Volunteer of the Month: Malcolm Rust by Peri Haye s
Malcolm continues, “More recently, as our club’s num- ber decreased, there have been major donations in partnership with the YWCA and Indwell’s housing at The Station to the General Hospital, the Elgin Hospice and Project Tiny Hope.” As Malcolm exclaims, “I am so excited that we support ‘Start with Mothers’ honouring mothers and us-
Local volunteer, Malcolm Rust, proudly presents his background: “For years I was a Baptist minister in the UK, work I continued after coming to Canada in 1968. In this community, I am better known as the first full-time interfaith clinically trained chaplain at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital. I loved that work, and held that position for 20 years until I retired in 2001.” Malcolm describes his introduction to the Rotary Club of St. Thomas: “Ed Willson was the Manager of the Ambulance Department at the hospital and a long-time Rotarian.” Malcolm joined despite his busy schedule, to which he declares, “I have never regretted doing so. That was over 28 years ago.” Malcolm worked alongside the late Frank Sanders while raising over $100,000.00 to equip an eye clinic in the City of Trivandrum, India. “Raising these funds with the other 60 Rotary clubs in this international District gave me insight into how Rotary works around the world. Founded in 1905 in Chicago, it now has 1.4 million neighbours, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who are people of action on the local scene and internationally. From literacy and peace to water and health, we work to better our world.” Through seven Areas of Focus, there is an array of projects for Rotarians to pursue. This year, for example, the Rotary Club of St. Thomas partnered with the St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club to support the environmental project of producing a Hawk Cliff pamphlet. “I loved being the club’s Youth Exchange Officer,” Malcolm shares. Furthermore, as he proceeds, “Our Rotary District awards a scholarship annually to a student who is interested in furthering their education in preparation for a leadership role in one of the Areas of Focus. It was a distinct pleasure to serve on that District committee for three years.” Malcolm also highlights the ways in which members work with the Rotary’s youth group, Interactors. They raise funds for various projects, meeting on a weekly basis. Upon reminiscing about previous Christmas of Homes and Rotary Music Festival events within the community,
ing a new model of educating so they can teach other mothers and children in the poorest areas of Bangladesh and Pakistan. It is having amazing success, and new projects will soon begin in India and Nigeria. The letters received bring tears of joy to our eyes.” Meanwhile, in Arusha, Tanzania, the Rotary has been helping to build washrooms in elementary schools. “The project is likely to become a model for other schools and municipalities in that country. The day we shared a meeting with them by Zoom was unforgettable,” Malcolm passionately voices. “Since 1985, Rotarians have raised millions of dollars and worked with international partners to try and eradicate polio. Smallpox was the first global infection to be eradicated. Soon polio will be the second. The annual World Polio Day was recognized locally by the Mayor’s reading of a proclamation on the steps of St. Thomas City Hall.” Asked what being a volunteer means to Malcolm, he thoughtfully replies, “I have always seen it as a responsibility and a privilege to play a role in making St. Thomas a better place and helping Canada share all aspects of its wealth with others. Volunteering with Rotary has enabled me to put those ideals into practice.” The community is invited to learn about the Rotary Club of St. Thomas’ ongoing efforts at their upcoming Open House on January 22nd from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Malcolm concludes by encouraging those interested to explore the Rotary and their volunteer opportunities. Inquiries are welcome through their website at rotarystthomas.org.
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Page 4 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • December 2024
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