Club Information

Proud to also serve Puslinch Township

Guelph South

Come together as strangers,
work together as friends

We meet Thursdays at 7:30 AM
Springfield Golf & Country Club
2054 Gordon Street
Guelph, ON N1L1G6
Canada
Email:
info@guelphsouthrotary.ca
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President's Message 2020-2021

Russell Powell

member photo
Each year, Rotary renews itself with a new leadership team.  Rotary International President, Holger Knaack has chosen ‘”Rotary Opens Opportunities” as this year’s theme. Together we will engage in meaningful projects.  The opportunities are for people to meet and help others with a hand up. 
 
Once we accept the condition of the world, we can bring creativity and innovation to improve it.
 
 
Home Page Stories
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Posted on Apr 22, 2021
As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.  A top priority for Rotary is growing and diversifying our membership to make sure we reflect the communities we serve.  We're creating an organization that is more open and inclusive, fair to all, builds goodwill, and benefits our communities. We want people with differing perspectives and ideas who will help Rotary take action to create lasting change in communities around the world.  Through Rotary, you'll find unique opportunities to get involved. Everyone is welcome in Rotary.  Talk to any Guelph South Rotarian about your interests and help us widen our circle - email us at info@guelphsouthrotary.ca, check out our website and join us at an upcoming meeting!.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
Posted on Apr 19, 2021
It's time to celebrate the many millions of volunteers across Canada - it's National Volunteer Week (April 18-24).  This week we celebrate volunteers - including Rotarians - and all they do for our communities.
HIKING THE INCA TRAIL
Posted on Apr 15, 2021
On April 15th Steven Wright was our guest speaker.  He provided us with breathtaking photos and a talk on his and wife Theresa’s trip of a lifetime…a hike on the Inca Trail in Peru to Machu Picchu.
Read more...
SHELTER BOX CANADA
Posted on Apr 08, 2021
At our April 8th weekly meeting we had a virtual visit from Dani Bristow, Volunteer Program Coordinator for Shelter Box Canada.  Shelter Box is a global charitable organization and a Rotary project partner since 2012.  Our club has supported this organization including providing donations for the supply of 2 Shelter Boxes to Haiti following a disastrous 2010 earthquake.   

 
Read more...
ROOTA (Rising Out Of The Ashes)
Posted on Mar 25, 2021
ROOTA (Rising Out Of The Ashes)
We were pleased today to welcome Nevine Yassa, a Scarborough Rotarian, to our ZOOM meeting to speak about ROOTA (Rising Out Of The Ashes) a Canadian charity whose mission is to alleviate poverty and enhance education. ROOTA currently supports a marginalized community of trash collectors in Egypt commonly referred to as “The Zabaleen”.  Along with support for education in the community, ROOTA also has a program to provide COVID-19 support to 1000 families.  ROOTA also works to provide local women with sewing and quilting equipment in order to help them create self-sustaining income.  More information can be found on their website roota.org or their Facebook page @rootazabaleencanada, or their Twitter feed @RootaZabaleen.
DIVERSITY EQUITY & INCLUSION - ROTARY TOP PRIORITY
Posted on Mar 18, 2021
We were honoured to be able to welcome Rotary International Director Valarie Wafer as our very special guest speaker at this morning's meeting.  Besides being a Collingwood-based Rotarian, Valarie also chairs Rotary International’s new Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce that is charged with shaping a comprehensive action plan with achievable, measurable and meaningful outcomes for Rotary.  Rotarians from other clubs in our Guelph-Wellington Cluster also joined us in the ZOOM meeting to hear Rotary Club of Guelph South President Russ Powell and Rotarian Geoff Allen introduce Valarie and provide her biography.
 
 
 
Read more...
WORLD WATER DAY 2021
WORLD WATER DAY 2021
Monday March 22nd marks #WorldWaterDay, a day to raise awareness and highlight the importance of education and training in addressing water challenges in indigenous communities in Canada. In September 2020 Rotary International announced that a Global Grant of $80,000 US ($115,000 Cdn.) was awarded to the cluster of Guelph Rotary Clubs, Oakville, Brampton and Toronto as signatories for partnership with the WATER FIRST @waterfirstngo Internship Program. 
 
There is a link to the story of how this Global Grant came to be (see "Home Page Download Files" frame on left side of website home page) along with this video of Eric, one of the Water First interns - he is speaking about a water ceremony he attended.  World Water Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate how significant water is to our communities, and to address how important it is to ensure everyone has access to safe, clean drinking water.
 
