organization known as SKAL, an association connected with the travel industry. SKAL was instrumental in raising funds to finance a trip for a terminally ill child to visit Disneyland under the auspices of the Children's Wish Foundation. Rotary administered the funds on behalf of SKAL.

From the year of its founding in 1905, the Rotary movement has from time to time become involved with certain projects which have a worldwide impact. In 1985 /86 Rotary International undertook a programme known as Polio Plus. The objective of this programme is to raise sufficient funds between 1985 and the year 2005 to eradicate polio from the face ofthe earth in the same way as small pox and other similar diseases were. Rotary clubs throughout the world are co-operating to make this project a reality. The Montreal club has accepted to do its share in this humanitarian undertaking.

With the month of June 1986 we come to the end of this short chronicle in which we have attempted to outline some ofthe activities of the Rotary Club of Montreal, covering a period of 73 years. The two men responsible for the leadership roles for these two years were James Rindley and Gilmour Black. They now have joined the ranks of Past Presidents. For the year 1986/87, Graham Martin assumes the position of President and will guide the destinies ofthe club over the next 12 months. We wish him every success and we trust that the club will continue to play an important role in the welfare picture in Montreal, in Canada, and on the international scene.

Despite the economic conditions over the seven-year period 1979/ 80 to 1985 /86 and a falling membership, the seven men who served as presidents succeeded in keeping the Montreal club a viable force in our community. It is unfortunate that, in spite of all the successful projects9 the business community in Montreal does not fully appreciate the value of the service club movement. Many business and professional men think of it as a dinner club. The weekly luncheon aspect constitutes only a minute part of the reason for Rotary's existence. Through its service motto, the club makes efforts to improve the community, to help the less fortunate, and to promote projects beneficial to all concerned. Its mottos are not selfish. Its charitable undertakings are carried out with money raised by Rotarians and very little of it is consumed by administrative costs. It can be safely stated that almost a hundred cents out of every Rotary charitable dollar are spent on its service payments.

No other charity can make a similar statement. No other group ofmen is more sincere in its desire to help others. High personal and business ethical standards are promoted by adhering to the Four Way Test: Is it the Truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendship? and, Will it be beneficial to all concerned?