Posted by Mark Ewer
Missing Person’s Investigation Unit
At the August 6 morning club meeting, Hamilton AM Club members were introduced to Sergeant Kim Walker and Bruce Moffat, Community Liaison lead from the Hamilton Police Service.  Together they have over 40 years’ experience in public safety.
From pioneering Hamilton’s Missing Persons Investigation Unit to creating life-changing support systems for vulnerable populations, their talk explored how community-focused policing and victim services are evolving, and why it matters now more than ever.   They were able to explain how Missing Persons programs in the province managed their cases, often complicated by someone missing in another jurisdiction.  They also exploded some myths such as the need to “wait 24 hours” before reporting someone missing.  The particular circumstances dictated responses, particularly when dealing with vulnerable people.
The quality of the presentation was impressive and very educational!
“Hum Me a Few Bars”, by Daniel Allain
At the Hamilton AM’s August 13 morning meeting members were charmed by Daniel Allain, a cousin of member Mindy Tweedle. One was tall and male … the other was quite short and female but their “on stage” comfort with each as Mindy introduced her cuz convinced us of their relativity!
Daniel started by sharing a video clip of many of his performances – singing, dancing, and acting. He is a natural performer! Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Daniel has taken the stage from coast to coast and around the world performing with some of the world’s most prestigious theatre companies, orchestras, and luxury cruise lines. From Theatre Aquarius to Crystal Cruises, his journey through the performing arts is as captivating as his voice.
A proud graduate of Sheridan College’s Music Theatre Performance program and holder of a Graduate Diploma in Arts Management from Queen’s University, Daniel brings a unique lens to life on stage, blending artistry, business savvy, and bold career choices. We were thrilled to hear from a “local boy” who is a powerhouse vocalist, acclaimed musical theatre performer, and globe-trotting guest entertainer.
 
 
 
 
Empowering Kids for Life – Start2Finish
At the Hamilton AM club’s August 20 meeting, Karen Warankie, Fund Development Associate from Start2Finish was the guest speaker.  She described the Start2Finish mission; ”to break the cycle of child poverty by providing ongoing educational support to Canada’s at-risk children throughout their school years, nurturing mind, body, and social health so they are empowered to succeed and become role models for change”.
The organization operates in a number of communities and has a popular program in 3 schools in Hamilton which is paying results; showing improved literacy, physical fitness and school attendance, among participating children.  This program is particularly focused on supporting children from marginalized communities.
There are opportunities for Rotary members to contribute to the program as volunteers – something club members will likely pursue in the future.  Start2Finish will be one of the organizations that benefits from the club’s August 22 fundraising event called “Around the World and Beyond.