Stories
Welland Rotarians braved the sunshine and spring-like weather to visit Fred Farnham (Freddie the Clown) to celebrate his 97thbirthday which is officially on February 24th. Rotarians Sandy and Hugh Graham presented Fred with a Birthday dinner. Always with a smile, Fred stated that “today I’m 96, tomorrow I’ll be 97 and on Sunday I’ll be in my 98th year! |
Rotary Club of Welland Curling Social
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Rotary Club of Welland presents cheque to Niagara Children’s Centre
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Rotary Club of Welland – Paul Harris Fellow Presentations
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Welcoming New MemberThe Rotary Club of Welland welcomed our newest Member Julianne Brunet, representing a Corporate Membership for the Welland Public Library Board. Julianne became a Member on December 20, 2023 but was officially inducted by Assistant Governor Frank Adamson (Rotary Club of Fonthill) on January 16, 2024. |
Local Rotary Clubs partner in first charity golf tournamentThe Rotary Club’s of Fonthill and Welland raised $15,000. Hosted at Riverview Golf Course in early September, nearly a hundred participants and more than a dozen volunteers from both Clubs took part, including District 7090 Governor Scott Marcin and District Governor-Elect David Alexander.
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Rotary Tree PlantingOn Wednesday October 18th at Rotary Club of Welland Park, Rotarians and students from Notre Dame College School joined City of Welland forestry staff planting five trees. The City received a donation of 20 trees from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant, a national charity that funds environmental projects across Canada. The City used 15 trees to beautify Rotary Park along the Welland Recreational Waterway.
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NEWLY Re-Branded AuctionThe Rotary Clubs of Niagara are proud to bring you a NEWLY Re-Branded Auction. Formerly referred to as the Rotary TV Auction for the past 14 years, six Niagara Rotary Clubs: Fonthill, Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Sunrise, St. Catharines, St. Catharines South and Welland have rebranded to an entirely online auction.
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Bocce TournamentThe Rotary Club of Welland held its 7th Annual Bocce and Past Night on Tuesday September 26th at Casa Dante. |
Fonthill/Welland Rotary Club Golf Tournament
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Welland Rotary Purse BingoThe Rotary Club of Welland held its third ‘annual’ Purse Bingo supported by 204 Bingo enthusiasts on Wednesday May 24th at the John Michael’s Banquet and Event Centre. We were sponsored by several area businesses. The presenting Sponsor was Meridian Credit Union, the Dinner Sponsor was Root Bissonnette Walker LLP, with Best Western Rose City Suites, Seaway Mall, Youngs Insurance, and Vermeer’s Garden Centre providing sponsorship for various Bingo games and providing gift cards. |
Happy 96th Birthday Fred!Welland Rotarians braved the ice and cold to visit Fred Farnham (Freddie the Clown) on his 96th Birthday on February 24th. Sandy and Hugh Graham presented Fred with a Birthday dinner. Always with a smile, Fred warmed up our hearts! |
Registration Open: RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award)RYLA is a program for young adults - professionals, entrepreneurs, college/university students, who demonstrate self-awareness, leadership qualities and concern for others, and is geared for those 19 - 25 years of age. There are four (4) virtual sessions of 1 1/2 hours each on March 15 & 22 and April 19 & 26. The in-person component takes place March 31 - April 2 at SunCliff on the Lake in Derby, NY. |
Rotary Club of Welland Curling Spiel & Social
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We Support Niagara (And You Can Too!)It’s no surprise that the impacts of the pandemic have strained our community’s small to medium sized businesses, charities and even our community member’s pocketbooks. That’s why the Welland Rotary Club and Faith Welland Outreach have teamed up to create a fundraiser that acts as a triple win for all these challenges. |
New Member WelcomeRotary Club of Welland President Tammy Morden welcomed the newest Rotarian Kyle Huntingdon. |
Tammy Morden: 2022-2023 PresidentThe Rotary Club of Welland is proud to announce its President for the 2022-2023 Rotary year – Tammy Morden. Tammy is retired from the Niagara Police Service and has been a Rotarian since 2000. |
School Build in Entebbe UgandaThe Rotary Club of Welland, for many years, has supported children and youth to be their best. |
2022 Rotary Gold Medallion RecipientsThe Rotary Club of Welland is pleased to congratulate the 2022 Rotary Gold Medallion recipients from the graduating classes of 5 Welland and 2 Port Colborne High Schools.
