The winter has passed and Sunrisers have been busy

This year has continued to be a busy and exciting time for the Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers.

We recently took part in a cheque presentation at Health Sciences North. This was part of the KICX for Kids event sponsored by KICX 91.7.

KICX for Kids has raised more than $350,000 in four years. The money supports the neo-natal unit at Health Sciences North. This year the Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers donated $10,000 to the KICX for Kids cause. The money came from our major fundraising event, Vive Le Vin, held last fall.

Vive Le Vin chair Darlene Palmer spoke enthusiastically about this donation and how the Rotary Club was pleased to be able to contribute in this way for children in the community. Dr. Sean Murray spoke about how these funds are applied in the treatment of children.

Dr. Denis Roy, the CEO of Health Sciences North, was enthusiastic in his praise for the efforts of the KICX Team and the Sunrisers in advancing health care for children in Sudbury.

We would be remiss if we didn’t give a big shout out to Mick Weaver, a proud Sunriser and the CEO and general manager at KICX 91.7. The team under his leadership have made a huge difference in the quality of children’s health care in the Nickel City.

Rotarian’s from both of our clubs are working diligently in preparation for the district conference in September, which promises to be one of the premier events of the year.

The committee is being chaired by Liz Spooner-Young. She and her team are creating a great event that promises to showcase Sudbury and provide an excellent working environment for the delegates attending from across our Rotary district.

The Sunrisers are presenting a Paul Harris Fellowship Award to Junior and Leslie Moutsatsos, owner-operators of Pat and Marios, which recently rebranded as P&M’s Kouzzina, in New Sudbury.

The event — which we’ve chosen to title My Big Fat Greek Garden Party — is being held at the Caruso Club on June 25, starting at 6 p.m.

Junior and Leslie have been extensively involved in our community and their generosity and participation at fundraising and other charitable events is renowned. We are proud to honour them with this fellowship.
Junior and Leslie want to share the proceeds of this event with the Janice Foligno Foundation.

This foundation, named for the late Janice Foligno, is dedicated to the battle against breast cancer. The Foligno family will be present at the event.

The evening promises to be a fun-filled event with live and silent auctions, and an abundance of Greek food. Contacting any Sunriser for tickets or call 705-524-3137 ext. 249.

Finally, we end on a sad note as we say a sad farewell to Sudbury Rotarian Rick Van Oort, who passed away Feb. 17 at the young age of 55.

Rick was a man who led by example. He was twice elected president of the Sudbury Rotary Club and was a pillar of the community, actively involved in many community organizations from the Salvation Army to St. Leonard’s House. His infectious smile, his wit and his humour will be missed.

Rest in Peace, friend.

Alex McCauley is a member of the Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers.