Rotary Club of North Muskoka joined thousands of Rotarians around the world June 20 and 21 for the first Rotary International Convention held virtually since Rotary International was founded in 1905.  The ability to connect from the comfort of our homes during the COVID-19 crisis gave a moment to reflect on the purpose of Rotary as a "service above self" humanitarian service club.
 
Virtual sessions focused not only on the international efforts of Rotary on COVID-19, but also the responsibility to be leaders in diversity and peace abroad and at home, in addition to the humanitarian work that was already underway before the crisis struck, including clean water and hygiene projects and medical technology funding initiatives.
 
Mark Maloney, president for Rotary International, noted in a speech that positive change in the world will not come quickly or easily, but he encouraged clubs to take decades of building peace internationally and apply it to the communities where we live. He urged everyone to rise to this moment in history.