Stories

14 Days to the Brunch!

Posted on Sep 16, 2024

The excitement is mounting as we approach the 2024 Brunch at the Arboretum in support of 5 great charities: Royal City Mission, Hope House Guelph, Elora House, SEEDS Canada and Olive Tree Project. Truly a Brunch with a cause! Join us at the University of Guelph Arboretum on September 29 at 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM. Enjoy a delicious brunch and beautiful scenery as well as a complimentary mimosa. There will also be live and silent auctions and you'll have a chance to bid on fabulous items. Get your tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/32e3n2ac Let’s make a difference together!

Brunch with a cause!

Posted on Sep 06, 2024

Our Rotary club is looking forward to hosting the 2024 "Brunch at the Arboretum" in support of 5 deserving charities. If you haven't bought YOUR tickets already here's the link for you to do so: https://tinyurl.com/32e3n2ac

Hope to see you there!

https://youtu.be/uNmIzwrLEeM

23rd Anniversary

Time flies when we're having fun! Hard to believe but July 31 2024 was the 23rd anniversary of our being chartered as a Rotary club (originally "Rotary Club of Wellington South"). Since then we have worked hard, played hard, and contributed to the communities we serve both locally and internationally. We changed our name to "Rotary Club of Guelph South" and we created a separate Charitable Foundation. Starting from $0 in July 2001 we have worked hard and have since made donations approaching - if not actually exceeding - $650,000. We have supported disaster responses in Haiti, Ukraine, Pakistan and British Columbia. We have facilitated projects in Haiti, Nicaragua, Mexico and in an Ontario First Nations community.

Eradicating Human Trafficking Flag Raising

Posted on Jul 23, 2024

This morning a group organized by the Eradicating Human Trafficking committee gathered at St. George's Square in downtown Guelph and marched, carrying the "Stop Human Trafficking" lawn signs, to Guelph City Hall. They were met there by representatives of the Guelph Police Service, Guelph Ward 6 Councilor Dominique O'Rourke and Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie. The Mayor spoke on this issue and then raised the "Stop Human Trafficking" flag on one of the flagpoles outside of Guelph City Hall. Following the event both Councilor O'Rourke and the Guelph Police Service made posts on X (formerly Twitter) in support of the committee's efforts. A photo album has been created and can be viewed at the link here: photoalbums/2024-stop-human-trafficking-flag-raising

A THANK YOU message from Charlie Barnes...

Posted on Jul 10, 2024

Our own Charlie Barnes sent through this thoughtful message to the organizing team for the 2024 Tour de Guelph event:

"I wanted to thank everyone for making the Tour de Guelph event possible and all the hard work y'all did for this great cause. My contribution was fundraising and cycling 25 Km. My donors helped me reach $28,425 this year and my total over the past 7 years has reached $102,425! An all time high by a country mile! I had 193 donors this year, from across 9 time zones from San Francisco to Rotterdam! Every contributor to my ride who donated $100 or more will get a bottle of our very own Cedarcrest Farm maple syrup. Our team, the Guelph Triathlon Club, raised $44,300 topping all other teams. Looking forward to 2025!"

Charlie is 86 years old, and has been a Rotarian for 5 years, continuing decades of community service and raising funds for causes such as Guelph General Hospital and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

2024 "Brunch at the Arboretum" - Tickets now available!

Posted on Jul 08, 2024

Tickets are now available for the 2024 "Brunch at the Arboretum" being held at the University of Guelph's Arboretum on Sept 29 2024.

Supporting 5 worthwhile charitable organizations. Grateful to the sponsors and volunteers especially Platinum Sponsors Schlegel Villages + Hammond Power Solutions.
Click on this link for more information on the event and sponsorship opportunities, to buy tickets or to make a donation ► https://guelphsouthrotary.ca/event/brunch-at-the-arboretum/

Food4Kids Guelph (now "Keep Kids Fed At Home")

Posted on Jul 02, 2024

Effective July 1 2024 Food4Kids Guelph unified its services with the operations of the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington for a more coordinated approach to their programs, and became known as the "Keep Kids Fed At Home" program, continuing to bridge the weekend and holiday gap. Food4Kids Guelph was originally a project developed and managed for the past 5 years primarily by Guelph Rotarians. It involved a great deal of volunteer time and effort, and all those volunteers - including many from our Rotary club - deserve our thanks for how successful the program became.

https://youtu.be/nc38IadFors

The Magic of Rotary

Posted on Jul 01, 2024

July 1st marks the start of a new Rotary year, and for 2024-2025 President Stephanie Urchick, a member of the Rotary club of McMurray Pennsylvania USA. Her Presidential Theme is "The Magic of Rotary" and actually represents the last of the Presidential Themes...Rotary International is eliminating the annual theme change after June 30 2025. Thanks to Rotarian Debbie Vance for this wonderful Presidential Theme graphic!

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1117090312927058

2024 President Changeover Celebration

Posted on Jun 30, 2024

For our final regular weekly meeting of the 2023-2024 Rotary year we replaced our usual breakfast meeting with a special fellowship dinner and celebration at Springfield Golf & Country Club. It was a wonderful opportunity to thank outgoing 2023-2024 President Shelley Adlington and her Board for their service to our Rotary club, and to welcome incoming 2024-2025 President John Persson and his new Board. As well, the members and guests in attendance were able to observe 2 new members being formally inducted. There was great fellowship and energy, laughter, delicious food – captured in photos, check it out! photoalbums/2024-president-changeover-dinner

Welcome New Members!

Posted on Jun 28, 2024

On June 27th, during the President Changeover Celebration Dinner, we welcomed two new members to our Rotary club. 2023-2024 President Shelley Adlington, along with Rotarian sponsor Celia Clark, formally inducted Donna Gorjup. Shelley had herself sponsored Shamsuddin "Shams" Nasir and, accompanied by Membership Chair Veronika Sorek, formally inducted him as well.

Donna and Shams are welcome additions and will add new energy and fresh ideas as we start the new 2024-2025 Rotary year.

2024 Tour de Guelph

Posted on Jun 24, 2024

The 11^th annual Tour de Guelph community cycling event, co-sponsored by LabelDesign Ltd and Scotiabank, was another resounding success! A record breaking 780 riders has raised about $192,000 (so far) against its 2024 goal of $200,000 with donations being accepted until July 3^rd. Planning will begin soon for the 12th annual event that will be held on June 22, 2025.

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Members honoured by Rotary International

Posted on Jun 20, 2024

At our June 20th weekly meeting, District 7080 Governor Brenda Halloran was in attendance and presented two members - Charlie Barnes and Martin Litchfield - with "Avenues of Service Award" certificates from Rotary International.

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Spring 2024 Donations

Posted on May 16, 2024

At our May 16^th weekly meeting we were thrilled to be able to welcome representatives of six worthy organizations that we have recently supported with donations totaling $18,000.

Road clean-up

Posted on May 05, 2024

The Rotary Club of Guelph South is proud to participate in the Adopt a Road program .By taking on the responsibility of cleaning up litter and debris along our designated road (Brock Road, between the Aberfoyle Mill and Duff’s Church) in Puslinch we demonstrate our commitment to environmental stewardship and community pride. Our efforts not only contribute to a cleaner and more attractive environment but we also weirdly have fun doing it. The picture is of Charter member Frank pranking the other team by throwing his garbage on their side of the road. All in great 🤩 fun!! And afterwards, a delicious lunch together!

2024 RYLA

Posted on May 04, 2024

Three members of our Rotary Club of Guelph South attended the RYLA dinner and had a fantastic time with the RYLArians. The sense of community and energy were amazing. The speaker “Unstoppable Tracy Schmitt” was incredibly talented and uplifting, inspiring us to believe in our abilities. Our District Governor Brenda Halloran also gave a wonderful speech after the meal. We highly recommend attending this dinner next year to see the benefits of RYLA for both ourselves and the students we sponsor. It was a joy to spend time with everyone, especially our sponsored RYLA participant Shamsuddin Nasir.

A photo album slideshow from the event is available here: photoalbums/2024-ryla

Tree Planting on Earth Day

Posted on Apr 23, 2024

On April 22nd Rotary Club of Guelph South members participated in a tree planting event at Guelph's Silvercreek Park. Our Past President, Martin Litchfield, who is also Vice President of Trees For Guelph and a lifelong forester, encouraged us to join this initiative. Inspired by Martin's dedication to forestry and the environment, we partnered with Trees For Guelph. This collaboration reflects our club’s commitment to Rotary's newest Area of Focus "Supporting the Environment".

RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) Program

Posted on Apr 03, 2024

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive training program that brings together youth and young adults to further develop character and leadership skills, and learn about Rotary. The program helps to fulfill Rotary’s commitment to Youth Service by empowering young people through leadership development. This year we are proud to sponsor SHAMSUDDIN NASIR and look forward to hearing about his experience at the event, held May 2-5 at the Ecology Retreat Centre in Orangeville. He will be joining us at our April 18th weekly meeting and again to report on his RYLA experience at our June 6th weekly meeting.

APRIL is Rotary's Environment Month

Posted on Apr 01, 2024

Supporting the environment is Rotary's seventh area of focus. It joined peace-building and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; and community economic development. Rotary is committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment. We empower communities to access grants and other resources, embrace local solutions, and spur innovation to address the causes and reduce the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.

Rotary protects fresh water systems

Posted on Mar 29, 2024

In November 2023 "Community Action for Fresh Water" was established as the new name of the Rotary International-United Nations Environment Program initiative, and it was formally launched on January 10th 2024 at the Rotary International Assembly. The new initiative was launched, in part as a response to Rotary International introducing "Supporting the Environment" as its newest area of focus in 2022. Healthy freshwater systems are vital for flourishing and vibrant societies, but these systems are threatened by climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution. Rotary members around the world have already been active in protecting and restoring freshwater ecosystems.

President-Elect John Persson

Posted on Mar 15, 2024

Our incoming 2024-2025 President, John Persson, completed his District 7080 President-Elect training on March 9th. The PETS "family photo" showing our John dead-centre in the photo. Well done John and best wishes for your year ahead as our President!

Martin Litchfield: Paul Harris Fellow

On February 22^nd 2024 our 2022-2023 Past President Martin Litchfield was honoured by his Rotary club by being designated a Paul Harris Fellow. The District 7080 Governor Brenda Halloran was in attendance at the meeting and presented Martin with the certificate and pin. This honour was bestowed on Martin in recognition of his contributions to the club and to the community with his legacy of community, youth and environmental service.

International Womens Day 2024

Posted on Mar 06, 2024

March 8th is International Women’s Day. 2024 marks 35 years since Rotary International changed their governing documents, in 1989, to permit the addition of women into Rotary clubs as active members. The Government of Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024 is “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”. It’s a call to action and a reminder that gender equality is one of the most effective ways to build healthier, more prosperous, and more inclusive communities. Because women’s success is everyone’s success!

Paint a Tile for "Canada Connects" Mural

Posted on Feb 26, 2024

On February 29, instead of our regular morning meeting, we will celebrate the Leap Year by having a fun meeting to paint tiles for the "Canada Connects" mosaic mural. Tickets are $10 including tile, painting materials, snacks + refreshments. Limited number of tiles available!

20th Annual "Taste of Italy" Pasta Dinner

The 20th ANNIVERSARY of Guelph South Rotary’s annual pasta dinner was a resounding success!! We would like to thank the community of Puslinch and everyone that came out to support our efforts. The event, held to raise funds for Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre, along with other Rotary charities, brought together the community in a spirit of giving. Special thanks goes out to the Rotaractors from the University of Guelph for pitching in and cleaning tables and for the support of the entire community, Puslinch, Guelph and surrounding area .The members of Rotary Club of Guelph South were grateful to all as they finished cleaning and sat down to break bread together. We look forward to continuing our mission of service with pasta dinner #21 in 2025!!

20th Anniversary Pasta Dinner - Feb 9 2024

Posted on Jan 11, 2024

We're excited to mark the 20th annual "Taste of Italy Pasta Dinner" - a Puslinch based community event that raises funds for Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre along with other worthwhile Rotary projects. This link will take you to the electronic flyer with more information including another link that you can use to go directly to the CanadaHelps page for ticket purchases. Thanks for your support!

https://portal.clubrunner.ca/169/Documents/en-ca/7c2a3570-b183-47fb-977e-57535a510159/1/

In this Season of Giving....

