Division 4:

London Region

Past President Mike Coombes, Lieutenant Governor Jim Garey and Governor Gary enjoy the Kiwanis Coronation Park in downtown Tillsonburg.

Sitting on the banks of the Thames River, the city of London, Ontario (population roughly 450,000) serves as a the centre of Division 4. Here we can find 11 active Kiwanis Clubs all contributing greatly to their communities and to the leadership of our District. Division 4 is the home of our International Trustee, Dr. John Button, our District Marketing Committee Chair, PLG Randy Ross and Growth Committee Member Allen Ure (Kiwanis Club of Ridgetown). It is also the home of Lieutenant Governor Jim Garey, who is ably serving his second term as our Divisional leader.

Lieutenant Governor Jim coordinated a host of activities that showcased Division 4. We began by helping the Kiwanis Club of Middlesex celebrate 35 years of continuous service. One of the largest clubs in our District, President Dick Berday and his team held a gala lunch meeting that featured Western University musicians and greetings from London's Mayor, Anne Marie DeCicco-Best.

Members of Kiwanis Club of West Lorne greet Governor Gary and Lieutenant Governor Jim.

We visited the club of West Lorne and learned of their Jamaican project. Huge barrels of clothing, computers and books are collected by (or made by) club members and shipped down to children in need.

In Tillsonburg, Ingersoll and Ridgetown we stopped by seniors homes, parks and playgrounds that were all created, in part, from monies raised by Kiwanis volunteers. Of particular interest is the Ingersoll Fusion Centre. The centre (supported by the Kiwanis Club) is open to all youth between the ages of 12 to 17 -- at no cost. It serves as a gathering place for the youth after school and on weekends. In addition to a state-of-the-art computer and gaming lab, the centre boasts of a "professional" recording studio, iMac graphic/editing suite and a full compliment of specially trained municipal staff.

Governor Gary joins "Dean Martin" for a short duet in the Ridgetown Loft.

Our tour of Ridgetown concluded with a welcomed rest-stop in The Loft.

The Loft (atop International Trustee Dr. John's office) serves as the Ridgetown Club's "clubhouse". Full of memorabilia collected over the years, The Loft is used as a club gathering place to discuss projects, new ideas and gather before club meetings. It is also the Ridgetown home of singer "Dean Martin". Dean continues to belt out songs for visitors, helping to create a relaxed welcoming atmosphere.

One of the great initiates that the Ridgetown Club does on a weekly basis, is invite members of their Key Club and Aktion Club to their regular meeting. Key Club President Brendan Fysh and several of his members joined us and took part in the meeting that I had the privilege of attending.

Ridgetown President Debbie Button and Lieutenant Governor Jim Garey enjoy a club meeting.

A special treat was being presented by a cheque for our District HIV/Aids project by the Ridgetown Aktion Club President Carole and Past President Leisha Henderson. The passion and commitment of our our Aktion Club and Key Club members continues to be an ongoing source of inspiration and encouragement.

Lieutenant Governor Jim Garey together with Forest City-London club member Art Benjamin arranged for a "Church Parade". Kiwanis members were invited to attend a Friday night service at Temple Israel. Governor Gary was invited to address the congregation on behalf of Kiwanis. An inspirational time was had by all.

Lieutenant Governor Jim, Kiwanian Art Benjamin and Governor Gary take part in a Friday service at Temple Israel.

A Divisional Council meeting was held Saturday morning. Members in attendance shared Kiwanis moments, success stories and good fellowship.

The Divisional visit was very successful in large part because of the careful planning and attention to detail by Lieutenant Governor Jim and his wife Sue.

Click here to see a Division 4 slide show