Stories

At a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines, we had the privilege of hosting Jane LaVacca, Executive Director of Westview Centre 4 Women. Jane shared her remarkable journey and the impactful work being done at the Centre to support marginalized women in our community.

Westview Centre 4 Women, located in St. Catharines' Queenston Street neighborhood, is a weekly drop-in center offering a safe and supportive space for women facing challenges like homelessness, low income, addiction, mental health issues, and the sex trade. Under Jane’s leadership, the Centre has expanded to address service gaps and provide comprehensive support. The Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake recently reinforced its commitment to supporting women by donating nearly $8,000 at the grand opening of Westview Centre 4 Women’s new location. This generous contribution highlights a shared dedication to empowerment and community upliftment.

 

The conference was held on April 6^th in Niagara Falls with a focus on volunteering.  Our club was represented by President Jackie, Valerie Vanderhoeven, Rob and Nora De Petris, Sharon and Duncan Willock and Amin Osmani.  Duncan and Amin were on the organizing committee.  Bits, Bites and Benevolence was the fundraiser held on the Friday evening.  There were games and karaoke. The highlight was Stompin Rob’s rendition of “Sudbury Saturday Night.”  The conference, chaired by DG  David Alexander focused on attracting and engaging volunteers in these times.  Speakers included Lauren Ott, a leader in Social Impact, Jim Anderson, Peace activist and Ian Mc Cann Meridian’s Manager of Social Impact and Partnerships.  Our district’s Exchange Students were well represented, marching into the conference with their flags.  Students from our Interact Clubs also participated. The conference ended with an evening of fellowship including Bocce Ball and “Name that Tune.” Some of us dated ourselves by our knowledge of hits from the 70’s and 80’s.

Members of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines, St. Catharines South, St. Catharine's Lakeshore and Interact Club from Collegiate High School gathered together to raise the flag and awareness of the End Polio Now campaign that is spearheaded by Rotary International. They were joined by Councillor Mark Stevens who gave some opening remarks along with our President Jackie and Interact President Rahaf Rifa who gave some remarks on behalf of the interact club highlighting the clubs' efforts to raise funds and awareness to support the campaign. 

 

Why? We've all known/knew people who needed blood or plasma... who knows... we may need it someday ourselves... Why it takes no talent, no learning curve and costs only your time... and only at your convenience! Why? You can donate together with other Rotarians. Why? It is Service Above Self... just do it!

Many of you may remember our vibrant breakfast program that ran last year. Well, the new school year is here, and we are starting up again as of October 7.   

To that end, we need volunteers to make it work.  

What is involved:

Two volunteers would show up at 7:45am at Lincoln Centennial and put together a simple breakfast and serve to children.   Preparation would take from 7:45 to 8:30am, serving to children would happen from 8:30 am to 9am, and clean up would happen from 9am to 9:15am.  We are open to getting non-Rotarians and Rotarians at other clubs involved to make this work.  If interested contact office@rotarystcatharines.com for more information.

 

Even the big dark clouds could not deter President Jackie from talking up the Club at the at Hernder Estates’ Community Partner Supper Event! We are always open to new members!

Thank you, Tommy Wegge, for also keeping the watch!

Foundation Chair Rick Evans had the pleasant task of presenting PHF awards to Rotarian Sharon Willock and Mike Britton at the August 8th, 2024, meeting. 

 

What a great afternoon presenting the certificates and cheques to these Rotary Medalist winners at the May 9th meeting.

 From left to right is President Oksana Fisher, Olivia Breakspeare, Edward McTague, Juan Clavijo Caicedo and Rotarian Rob DePetris.

 

 

Congratulations Duncan for resurrecting all our Youth Services programs!

 

It was with distinct pleasure for President Rick Evans to give some history and well deserving acknowledgement to Ray Bukovec for his over 50 years of outstanding service to our club and for expanding Rotary's reach in Slovenia. Surrounded by his family, receiving a Paul Harris Fellow Award made for an emotional moment for him and all. Congratulations and thank you Ray.

District Governor Lisa Bishop and Foundation Chair Sandi Chard presented Lezlie Murch with a prestigious Foundation Award. 

Lezlie works very hard in many aspects of Rotary, and a long time supported of the Rotary Foundation. This award recognizes all her efforts in supporting the Foundation.  The club congratulated her with a standing ovation.

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