Posted on Dec 21, 2023

We were so pleased to be able to welcome to our meeting today representatives of charities that we have recently providing funding to. As well funds had been provided in order to support 3 local charitable organizations, and one member (Zabrina Steffler) provided a presentation on those. A copy of the slideshow that was also presented is here:

documents/en-ca/187e5582-1199-4bb9-a2ad-27ebb31a2a32/1

Supporting the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign

Posted on Dec 04, 2023

Members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South donated their time for the day on Saturday December 2nd in support of this year's Salvation Army Kettle Campaign at Stone Road Mall. Rotarians from this club have made this commitment for several years now and have always enjoyed the opportunity to meet and thank the many generous donors in our community.

DECEMBER "Disease Prevention and Treatment Month"

Posted on Dec 01, 2023

December is Rotary's "Disease Prevention and Treatment Month". Every month is dedicated to one of the major themes of our Rotary lives; this month the theme is that which RI is perhaps best known for, at least among non-Rotarians.

The eradication of polio has of course been Rotary International's s major worldwide, corporate effort since the early 1980’s. And remarkable progress has been made. The job is not finished however and you can rest assured that we will not, cannot, set this torch down until that job is finished. Disease prevention and treatment is one of the Rotary Foundation Areas of Focus. And for good reason. The health and vitality of a person, a family and a community can be seriously impaired by what in many cases is a preventable disease. Disease prevention is really a keystone to progress in other areas as well because of the interplay with other areas of focus like Water and Sanitation and Maternal & Child Health.

Chalmers Christmas Gift Bags Donation

Rotary Club of Guelph South happy to once again this year support the Chalmers Community Centre's Christmas Bag campaign - this year our team was able to supply and pack enough to donate 50 gift bags!!

November is "Rotary Foundation Month"

Posted on Nov 28, 2023

November 28 2023 is "GivingTuesday" that day following Black Friday and Cyber Monday when we turn our thoughts from commercialism and instead to how we can make a donation towards a charity of our choice. The Rotary Foundation is Rotary International's charity, and Rotary Foundation Canada is the Canadian arm, that receives donations and issues tax receipts. November is also Rotary International's "Rotary Foundation Month". If you don't already, please consider making them your charity of choice today! For more information on The Rotary Foundation (Canada) including information on its Board of Directors, project stories and audited financial statements go to http://trfcanada.org.

World Interact Week (Oct 30-Nov 5 2023)

Posted on Oct 30, 2023

World Interact Week is celebrated every year during the week of 5 November to commemorate the founding of the first Interact club in 1962. Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self.

Eradicate Human Trafficking Lawn Signs Campaign

Posted by Linda Main on Sep 13, 2023

Together We Can Stop Human Trafficking. The Lawn Signs have arrived. The time is now to take a stand and say you will no longer tolerate this heinous crime against our children, youth and young adults. You are now “being the change”! Please consider putting a sign on your lawn and place of business and being a part of this movement to start the change that needs to take place NOW! Email lindat.main@gmail.com to order your sign. Signs are $10 each and to be used twice every year to bring awareness to our community. Thank you for your support!

Celebrating our 22nd Anniversary

Posted on Jul 31, 2023

July 31st of each year represents the anniversary of the chartering of our Rotary club. As of 2023 there are still 7 of the original 20 charter members still active members of the club! As we move forward, with many new members with fresh ideas and experiences, we will continue to build on our legacy of "Coming together as strangers, working together as friends".

2023 Eradicating Human Trafficking Flag Raising

Posted on Jul 27, 2023

On Thursday July 27^th at 9:00am members of the local “Rotary Eradicating Human Trafficking Committee” and fellow Rotarians along with Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie and two City Councillors (Dominique O'Rourke and Ken Yee Chew, both from Ward 6), Luisa Krause from Elora House, Royal City Mission Pastor Kevin Coghill and concerned members of the community met to raise the EHT flag on the City Hall flagpole representing Guelph and local communities in solidarity against Human Trafficking in our area.

https://youtube.com/shorts/4ZRFjiAq_ow

Shelldale youth visit to Sunrise

Posted on Jul 22, 2023

On July 12 the Rotary Club of Guelph South, in collaboration with the Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre, organized a delightful BBQ event for the youth from Shelldale. The evening was filled with excitement as the young people arrived by bus and were greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

2023 Eradicating Human Trafficking Flag Raising

On July 27th 2023 at 9:00am Rotarians will gather in front of Guelph City Hall in order to observe the raising of the "Eradicating Human Trafficking" flag in support of "World Day Against Trafficking in Persons" held annually on July 30th.

Rotary 2023-2024 President

July 1st marks the start of a new Rotary year, and new Rotary International President R. Gordon R. McInally wants Rotary to exist everywhere in a style that suits everyone who has the desire to work with us to do good.

2023 Tour de Guelph - What a success!

Posted on Jun 30, 2023

Thank you for making Tour de Guelph 2023 the most successful year yet! Our community raised more than $170,000 in net proceeds, taking the total raised over the 10 year history more than $1 million. https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/tour-de-guelph-brings-in-more-than-170000-7212309

85 year old Rotarian Charlie Barnes - who raised more than $26,000 himself in donations for the fundraiser - completing the 25K route at 2023 Tour de Guelph

THANK YOU President Martin Litchfield

Thank you to 2022-2023 President Martin Litchfield for your leadership over the past year. You made sure our club never skipped a beat by successfully transitioning from 100% virtual meetings to hybrid (ZOOM plus in person at Salvation Army Citadel).

News about Brunch at the Barn

Read all about our successful inaugural "Brunch at the Barn" fundraising event held on June 4th 2023 and featured in GuelphToday! We are grateful to the sponsors, participants and volunteers as we raised more than $30,000 in support of local and international causes.

https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/red-carpet-guests-raise-money-for-rotary-at-inaugural-brunch-at-the-barn-event-7097283

April is Rotary's "Environment Month"

Posted on Apr 01, 2023

"Supporting the Environment" is Rotary's 7th and newest Area of Focus, and we have some activities scheduled during this month that feature environmental issues.

Rotaract Club of Guelph's 8th Annual Gala

Posted on Mar 20, 2023

A message from the Rotaract Club of Guelph:

"Thank you all so much for your support! We hope you enjoyed the dinner, games, silent auction, and learning about Food & Friends! The night was a big success, and thanks to each and every one of you we were able to raise $3,000 for Food & Friends."

World Rotaract Week

Posted on Mar 13, 2023

Every year, Rotaractors and Rotarians around the world celebrate World Rotaract Week during the week of 13 March to commemorate the founding of the first club in 1968. World Rotaract Week is a time for celebrating the success and importance of the Rotaract program. We are particularly blessed to be able to celebrate the University of Guelph's Rotaract club, a group of dynamic young people that are truly making a difference in our community!

(Rotaractors helping out in the kitchen during our 2023 Pasta Dinner in February)

March is Rotary's Water Sanitation and Hygiene Month

Posted on Mar 01, 2023

Rotary has issued a global challenge to its members, asking them to work collectively to improve education quality and access — particularly for girls — by working with communities to improve teacher training, curriculum, and water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.

Happy 118th Anniversary Rotary

Posted on Feb 23, 2023

After setting up his law practice in Chicago, Paul P. Harris gathered several business associates to discuss the idea of forming an organization for local professionals. On 23 February 1905 Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey gathered at Loehr’s office in Room 711 of the Unity Building in downtown Chicago. This was the first Rotary club meeting. Our 1.2 million-member organization started with the vision of one man—Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on 23 February 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.

February 22nd is Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Posted on Feb 22, 2023

On February 22, 2007, the Canadian House of Commons passed a motion condemning the trafficking of women and children across international borders for the purposes of sexual exploitation. The House of Commons proclaimed February 22 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day to help bring awareness to the magnitude of modern-day slavery in Canada and abroad and encourage Canadians to take steps to combat human trafficking. The Rotary Club of Guelph South launched its Eradicating Human Trafficking Committee and awareness initiative in 2021 which was soon joined by other Rotarians in the Guelph-Wellington Rotary Cluster.

19th Annual Taste of Italy Pasta Dinner

Posted on Feb 14, 2023

On Friday, February 10^th, Guelph South Rotary's TASTE OF ITALY PASTA DINNER returned to Puslinch following a two-year hiatus due to COVID restrictions, and it was an overwhelming success!

February is Rotary's "Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention" Month

Posted on Feb 01, 2023

Millions of people all over the world are currently displaced by armed conflict or persecution. In fact, 90% of casualties in armed conflicts are civilians, half of which are children. Through service projects and Rotary programs, the Rotary family is committed to pursuing projects that address the structural causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.

RIP Mayor Hazel McCallion

Posted on Jan 29, 2023

Sad news this morning on the passing of Hazel McCallion, 2 weeks before her 102nd birthday. "Hurricane Hazel" was our first Honourary Member and Honourary Chair of our first "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" in 2006.

JANUARY is Rotary Vocational Service Month

Posted on Jan 01, 2023

During January, Rotarians are encouraged to focus on this important avenue of Rotary service. Vocational Service is the way Rotary fosters and supports the application of the Ideal of Service to the pursuit of all vocations.

Supporting Community Organizations

Posted on Dec 15, 2022

On December 15 2022 during our weekly meeting we were pleased to be able to welcome representatives from 10 charitable organizations and present them with donations - a total of $11,000. Organized by our Service Projects Committee, the organizations designated to be honoured included: Michael House, Childrens' Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Elora House, Big Brothers Big Sisters Guelph, Tree Trust Guelph and Amarok Society. Committee Co-Chair Richard Van Dyke welcomed the representatives and announced the donations being made to each on behalf of the club.

Welcoming New Members + Celebrating the holidays

Posted on Dec 10, 2022

We had an opportunity to celebrate the upcoming holiday season together during a dinner event held at Springfield Golf & Country Club on December 8th 2022. During that dinner event 2 new members were inducted - NICK RYALL and MATT HISKETT. Thanks to President-Elect Shelley Adlington who organized this fellowship event during a VERY busy time of the year, and to member Sharron Riley-Persson who organized and donated gift bags and cards to the attendees. Photos from the event are in a photo album available on the club website.

(L-R: Membership Chair Celia Clark, Matt Hiskett, President Martin Litchfield, Nick Ryall)

IntheNews-HolidayOnlineAuction

For the entire month of November, the Rotary Club of Guelph South is hosting a Holiday Online Auction in support of the club’s fundraising initiatives.

Shelter Box Canada

Posted on Oct 03, 2022

RECOVERY STARTS WITH SHELTER. Having somewhere dry and warm to sleep, to prepare meals and be with your family is vital for starting the long process of rebuilding your life. ShelterBox teams work with disaster-hit families around the world, offering emergency shelter and other essential items to support them in rebuilding their lives. Every disaster is different and so is every community, so ShelterBox spends time with those affected to make sure they can offer the right support at the right time to help them recover.

OCTOBER is Rotary's Economic and Community Development Month

Posted on Oct 01, 2022

This is the time of year clubs focus on how we give back to Rotary using our vocations to support our economy and communities. Rotary supports investments in people to create measurable and enduring economic improvement in their lives and communities.

SEPTEMBER is Rotary's Basic Education and Literacy Month

Posted on Sep 01, 2022

Basic education and literacy is one of Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus. Rotary clubs all over the world are taking action to enhance basic education and literacy in their communities.

August is Rotary "Membership Month"

Posted on Aug 01, 2022

Come visit us during a Thursday virtual (ZOOM) weekly meeting and find out about Rotary and our club for yourself! Email us info@guelphsouthrotary.ca for the link and more information.

Eradicating Human Trafficking

Posted on Jul 30, 2022

June 30 2022 is World Day Against Human Trafficking. Our Rotary Club has started a small -but mighty! - committee to bring awareness to the serious issue of human trafficking in Canada, Ontario and yes even Guelph. In partnership with Hammond Power Solutions and City of Guelph we had our first Flag Raising Ceremony on July 29 2022 at Guelph City Hall.

Congratulations Charlie Barnes!

Posted on Jun 25, 2022

Congratulations Charlie! A Silver Medal finish today in the World Triathlon Sprint Championship in Montreal, in the 85-89 years young group. No photos yet from the Medal Ceremony but will be posted as soon as one is available. We are exceptionally proud of Charlie who has been a member of our Rotary club - and an inspiration - since 2019.

June is Rotary Fellowships Month

Posted on Jun 01, 2022

The final month of every Rotary year is Fellowship Month. This is a fitting designation since fellowship is particularly to the forefront with changeovers being very much the priority in June. Fellowship is of course one of the five core values of Rotary, the others being service, diversity, integrity and leadership.