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Welland Rotary Purse BingoThe Rotary Club of Welland held its second ‘annual’ Purse Bingo supported by 203 Bingo enthusiasts on Wednesday May 25th at the John Michael’s Banquet and Event Centre We were sponsored by several area businesses. |
Rotary Club of Welland Park Ribbon Cutting CeremonyOn Tuesday, May 10, the Rotary Club of Welland, and the City of Welland celebrated a long-time collaboration with the ribbon cutting for the entrance signage at the Rotary Club of Welland Park along the west side of the Recreational Canal.
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Purse Bingo BONUS!The Rotary Club of Welland’s 2nd Purse Bingo is ready to go on Wednesday May 25, 2022. It’s another great night out with friends and family, with some great purses as prizes. And a special extra Bingo Game to win a luxury purse!
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Notre Dame DonationThe Rotary Club of Welland, for many years, has supported children and youth to be their best. The Club recently donated $1,000 to Notre Dame College School to provide specialized equipment for the Special Education Classroom’s sensory room. Presenting the cheque to Principal Andrew Boon and Special Education Classroom Teacher Laura Sparkman (centre) are Welland Rotary President Vic Kerschl (right) and Community Service Chair Peter Inman (left).
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Happy Birthday Fred!On February 24th, Welland Rotarians and friends celebrated Fred Farnham’s 95th Birthday out in the cold winter wind. Fred as born in England and immigrated to Canada in 1957.
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Rotary Club of Welland Legacy ProjectIn recognition of the Club’s 100th anniversary on April 1, 2020, the City of Welland and the Rotary Club jointly announced the 100th Anniversary Legacy Project.
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Register Now: Welland Rotary Curling SocialThe Rotary Club of Welland will be holding its annual Curling Social this year on Saturday evening, March 5th at 5 pm. Games start at 6:00 p.m. The format of the evening will be the same as previous years. Curling instruction will be available for beginners prior to the start of our curling. This will be followed by 6 ends of curling organized on a blue team/yellow team format followed by a light dinner of pizza and wings. Cost per person for curling and food will be $35. Cost for non-curling guests is $20.
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New Member WelcomeRotary Club of Welland President Vic Kerschl welcomed the newest Rotarian Lina DeChellis. Lina is the Manager of Economic Development for the City of Welland. Having attended several virtual meetings since the New year, Lina feels that she can support the motto and vison of Rotary by leveraging her network and skillset to engage with local partners to develop and support creative initiatives to meet the needs of the community, both local and international. |
Day of Service: Welland Park Clean-UpThe Rotary Club of Welland was busy on Friday, cleaning up the Rotary Club of Welland Park as part of a series of Service Projects that were taking place across the Rotary District 7090 - Southern Ontario & Western New York during their annual District Conference.
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Celebrating Service: Presidential ChangeoverOn a warm July 21st evening, Rotary Club of Welland Past-President Sandy Graham hosted a year-end social fellowship. Located at the Club’s 100th Anniversary Legacy Project, the Rotary Club of Welland Park is on the west side of the Welland Recreational Waterway (former Welland Canal).
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Rotary Club of Welland participates in the Rotary Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup
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2021 Rotary Gold Medallion RecipientsThe Rotary Club of Welland is pleased to congratulate the 2021 Rotary Gold Medallion recipients from the graduating classes of 5 Welland and 2 Port Colborne High Schools |
Welland Rotary Supports United Way “Period Promise” CampaignRotarians Deanna Pope-Toth and Sandy Graham from the Rotary Club of Welland are displaying a cheque for $600. The Rotary Club of Welland donated $600 to the United Way of Niagara “Period Promise” Campaign.
