President Gerry Janssen reminded everyone of the good things supported by the Rotary Club of St. Thomas chiefly because of the Christmas Tour of Homes, accounting for 82% the club’s annual fundraising income.

Community

Salvation Army

Christmas Care

St. Thomas Elgin Foodbank (Caring Cupboard)

Washer & Dryer for Grace Café

STEAM Centre (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math)

Choral Connection

Dutton Splash pad

16 cots for Inn Out of the Cold

YMCA summer busing program

YMCA Strong Kids Program

International

Shelter Box – emergency disaster relief

Rotary Club of Stratford - Aqua Box program

Rotary Club of Grand Bend - Global Literacy Program

Avoidable Blindness - project

Rotary Club of Collingwood - Back to School Project Philippines

Youth

Adventures in Citizenship – Ottawa

Seminar for Tomorrows Leaders – Western University

Interact Club -Elgin St Thomas high school students

Dictionaries to grade 3 students in St. Thomas

Rotary International

Rotary International - Annual Fund

Polio Plus – global eradication of polio.

 

Nearly 40 Rotarians and friends enjoyed The Wayside buffet, delicious as ever!  Presentations were made by Pat Martyn and Trudy to the homeowners.  They were given framed photos of their homes and thanked enthusiastically.  Pat Martyn also thanked the decorators and presented plaques to them in sincere appreciation for their services.

 

Rose and Tom Heinbuch provided their home on McGregor Court.  It was decorated by the owner, Lisa Hope and her designer Anna.   Helen Dyck from Spare Moments, Aylmer also decorated.

 

Jamie and Vickie Kuipers provided their home on Prior Street, Orwell. It was decorated by Tobi Visser, owner of Petals of Love.  She was assisted by her assistant Wendy and Rotarian Connie Davidson. 

 

Dr Brittany Dunlop and her husband, Steve provided their home on Elgin Street.  It was decorated by Harvest Table Rustic Designers owned by Debbie Trojek.  She and her daughter, Lindsey were the decorators.

 

Carol and Jim Wiebe, Springwater Road provided their home. It was decorated by Jaclyn McClenaghan and Ken Fox, owner of Berry Hill.

 

Pat and Trudy presented award to decorators representing Love Bird Flowers, London. Spare Moments, Aylmer and Real Canadian Superstore also participated.

 

Trudy and Pat presented an award to decorators from  Petals of Love.

Other decorators not present were Harvest Table Rustic Designs and Berry Hill.

 

At another time a presentation will be made to the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre.  Laura Woermke is the Executive Director/Curator.  It made a beautiful ending to the tour, serving light refreshments and offering everyone an opportunity to view the amazing art display in a relaxed atmosphere.

 

Jessica Ladd was introduced by Elaine. As a young soloist and guitarist Jessica presented 5 songs that she has written. “Who I am” was her own life story. She has been trained by her mother, Lauri Ladd, Organist and Choir Director of Central United Church, from an early age. She has participated in many Rotary Music Festivals and is now adding extensively to her interests in the dramatic arts through membership in Original Kids, London.   She just completed a dance role in Mamma Mia and is looking forward to a role in Freaky Friday. 

 

Malcolm Rust was the winner of the 50/50 draw.