2022 Treasure Trail Fundraiser

Posted on May 16, 2022

A big thank you to everyone who supported the inaugural "Treasure Trail" fundraising event held on May 14th 2022. This event was a huge success because of you! A photo album is available on our website home page (top menu "About" then "Photos" on dropdown menu).

Road Clean-Up in Aberfoyle

Posted on May 06, 2022

Since 2008 our Rotary Club has cleaned a stretch of Brock Road in Aberfoyle, between Aberfoyle Mill and Hwy 401, as part of the Wellington County "Adopt-A-Road Program". On April 30 we were back at it. Fresh air, exercise, fellowship, community service and fun are just some of the rewards of being a member of our Rotary Club.

May is Rotary's Youth Services Month

Posted on May 01, 2022

During the month of May we focus on all Rotary activities that support the development of young people.

Treasure Trail Kick off

April is Rotary's Maternal & Child Health Month

Posted on Apr 01, 2022

At least 7 million children under the age of five die each year due to malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation. To help reduce this rate, Rotary International provide immunizations and antibiotics to babies, improve access to essential medical services, and support trained health care providers for mothers and their children.

Custom Caricature Fundraiser EXTENDED FOR MOTHERS' DAY!

Posted on Mar 30, 2022

Rotary Club of Guelph South wants to bring a little happiness to you, your friends and your loved ones with our Give a Rotary Smile Custom Caricature Fundraising Program.

March is Rotary's Water + Sanitation Month

Posted on Mar 01, 2022

Rotary International statement on Ukraine conflict

Posted on Feb 25, 2022

It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world. At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there.

February 22nd is Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Posted on Feb 20, 2022

The first copy of Against Traffick, a quarterly newsletter initiated by the Guelph-Wellington Rotary Cluster is now available
https://mcusercontent.com/eef08efec15f738a7d7f6002f/files/43b72b08-69d0-704a-f276-86adcda4acee/Against_Traffick_14_.pdf.

Ontario Woodlot Association presentation

Posted on Jan 13, 2022

John Pineau, Executive Director of Ontario Woodlot Association, spoke to our Rotary club this morning on “Privately Owned Forests and Climate Change”. He spoke about the mission of the Ontario Woodlot Association, its vision and mission.

2021 HOLIDAYS SCHEDULE

Posted on Dec 23, 2021

Holidays Schedule

Due to the upcoming Christmas and New Years holidays we will not be holding our regular weekly breakfast meetings. Regular weekly breakfast meetings are cancelled for the upcoming weeks:

DECEMBER 30^th 2021
JANUARY 6^th 2022

Watch our website for more information on the weekly programs being planned starting on January 13^th 2022. Until further notice all weekly meetings continue to be held virtually (ZOOM) - if you'd like to attend please email to info@guelphsouthrotary.ca for the link.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year....
From all of the members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South

Meeting in person!!

Posted on Dec 14, 2021

While still observing COVID safety protocols and in compliance with all regulations, members were able to meet in the restaurant at Springfield Golf & Country Club for a fish + chips dinner on Friday December 10th. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet in person, something that we have rarely had a chance to do since spring of 2020. (Thanks to our photographer Bella who captured these great group photos)

Eradicating Human Trafficking Speaker Series #5

Our Eradicating Human Trafficking Committee, along with representatives of other Rotary clubs in the Guelph-Wellington Cluster, has hosted a series of 5 online webinars, the final one for 2021 having been held on November 30th. Guest speakers were Jerry Nelson, the Thailand coordinator for the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery, and Michelle Seets of Texas, President-Elect of the Rotary Club to End Human Trafficking.

LCol Brendan Insley - Remembrance Day 2021 Speaker

Posted on Nov 11, 2021

On Remembrance Day 2021 we were honoured to welcome Lieutenant Colonel Brendan Insley as our guest speaker.

LCol Brendan Insley grew up in Rockwood, ON, and attended high school in Guelph, ON. He joined Army Cadets at age 13 and has been in uniform ever since. LCol Insley enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve in March of 2000 and graduated from Sir Wilfrid Laurier University in 2004. From 2000 to 2005, he was employed in typical duties and career courses as a junior officer in the field artillery at the 11th Field Regiment in Guelph, ON. He completed a component transfer to the Regular Force in 2007 and was posted to the 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery from 2007 to 2009 at CFB Petawawa. He was subsequently posted as an instructor to the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery School, commanded 127 Battery at the 4th Artillery Regiment in Gagetown, NB, and instructed at the US Command & General Staff College in Leavenworth, KS.

LEST WE FORGET.....

Posted on Nov 11, 2021

The Remembrance Day Ceremony has played a major role in Remembrance since 1931. Every year, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month we observe a moment of silence to mark the sacrifice of the many who have fallen in the service of their country, and to acknowledge the courage of those who still serve.

OneBenchOneTree at Guelph General Hospital

Posted on Nov 07, 2021

Rotary Club of Guelph South is proud to be one of the sponsors for the OneBenchOneTree installation at Guelph General Hospital - a project aimed at expressing gratitude to frontline healthcare workers, providing a place where they can take a break from their battle against the pandemic and know their efforts are appreciated by the greater community. The essence of the event is best captured in the speech to the hospital staff from OneBenchOneTree:

"At the start of the pandemic, anxieties were flaring and paths were yet to be trail-blazed, but there was never a question of whether you would show up for work. Long nights and early mornings, with shortages of beds and a capacity far too high, still you did your job, risking your lives every day for us. This action did not go unnoticed, we know you are tired, we know you are putting your life at risk every time you walk through these doors. And, in a time of controversy, where the few but most polarizing voices tend to yell the loudest, OneBenchOneTree speaks up to give our thanks. At this bench and tree, you can rest, exhale deeply and close your eyes. If this gift gives you even just one moment of healing in your hectic lives, we will have achieved our goal. Even if you don’t ever sit on this bench, as you go to work every day, as you walk by, please be reminded that we are thankful for you, that Guelph is thankful for you, that Ontario and Canada are thankful for you. As a final note, whenever you are discouraged, I hope that this gift reminds you that you are noticed and you are cared for. I hope you can use this gift to take what you deserve, a moment of rest."

20th Anniversary Tree Planting Ceremony

ROTARY CLUB OF GUELPH SOUTH arranged a tree planting to commemorate the club’s 20^th anniversary of service in support of local and international community projects. Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre in Puslinch was honoured to be chosen as the venue.

(More photos from the event are available from the "Photo Albums" link on our website's home page)

20 Years Anniversary TBT week 13 (2013)

Posted on Oct 21, 2021

October 24^th is the annual “World Polio Day” and in 2013 Canadian Rotary clubs teamed up with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) for the “Pennies and More for Polio” fundraiser. This innovative public-private partnership between the Gates Foundation and the Canadian government towards the global effort to eradicate polio, a crippling disease affecting mostly children, meant that during the first 2 months of 2013 all contributions by Canadian Rotarians were tripled! Our club members responded enthusiastically to the challenge and donated almost $1,900 towards the PolioPlus program which was then tripled. Our club and its members continue to support the efforts of The Rotary Foundation towards the global eradication of polio, and we celebrate World Polio Day every year including by attending the flag raising ceremony at Guelph City Hall.

"End Polio Now" flag for World Polio Day being hoisted at Guelph City Hall with Rotarians in attendance

20 Years Anniversary TBT week 12 (2012)

Posted on Oct 14, 2021

Over the years our focus has been very much on supporting other local organizations providing much-needed services to our community, one of which is the Salvation Army. We have provided financial support for programs put on by the local Citadel such as their Acre of Hope community garden program and their Youth Camps. We have also enjoyed hosting their Christmas Kettle at Stone Road Mall for one Saturday every holiday season from 2011 through 2019, then temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Members volunteer for 2 hour shifts at the kettle and there is never a problem filling up the available slots. The Salvation Army’s holiday fund-raising activities play a crucial role in sharing the spirit of the season with families in need and our members have always enjoyed seeing the enthusiasm of the community as they generously donate to the kettles.

(L-R) Charter Members Peter and Celia Clark with the Christmas Kettle at Stone Road Mall, along with Mahmud Hassain, also a Rotarian

20 Years Anniversary TBT week 11 (2011)

Posted on Oct 07, 2021

In late 2009 one of our members presented the club with an opportunity to become involved with an economic development project in Nicaragua. Condimentos del Carrizal was a sustainable development project created by the partnership of Roothams Gourmet Preserves and Syngenta Crop Protection and supported by our Rotary Club and local partners there. We were excited to be involved at the ground level of such a worthwhile venture and be able to help create a simple sustainable business that leveraged existing skills, experience and interest of the community members – primarily the local women who were already making jams and jellies by the side of the road using local fruits. Poverty is alleviated and the quality of life improves through employment and training in sustainable agriculture, growing cash crops that are consumed locally to improve nutrition and health, sold into local markets and manufactured into all natural gourmet condiments sold at a profit to local restauranteurs and tourists.

Rotarian Celia Clark presents Nicaragua project donation to Rotarian Richard Puntis The sign acknowledging our club's contributions to the Nicaragua project

1st National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Posted on Sep 30, 2021

September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. The creation of this federal statutory holiday was through legislative amendments made by Parliament.

20 Years Anniversary TBT Week #10 (2010)

Posted on Sep 30, 2021

Not a week after celebrating the start of a new year (2010) there was a major earthquake in Haiti – their strongest in 20 years, leaving about 1 million homeless, and our members immediately started focusing on ways that we could help. The Board recommended to the members that we send much needed financial disaster assistance to grassroots organizations in Haiti that we were familiar with including Friends of the Orphans and Olive Tree Projects, a maternal health organization founded by a Canadian woman. We also provided funding for 2 ShelterBox (a Rotary International partner) housing tents and supplies, and an AquaBox (through Rotary club of Stratford) to supply potable drinking water. All tolled, about $7,900.00 in immediate disaster response support.

A member’s daughter drawing a winning raffle ticket during a fundraiser for Haiti earthquake relief hosted by 2 Rotary Club of Guelph South members

20 Years Anniversary TBT Week #9 (2009)

Posted on Sep 23, 2021

As part of the planning for our Rotary club being chartered, a decision needed to be made regarding where our weekly meetings would be held. The steering committee that was doing this planning assessed a number of different locations, taking into account things like accessibility, availability of meals, overall ambience and suitability for meetings. The Springfield Golf & Country Club in the south end of Guelph was one of those locations considered. The provisional club meetings were held in the restaurant there and it proved to check all the boxes! It has been our home ever since and we have been treated so well by the management there. As well as holding our weekly meetings there we have been able to book other special events as well, taking advantage of the different rooms and services that they are able to provide. They have supported us and we are happy to support them as well! It has been a wonderful partnership over the past 20 years.

Members enjoying a breakfast meeting in the “Pines” room at Springfield Golf & Country Club

20 Years Anniversary TBT Week #8 (2008)

Posted on Sep 16, 2021

Charter Member Margaret Nixon was the first of our members to travel to provide “Service Above Self” in other countries: in January 2008 she, along with other District 7080 Rotarians, at their own expense, met up with Rotarians from Arizona to travel across the border to Mexico. Meeting up with Nogales Mexico Rotarians, a joint effort was then undertaken that included lots of work - but also lots of fellowship - and ultimately resulted in the preparation of hundreds of gift boxes to hand out to the children in underprivileged communities there on “Three Kings Day” their equivalent of Christmas. Margaret became so committed to this effort, and the good that she saw firsthand that it could do, that she joined the district organizing team for subsequent annual trips. This began what has now become an ongoing relationship and financial commitment ($17,600 through 2020) by the club with Mexico and Mexican Rotarians that persists to this day. We are proud of the other members, including Frank Oudesluys and Linda Main, who have also made the trips to Mexico in subsequent years to support Rotary initiatives there and even to provide polio immunizations.

Jan 2008: (L-R Rotarians Margaret Nixon, Cheryl Ewing) Making up shoebox gifts for Mexican children

20 Years Anniversary - TBT Week #7 (2007)

Posted on Sep 09, 2021

In January 2007 the club members made the decision to change our name from “Wellington South” to “Guelph South”. This decision was driven by 2 needs: one, to distinguish us from a New Zealand club with the same name, and two, to enable anyone searching online for Guelph-area Rotary clubs to also find ours...something that just wasn’t happening with the name we were chartered under. Rotary International approved our application for a name change and in March 2007 we celebrated our official transition to “Rotary Club of Guelph South”.