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Online Garage Sale Now LIVE!The online garage sale auction will run from June 6, 2021 through June 16, 2021. Links to the auction website will be posted on wellandrotaryclub.com and rotarycluboffonthill.ca. Visit these websites to learn how the two Rotary clubs have been supporting their communities during the pandemic. Click here to start bidding! |
Celebrating 101 Years of ServiceSince the Rotary Club of Welland could not celebrate its 100th Anniversary (April 1, 2020) due to COVID restrictions, we decided to celebrate our 101st virtually on April 1, 2021.
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The Great Lakes Watershed CleanupMobilizing Rotarians, Rotaractors and community partners in one of the largest volunteer undertakings by Rotary International to support a clean environment!
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Stolk Construction: Proud Rotary SupporterAt Stolk Construction we believe strongly in the importance of giving back to our community. We consider ourselves a “local” company and do our very best to buy local and support other local businesses and non-profit clubs including the Rotary Club of Welland.
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Rotary Spring Online Garage SaleRotary Clubs of Welland and Fonthill Join Together for Spring Online Garage Sale. MaxSold Online Auctions is generously providing commission free auction services to the Rotary Clubs of Welland and Fonthill for this Rotary Spring Online Garage Sale to help raise funds for community work during these difficult times. |
Happy 94th Birthday Freddie!It was a special day for one long-time Welland Rotarian. A group of Welland Rotarians and family gathered in front of the home of Fred Farnham (also well known in Welland as Freddie the Clown) for a social to wish him a very Happy 94th Birthday on February 24, 2021. |
Rotary Club of Welland Presented with 2020 Dr. William J Orr Tribute AwardIt gives Niagara Children's Centre great pleasure to present this year’s Dr. William J. Orr Tribute Award to the Rotary Club of Welland. The Selection Committee unanimously agreed that the Rotary Club of Welland embodies the full spirit of the Dr. Orr Tribute Award. The committee felt it was particularly fitting to recognize your Club as part of your Centennial celebrations and close to 100 years of supporting children with special needs.
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Rotary Park Clean-UpOn Saturday November 7th, Welland Rotarians held their 1st Rotary Club of Welland Park clean-up.12 Rotarians and four family members participated. The City of Welland provided garbage bags, gloves, pick-up sticks and sharpie containers to keep everyone safe.
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Educational Technology Program
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Len Stolk Pedals For Polio PlusLen Stolk is our Club's champion 'peddle pusher' riding alongside other District 7090 Rotarians for this year's Pedal for Polio Plus on October 24th.
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Rotary Notebook: MEGA Rotary TV AuctionThe MEGA Rotary TV Auction is brought to you by the Rotary Club of Welland and 6 other Niagara Rotary Clubs, (Fonthill, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Sunrise, St. Catharines & St. Catharines South). We are returning for our 12th year, partnered with Your TV. More than 1,800 items will be on the Auction Block from December 3 – 5, 2020, just in time for Christmas shopping!
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Rotary Park in Full BloomThe City of Welland has recognized the Rotary Club of Welland’s 100th Anniversary with an impactful flower display at the corner of Prince Charles Drive South and Broadway. Welland Rotarians joined City Parks staff Peter Boyce, Dave Steven and Craig Danys for a picture opportunity on August 12, 2020.
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Rotary Clubs of Welland and Fonthill Welcome Sandy and Hugh Graham as Club Presidents
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Rotary Club of Welland Receives Grant to Assist The Hope CentreThe Rotary Club of Welland has been successful in receiving a grant of USD $1,000 from Rotary District 7090 for COVID-19 applicable expenses. Our Application was to support Welland’s Hope Centre.
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The Rotary Club of Welland Celebrates 100 Years of Service
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Leadership Program for YouthWho am I and where am I going? These are the questions asked throughout the years by teenagers anxious about their future and their place in the world they are entering. The program called SLAPSHOT (Student Leadership Award Program for Students Hight On Learning) is run under the auspices of Rotary District 7090 during the May 1-3 weekend in Ancaster at the Canterbury Hills for teens ages 15-18 for 100 young people from Western New York and Southern Ontario. Each participant chosen will be sponsored and paid for by his or her Rotary Club. |
World Polio DayThank you to the Welland Tribune for this article to raise awareness for World Polio Day 24/10 tomorrow. The Welland Rotary Club will be joining the Rotary Club of Fort Erie to mark this event.
