District 6380 August 2026 Impact Tour Visit by RI Director Marty Helman
8 Days of August
(Sung to the tune of 12 Days of Christmas)
On the 8th day of August our district gave to me,
A visit by zone leader Mar - ty.
On the 7th day of August our district gave to me,
7 donat - ing CASH,
6 clubs help year-round,
5 food deliveries (5 golden rings…)
4 helping Hospitality House,
3 with baby food and cereal,
2 trees and peace poles,
And one happy DG - Lee!
On August 8th and 9th, Rotary District 6380 hosted RI Director for Zones 28 & 32 on her
Impact Tour across the US and internationally. District 6380 is one of a few Rotary districts
that include clubs from more than one country. Our district straddles portions of SE Michigan
in the USA and the Chatham-Kent County in Canada. Our District took advantage of this
opportunity to come together and support local food pantries throughout our footprint in the
United States. More than 27 of our US clubs participated in donating funding and non-
perishable food to 18 different food pantries in their local communities. We estimate 5,000
pounds of food and $20,000 was donated to these important organizations that serve our
food insecure families, seniors and veterans in SE Michigan. Marty Helman visited a few of
these food pantries with local Rotarians. She also met with our new Rotaract Club, the
Livingston Golden Hearts whose members are exclusively special needs adults. She met
them at the Torch 180 café and gift store, learning more regarding how these differently
abled adults learn culinary and retail skills where they work and educate our community.
Marty also witnessed a new Peace Pole installation at a local YMCA in Milford, Michigan,
hosted by a group of Eagle Scouts. Her day ended with a banquet meeting of the District,
with approximately 50 Rotarians sharing their food collection events and sharing a song
about Marty's visit!
On Sunday, Marty visited the six Rotary Clubs in the Chatham-Kent County in Canada. On
the bright sunny day, Marty was able to experience the new Gordie Howe Bridge that
connects the US and Canada in a joint venture that will increase collaboration and business
between our close countries. Marty was able to meet with and speak to Rotarians and
guests at a Peace Pole installation hosted by the Tilbury Interact Club, tree planting and
dedication, and a "smashburger" lunch. Later that day, Marty witnessed the rededication of a
Peace Pole in Troy, Michigan and enjoyed dinner with 50 more Rotarians and guests.
Marty's message of action and taking chances with new ideas and ways to support our world
resonated with everyone who met her in District 6380. We thank her for visiting and inspiring
us to Create Lasting Impact both in our world and in our corner of it.