Celebrating our new club name on March 15 2007

20 Years Anniversary - TBT Week #6 (2006)

Posted on Sep 02, 2021

In 2006 we became aware of a situation in northern Ontario, at a Pikangikum First Nations community, where there was a lack of clean drinking water for the students at the Eenchokay Birchstick School there. There was a permanent boil water advisory in the community, 90% of homes did not have running water and many families had to fetch water in pails from the lake. The school had often been closed to students because there was no potable water for them to drink. The lack of fresh water had been seen by the District Health Unit as a cause of disease within the community. A volunteer group in Guelph, called Friends of Tikinagan, had been making donations of clothing and sports equipment every year since 2001, and in 2006 it and other voluntary organizations came together to form the North-South Partnership, as a way to expand their ability to direct voluntary resources to serve the desperate needs in the remote First Nation communities.

L-R: Rotarian Margaret Nixon, Moe Brubacher, Rotarian Frankie Shaw Happy students and teacher at Eenchokay Birchstick School, Pikangikum First Nations

20 Years Anniversary - TBT Week #6 (2006)

Posted on Sep 02, 2021

L-R: Rotarian Margaret Nixon, Moe Brubacher, Rotarian Frankie Shaw Happy students and teacher at Eenchokay Birchstick School, Pikangikum First Nations

20 Years Anniversary - TBT week #5 (2005)

Posted on Aug 26, 2021

In early 2005 we had funded part of a pilot project to determine the feasibility of generating and distributing clean drinking water in a remote area of Margarita Island (Venezuela) by way of fog collectors on Cerro Copey (Copey Mountain) in a National Park at an elevation of 900 m (3000 ft). The project was undertaken by a Canadian charity, FogQuest. Our contribution covered the cost of 10 fog collectors (1m x 1m in size). By January 2008 FogQuest had sourced a contact/partner on the island and had advised the club that further work was proceeding on developing a project to install large fog collectors to provide a source of potable water to the residents there. While FogQuest was Ontario based in 2005 they relocated to B.C. in 2006 and we have not had any further involvement with their projects since 2008.

February 23 2005 marked the 100^th anniversary of the first Rotary meeting in Chicago and, as well as holding a joint meeting on that date, the 4 Guelph-based Rotary clubs collaborated on a centennial project “Rotary4Hopewell” in celebration of that anniversary: an addition to the Shelldale Community Centre that would be used for the Hopewell Homes’ Playsense Activity Centre. The 4 clubs and their members held fundraisers, donated furniture and equipment, and contributed elbow grease by way of painting and decorating the new facility to get it ready for use. The centennial was further marked by both the City of Guelph and Township of Puslinch by the flying at their municipal office of a special Rotary flag that we purchased for the occasion.

FogQuest team with 1 of fog collectors on mountain in Margarita Island, Venezuela Groundbreaking ceremony, Guelph "Rotary4Hopewell" project for Playsense Activity Centre

20 Years Anniversary - TBT week #4 (2004)

Posted on Aug 19, 2021

In April 2004 the club partnered with the Puslinch Library to host a series of 5 2-hour parenting workshops. One of our primary objectives as a club was the support of initiatives involving children, and hosting parenting workshops was a natural fit. Providing parents and teachers with tools to enable them to build self-esteem in children, by focusing on their positive qualities, can benefit both the family and the community. The workshop was based on "The Virtues Project" an international organization dedicated to inspiring spiritual growth in young and old alike by showing parents and teachers how to turn words into actions, and ideals into realities. The first session was uplifting, encouraging, strengthening and thought-provoking and included approximately 25 parents and teachers.

Put a little prick in your arm....

Posted on Aug 19, 2021

Enjoy this clever and fun video created by Rotarian and past President of our club, Linda Main, along with her best friend from Montreal. With such an important message! Turn your volume up, and thank you Linda.

20 Years Anniversary - TBT week #3 (2003)

Posted on Aug 12, 2021

As a new club we decided to come up with a consensus among the members as to what areas of need we wanted to focus on for service. There are so many deserving causes out there, but the club members ultimately decided that they wanted to provide support primarily to children, the elderly and the disabled. In February 2003 we held our first “Taste of Italy” pasta dinner. It was decided that the Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre in Puslinch would be the beneficiary, giving us an opportunity to support a cause that benefits both children and the disabled both. The event was held at the Puslinch Community Centre and the 200 tickets were sold out before the doors opened! It was a great opportunity for all of the club members to work together as a team and has become an annual event, held every February in Puslinch since then.

20 Years Anniversary - TBT week #2 (2002)

Posted on Aug 05, 2021

Our first fundraiser, following our being chartered as a Rotary club on July 31 2001, was thanks to the Rotary Club of Guelph who offered us the opportunity to sell hot chocolate at their “Sparkles In The Park” event in December 2001 at Riverside Park. Following that we were also offered the opportunity to have a booth at their July 1 2002 “Canada Day” event, at which we sold cold drinks and freezies. And our sponsor club, Guelph Trillium, provided us with the opportunity to have a booth to sell coffee during their weekend-long 2002 “Ribfest” event. The City of Guelph was planning a special one-day 175^th Birthday celebration on August 4 2002, on the parkland next to the River Run Centre, and we were offered the opportunity to host the “Ox Roast” at the “GuelphFest” event.

Charter members L-R Dianne Paron, Ann Caine, Frankie Shaw, Dale Sims + Margaret Nixon (along with another volunteer) were dressed in period costumes to sell “ox” buns and celebrate Guelph’s 175^th birthday at GuelphFest on Aug 4 2002

Eradicating Human Trafficking - Speaker Series #2 (Aug 24 2021)

Posted on Aug 05, 2021

August 24 2021, 7:00pm: In this second session of our series, you will be hearing from Karly Church, who is a Crisis Intervention Counsellor at a regional support service for victims of human trafficking, and who has spoken for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Karly gives talks at schools, particularly with grade nine students, and with politicians on this issue. She teams up with the Anti Human Trafficking Unit of the regional police force, and often intervenes and talks to individuals who are being trafficked.

But this wasn’t always her job. She knows what she is talking about because she is a human trafficking survivor. She will be sharing her powerful story of how she came from a small town, with a seemingly normal family to being trafficked in the sex trade.

REGISTRATION IN ADVANCE REQUIRED - USE THE LINK (BELOW) TO REGISTER AFTER WHICH A CONFIRMATION EMAIL WILL BE SENT WITH INFORMATION ON JOINING THE VIRTUAL MEETING ON AUGUST 24th:

https://bit.ly/3elvoWH

(Thanks to Hammond Power Solutions for their support of this important initiative)

WELCOME TO ROTARY SHELLEY ADLINGTON

Posted on Aug 01, 2021

Welcome to Rotary Shelley!! President Linda Craig formally inducted new member Shelley Adlington at this week's meeting. Shelley is the sister of past President Deb Allen and is already involved with the Eradiction of Human Trafficking committee. We just know you will be a fantastic addition to our wonderful Rotary club.

(R-L: Membership Committee Chair Celia Clark, new Rotarian Shelley Adlington, Membership Committee member Linda Main)

20 Year Anniversary - TBT Week #1 (2001)

Guelph has had a strong Rotary presence since the first club, the Rotary Club of Guelph, was chartered in 1920. Along with that club, the Rotary Clubs of Guelph-Wellington and Guelph-Trillium have also grown and prospered. Despite that, there appeared to be a need for a new club to cover both the growing south end of Guelph and the Township of Puslinch. The Guelph Trillium Club decided to sponsor their first new club, and a Steering Committee of Rotarians was struck to organize it. The first meeting of the new provisional club was held on May 3 2001 and was attended by the Steering Committee and 10 potential members. More weekly meetings followed where more new potential members attended until enough (20) had confirmed their desire to join the new club so that Rotary International could formally charter it. The new club was chartered on July 31 2001 as the "Rotary Club of Wellington South" and the members were presented with their club Charter by the President of Rotary International in Toronto at a Presidential Conference on August 10 2001. Due to subsequent confusion with a New Zealand club (also “Wellington South”) a decision was made to rename the club to “Rotary Club of Guelph South” in February 2007.

(4 Guelph Rotary Club Presidents L-R Colin Ferguson, Bill Hammond, Phil Greenway, Gregg Mitchell)

(Inaugural Board of Directors L-R Frankie Shaw, Dianne Paron, Dale Sims, Bill Hammond, Margaret Nixon, Lora Gatto, Frank Oudesluys - with Ralph Marziano, Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium, behind)

Our Commitment to DIVERSITY, EQUITY + INCLUSION

Posted on Jul 15, 2021

Like Rotary International itself, our Rotary club has made a commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
On July 14 2021 the Board of Directors approved the following statement:

We Value Inclusion and Diversity

The Rotary Club of Guelph South believes having members from different backgrounds and with different viewpoints gives us a broader understanding of the local community that we serve in our role as volunteers.

We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, colour, abilities, religion, socio-economic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Our club will continually strive to cultivate a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture where everyone is welcome.

ERADICATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING Speaker Series

Posted on Jul 06, 2021

When we hear the words “human trafficking,” we tend to think that this is something that happens in big cities. Sadly this is not true, and with the 401 highway, this crime is big business right here in our community.

SERVE TO CHANGE LIVES

July 1st marks the start of a new Rotary year. Rotary International 2021-22 President Shekhar Mehta is a member of the Rotary Club of Calcutta-Mahanagar, West Bengal, India. Mehta is encouraging Rotary members to change lives through service. His theme Serve to Change Lives asks members to participate in service projects where they can make a difference in their communities and the people who live in them. "Rotary kindled the spark within me to look beyond myself and embrace humanity," he said. "Service became a way of life for me and I, like many others, adopted the guiding philosophy that 'Service is the rent I pay for the space I occupy on this earth, and I want to be a good tenant of this earth." Mehta also wants members to focus their efforts on empowering girls and ensuring their access to education, resources, services, and opportunities so that future generations of women leaders will have the tools they need to succeed. Mehta is asking members to use Rotary's belief that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical in all we do as a compass to guide this work.

JULY IS ROTARY'S NEW LEADERSHIP MONTH

July 1st represents the start of a new Rotary year. We all extend our thanks to now Past President Russ Powell for his year, a year in which every meeting had to be held virtually!

We welcome our new President Linda Craig as she starts her year.

Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Recipient

Posted on Jun 18, 2021

This week we presented Linda Oakes with a Paul Harris Fellow Award. The presentation of a Paul Harris Fellow recognition is our club’s way of expressing its appreciation for a substantial contribution made in volunteering and who’s life demonstrates a shared purpose with our club. Linda has dedicated her time for decades toward truly selfless action. Our club thanks you for all your contributions in numerous areas to the community. We would also like to recognize the other nominees for their outstanding commitment to community outreach: Sue Keuhl, Lynn Vanschaik, Lorraine Kruse, Cosmo Carere, and Lisa Pearson.

JUNE is Rotary's "Fellowship Month"

Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, join a global community built around a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience. Currently, 91 fellowships unite members in friendship and expand opportunities to enjoy their favorite recreational activities, sports, and professions. These groups range from cycling to skiing, Latin culture to jazz, doctors to photographers, and even wine-tasting to beer.

2021 GOT DUCK? (supporting Food4Kids Guelph)

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.

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 15^th 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.

SHELTER BOX CANADA

Posted on Apr 08, 2021

At our April 8^th 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.

ROOTA (Rising Out Of The Ashes)

Posted on Mar 25, 2021

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.

WORLD WATER DAY 2021

Monday March 22^nd 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).

2021 PASTA DINNER....RE-IMAGINED!

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!

2020 HOLIDAYS SCHEDULE

Posted on Dec 19, 2020

Due to the upcoming Christmas/New Years holidays we will not hold our regular weekly breakfast meetings on December 24th and 31st 2020. Watch our website for more information on the weekly programs being planned starting on January 7^th 2021. All meetings are being held virtually until further notice. If you wish to attend a virtual Rotary meeting please email us at info@guelphsouthrotary.ca and we'll be happy to send you the link.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year....
From all of the members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South

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!

LEST WE FORGET.....

Posted on Nov 11, 2020

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. 1^st and this campaign will conclude midnight Nov. 30^th.

“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

Our new Board of Directors 2020-2021

Welcome to our new Board of Directors for 2020-2021. They are: Russ Powell (President), Linda Craig (President-Elect), Debbie Allen (Past-President), Peter Clark, Alan Jarvis, Martin Litchfield, Linda Main, Blaire Rennie and David Turvey.

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 29^th. 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)

CHEQUE PRESENTATION

Presenting local charities we have chosen to give our fundraising dollars to is always a highlight of some of our Breakfast Meetings.