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Paul Harris Awards CelebrationOn September 25, 2019, the Rotary Club of Welland held its annual Paul Harris Celebration at the Welland international Flatwater Centre. 50 Rotarians, partners, friends and recipients attended. The Paul Harris Fellow is the highest form of recognition given by Rotary clubs world-wide. It can be bestowed on a person, either inside or outside the club. The award acknowledges "Service Above Self" which an individual has offered to their community, their nation or indeed to the world.
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Rotary Club of Welland Launches Holiday 50/50 DrawPotential to win $10,000 in time for Christmas! Proceeds support Welland Rotary’s local and international projects.
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Welland Rotary Call For Nominations for Community and Business Leaders for Paul Harris Fellowship AwardThe highest award in Rotary is the Paul Harris Award. It is given to a Rotarian or a member of the community that has made an outstanding contribution to the community. |
Purse & Prize BingoJoin the Rotary Club of Welland for... PURSE & PRIZE BINGO |
Call for Community & Business Leader NominationsThe highest award in Rotary is the Paul Harris Award. It is given to a Rotarian or a member of the community that has made an outstanding contribution to the community. The Rotary Club of Welland is asking you to identify leaders that have made a significant contribution to the communities of Welland or Port Colborne through their professional and/or personal achievements. The Paul Harris recipient goes above and beyond in serving our community through promoting change and understanding. |
Rotary Club Announces $100,000 Gift to Welland Community for 100th Anniversary Legacy ProjectThe Rotary Club of Welland was founded in 1920 and will celebrate its 100th Anniversary on April 1, 2020. To commemorate this significant milestone, the Rotary Club of Welland will gift $100,000 to the community to support a legacy project within the City to benefit our current and future residents. Tim Proctor, Club President says, “To achieve our goal of creating a lasting legacy within the City of Welland, the Club is calling for proposals from the general public, community residents, Rotarians, and former Rotarians. We encourage the community to think big and bold in proposing an idea that will see a legacy realized for all of Welland. The hope is to complete the project in time for the 100th Anniversary Gala and events planned for the spring of 2020”. |
Engaging YouthA few months ago we looked at families and how they are the basis for a productive, caring and just society. The qualities of a dynamic family, we discovered, were truth, justice, communication, loyalty, and trust. In an era where technology is everywhere, it can be difficult for youth to unplug and focus on meaningful relationships. Rotary tries to go beyond this technology to interest young people in group interactions focused on helping the community instead of isolating themselves.
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At Rotary, We Are MADThis July represents a new Rotarian year and this year we are stressing the fact that we are MAD, or we are Making A Difference. We have been challenged to do this in all aspects of our personal or club lives, from helping the underprivileged, to working on community projects such as the Rose Festival, and technology for elementary schools, to the larger scope of ridding the world of polio.
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Ducks will race down the Welland Canal for the first time this JuneWhat better way to kick off summer than in downtown Welland, along the canal, for a rubber duck derby. Join the Rotary Club of Welland on June 25th for their first annual duck race at Division street Welland. The race starts at 12 p.m. sharp, a great way to enjoy some fun prior to the Welland Rose Festival Parade which begins at 1 p.m.
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Rotary Club of Welland Announces Paul Harris Community Award RecipientsEach year, Rotary Clubs around the world recognize distinguished leaders within their community by awarding them the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. “This award is the most prestigious award Rotary offers to members of our club and our community,” says Tamara Coleman-Lawrie, president of the local Rotary club, “it is truly an honour to be nominated and to receive this award.”
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Welland Rotary Sends MYAC Chair to Adventure in Citizenship Program in OttawaIn 1951, The Rotary Club of Ottawa established it’s annual "Adventure in Citizenship" Program in which some 200 senior high school students, from across Canada, spend four days in Ottawa experiencing tours, lectures, discussions and social events designed to enhance their understanding and appreciation of Canadian citizenship. The Rotary Club of Welland has participated in this unique program for over 50 years by sending an area high school student.
