The times through which we are currently living has caused us all to re-evaluate our actions, behaviors, and activities, in particular those which have, or may have, an impact on the health, safety and security of ourselves, our families, and those with whom we come into contact. There is also a sense that public and individual confidence in engaging in activities requiring personal contact with those outside our immediate personal spheres of contacts may take some time to recover once social distancing restrictions are lifted.
We also have to be cognizant of the impacts of the current contagion on the businesses which provide the goods and services we all need and use. Many of these businesses are currently closed down and are likely to take some time to recover from the financial impact of COVID-19 once they are able to resume normal operations; others may not re-emerge from this period.
Taking all of this into account, and with a predominant emphasis on concerns related to the health and safety of our Club members, members of other Rotary Clubs, the volunteers from our partner organizations, and the families of all involved, the Rotary Club of West Ottawa (RCWO) has regretfully taken the difficult decision to suspend its major fundraising efforts for the rest of this year; this means that the Club will not be undertaking either the Mums for Thanksgiving or Rotary Cash Calendar fundraising campaigns in 2020; the Music for Humanity concert was previously cancelled. These are activities which require a considerable level of personal interaction in both product organization, and client sales and service. Given that we do not know how long this virus may be among us, the RCWO has taken what we consider to be the only prudent course of action.
We recognize that this decision to suspend RCWO fundraising activities in 2020 may have an impact on other Rotary Clubs in the Region, as well as on many of our community partners. We hope that you, like us, will weather the storm, and that these fundraising campaigns will come back next year stronger than ever.
Stay safe and keep well
Yours in Rotary Service
Pardeep Ahluwalia
Rotary Club of West Ottawa (D7040)
President RCWO (2018-19, 2019-20)
President RCWO (2018-19, 2019-20)