Taste of Italy Pasta Dinner

2020 Volunteer Appreciation Brunch

We are now accepting nominations for the 2020 event.

10 organizations, 100 volunteers, $10,000 in donations.

Please visit the website www.rotaryVAB.org and nominate a deserving organization.

Peter Gill from Chalmers speaks to the club

Peter Gill, from Chalmers Community Services, was our guest speaker this week. Here is past-president, Linda Main, presenting a donation cheque to Peter.

An individual record for Tour de Guelph

Charlie Barnes has ridden in tne Tour de Guelph several times and, each year, he manages to convince an enormous number of friends and family to sponsor his ride.

In June 2019, Charlie achieved a new record - the largest sponsorship amount ever collected by a single rider in the 6-year history of the Tour de Guelph. Charlie collected $8,500 in sponsorships!

Congratulations - and sincere thanks - from all of us.

18th Anniversary!

Posted on Jul 31, 2019

July 31^st 2019 marks the 18^th anniversary of the chartering of Rotary Club of Guelph South (originally Rotary Club of Wellington South). Our club – the newest of the 4 Guelph Rotary clubs – was sponsored by Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium in order to service the growing south end of Guelph and neighbouring Puslinch Township.

“Coming together as strangers, working together as friends”
The original group of 20 individuals, committed to Service Above Self, has grown and still counts 7 of the original Charter Members as members today.

Charter President Bill Hammond + Presidents of the other 3 Guelph Rotary Clubs - 2001 Charter Celebration

The Charter Members plus Ralph Marziano (Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium) - 2001 Charter Celebration

2019-2020 ROTARY YEAR

Posted on Jul 01, 2019

July 1st marks the start of the new Rotary year, and that means a new President! Deb Allen will lead our Rotary club for the next year, very much following the lead of Past President Linda Main whose term just ended and who had a most successful year.

2019 TOUR DE GUELPH

Posted on Jun 15, 2019

We meant it when we said this would be our biggest and best ride yet. We are announcing our BIGGEST Prize Promo yet for youth riders who fundraise!Guelph South Rotary member Bella Hodgkinson (a.k.a. Idabelle, a.k.a. Idie) has secured two children’s mountain bikes, courtesy of Canadian Tire Saskatoon East.

Camp Enterprise 2019 - Student visits club meeting

Matteo Furfaro, from Bishop Mac High School, was one of the Camp Enterprise students that attended the 2-day workshop at University of Waterloo in May. He spoke to our members about his experience and of winning the team prize for best business model for a start-up organization. He told us that his biggest learning from this experience was the chance to be exposed to business leaders and how they manage complex business issues.

FOOD4KIDS FUNDRAISER - April 2, 2019

Posted on Mar 25, 2019

Tickets are now ~~available~~ SOLD OUT for the upcoming fundraiser in support of the @Food4KidsWW program in Guelph-Wellington-Dufferin. Help the Rotary clubs in Guelph as they address the issue of the 1500-1800 children in local schools who experience severe food insecurity in their homes. Thanks to everyone for their support!

Many local school children already benefit from weekday, in-school nourishment programs such as breakfasts, snacks and/or lunches that are available to all children in the school. But for the children facing severe food insecurity at home, there is a serious gap in their access to food over weekends and during school holidays. Local food banks and food pantries are not able to cover this gap adequately, despite their best efforts due to the inability of families to access the food they require. When children are nourished consistently their opportunities for a better future increase and their health and well-being are positively affected. They feel like they belong in their environment, whether it is the school classroom, playground or in the greater community.

Join us for breakfast, donate a silent auction item or become an event sponsor....contact us for more information and THANK YOU!

ROTARACTORS MAKE US PROUD

Posted on Mar 24, 2019

The University of Guelph's Rotaract Club held its annual Gala on March 2nd, and this year selected Food4Kids to be the beneficiary of the proceeds.

They attended our weekly meeting on March 21st to present $5,000 how amazing is that??

We are grateful to the Rotaractors for their support of this important project being championed in Guelph by the 4 Rotary Clubs.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Posted on Mar 21, 2019

We were thrilled to be able to formally induct 2 new members today: Martin Litchfield (sponsor Russ Powell) and Charlie Barnes (sponsor Linda Craig). Both have a long tradition of volunteer service, and becoming Rotarians is a natural progression.

(l-r: Russ Powell, Martin Litchfield, President Linda Main, Linda Craig, Charlie Barnes)

FOOD4KIDS GUELPH - New Website

Posted on Mar 10, 2019

We're pleased to announce that Food4Kids Guelph has received confirmation of its non-profit incorporation, and is in the process of getting its charitable status finalized. This exciting news is accompanied by their new logo and new website www.food4kidsguelph.ca - we hope you'll check it out!

Tickets are still available for the April 2nd fundraiser breakfast being held at Cutten Fields. Help us ensure that more kids have their weekend food needs met by attending the breakfast or making a donation.

2019 VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH

Posted on Feb 22, 2019

Congratulations to the 10 organizations selected to be honoured at the 2019 Volunteer Appreciation Brunch to be held on Sunday April 7th at Cutten Fields.

Each of the organizations will be invited to have up to 10 of their volunteers attend the event - those volunteers will enjoy a delicious brunch, as our guests, and the organization itself will receive a donation of $1,000.

MOST SUCCESSFUL PASTA DINNER EVER!

Posted on Feb 11, 2019

On February 8^th 2019 we hosted our annual fundraiser to benefit Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre, along with other worthwhile Rotary projects.

The sell-out crowd of 240 guests enjoyed delicious all-you-can eat food, fellowship, door prizes, raffles and a silent auction boasting a wide range of items to be bid on.

While final numbers aren't in yet it's looking as if net proceeds will exceed $9,000 - a record for this event.

We are so grateful to the table sponsors along with the donors of silent auction/raffle/door prize items.

Their generosity went a long way towards making this event the huge success it was.

We used the event as an opportunity to make a $5,000 donation to Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre, along with a $2,800 donation to Childrens' Help for Uganda.

A photo album is on the club website home page (right side) along with a photo carousel (left side). Thanks to the volunteers, sponsors, prize donors and especially our guests!

PASTA DINNER FUNDRAISER (Feb 8, 2019) SILENT AUCTION

Posted on Feb 06, 2019

Our annual fundraiser in support of @SunriseRiding and other worthwhile Rotary projects is this Friday, Feb 8. Thanks to generous sponsors/donors, we have a great list of silent auction items. If you're attending here are some of the ones you'll have a chance to bid on (note that some will have minimum reserve amounts posted)....

2019 TOUR DE GUELPH - REGISTRATION OPEN!

Posted on Feb 04, 2019

Tour de Guelph is a cycling event in support of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital and local Rotary projects through the Rotary clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium.

Its intent is to build and support community well-being within Guelph-Wellington. Tour de Guelph is for all ages and abilities and welcomes participation from community members as well as visitors to Guelph-Wellington.

In its first five years, the event has raised over $300,000 for our community and has grown into one of Guelph-Wellington’s largest community sporting events. The ride continues to grow each year, now attracting close to 1,000 riders.

17th ANNUAL PASTA DINNER

Posted on Dec 19, 2018

Getting to be a Puslinch tradition, our annual "Taste of Italy Pasta Dinner" supporting Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre as well as other worthwhile Rotary projects is happening on Friday February 8th 2019 at the Puslinch Community Centre. Tickets are now available either from any club member or online from Guelph snapd - follow this link for details: https://guelph.snapd.com/#/events/view/1213660.

See you there!

GivingThursday

Posted on Nov 30, 2018

Our Rotary meeting theme this week was "GivingThursday" and we spent it donating contents & packing 10 Christmas Gift Bags for @ChalmersCentre, which we do every year, along with something new this year - 5 shoeboxes for @ShoeboxGuelph #ShoeboxProject. Great fun & felt good too!

As usual our members enthusiastically participated, both with the donated goods and the packing of the gift packages. Guest Nicole Greco jumped right in there as well, helping with the packing and taking left over donated goods to Hope House for us...thanks Nicole!

TOUR DE GUELPH FUNDS - NEW CT SCANNER

Posted on Oct 30, 2018

This week Guelph General Hospital had its official ribbon-cutting for its new CT Scanner. Marianne Walker, GGH president and CEO, said the machine will improve the quality of care, create increased efficiency and will save money.

The previous CT scanner was 13 years old and performed over 300,000 scans. It frequently broke down and need repairs. It will be refurbished and used in a developing country. A year ago the hospital put a new CT scanner at the top of its wish list.

Cost of just under $1 million was paid for primarily through donations and fundraising in the community, including the Tour de Guelph community cycling event.

Rotary Club of Guelph South President Linda Main represented the club at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Thanks to everyone that supported Tour de Guelph, YOU were part of this too!

WORLD POLIO DAY FLAG RAISING

Posted on Oct 24, 2018

On Wednesday October 24, 2018 - World Polio Day - members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium joined Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie for an "End Polio Now" World Polio Day flag raising ceremony. This ceremony, held annually, also includes comments by the Rotary club presidents.

Rotary Club of Guelph South President Linda Main represents the Club and speaks at the flag raising ceremony

WORLD POLIO DAY - October 24, 2018

Posted on Oct 24, 2018

World Polio Day was established by Rotary International over a decade ago to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis. Use of this inactivated poliovirus vaccine and subsequent widespread use of the oral poliovirus, developed by Albert Sabin, led to the establishment of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988. As of 2013, GPEI had reduced polio worldwide by 99%.

Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease. There is no cure, but there are safe and effective vaccines. Polio can be prevented through immunization. Polio vaccine, given multiple times, almost always protects a child for life. The strategy to eradicate polio is therefore based on preventing infection by immunizing every child until transmission stops and the world is polio-free.

Caborca Mexico - Rotary Polio Immunization Days

Rotary Club of Guelph South member Frank Oudesluys participating in 2017 National Immunization Day in Caborca Mexico

ROTARY'S NEW LEARNING CENTRE

Posted on Sep 16, 2018

Rotary International's website www.rotary.org has just rolled out its completely revamped Learning Centre and it's awesome!

Let's face it....Rotary is huge, and there are so many facets to it. Where do you start??

The new Learning Centre provides many more bite-sized modules that focus on specific topics of interest. You can drill down through your area of interest to specific videos, offered in many different languages.

Once a module is completed your online "Dashboard" is updated to show your progress, and you get a certificate of completion.

Watch this short video, see what it's all about.

Benefits of the new Learning Center from Rotary Training on Vimeo.

DISTRICT 7080 GOVERNOR VISIT

Posted on Sep 06, 2018

(L-R: DGE Lesley Barmania; ADG Darlene Carpenter; President Linda Main; D7080 Governor John Gilvesy)

On September 6th we welcomed 2018-19 District 7080 Governor John Gilvesy to our club for the first time.

DG John was welcomed by Club President Linda Main. Also attending was Assistant Governor Darlene Carpenter and, for her first visit to our club, District 7080 Governor Elect Lesley Barmania.

John was clearly outnumbered here, and it's a good representation of the involvement and elevation of women in Rotary!

DG John is a member of Rotary Club of Tillsonburg; ADG Darlene is a member of Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium; DGE Lesley is a member of Rotary Club of Meadowvale.

Thank you all for attending our meeting.

Hosting Shelldale Family Gateway Kids at Sunrise - July 26, 2018

Posted on Jul 30, 2018

Again in 2018 we enjoyed hosting a busload of youngsters from the Shelldale Community Centre at Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre. These city kids had an opportunity to whoop it up in a country setting, enjoying the fresh air, the animals, the BBQ and food, the swimming pool and the sports activities. A group of volunteer Rotarians, along with Sunrise representatives, supervised the youngsters during the visit. We're grateful to Sunrise for making their facility available for this event, and we know that the youngsters had a really good time!

DISTRICT GRANT PRESENTATION

Posted on Jul 14, 2018

On July 12th the District 7080 Director for Rotary Foundation and Past District Governor, Norm Bindon, attended our weekly meeting and presented the Club with a cheque for $4,597.00 representing proceeds from the Rotary Foundation as a District sponsored grant, towards the work done at the Olive Tree Projects birthing and maternal health in Haiti. In January 2018 four Rotarians from our club (Peter and Celia Clark, Geoff and Deb Allen) went to Haiti in order to do renovations to their kitchen and install solar panels on the clinic roof in order to provide a more consistent source of electricity. Donations to the Rotary Foundation are invested and after 3 years are available to clubs, both at the District and International level, to assist clubs in financing worthy projects like this.