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Rotary Club of Welland donates a mechanical lift system to Niagara Children’s CentreNiagara Children’s Centre is proud to announce the installation of a new mechanical lift system for their Complex Needs and Physical Medicine clinic room. The total investment totalling over $5,100 came as a donation from the Rotary Club of Welland, who has been a supporter of the Centre for over 50 years.
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Rotary Member Feature - Tim WrightRotarians come from all walks of life and are all very different kinds of people, but the quality that they all have in common is that they adhere to the motto “service above self.” One such Rotarian is Tim Wright. When we look at Tim’s life, both public as well as private, we notice that it is dedicated to his fellow man. After his university years, although not a health professional, Tim’s life has centred on the health systems of OntarioRising from the position of Director of Professional Services at Kingston General Hospital, the President and CEO of the Welland County General Hospital, the VP of Regional Operations at the Niagara Health System, and finally to the position of Executive Director of the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre. Through this, Tim has gathered a unique insight into the problems and needs of the people of Ontario. |
Rotary Invests in Technology in the PhilippinesThe Rotary Club of Welland focuses on humanitarian efforts both at home and abroad. In many third world countries, classrooms employ only chalkboard and book learning and they do not have access to more current technologies. The Rotary Club of Welland has been assisting the Candelaria district in the Philippines and has embarked on an ambitious three-year program to update their educational capabilities.
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The SLAPSHOT ExperienceOne of the most popular annual events that Rotary sponsors is the youth Slapshot weekend. An acronym for Student Leadership Award Program for Students High On Learning, this program is unique to Rotary District 7090. It is held every April for teenagers aged 15-18 who are already leaders in their church, community or school. 100 young people from Western New York State and Southern Ontario are chosen and sponsored by their local Rotary clubs to gather in the Canterbury Hills outside of Ancaster, Ontario.
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Spotlight on Member Vic KerschlThroughout the year Rotary will profile out-standing Welland Rotarians, who have gone beyond the expectations of the Club and who have caused Welland Rotary to be known in far-off corners of the world. The focus of our profile this month is Vic Kerschl.
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Rotary Invests in Nouvelle HorizonRose Dzugan from the Rotary Club of Welland presents a cheque for $2000 to Stacey Savignac, principal of Nouvelle Horizon, and teachers and students of the school.
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I’m Looking...For you. I invite you to Rotary! If you have never been involved with a Rotary club or any service club you are truly missing out. I have had the opportunity to work for charitable organizations for a better part of my career. Over these years, I gladly became engaged with many Rotarians, Lions, Kiwanians and other club members.
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New home for old pumper fire truckThe volunteer firefighters at Bearskin Lake First Nation have only a small pickup truck equipped with a water pump to keep the community safe, said Pelham fire Chief Bob Lymburner. The gift was arranged by Welland Rotary Club, which contacted the town in the fall to discuss donating the firetruck.
“There’s been a lot of fires up there, that’s what really got me,” said Rotarian Douglas Johnson. He said the Rotary Club hopes the donation is the start of a closer relationship with First Nations communities.
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Investing in the Leaders of Tomorrow - January 2016Investing in the Leaders of TomorrowLife is a voyage of self-discovery and the earlier the opportunities an individual can have, the more one can learn about life and one’s self, and the more meaning life will have.
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Rotary Celebrates Community Giving All YearRotary Celebrates Community Giving All YearWell, it is that time of year when one can hear the faint tinkling of Christmas bells in the not so distant future. It is that time of year when we tend to think of giving, and of making sure that all can enjoy this holiday, one of the most joyous times on our calendar. Rotary, too makes every effort to make this come true in our community.
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Local Rotary Club Takes on International ChallengesLocal Rotary Club Takes on International ChallengesPerhaps you’ve seen the effects of Rotary’s work in your children’s schools locally, but seeing the profound accomplishments of your local Rotary club elsewhere in the world isn’t as obvious. From Argentina to the Philippines and beyond, Welland Rotary’s International Committee identifies unique challenges presented from across the globe and seeks to resolve these issues.
