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Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.3 million business, professional, and community leaders in 200 countries, who make a difference in the communities in which they live. Rotarians provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Clubs are non-political, non-religious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds. As signified by the motto Service Above Self, Rotary's main objective is service - in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.

Together, we lead change in our own backyards and across the world.

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Rotary Foundation

Financial Statements and New Member Induction – January 8th Meeting

Brian St. Hilaire presented the financial statements for year ending July 31^st, 2025. The statements were reviewed by our auditors. The overall financial position is very positive. The financial statements were unanimously approved. Members were very impressed with the list of donations our Club has made to the community and internationally. It was agreed to share this good news with the public through a press release.

Welcome to Rita Makubuya who was inducted into our Club. Her sponsor is Margaret Jarrell. She is a Family Mediator. She has volunteered with a number of local children’s camps. She is passionate about supporting the Club and greater community through volunteerism.

Become a Rotary Star - November 27th, 2025

As Rotarians, we believe in creating lasting change- both locally and Internationally. The Rotary Foundation is the engine that powers that change.
Every year, thousands of grants are funded which brought clean water to communities, expanded education and supported peace building worldwide.

When we think of investments, where else can you have your money doubled or tripled in such a short period of time to make a real lasting difference.

With our reputation before us, it is no surprise the Rotary Foundation has for the 16th year in a row, received the highest 4-star rating as a charity.

Our goal as a Rotary Club is to have every member supporting our Foundation.
Whether it be by Rotary Direct making a monthly donation on a credit card or an annual donation of $35cdn or more to the Annual fund or Polio.

Give the gift that will really keep on giving. Support your Rotary Foundation in whatever way you can.

Stay Curious and Don’t Just Click: Cyber Security – Oct 2nd meeting

Rotarian Melissa DeBeau gave an enlightening talk on how to avoid scams. She gave us lots of advice such as change your password frequently and use lots of different characters, avoid using personal information such as birth dates and pets names as these are easy to hack. Set up MFA’s on important accounts, especially financial. She also spoke about how to identify suspicious messages. Melissa talked about how best to be secure using social media. Don’t share vacation plans in advance and pets and family names. Use the app’s privacy settings. Also avoid public Wi fi for sensitive tasks.

Celebrating the success of our Golf Tournament – Sept. 25th meeting

Trevor Van Nest told us about the history of the golf tournament. Tom Arkell found a very old tournament trophy that is dated 1922, so it appears this was the first tournament. It was originally Easter Seals and then when Dr. Bill Orr, a Rotarian, founded the Children’s Centre, it became the focus of the tournament. CAA is now the co sponsor. Trevor thanked all of the sponsors and the committee. The CAA’s recipient of their portion of the proceeds is the Distress Centre. Their Executive Director Stacy Terry was on hand to accept the cheque on behalf of her organization, along with CAA CEO Marrianne Wilson and committee co chair Chelcie Armstrong. Stacy commented that due to the additional funding they have been able to significantly increase their volunteers. From Niagara Children’s Centre Oksana Fisher, CEO and Rotarian, along with Pam Sharp, Director of Development accepted the cheque which will support children with disabilities and their families.

Our 50/50 Czar Marco’s Classification Talk – August 28th meeting

We were treated to Marco’s very interesting talk. He is a long time resident of St. Catharines. He and his wife Gail have two talented daughters. His family emigrated from Sicily. He had a 25 year career in I.T. sales and marketing and more recently, personal finances. He is also a musician, playing in the band Dragon Ritual Drummers. He believes in the family and the clan. He sees Rotary as a clan serving others and he is delighted to be a member of it. Marco did an amazing job of leading our 50/50 draw.

50 Year Anniversary of Exchange Student Visit

At the September 4th meeting Rick Evans had Fatima Barreto from Sao Paulo Brazil and Jesper Udsen from Copenhagen Denmark who were our club's inbound Rotary Exchange students 50 years ago! Rick presented them with a certificate, club banner and Ribfest t-shirts to mark the reunion. He has kept in touch all these years and they are staying with Rick and his family. A very special day for to have them here as Rick was also celebrating his birthday!

Ribfest 2025 - The 25th Anniversary

Congratulation to all the members, their families and friends who volunteered at Ribfest 2025. With your collective efforts and hard work we had a most successful event. Fellowship was at the forefront of this year’s event beginning with our reunion luncheon celebrating our 25^th Rib Fest. It was attended by 80 Past Presidents, Honorary Rotarians and former Rotarians. It was a resounding success. Over 50 Rotarians took shifts in the beverage tent, sponsor tent and cash trailer in addition to the 15 Rotarians who took on leadership positions for all the sub components of the event. We all had FUN.

We gave back to the Community with our new Sunday Family Day providing free entertainment for children and a free concert by the Caverners. The over 8,000 people who attended Montebello Park that day appreciated the event. A big thank you goes out to our Corporate Sponsor, Meridian Credit Union.

Thank you to Mayor Siscoe who opened our 25^th Ribfest and the media were there. All areas of media including radio and social media promoted the event and increased our visibility and positive image in the Community.

With the increased participation by our Ribbers, strong corporate support and the City of St. Catharines, we raised $89,156 which will go back into our community where there is the most need! We also raised $6,000 dollars through the 50/50 draw. The winner was past District Governor Lisa Bishop.

Submitted by John Potts Co Lead of the Rib Fest Committee

The next generation of chess masters

In India, a chess renaissance draws players to the game and its gifts, and Rotary clubs are helping to expand access

Rotary projects around the globe February 2026

Learn how Rotary clubs are taking action in the United States, Jamaica, Hungary, Mauritius, and Vietnam.

Rotary inaugurates new Peace Center at Symbiosis International University (SIU)

Applications for Rotary’s one-year Postgraduate Diploma Program 2027 at SIU will be open from 1 February -15 May 2026.

Rotary’s alumni honoree works to transform mindsets in peacebuilding efforts

Rotary’s alumni honoree works to transform mindsets in peacebuilding

The game changer

Meet your 2026-27 Rotary president, Olayinka Hakeem Babalola

Indian developer donates US$50 million to The Rotary Foundation

Ravishankar Dakoju pledged that he and his wife and fellow club member, Paola Dakoju, would donate approximately US$50 million (4.5 billion Indian rupees) to The Rotary Foundation.

Olayinka H. Babalola urges members of Rotary to Create Lasting Impact

Rotary International president-elect emphasizes effective action and ‘embracing the world with open arms’

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February 2026

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