And, while Norm was there, he was honoured to be able to award a Paul Harris Fellow +3 Pin to Rotarian Brian Cowan. This pin with a special stone recognizes a level of contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Congratulations Brian!

PRESIDENT CHANGEOVER

Posted on Jul 01, 2018

On June 19^th members and guests gathered to celebrate the end of another successful Rotary year. President Bruno Marziano’s term will end of June 30^th and he was thanked for his service to the club over the past year. Incoming President Linda Main presented him with an engraved award as thanks, and he expressed his thanks to the members for their involvement that made the year such a success. Everyone enjoyed barbecued steaks and ribs, along with various salads and accompaniments. Mother Nature cooperated and provided perfect weather for eating and fellowship outdoors.

SPECIAL VISITORS FROM INDIA!

Posted on Jun 20, 2018

Rotary Club of Guelph South Rotarian Pat Lewis, along with Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium Rotary President Norm Greensmith, today welcomed + exchanged banners with visiting Rotarians (President-Elect K.K. Chugh, President Hernant Shah) from @3201Rotary District, Rotary Club of Coimbatore Metropolis, India.

K.K. Chugh has a brother in Guelph, and they are staying with that brother while they attend the Rotary International Convention being held in Toronto. They had originally reached out to our Club, to attend our regular weekly meeting. However we had cancelled this week’s meeting due to the President Changeover event, and instead invited them to approach the Guelph-Trillium Club about attend their meeting. They spoke with Norm Greensmith who readily accommodated them, and our own Pat Lewis offered to attend as well to extend greetings on behalf of our Club and present them with our banner.

Their club’s signature project is “Hope After Fire – Reconstruction Surgery for Burn Deformities”. They will be providing us with information on it, and are looking forward to getting more information on our projects.

Just a couple more of the more than 1.2 million members of our “Rotary family” that we have the privilege of getting to know!

FOOD4KIDS

Posted on May 22, 2018

The pilot project for servicing the Guelph area is progressing well, with the school year soon coming to a close. The project team has been working through the logistics of this new program on a smaller scale with the intention of being able to incorporate more volunteers and increasing the number of students that can be serviced starting this fall.

We are grateful to the project team for all their work in getting this project started, and are looking forward to a full roll-out that more of us can be involved with. Stay tuned!

(Members of the Food4Kids project team)

SHELTERBOX NOMINATED FOR NOBEL PEACE PRIZE!

Posted on May 21, 2018

In recognition of its humanitarian efforts in areas of extreme conflict. Rotary and ShelterBox have worked together for more than 15 years, providing emergency shelter after disasters in all parts of the world. The goal of ShelterBox is to keep families and communities together in crisis situations, providing emergency shelter and life-saving supplies to people forcibly displaced from their homes.

Our Rotary Club purchased and donated 2 Shelter Boxes which were dispatched to Port-Au-Prince Haiti after the 2010 earthquake there.

Good luck to ShelterBox as it is up for much-deserved recognition for the good it has done.

CAMP ENTERPRISE STUDENTS

Posted on May 20, 2018

Rotary Club of Guelph South has, since 2007, sponsored senior students from Bishop Macdonell High School to attend the Golden Triangle Camp Enterprise 3-day residential business development program that is sponsored by 9 Rotary Clubs in the Guelph, Cambridge and K-W area. The program this year ran from May 1^st through 3^rd in Waterloo. This year we sponsored 4 students, and we were pleased to welcome 3 of them that were available to attend our May 17^th weekly meeting and give us their impressions of their participation. Nestor Rivera, Happy Tran and Zachary Taylor shared how they were part of a break-out group that developed a business plan for a new business with a mens’ hair care product. They also spoke about their visit to the Velocity Project and in particular how much food was made available to the participants!

(Rotarian Frank Oudesluys, Happy, Nestor, Rotary President Bruno Marziano, Zachary)

In particular, Nestor expressed a desire to pursue involvement in a Rotaract Club after having observed the presentations by the Rotaractors. While none of them had known about Rotary, or Rotaract, before taking part in Camp Enterprise, they now have a better idea of what both are and appreciated the opportunity to be part of the group that attended Camp Enterprise. We were gratified to get the following feedback from their business teacher at Bishop Mac, Kevin Da Costa: “I have spoken to the 4 students from BM who went and they all loved it! Extremely positive reviews and they were very grateful to have the chance to go.”

DONATION TO SUNRISE - April 26th 2018

Posted on Apr 30, 2018

Puslinch Mayor Dennis Lever presented our $5,000 donation to Lynne O'Brien, Executive Director of Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre. This donation is from proceeds of the 16th Annual "Taste of Italy" Pasta Dinner, an event held annually in Puslinch to benefit Sunrise.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH

Posted on Apr 25, 2018

The 3^rd Annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch was held on Sunday April 22^nd, having been delayed from the original date thanks to Mother Nature! Although a somewhat smaller crowd than originally anticipated, all 10 organizations being honoured were still represented and gratefully accepted their recognition and donation. We were also thankful to the dignitaries who attended and expressed their appreciation, both for the organizations and volunteers and for the Rotary Club of Guelph South for hosting the event.

Nice comments have been received and posted on social media, for example:

“On behalf of Onward Willow Neighbourhood Group, thank you so much for hosting such a lovely brunch! Unfortunately our turnout wasn't that high with the postponement and all, but we really appreciate it and had a great time! Susie Stauffer, Neighbourhood Support Worker”

Sandra Ellis, President - Family Counselling & Support Services along with
Puslinch Fire & Rescue Chief Fire Prevention Officer Michael Roess

Grateful to our sponsors - doesn't happen without their support!

Representatives of volunteer organizations plus (far right) Rotarians Ann Caine + Brian Cowan

COMFORT QUILTS

Posted on Apr 23, 2018

On April 19th we had past member Cheryl Cowan speaking on her involvement with the Royal City Quilters Guild and our partnership with them in the creation of 200 "Comfort Quilts" over the past year. Cheryl displayed some sample quilts and advised on the disposition of the 200 quilts. She has since written an article for the upcoming RCQG newsletter that she has shared with us:

We are pleased and proud of our involvement with this worthwhile project of RCQG.

GREAT MARCH 2018 SPEAKERS!

Posted on Apr 03, 2018

We had some really interesting and diverse speakers during the month of March – thanks to the members for their assistance in organizing these weekly meeting programs.

Celia Clark thanking Canadian elite boxer/Olympic hopeful Sara Haghighat-joo

Jeff Merriman, Field Director for Water Ambassadors Canada

Michael House Executive Director Beth Harris

Karen Dowell thanks Gail Touchie, Regional Manager, West Central Ontario, Scientists in School

HISTORY OF THE ROTARY BELL

Posted on Apr 03, 2018

Ever wonder why every Rotary Club has one??

In 1922, U.S. Rotarians organized an attendance contest; the challenge was that the losing clubs would join in giving the winning club a prize. The Rotary Club of New York City was declared the winner and to them was awarded as a prize a bell from a popular patrol boat, which was placed on wood that came from HMS "Victory", Admiral Nelson's vessel at the battle of Trafalgar.

Since then, the bell used in Rotary meetings started to represent, as on the ships, order, discipline and the time to guide us through the weekly hour and a half meetings. The bell informs us with its sound the beginning of the Rotary meeting, at which time people present should stand, same as at the end, in order to salute the national and Rotary flags. The gavel symbolizes the authority invested in the Rotarian elected to the highest position in Rotary, and through him, reminds those present of his authority. When presidents transmit their positions to their successors at the end of their mandate, they give the bell their last hit turning the gavel over to their successor, symbolizing the transfer of authority.

(Note: each Club has its own traditions with respect to use of the Rotary bell – it is just a symbol, its use is not cast in stone)

CONGRATULATIONS U OF G ROTARACTORS

Posted on Mar 28, 2018

On Friday March 23^rd the University of Guelph Rotaractors hosted their annual Gala, this year to benefit the Start2Finish Running & Reading Program in Guelph. Everyone, including the Rotary Club of Guelph South members that attended the event, had a great time and very much enjoyed the dinner. Their Facebook page has some photos, including these:

CLUBRUNNER MOBILE APP - IOS AND ANDROID

Posted on Mar 28, 2018

The ClubRunner Mobile App is your key to connect to your club on the go! Completely, free to download and use, this app will let you access the key info you need while you're on the go. Password protected just like your website, the ClubRunner Mobile app allows you to view your member directory, contact your members and executives, read the latest articles posted to your website, learn more about your upcoming events and speakers, view your meeting details and track your attendance statistics, right from your smartphone or tablet!

To download the app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play, simply type in 'ClubRunner' in the search bar. The mobile app is compatible with all versions of the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch sets that have iOS 8.0 or later and with versions of Androids that are 4.0.3 or better.

WE TRULY ARE THISCLOSE....

Posted on Mar 28, 2018

Only 5 cases of polio worldwide so far in 2018! Be proud to be a Rotarian and part of the monumental 30 year effort to eradicate this disease for good.

LAUNCH OF FOOD4KIDS PROGRAM IN GUELPH

Posted on Mar 28, 2018

Last week marked the launch of Food4Kids Waterloo Wellington in Guelph! Food4Kids is a program that sends home food on Fridays with children facing food insecurity to help through the weekend. The project will be a partnership of the four Guelph Rotary Clubs who are going to be volunteering and funding this program, with the SEED providing space and help with ordering, management and distribution.

On April 26^th the weekly meeting will focus on this program. Thanks to Hazel and Celia for their efforts on behalf of our Rotary club towards this new program.

In this photo, the steering committee is about to start the packing. Please help spread the word - we are so excited to make this happen.

To learn more about Food4Kids, check out the website https://www.food4kidsww.ca/gwd

FIRESIDE CHATS

Posted on Mar 28, 2018

Don't forget about the Fireside Chat that you are signed up for, starting with the April 5th event at Bella's home - your input will be very valuable to the incoming President and Board for the 2018-19 Rotary year. Thanks to the hosts (Bella, Celia, Deb) of the 3 sessions.

TORONTO 2018: INSPIRATION AROUND EVERY CORNER

Posted on Mar 28, 2018

March 31^st 2018 is the deadline to take advantage of the pre-registration discount for the upcoming 2018 Rotary Convention being held in Toronto June 23-27. The discount is $85.00 USD so it's substantial.

Although the Tour de Guelph will take up a lot of our energy on June 23^rd and 24^th, that still leaves 3 Convention days with lots of Rotary-related activities and fellowship opportunities, including more than 90 breakout sessions. Check out the program and Convention news online, registration options, along with options for hotel accommodations and transportation. www.riconvention.org. Information on the breakout sessions is being emailed to each member as well so that you can see the depth and breadth of topics available to interest any Rotarian.

MARCH 22nd - WORLD WATER DAY

Posted on Mar 21, 2018

World Water Day is an annual observance day on 22 March to highlight the importance of freshwater. It is also used to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. World Water Day is celebrated around the world with a variety of events. These can be educational, theatrical, musical or lobbying in nature. The day can also include campaigns to raise money for water projects. The first World Water Day, designated by the United Nations, was commemorated in 1993.

At the March 15^th weekly meeting we had a speaker, Jeff Merriman from Water Ambassadors Canada, who told us about the international trips – mostly to Central America – that their non-profit organizes, to help communities with their water and sanitation needs. Jeff was interested to hear that one of Rotary’s areas of focus is clean water and sanitation, and it made him think that our club might be interested in an upcoming trip that Water Ambassadors Canada is planning. One of the founders is hosting their first ever “Vision” trip to Matagalpa Nicaragua, May 6 to 10^th. The vision trip is a shortened version of a regular well repair trip and an opportunity for current and future sponsors to see some of their projects in Nicaragua plus do some hands-on repair work in rural villages. A donation of $2,000 per person (tax receipted) is suggested to cover travel and other trip expenses.

“We want you to see first hand how simple it is to provide clean water. Last year, we helped over 30,000 people. We need your financial assistance and insight to continue this valuable work”. Water Ambassadors Canada www.waterambassadorscanada.org

5th ANNUAL TOUR DE GUELPH - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Posted on Mar 21, 2018

Supporting our community is as easy as riding a bike! In its first four years, Tour de Guelph has raised over $200,000 for Guelph General Hospital and for local and international Rotary projects through the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium. Tour de Guelph is a community bicycling event for all ages and abilities. This year choose from six routes and seven distances, from the 5k/10k route all the way to the 160k route for seasoned cyclists, there is a distance for everyone! Register and start fundraising today - this year's goal is $125,000! Tour de Guelph supports Guelph General Hospital and local Rotary projects.

