Directors: Henny Boeters, Ben Van Heeswijk, David Klatt and Judie Wigcherink
Attendance: 13
Members: Sarah Teles, Angela Lefebvre
.Guests:
Birthdays: Bob Wilson, April 16
Anniversaries: None
Meeting Date: Monday, Mar. 30, 2026, Anglican Parish Hall. After a wonderful dinner prepared by the ACW, David B started the meeting by thanking the ladies in the kitchen.
Correspondence: None
Program: The speaker, Sarah Teles, from the Canadian Homestay Network was introduced by David B
Before joining Canadian Homestay Network, Sarah worked as an Early Childhood Educator in the Early Years field
Sarah is the Relationship Manager for Canadian Homestay Network for Lambton-Kent
She works closely with host families, schools and international students, creating supportive and meaningful placements for students studying in the region
She is looking for host families for Gr. 7-8 students at RDHS
Family-run, non-profit since 1995 (Wilson family founders) celebrating 30 years of service
Placed and supported 100,000+ international students across 45 Canadian communities
The benefits of hosting: for students, learn English in safe, supported environment: for communities, $22B in economic impact with 75000+ jobs supported and for host families cultural exchange and the children gain intercultural skills
Host families provide a supportive, safe, and welcoming home environment, 3 meals/day (depending on program), private bedroom with bed, desk & closet, utilities (incl. laundry & Internet), with a $950 allowance
Covers food, utilities, family activities, and shared household items but not personal items
Attend school and stay in good standing, join in family activities, help with chores and contribute to mealtimes
Your Relationship Manager (RM), Sarah Teles / Giovanni Matamoros with your Host Ambassador (HA) Angela Lefebvre
Homestay is life-changing - When you make the decision to host, you benefit your family and community, and make a positive difference in a young person’s life
Learn more & apply WHY I HOST.CA
There were 87 students in the L-K board last year, 80 this year
There are different terms: one month, 3 months and the full year, Sept.- June
The Japanese students stay includes the summer
Typically they students and their parents use an agency to get enrolled
It was an interesting presentation with both Sarah and Angela answering several questions
Other Business
a. Paul: Citizenship & adventure program - update
We have no student going this year
Although before the March break, we did have a girl going, who would travel with her Mother, when Paul went to meet her after March break, she had decided not to go
Paul and David B discussed it and decided to cancel our registration
We have since received a refund on our $975 registration fee
b. Henny: Easter Egg Hunt - April 4, 2026
Everything is ready to go
Paul has ordered the coffee and donuts from Tim Hortons to be picked up at 8:00 am
The bike, for the child won finds the golden egg is in the Independent window
After the meeting, the candy bags for the kids were put together
c. David B: Service club expo Ridgetown Adult Activity Centre –
April 25, 2026
Desk volunteers - 1:00 - 3:00 pm
David B + Beatrice and Paul, with Ron as a substitute
d. David B: District 6380 Conference
May 1 - 3, 2026
May 2 - Day of Action: update -David B
David B went over all of the details, including no need for mulch because of sand where the pants will be planted
300 trees to be planted, so 12 per every 2 planters
e. Bob and George: Car Show
July 12, 2026
Will be contacting Highgate Lions Club re providing breakfast and lunch or we’ll need another food truck
We probably someone to sponsor the Porta-Poddies
f. David B: the club decided that we won’t be sponsoring a Rotary exchange student for 2026-27
g. In memory of Terry Youlton
David B read the many words in memory sent to him about Terry
h. David B: Strategic Plan committee
2 to 4 volunteers required
Postponed until of next meeting, which is a business meeting
50-50 and Happy Bucks
No Happy Bucks, 50-50 won by Henny
President David asked if there was “Anything for the good of Rotary?”
President David closed the meeting unofficially at approximately 7:55 pm followed by putting the Egg Hunt gift bags together
The next meeting is on a business meeting on Monday, April 13, 2026 at the Anglican Parish Hall
The theme for the 25-26 Rotary year is “Unite for Good”
Anglela Lefebvre, Sarah Teles and President David Brian
