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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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St. Catharines Rotary Ribfest Returns to Montebello Park for Year 26 — July 31 to August 3, 2026

St. Catharines Rotary Ribfest Returns to Montebello Park for Year 26 — July 31 to August 3, 2026

Four days of ribs, food vendors, live entertainment, and family fun — a true St. Catharines summer food festival

St. Catharines, ON – [March 31, 2026] — The Rotary Club of St. Catharines, in partnership with the City of St. Catharines, is excited to announce that St. Catharines Rotary Ribfest returns to Montebello Park from July 31 to August 3, 2026. Now in its 26th year, this signature summer weekend is organized and run by volunteers from the Rotary Club of St. Catharines.

While Ribfest is known for its award-winning ribbers, the weekend is also a broader St. Catharines food festival experience, featuring a variety of food vendors beyond ribs, plus live entertainment, community partners, and family-friendly programming throughout the park.

Following the tremendous response from last year, Ribfest will once again feature the 2nd Annual Family Day, created to welcome families and little ones with programming designed to make the park a fun and comfortable place to spend the day. More details on Family Day activities will be shared as the event approaches.

“Ribfest is one of those weekends that just feels like St. Catharines — great food, great people, and a park full of community spirit. Our Rotary volunteers are proud to bring it back to Montebello,” said Rob DePetris, Incoming President of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines. “We’re excited that it’s grown into a true summer food festival with vendors beyond ribs, plus entertainment and family-friendly fun — all while supporting local causes.”

“Rotary Ribfest has grown into St. Catharines’ largest summer food festival and charity fundraiser, bringing the community together in the downtown to enjoy great entertainment, food, beverages, and of course ribs,” said John Potts, Co-Chair of Rotary Ribfest. “And yes, the Caverners will be back for a free Sunday afternoon concert.”

As always, Ribfest is the Rotary Club of St. Catharines’ largest fundraising event, with proceeds supporting local charities and community projects, as well as Rotary’s broader community impact initiatives. This event is made possible in part through the generous support of our major sponsors, Accenture, Meridian Credit Union, and Rankin Construction.

For event updates and announcements, follow us on Instagram @stcatharinesribfest and visit https://www.stcatharinesribfest.com/.

Logo and hi resolution photos included

Media Contact:

John Potts

Ribfest Co-Chair

(289) 407-6409

john.potts025@gmail.com

Rotary Club of St. Catharines and CAA Niagara to Host 2026 Charity Golf Tournament

Rotary Club of St. Catharines and CAA Niagara to Host 2026 Charity Golf Tournament

A day of golf, food, and fundraising in support of Niagara Children’s Centre and Distress Centre Niagara

Fonthill, ON – [Insert release date] — The Rotary Club of St. Catharines, in partnership with CAA Niagara, is proud to present the 2026 Rotary–CAA Niagara Charity Golf Tournament on Monday, May 25, 2026, at Lookout Point Country Club.

This annual event brings together golfers, sponsors, and community partners for a day on the course in support of Niagara Children’s Centre and Distress Centre Niagara.

The day begins at 11:30 a.m. with lunch and driving range access, followed by a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start. Golfers will enjoy on-course activities, great food, and a welcoming community atmosphere, with the day concluding in a 6:30 p.m. dinner, silent auction, and evening program.

Organizers are also inviting local businesses and community supporters to get involved through sponsorship. Opportunities are available at the Gold, Silver, and Hole Sponsor levels, with proceeds helping fund important services for children, families, and individuals across Niagara.

“This tournament reflects the power of collaboration and a shared commitment to giving back,” said Chelcie Armstrong, Co-Chair of the 2026 Rotary–CAA Niagara Charity Golf Tournament. “Each year, golfers, sponsors, and volunteers come together not only for a great day on the course, but to make a real difference for organizations serving people across Niagara.”

“This tournament speaks to the strength of our partnership with Rotary and the impact we can create together in our community,” said Marrianne Wilson, President and CEO of CAA Niagara. “We are proud to be part of a long-standing tradition of giving back.”

Founded in 1921, the Rotary Club of St. Catharines has a long history of service in Niagara. Funds raised through the tournament are reinvested into the community to support local organizations and strengthen the lives of individuals and families across the region.

To learn more, register, or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit:

https://2026rotary-caa-golf.auctria.events/

MEDIA CONTACT

Chelcie Armstrong and Lenore Klassen

Co-Chairs, Rotary Club of St. Catharines & CAA Niagara Charity Golf Tournament

rotarycaagolf@gmail.com

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.

Progress report: Partners for a Malaria-Free Zambia

Rotary and partners deploy health workers to confront malaria and more through the five-year-old Partners for a Malaria-Free Zambia program.

Nobel Peace laureate Malala Yousafzai to speak at the Rotary Convention in Taipei

Nobel Peace laureate Malala Yousafzai to speak at the Rotary Convention in

A Rotarian works to dispel myths about polio vaccines

A Rotarian works to dispel myths about polio vaccinesDiana Maria PirgaRotary Club of Türkiye Evrensel, District 2430Digital community engagement specialist, UNICEF PakistanI was looking for

Rotary International moves Barcelona convention to 2027

Rotary International moves Barcelona convention to 2027BARCELONA (April 6, 2026) – Barcelona, Spain, has been selected to host Rotary’s international convention, which is often described by attendees as a mini-United

Rotary projects around the globe April 2026

Learn how Rotary clubs are taking action in Mexico, Canada, Latvia, and India.

To catch a killer parasite

As the science advances, Rotary members join the quest to find vaccines to stop malaria

Six young leaders named Rotary’s ‘Champions of Tomorrow’ for empowering youth across the globe

Rotary is recognizing six of its members and program participants age 30 and under as Rotary People of Action: ‘Champions of Tomorrow’ for their leadership in advancing impactful, youth‑centered initiatives that are helping to create the foundations for brighter futures, today.

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