 
The importance of vaccines for COVID-19
Posted on Mar 11, 2021
Thursday March 11 2021 marked 1 year to the day since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.  With the development of vaccines and imminent availability of them to all Canadians, we were fortunate to receive a very informative presentation at our March 11th 2021 weekly meeting.
The presentation was by none other than a grade 5 student, Rosie.  Her grandmother is a member of our Rotary club and advised us that Rosie had won a speech contest (on another topic, we want her to give us that speech as well!) and suggested her as a speaker.  Given that it was International Womens Week, and with her lineage she is no doubt a future Rotarian, we were happy to welcome her.  And she did an awesome job - she was poised and succinct, and I think we all learned something.  We took a screenshot of the ZOOM session when she was speaking - she is in the bottom row, second from the left:
Thanks Rosie (and grandma Deb for suggesting) and we'll look forward to hearing your speech contest winning entry about the three levels of government.
Valentine Auction Info
We are delighted to announce that we cleared $8,000 on our Valentine Auction. Thank you to everyone who supported this. Proceeds will support Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre as well as other Rotary-supported programs. https://sunrise-therapeutic.ca
Watch this space for information about our Pasta Picnic scheduled for June 18, 2021 (COVID permitting).
 
WELCOME TO ROTARY JOHN PERSSON
Posted on Jan 21, 2021
Welcome to Rotary John!! President-Elect Linda Craig formally inducted new member John Persson at this morning's meeting. John's wife + sponsor, Rotarian Sharron Riley-Persson, did the honours, pinning him, while his mentor, charter member Peter Clark, introduced him.
We just know you will be a fantastic addition to our wonderful Rotary club.
 
Nutcrackers Raise $8,000
On November 1rst the Nutcrackers came to town at 101 Wyndham Street.  A big thank you to Sharron Riley-Persson, owner of SR-P Creations, for the donation of 104 Nutcrackers from her private collection that were auctioned off.  The successful event raised $8,000 dollars, so thank you to all who participated by placing bids. Congratulations to the successful bidders.  All the nutcrackers had special meanings to Sharron and she was thrilled to see how excited people were when they picked them up.  It made giving them away so much easier knowing they were going to a new loving home.  Special thanks to Lorraine Kruse, of Defined Space and Staging, 
https://www.definedspacestaging.com/ for decorating the windows at 101 Wyndham St to display the Nutcrackers and to Megan McCormack, of McCormack Photography, https://www.mccormickphotography.ca/ for photographing each one for the Auction Site.  Thank you ladies for donating your valuable time. 

Our next Fundraising Auction will be a Valentine theme, focusing on items/gift certificates from local businesses. We are strongly committed to supporting our local stores as they struggle to get through the Covid lockdown restrictions.  
The auction will take place again on Trellis.org from Feb 1 to Feb 12th.  Come back to this site for more details at the end of January and #InvestInGuelph! 
CHEQUE PRESENTATION - HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
We were pleased to welcome Habitat for Humanity Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph CEO Steve Howard to our virtual Rotary meeting on Dec 17th where we advised him of the $4,000 donation being made to Habitat for Humanity WDG from the recent Nutcrackers auction. A virtual "big cheque" presentation followed by e-transfer!
CTV Kitchener re Nutcracker fundraiser
Enjoy the interview of Sharron Riley-Perrson regarding the Nutcracker fundraiser that aired today!
(no extra charge for the few seconds of commercial preceding...)
NUTCRACKER FUNDRAISER PROJECT LAUNCH
Rotary Club of Guelph South President Russ Powell, along with Nutcracker committee chair Sharron Riley-Persson, announces the official launch of the Nutcracker fundraiser at 101 Wyndham Street in Guelph, running as a silent auction between November 1st to 30th 2020.  Proceeds to Habitat for Humanity Guelph-Wellington and other worthwhile Rotary projects. For auction details go to www.facebook.com/groups/WheresWizard, auction is now LIVE at https://giving.trellis.org/nutcrackers/auction.  Thanks for your support!
 
THE NUTCRACKERS ARE COMING TO TOWN....
We are so excited to announce this new fundraiser!  For the month of November 2020 only this limited collection of nutcrackers will be auctioned off, the proceeds to worthy organizations supported by Rotary Club of Guelph South. 
 
 
Below is the first press release - watch this site for another that will follow within a few days with more information on the auction:
 
                                                           *****
 
THE NUTCRACKERS ARE COMING TO TOWN…….
 
In this stressful time of concern and challenges for everyone due to COVID-19, the Rotary Club of Guelph South is bringing a holiday spirit and excitement to our town!  Over 100 nutcracker characters are just waiting for their appearance and opportunity to adorn their new home(s) and put smiles on you and your loved ones’ faces this holiday season.  These unique and special nutcrackers have been assembled over 30 years with love and gratitude for the joy they have brought to family and friends during the holiday season and throughout the entire year!
 