Your participation will make a positive impact in our community. Volunteers are so critical to the success of the event. Please let Celia Clark know if you can help out, volunteers are needed in many different areas, before during and after the event. www.tourdeguelph.ca

ROTARY DISTRICT 7080 AWARDS

Posted on Mar 21, 2018

Our Rotary District is looking for nominations for Rotary awards, before an April 30th deadline. Examples of the awards for which clubs have been invited to submit nominations include:

District Service Award: recognizes an individual Rotarian's efforts to serve humanity and work toward world understanding and peace through Rotary Foundation programs;

Club Builder Award: recognizes Rotarians who have made a significant impact in supporting and strengthening their home Rotary club. Selection criteria include the candidate’s achievements in recruiting new members, participating in Rotary training, involvement in vocational service projects and attendance at District event;

Rotary Partner Award: recognizes the outstanding contribution of a District Rotary Spouse/Partner in supporting Rotary causes, projects and/or the Rotary Foundation locally, at the District level or internationally;

District Polio Service Award: recognizes the outstanding active personal service of a District Rotarian in advocacy and hands-on support of End Polio Now both within the District and internationally;

Communications and Marketing Award: recognizes a club, individual or committee for outstanding communications and marketing of club news and projects to club members and supporters and/or to the public, through any and all media channels.

If you have thoughts as to nominations that our club could make to the District, for any of the award categories, please let President Bruno Marziano know, so that it can be brought before the Board before the end of April.

PARKINSONS TULIPS

Posted on Mar 21, 2018

The red tulip has been associated with Parkinson’s awareness since 1980 when a Dutch horticulturalist who had PD developed a red and white tulip and named it "Dr. James Parkinson.” In April 2005, the red tulip was launched as the Worldwide Symbol of Parkinson's Disease and has inspired a grassroots movement combining efforts and resources to help find a cure in our lifetimes.

A reminder that Karen Dowell is taking orders for the 2018 Parkinsons Tulips (potted only this year, no cut flowers) at $10 per pot - she will bring all ordered pots to the March 29th weekly meeting, you can pick up and pay for them there. Please let her know ahead of time if you want to order some (karen.dowell@parkinson.ca) so that she can be sure to have your order available on March 29th.

CLUB LEADERSHIP TRAINING - APRIL 14th

Posted on Mar 14, 2018

What Is this Event?

A one-day event designed to help all committee chairs, Board members, and would-be leaders in their club fulfill the various positions required to run a club. The timing for this event sets everyone up in their responsibilities before the new Rotary year begins in July, including the roles of Secretary, Treasurer and other key positions. Among the 20+ sessions, we will provide many expert speakers on chairing meetings effectively, inspiring & mentoring new members, fundraising, Social Media and so much more. The event also helps to cultivate greater interest and involvement on the part of all Rotarians, whether they are new, relatively new or seasoned.

The key people in roles such as Secretary, and Treasurer, and on committees such as Fund Raising, Membership, and Rotary Foundation will be updated, provided with great ideas and inspired. Newer members will be better informed as they consider taking on a leadership role in the future. This event is a great avenue for all Rotarians to better understand the machinery of Rotary and help their club remain vibrant and effective.

UPDATE: HANNAH + LUCAS NEWBY

Posted on Mar 09, 2018

Honourary Member Thomas Newby has provided us with an update on his 2 children. For the benefit of the newer members, Hannah suffered severe heart failure when she was less than 6 months old, had an artificial heart for months and then a heart transplant just before her first birthday. Thomas was Club President at the time and was trying to keep up with his job, Rotary and this oh-so-serious family situation. He did a remarkable job in every respect! Hannah just turned 6 on March 6th (big brother Lucas turned 11 a couple of weeks prior) and is doing great! Thomas thought the members would like to hear how they're doing:

Hannah: is in senior kindergarten now. At the parent-teacher interviews her teacher said she is a dream student. She is always willing to answer and to help the junior kindergarteners and is exceeding the educational requirements for that grade. The teacher would not have known that she had any hearing issues or needed to take speech therapy (without us telling her) so that is great. She’s already trying to mother her big brother which is amusing to watch. She is active in swimming lessons, piano, gymnastics and dance and still love being outside.

Lucas: is in grade 5 now. He’s doing well in school too and has a current project on the go where they talk about a local charity. He spoke up and asked his teacher if he could do it on Ronald McDonald House instead which she is letting him. He’s excited to give his presentation on it next week and recognizes how great of a facility it is. He is also doing swimming, guitar and basketball. He loves to read and is likes to brag about how he is now officially as tall as his grandma.

2018 PETS (President Elect Training Seminar)

Posted on Mar 07, 2018

President-Elect Linda Main has just completed the second of 2 PETS (President Elect Training Seminar) sessions and is raring to go for her year that will start on July 1^st.

What is PETS? It’s a multi-district series of speakers and workshops that all Presidents-Elect attend. There is a 1-day event locally, then a 2-day event at a hotel in Toronto. This is at no charge to the incoming President, the costs including accommodation are covered through the fees paid by the club to the District. The event gives incoming Presidents the opportunity to hear from experienced Rotarian speakers and to network with other incoming Presidents.

Linda sent us some photos including one of the program – a Photo Album has been created on the club website that has the photos in it. Have a look and see if you too aren’t intrigued and interested in becoming a future President for our Rotary club.

(Linda with Margaret Nixon's daughter Lisa on her right - Lisa is President Elect of the Elora club)

MARCH 8th IS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Posted on Mar 07, 2018

Thursday March 8^th 2018 is “International Women’s Day”, a day to recognize and celebrate womens’ contributions - including to Rotary.

Women and Rotary, why bring it up? It’s always been this way, hasn’t it? The answer is no. Women have been included as members of Rotary since 1987. Go back in time to 1983 or 84 and there might have been women walking into the House of Friendship, but you would know she wasn’t a Rotarian. She might be a Rotary Ann or a spouse of a Rotarian. In fact it took a Supreme Court ruling in the US to affirm the right of Rotary clubs to allow women to even become members. Today, approximately 27% of Rotarians are women. Past District Governor Mimi Altman District 6440, who served from 1995-1996 in the very district her father had served as District Governor 80 years prior, said “Women have proven their capabilities as Rotarians, as club presidents and district governors. Their leadership qualities have been demonstrated at the club and district levels, the future will see them rise to the greatest heights of Rotary”.

MARCH: ROTARY'S WATER + SANITATION MONTH

Posted on Mar 01, 2018

Clean water and sanitation is a human right. When people, especially children, have access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, they lead healthier and more successful lives.

We don’t just build wells and walk away. Rotary members integrate water, sanitation, and hygiene into education projects. When children learn about disease transmission and practice good hygiene, they miss less school. And they can take those lessons home to their families, expanding our impact.

HOW ROTARY MAKES HELP HAPPEN

CABORCA MEXICO - POLIO IMMUNIZATIONS

Posted on Feb 21, 2018

The First National Health Week 2018 in Mexico will be held from February 17 to 23. The first National Health Week has as main activity the application of oral poliomyelitis vaccine ( Sabin ) to girls and boys from 6 to 59 months of age, with the purpose of keeping the wild poliovirus eradicated. A group of District 7080 Rotarians - including our own Frank Oudesluys - travelled to Mexico and joined other Rotarians in 2017 and again in 2018, to administer the vaccine to the children. Frank will give the club a presentation on the event at the April 5th weekly meeting.

Frank hasn't provided us with any photos - but we found one, with him, on the internet from the 2018 event!

HAPPY 113th ANNIVERSARY ROTARY - FEBRUARY 23rd 2018

Posted on Feb 21, 2018

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH - SPONSORS INVITED

Posted on Feb 14, 2018

An important message to all members from event Committee Chair Linda Main:

Dear Members,

Now with the Pasta Dinner event behind us it is time to focus on our new "Volunteer Appreciation Brunch" on Sunday, April 15th. This will be the 3rd time we have held this event and the committee is dedicated to making this event successful and long term but we need the help of all of our club members to do that. Unlike Pasta Dinner and Tour de Guelph, which requires hands on work this event requires very little. We are asking all members to reach out to local businesses they may have a connection to and ask if they would like to support this event. We have sponsorship packages which explain the different levels of Sponsorship. Let me know if you need a copy. A copy is also posted on the club website, available from the home page (no login required). Please spend a few minutes to think of someone you know that you could approach to be a sponsor.

Thank-you, Linda Main, Chair of VAB Committee

TWO MORE NEW MEMBERS!

Posted on Feb 09, 2018

We were pleased to formally induct 2 new members at the February 8th weekly meeting: Chris Pilgrim and Blaire Rennie.

Chris is well known to our Club through his role as Pastor at the Guelph Salvation Army Citadel - he, along with wife Claudette, has lived a life of service and joining a Rotary Club to extend the reach of his service is a logical extension of that tradition. We got to meet Blaire for the first time a year ago when she attended a meeting - she wasn't able to make a commitment to Rotary then but fortunately for us, she can now. Blaire was described recently by a group that she spoke to as a "serial volunteer", with a strong non-profit, volunteer and fundraising background.

Membership Chair Frank Oudesluys welcomes (above) Chris Pilgrim with sponsor Ann Caine (below) Blaire Rennie with sponsor Andreas Hug

ROTARACT 2018 GALA - FRIDAY MARCH 23rd 2018

Posted on Feb 05, 2018

The Guelph Rotaract Club has announced their 2018 Gala event, this year benefiting the "Start2Finish Running & Reading" Program. The event is being held on Friday March 23rd at the Summerlea Science Complex (University of Guelph) - doors open at 6:00pm. This fun-filled night will include a three course meal, silent auction, raffle and fun activities. Tickets are available now: for yours contact the Guelph Rotaract Club at rotaract@uoguelph.ca.

NOTE: DEADLINE TO BUY TICKETS IS MONDAY MARCH 19th

SAVE THE DATE: Annual Pasta Dinner

Posted on Feb 01, 2018

Our annual fundraiser in support of Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre, along with other worthwhile Rotary projects.
Friday February 9th, 5:30pm to 8:30pm, at Puslinch Community Centre (23 Brock Road South, in Aberfoyle).

Scrumptious pasta/meatballs/meat sauce, salad, dessert, tea/coffee. Silent Auction and Door Prizes too!

Tickets go fast so get yours soon!

Tickets available online at guelph.snapd.com under "Ticketed Events"

Ticket prices: Adults $20.00; Child 5-12 $10.00; Child under 5 $2.00
(Tickets also available from Rotarian Celia Clark (phone: 519-766-1097; email: celia@digitalfrog.com)

February is Rotary’s “Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution” Month:

Posted on Jan 31, 2018

Just a week or so after the “Doomsday Clock” was moved even closer to midnight, Rotary’s efforts are more important than ever! Rotary fosters understanding across cultures. We train adults and young leaders to prevent and mediate conflict and help refugees who have fled dangerous areas.

Through our service projects, peace fellowships, and scholarships, our members are taking action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.

2018 Scotch Nosing - February 23rd

The 7th Annual Scotch Nosing Fundraiser presented by the Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium, Red Car Service, and Cutten Fields is taking place on February 23^rd. Tickets are $125.00 with one of three dinner options: Beef, Fish, or Vegetarian. Proceeds from this event will go towards finding a cure end Polio and other Rotary projects. Tickets are on sale until February 19^th.

WELCOME NEW MEMBER LINDA CRAIG

Posted on Jan 21, 2018

Rotary Club of Guelph South was proud to welcome Linda Craig as a new member. Her sponsor Celia Clark and President Bruno Marziano oversaw her formal induction.

2017 HOLIDAYS SCHEDULE

Posted on Dec 12, 2017

Holidays Schedule
Due to the upcoming Christmas and New Years holidays we will not be holding our regular weekly breakfast meetings at Springfield as usual....

Regular Weekly Breakfast Meetings at Springfield Golf & Country Club are being cancelled for the upcoming weeks:

DECEMBER 21^st2017

DECEMBER 28^th2017

Watch our website for more information on the weekly programs being planned starting on January 4th 2018.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year....
From all of the members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South

LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH....

Posted on Dec 11, 2017

One of Rotary's six areas of focus is peacebuilding in communities and regions affected by conflict. "Peace on Earth" is also a recurring theme for the upcoming holiday season. Enjoy this special 1 minute commercial from the early 90's, run by a grocery store chain in Florida, that didn't promote groceries - rather it promoted "Peace on Earth" in a compelling way (hint: turn up the volume!).

