President Brian Braid with the assistance of Rtn. Jeannie McMaster, provided us with an overview of the International Service portfolio. McMaster is the club director responsible for the International services portfolio.
 
The aim of International service is to give assistance on a global basis whether be it of a physical or financial nature. It also involves local Rotarians learning from our global friends.
 
John Borst gave an impromptu update on the literacy project in Bangladesh that we are involved with along with the Rotary Club of Belleville and five other clubs across Canada. For over a year the Belleville Rotarians along with Rtn. Borst have been putting together a request for a “Global Grant from Rotary International and District 5550. Unfortunately, the paperwork has delayed this project going ahead along with getting the required commitment from the Dhaka Midtown Rotary Club in Bangladesh.
 
Rtn. Club President-Elect Jack McMaster also gave us background information on the proposed project at Bearskin Lake involving helping the students there become part of the wired world by providing tablet computers.
 
Assistant District Governor (ADG) Rod Riopel of the Kenora Club brought greetings from DG Pat Chernesky of District 5550. Riopel shared his experience at the Zone 24-36 Assembly and Training Session in October. One of the more fascinating stories he shared was the level of security around a visit of Canada’s Prime Minister, Stephen Harper who was there to receive an award from Rotary for Canada’s contribution to the eradication of Polio.
 
Since Riopel will become District Governor in 2016 -17 he is looking for a replacement for the position of Assistant District Governor. The ADG coordinates the Sioux Lookout, Kenora and Dryden clubs of Northwestern Ontario.