The Rotary Club of Guelph South is bringing these lively characters to you in the hope you will not only enjoy them when you visit the display, but will also help Rotary raise important funds for charities in so much need of financial assistance during this time.  “This collection has been a passion for over 30 years,” says Sharron Riley-Persson, donor and Rotary Club member. “My family has enjoyed each new character every year (and perhaps more than one per year!) – with laughter, hugs and a joyful time to celebrate the season - and now it is time to give back to the community and share my long-time nutcracker friends”.
 
Sharron’s collection is going up for auction this season beginning Nov. 1st and this campaign will conclude midnight Nov. 30th.
 
“This collection is vast and unique – coming from locations across North America over the span of more than 30 years with such history to each character”, remarks Russ Powell, President of the Rotary Club of Guelph South. Proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity WDG as well as other organizations supported by the Rotary Club of Guelph South such as Food4Kids Guelph, Sunrise Therapeutic and Olive Tree Projects.  Watch for clues and more information about this unveiling of THE NUTCRACKERS ARE COMING TO TOWN IN GUELPH on social media – there is also a reward for the most re-posts – visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/WheresWizard/ or email celia@digitalfrog.com if you would like Merlin to visit your garden
.
In addition to our generous members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South we are also extremely grateful to the following who are lending their support to this fundraising initiative:
  • Megan McCormick of McCormick Photography
  • Lorraine Kruse of Defined Space Staging and Decorating
  • Angelo and Adelia Ferraro, Andel Holdings Inc. Venue at 101 Wyndham Street
  • Joel Van Haastrecht (Haas Properties) Venue at 18 Wilson Street
For more information please contact:
Sharron Riley-Persson, 416-258-8588.
5th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch
 
Each organization receives $1,000.00.  Sadly we were not able to host 10 volunteers from each organization as well for a special brunch and cheque presentation ceremony at Cutten Fields as we would normally do. Rotary Club of Guelph South is so grateful to the sponsors who help make this event possible, including presenting sponsor Davies & Mahnke Private Wealth Management and Hammond Power Solutions.
 
Check out the photo album (right side of website home page) and the photo carousel (left side of website home page) and watch the website www.rotaryvab.org for information on the start of nominations for organizations to be honoured at the 2021 Annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch.
 
10 organizations    100 volunteers     $10,000 donations
TOUR DE GUELPH SUPPORTS FOOD4KIDS
Did you know that Tour de Guelph supports numerous local charities?

Tour de Guelph supports Guelph General Hospital and many other local charities through the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium.

This year, Food4Kids Guelph will receive funding through Rotary Guelph South. Food4Kids Guelph is a charity that provides weekend food bags for school children who are at risk of going hungry on weekends. Because Food4Kds Guelph operates entirely on volunteerism, 100% of the proceeds they receive through Tour de Guelph will help them purchase food for filling the bags. 

You can feel good about that when you're out on your ride or walk this year! 
 
 
Thank You Deb Allen
Thank you Deb Allen for your incredible leadership over the past year.  You made sure our club never skipped a beat by immediately starting a Zoom Breakfast meeting.  We were able to still enjoy some incredible speakers and share  fellowship time.  This support was invaluable during our isolation time at home.  Thank you for guidance, patience and humour over the past year.   I think we are all in agreement that our year was still successful and continued strong to the end of your time.  Thanks for giving us your time and talents.  We look forward to our new President Russ Powell and of course to hopefully being able to meet back at Springfield face to face.  From all our members a very heart felt Thank you!! 
2020 TOUR DE GUELPH

Already over $60,000 net fundraising revenue raised of our
$100,000 goal!
Thank you to all those who have already registered and who have been fundraising!
This progress is all you! Incredible!
If you haven’t registered yet, you can still get in on this!
Registration will remain open until Sunday July 26th, 2020.

Have you already completed your ride or walk? Submit your photo to the Tour de Guelph 2020 Online Photo Album, presented by Elinesky Schuett Private Wealth Management of RBC Dominion Securities and hosted by GuelphToday.com.
 
In response to the COVID-19 crisis and in adherence with current physical distancing recommendations, Tour de Guelph 2020 will not be held in its usual single-day event format.
Instead, we welcome all new and past riders to register, fundraise, and complete one of our Tour de Guelph routes on your own, making sure you are physically distanced from other riders, any time on or between the fourth Sunday of June, 2020 and the fourth Sunday of July, 2020, (Sunday June 28th, 2020 to Sunday July 26th, 2020). Take a photo of yourself on your ride and email it to us, we’ll post it in a special online photo album. Please also share your pictures on social media using #TdG2020.  We are also welcoming those who prefer to ride at home on their bike trainer or stationary bike. We are also welcoming walkers this year!
 
