Posted on Jan 18, 2025
Last Friday, January 17, 2025, Rotary Halifax Harbour was honoured to host Don Sword, the current District Governor (DG) for District 7815. Don, who stepped into the role following Jillian Gibson’s leave for health reasons, brought a wealth of experience, insights, and inspiration to the club. A past DG himself and a long-standing Rotarian, Don's visit marked an engaging and informative session for all attendees.

 

A Warm Welcome and a Bit of History

Introduced by District Governor Nominee Chris Norman, Don shared his deep ties to Rotary and the Halifax region. A charter member and past president of the Avalon Northeast Rotary Club in Newfoundland, Don highlighted his 35-year journey in Rotary. He also spoke fondly of Halifax, where he grew up, and shared stories of his ongoing connection to the city through family and frequent visits.

The Magic of Rotary

At the heart of Don's presentation was this year’s Rotary International theme: The Magic of Rotary. Inspired by Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick’s focus on impactful projects and membership growth, Don emphasized how every Rotarian contributes to the “magic” with their actions, donations, and community service. From small gestures to major initiatives, each effort helps create lasting change in local communities and around the globe.

Ashley Butt, Area Governor for Halifax, distributed this year’s Magic of Rotary theme pins to attendees as a reminder of the collective impact Rotarians have.

Updates on District Leadership and Initiatives

Don spoke about continuity, consistency, and collaboration as the cornerstone of effective Rotary leadership. He applauded Halifax Harbour for its contributions to District 7815, recognizing members such as Past District Governors Louisa Horne and Stella Roy, as well as other leaders who have taken on district roles.

He also provided an overview of the district’s action plan, highlighting priorities such as increasing Rotary’s impact, expanding reach, enhancing engagement, and embracing adaptability.

The Rotary Foundation: A Legacy of Giving

Switching gears, Don shared an update on the Rotary Foundation, Rotary’s award-winning charity, and its seven areas of focus, which include promoting peace, providing clean water, and protecting the environment. He highlighted the importance of the Annual Fund, Polio Plus, and the Endowment Fund, and encouraged members to make Rotary their charity of choice.

A key highlight was the ongoing Magical Major Gifts Campaign with the slogan Count Me In Now, or Count Me In Later. This initiative seeks to raise $1,000,000 in new donations or pledges to the Rotary Foundation, ensuring sustainable funding for Rotary’s impactful work. Don shared that the campaign is already halfway to its goal and encouraged members to consider contributing.

District Conference and International Convention

Don invited members to attend the upcoming District 7815 Conference in Halifax, which promises inspiring speakers, engaging programs, and entertainment. He also encouraged participation in the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, where Rotarians from around the world will gather.

A Call to Action

Closing his presentation, Don left the club with a simple yet powerful challenge: “Do one more thing.” Whether it’s attending another club’s meeting, inviting a guest, joining a committee, or making a first-time donation to the Rotary Foundation, every small action contributes to Rotary’s collective impact.

Rotary Halifax Harbour thanks Don Sword for his inspiring visit and unwavering dedication to Rotary. As always, the club looks forward to continuing its work to embody The Magic of Rotary in Halifax and beyond.