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What is, or who is, a Rotarian?What is, or who is, a Rotarian?There are many myths and misunderstandings of Rotary who “Rotarians” are. One version is that Rotary is a group of wealthy businessmen who get together regularly to self-promote and meet their own needs, and who once in a while give a large donation to the community. While it may be true that in Rotary’s beginning stages the club was made up of only businessmen, but today it could not be further from the truth.
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Rotary TV Auction Set for December 2015The Annual Rotary TV Auction will take place this December 3 - 5, 2015.
Don't miss out on thousands of dollars worth of items!
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Rotary Club of Welland featured in media for donation of Fire Truck to First Nations Community |
Rotary Club of Welland is Hosting Social Evening - Please join us!Calling all friends, colleagues and people in the Welland area.
Ever wondered what Rotary is really about? Trust me, it isn't your grandfather's club anymore.
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Rotary Invests in Local and International Youth DevelopmentThe most visible programs like that Rotary sponsors like Youth Exchange, the Medallion program and RYLA, are often at the forefront of conversations amongst community members. But there are many other programs are much less visible and as a result, get much less attention. Bringing more good deeds to the forefront, this article sheds some light on what goes on behind the scenes of Rotary’s Community Service committee.
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Rotary Affords Opportunities for Youth Leadership DevelopmentRotary offers many opportunities for the younger members of our community to take part in activities that will help them understand the communities they live in, and will give them the opportunities to make the world a better place to live in.
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Investing in the Leaders of Tomorrow - July 2015Investing in the Leaders of TomorrowJuly 2015 NewsThere is nothing more profound than teaching youth to spread their wings
and soar. One of The Rotary Club of Welland’s main objectives is to do just that; to help youth in need by supporting activities that promote personal growth, and enhance self-awareness and leadership development. |
Rotary Club of Welland Honours High School GraduatesFor over 45 years, the Rotary Club of Welland has recognized 10 graduates, one male and one female, from each of the five Secondary Schools in Welland. These students have been chosen by their peers and Guidance staff because they personify the motto of Rotary “Service Above Self”. They have made worthy contribution to the life of the school and the community at large and possess the qualities, abilities and interests that make them worthy representatives of their schools. At the same time, achieving academic success.
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Shaping Our Future GenerationsEnhancing access to clean water, eradicating Polio, improving access to education, promoting women’s rights and alleviating crisis situations are only some of the initiatives that Rotary takes on every day that have profound effects on our current world and our future. Other initiatives that the Rotary Club of Welland prides itself on are programs that enhance the lives of local youth.
The Rotary Club of Welland’s youth programs guide our youth into being leaders of the next generation by providing real life experiences and training that ultimately allows them to realize their potential. |
The Link Between Rotary and Our CommunityDespite its vast presence in our local and global communities, many are still unsure what Rotary is. So, what is Rotary anyway? The first Rotary Club was started in 1905, in Chicago, Illinois, by a small group of businessmen who wanted to do more for their community. They took as their motto “Service above Self” and adopted the cogwheel as their logo. The name Rotary comes from the fact that they would rotate the meetings among their homes.
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Welland Tribune: Local children's organizations to benefit from sixth annual Rob's Run for Kids
It’s time to lace up those sneakers for Welland’s sixth annual Rob’s Run for Kids. It returns to Merritt Island Saturday. The two and five kilometre races will start at 10 a.m., with registration at 8 a.m.
The run is organized by Welland runner Rob Noyes in partnership with the Rotary Club of Welland. It benefits local children’s organizations the Niagara Children’s Centre and Welland Neighbourhood Project. Click here to read the full Welland Tribune story by Franki Ikeman, The Tribune. Photo courtesy of Allan Benner. |
Rob's Run SuccessThis year marks the fourth consecutive year for Rob and his team of Welland Rotarians as they get set to host the event once again held at the city's Merritt Island location. "This run is one of the most memorable for its gorgeous, tree-lined running path," says the long time Boston Marathon runner.
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