Panda + Community Year in Review 2016
What a truly amazing year 2016 turned out to be. One of the main reasons for this was we gave back. In all the business coaching over the years, the most successful people/groups all give back in some way. Simple enough concept, but this past year we stepped it up, and not surprisingly the success that followed has produced outstanding results. Here are just a few things that were done:
- Rotary Foundation – Paul Harris +1 & +2 – Helping Communities through the Annual Fund & Polio Plus
- Animal Aide – 2 Years worth of Rent for its Thrift Store.
- MS Bike Ride – London to/from Grandbend – Team Butt Ugly raised over $35,000 to end MS.
- Christmas Care St Thomas – Provided 5,000 lbs of Apples for the Christmas Hampers.
- Helped Local Hospital Raise over $60,000 at its annual gala.
- Provided hundreds of meals at local missions and through financial support.
- Supported The Canadian Wildlife Federation & World Wildlife Fund.
- Title Sponsorship of Big Brothers Big Sisters St Thomas Elgin – providing mentoring opportunities for amazing kids.
- Worked on several projects with St Thomas Railway City Rotary Club.
- Worked on several projects with Christmas Care St Thomas.
- Support of Local Legion, Salvation Army and Local Hockey.
2016 has been a huge year for us in the community. Seeing the smiles on families and kids faces is such a reward. The impact of even the smallest thing is sometimes hard to quantify, and it’s amazing knowing that The Smart Panda Team is out there making a difference. We are really excited about working with our Local Big Brothers Big Sisters program again this year, and setting up a program with our new local STEAM center.
For Rotary 2017, in May we have the Rotary District Conference being hosted by our Rotary Club, it will be a fantastic opportunity to show off our community to all the members of Rotary District 6330. In June a large group of us are heading to Atlanta Georgia to attend the Rotary International Conference. Combine that with Wade being Rotary President of the Railway City Rotary Club starting in July, it is going to be exciting year working with Rotary!
All the best in ’17.