Proceeds of Tour de Guelph support Guelph General Hospital. Did you know that every piece of equipment used in the direct care of patients at Guelph General are funded through community donations? Over the past six years, proceeds from Tour de Guelph have funded IV Pumps, an Ultrasound Machine, Respiratory Ventilators, and have also helped fund Interventional Radiology, a new CT Scanner and a new Centralized Cardiac Monitor. All this equipment is essential to the delivery of patient care at Guelph General.  This year, proceeds from Tour de Guelph are needed to purchase blood pressure monitors for the Hospital’s Day Surgery Unit. Blood pressure is an extremely important vital sign to monitor in patients undergoing surgery to ensure their safety.

BONUS!  All registered riders to fundraise $300 or more will receive an exclusive Tour de Guelph 2020 cycling Jersey!

 
In addition to supporting the Hospital, every year, many local groups aimed at youth development, family support, and community building are supported by Tour de Guelph proceeds through the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium.
 
This year, through the Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium, Tour de Guelph proceeds will help support The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington Food & Friends Program to supply healthy food to hungry minds. Proceeds will also provide financial support to HOPE House and their Harvest of HOPE program. The Harvest of HOPE is a volunteer-driven community garden harvesting farm-fresh produce for families across Guelph that makes good food more accessible in our community.
 
Through the Rotary Club of Guelph South, Tour de Guelph proceeds will help support Food4Kids Guelph which provides packages of healthy food for kids aged 1 – 14 years with limited or no access to food each weekend. Proceeds will also support the Volunteer Appreciation Brunch which is an annual initiative to recognize 100 volunteers from 10 local charities. Each participating charity receives a $1,000 donation!
 
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
 
 
ARNOLD BOLLIGER
We are sad to report that one of our Rotarians – member Arnold Bolliger – passed away on Saturday February 29th.  Arnold starting visiting us in 2007 and finally became a Rotarian, joining our Rotary club as a youthful 75 year old, in February 2008. Arnold contributed to the club in so many ways, serving on a number of different committees including Membership and Rotary Foundation.  Arnold was surprised and pleased to be honoured by the club with a Paul Harris Fellow in 2016.  He had one of the best attendance records of any member, was never without a smile on his face, and was a prolific fundraiser for worthy causes and events supported by the club.  It will take some getting used to, to seeing his usual chair empty at weekly meetings at Springfield Golf & Country Club.
 
RIP Arnold – thank you for your service to Rotary and our Rotary club - you will be missed.
 
(A photo album has been created, showing Arnold as a Rotarian through the years – see the frame on the right hand side of the club website, and the photo carousel on the left hand side)
Annual Pasta Dinner 2020
 
The Annual Pasta Dinner is in the books for 2020. We had a great turn out yet again and the food was amazing. Lots of hard work went into this event, especially from the kitchen staff volunteers that put in a 14 hour day! It's always great to see such an enthusiastic group of attendees from the community and of course, to raise money for great community organizations like Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Centre.
CHEQUE PRESENTATION
Presenting local charities we have chosen to give our fundraising dollars to is always a highlight of some of our Breakfast Meetings.  
Rotary Celebrating 100 Years in Guelph!
 
Rotary is celebrating 100 years in Guelph in 2020! There are now 4 clubs in the city, including ours, that all do great work putting service above self. Here's to 100 more!
 
Lutherwood Visits the Club
Carla from Lutherwood attended our meeting on October 3 to give us the run down on the employment services they offer to newcomers to Canada. They are doing great work to help people with training, networking, and other employment support in the Waterloo Region and Wellington County. 
 
 
Club Leadership Team
President
Russell Powell
President-Elect
Linda Craig
Past President
Debbie Allen
Secretary
Linda Main
Treasurer
Peter Clark
Rotary Foundation Committee Chair
Karen Curtis
Membership Committee Chair
Alan Jarvis
Youth Service Committee Chair
Martin Litchfield
Director
Alan Jarvis
Director
Linda Craig
Director
Martin Litchfield
PHOTO CAROUSEL: Together we are PEOPLE OF ACTION
Home Page Download Files
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Links
Speakers
Board of Directors Meeting
May 19, 2021
Sarah Bowers-Peter
May 20, 2021
Guest Presentation - Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington
Marianne Walker
May 27, 2021
Guest Presentation - Running A Hospital During A Pandemic
Pete Clark
Jun 03, 2021
Club Meeting - Treasurer's Presentation on the 2020-2021 Finances
View entire list...
Photo Albums
RSS
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