LEST WE FORGET.....

Posted on Nov 08, 2017

The Remembrance Day Ceremony has played a major role in Remembrance since 1931. Every year, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we gather in memorial parks, community halls, workplaces, schools and homes to stand in honour of all who have fallen. Together, we observe a moment of silence to mark the sacrifice of the many who have fallen in the service of their country, and to acknowledge the courage of those who still serve.

2017 WORLD POLIO DAY - LEVELZ Hair Connect Fundraiser

Posted on Oct 25, 2017

On 2017 World Polio Day (Tuesday October 24th 2017) we were honoured to accept the offer of local entrepreneur Mike Shirazi, owner of LEVELZ Hair Connect, that he would provide haircuts all day in his shop with all proceeds to the campaign to eradicate polio. These donations will be matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation....

2017 WORLD POLIO DAY - Flag Raising

Posted on Oct 24, 2017

On Tuesday October 24th 2017 - the 5th Annual "World Polio Day" - a group of Rotarians joined Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie for the raising of the "End Polio Now" flag at Guelph City Hall.

We are thisclose to ending polio!

2018 VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH - SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Posted on Oct 18, 2017

VOLUNTEERS - A GIFT TO OUR COMMUNITY The Volunteer Appreciation Brunch is an annual event to recognize 100 of the tireless volunteers within 10 organizations throughout Guelph and Wellington County who give so much of themselves and expect so very little in return. In addition, Rotary Club of Guelph South will be making donations to each of the selected organizations as a thank you for everything that they give to those in need.

WORLD POLIO DAY - October 24th 2017

Posted on Oct 18, 2017

Smallpox is the only human disease ever eradicated. Let’s make polio the second.
Join the fight on World Polio Day. www.endpolio.org

HOSTING "BETTER BEGINNINGS, BETTER FUTURES" AT SUNRISE

Posted on Aug 20, 2017

On August 15th 2017 the Rotary Club of Guelph and Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre jointly hosted 45 children through "Better Beginnings, Better Futures" (Guelph) to visit the farm, enjoy the swimming pool and playground, play some soccer, visit the horses and enjoy a barbecue. For many of these city children, this was their first visit to a farm!

2017 RIBFEST at "Ribberside Park" in Guelph August 24-27, 2017

Posted on Aug 15, 2017

This is the 20th Anniversary of Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium's "Ribfest". The dates this year are Thursday, August 24th to Sunday, August 27th, 2017.

They are offering a kickoff concert on Thursday, August 24th. The opening act will start at 6 p.m.The headline band will perform from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The park will be open from 5 p.m. with food and beverages available for the evening. The bands are listed on the home page (www.ribfestguelph.com).

Ribfest has been voted Guelph's best outdoor event and, with your support as a volunteer this year, we can make it even better.

Many volunteers are members of the Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium or family members or friends. Other Rotarians from Guelph's other service clubs also lend a hand. Community volunteers are very welcome and absolutely critical to our delivering a successful event to the community.

To volunteer, go to the Ribfest home page and click on the "Volunteer Signup" link. Thanks!

AUGUST IS ROTARY'S "MEMBERSHIP AND CLUB DEVELOPMENT" MONTH

Posted on Aug 01, 2017

Come visit us at a Thursday weekly meeting and find out for yourself!

SWEET SIXTEEN....

Posted on Jul 31, 2017

...and how sweet it is!!

The Rotary Club of Guelph South celebrates its sixteenth charter year anniversary today (July 31st 2017). We are proud of the impact the club has made in the community and beyond in such a short time. It's all because of great ROTARIANS and FRIENDS! Happy Sweet 16 Rotary Club of Guelph South!

Rotary Club of Guelph South

Coming together as strangers.....working together as friends.

WELCOME NEW MEMBER HAZEL DICKIE

Posted on Jul 20, 2017

Hazel has been a Rotarian for a number of years, and was previously a member of Rotary Club of Guelph. We were pleased to welcome her as she transferred her membership to our Club on July 20th 2017.

Hazel was welcomed by (l-r) Membership Chair Frank Oudesluys,
sponsor Celia Clark and President Bruno Marziano.

THANKS PAST PRESIDENT RICHARD VAN DYKE

Posted on Jul 06, 2017

2016-2017 President Richard Van Dyke was thanked for his service by new 2017-2018 President Bruno Marziano. Bruno presented Rich with a special memento of his year as President and his "Past President" pin.

(Past President Richard Van Dyke pins President Bruno Marziano)

2017-2018 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL THEME

Posted on Jul 01, 2017

The 2017-2018 Rotary International theme for this Rotary year, from July 1^st 2017 through June 30^th 2018, is "Rotary: Making A Difference".

We are embarking on a new era in Rotary. We are the change makers! Change energizes us and helps us to grow. Change can be exciting and fun. It also has its challenges. We are part of an incredible organization. We are transforming lives throughout the world.

It's true!! It's what we do!! Come join us....

4th ANNUAL TOUR DE GUELPH

Posted on Jun 25, 2017

Another successful event! The $80,000 target was not only met but exceeded - almost $100,000 raised, thanks everyone for your support!
A photo album has already been created and is available on the club website home page (look for the "Photo Albums" frame on the right hand side of the home page) and will be added to as we get more photos.

*** SAVE THE DATE FOR 2018: SUNDAY JUNE 24^th ***

JUNE IS ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS MONTH

Posted on Jun 01, 2017

WELCOME NEW MEMBER DAVID TURVEY

Posted on May 28, 2017

The Rotary Club of Guelph South was proud to welcome DAVID TURVEY as its newest member. Dave comes to us very familiar with Rotary, both his parents having been members in Hamilton. Dave was formally inducted on Thursday May 25th 2017 and will be a wonderful addition to our club!

(L-R: Rotarians Brian Cowan, Margaret Nixon, David Turvey, Richard Van Dyke)

MAY - ROTARY'S YOUTH SERVICE MONTH

Posted on May 01, 2017

15th ANNUAL 'TASTE OF ITALY' PASTA DINNER

Posted on Mar 14, 2017

On February 24^th over two hundred local diners crowded into the Puslinch Community Centre for the Rotary Club of Guelph South’s 15^th Annual Pasta Dinner. With live accordion music, yummy, all-you-can-eat pasta and wonderful silent auction items a great time was had by all. Everyone was moved by Andy Spencer’s impassioned speech about how much Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre has helped his daughter Cora.

GUELPH ROTARACT CLUB'S 2017 GALA

The University of Guelph's Rotaract Club is holding their annual gala/fundraiser on March 24th 2017 in support of Children's Help For Uganda.

We're happy to support the Rotaractors, this event and this cause, and encourage others to, as well!

ROTARY'S 112th ANNIVERSARY - February 23rd 2017

Posted on Feb 23, 2017

After setting up his law practice in Chicago, Paul P. Harris gathered several business associates to discuss the idea of forming an organization for local professionals. On 23 February 1905 Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey gathered at Loehr’s office in Room 711 of the Unity Building in downtown Chicago. This was the first Rotary club meeting.

Our 1.2 million-member organization started with the vision of one man—Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on 23 February 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.

Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.

16th ANNUAL "TASTE OF ITALY" PASTA DINNER

Posted on Feb 14, 2017

On February 9^th almost two hundred local diners crowded into the Puslinch Community Centre for the Rotary Club of Guelph South’s 16^th Annual Pasta Dinner. With live accordion music, yummy, all-you-can-eat pasta and wonderful door prizes, raffle prizes and silent auction items a great time was had by all. Everyone was moved by the inspirational message from representatives of Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre. A Photo Album is available on the website (right hand side, scroll down to photo albums frame).

WELCOME NEW ROTARIAN - RUSSELL POWELL

Posted on Feb 02, 2017

The Rotary Club of Guelph South is proud to welcome RUSS POWELL as its newest member. Russ was formally inducted on Thursday February 2nd during our first meeting back at Springfield Golf & Country Club since before Christmas.

SAVE THE DATE: 15th Annual Taste of Italy Pasta Dinner

Posted on Jan 17, 2017

2017 VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH - Sponsorship Opportunities!

Posted on Jan 15, 2017

The 2nd Annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch will be held on Sunday April 23rd 2017 at Cutten Fields in Guelph. We are grateful to Event Partner Davies & Mahnke Private Wealth Management for their support of this event.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available - for more information contact Rotarian Matt Anstett (519-400-7944, anstetts@rogers.com).

2017 Happy New Year!

Posted on Jan 01, 2017

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Best wishes for a wonderful 2017

from all of the members of

ROTARY CLUB OF GUELPH SOUTH ....

2016 HOLIDAYS SCHEDULE

Posted on Nov 16, 2016

Holidays Schedule
Due to the upcoming Christmas and New Years holidays, along with scheduled renovations at Springfield Golf & Country Club, we will not be holding our regular weekly breakfast meetings at Springfield as usual....

Regular Weekly Breakfast Meetings at Springfield Golf & Country Club are being cancelled for the upcoming weeks:

DECEMBER 29^th2016

JANUARY 5^th, 12^th, 19^th and 26^th, 2017

Watch our website for more information on the January weekly meetings programs and meeting venues.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year....
From all of the members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South

LEST WE FORGET......REMEMBRANCE DAY NOVEMBER 11th

This morning's weekly meeting included presentations by 3 club members of family members that bravely served their country during either World War 1 or World War 2. Thomas Newby brought a photograph of his grandfather, and Geoff and Deb Allen brought audio/video recollections of both of their fathers. Deb followed up with some information on her own service, for 8 years, with Guelph's own 11th Field Regiment.

OUR NEWEST ROTARIAN - DEB ALLEN

On October 27th 2016 we were so happy to welcome Deb Allen as our newest member. Deb considers the entire club her "sponsors" - and they enthusiastically welcome her - and hubby Geoff will act as her mentor. Deb has been a constant at club events and she FINALLY made it official! Welcome to our Rotary Club Deb.

(L-R: Rotarians Geoff Allen, Deb Allen, Rotary Club President Rich Van Dyke)

WORLD POLIO DAY Guelph - October 24, 2016

On Monday October 24th 2016 Rotarians gathered outside of Guelph City Hall and watched Mayor Cam Guthrie raise the End Polio Now flag.

(L-R: Rotary Club of Guelph South members Deb Allen, Geoff Allen, Margaret Nixon, Ann Caine, Richard Van Dyke, Linda Main)

World Polio Day is celebrated on October 24th each year, and the Guelph event was one of more than 3,000 held around the world. It celebrates Rotary's involvement in the eradication of this disease, spanning more than 30 years now, resulting in it only being endemic in 3 countries in the world (Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan).

We are closer than ever to creating a polio-free world!

15th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Our Club celebrated the 15th anniversary of its being chartered on July 31st 2016. A special family-oriented dinner celebration was held on September 16th 2016, hosted by Rotarian Bella Hodgkinson at her beautiful home.

A photo album from the event is now available on the website (right hand side of home page, under "Photo Albums") along with a carousel of photos, just above that, of the club over the past 15 years.

DISTRICT 7080 GOVERNOR BILL PROCTOR VISIT

Posted on Sep 15, 2016

We were pleased to welcome District 7080 Governor Bill Proctor, his wife Judy, and Assistant Governor Randy Seager to our weekly meeting this morning.

Bill was our "Mr. Pronouncer" for the 2015 Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee, and today was a great opportunity to get together with him once again!

Bill provided the members in attendance with a wonderful presentation on the importance of Rotary and Rotarians, locally and around the world. He stressed how important it was for Rotary to grow its numbers, so that it can not only continue to do good around the world but increase the amount of good it does.

(ADG Randy Seager, Past ADG Margaret Nixon, DG Bill Proctor, President Rich Van Dyke)

2016 TOUR DE GUELPH VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE

Posted on Jul 25, 2016

Thanks to Rotarian Brian Cowan for this video of the 3rd Annual Tour de Guelph that was held on June 26th 2016. This video is also available on our YouTube channel.

2016-2017 ROTARY YEAR

Posted on Jul 03, 2016

July 1st marks the start of a new Rotary year, and 2016-2017 Rotary International President John Germ has selected "Rotary Serving Humanity" as the theme for Rotary International for the year.

FINAL MEETING OF 2015-2016 ROTARY YEAR

Posted on Jul 03, 2016

The final meeting of the 2015-2016 Rotary year was a great opportunity to hand out donations to two very worthy organizations.... Amarok Society and One4Another International.

Barbara Melara, Chairperson of Amarok Society and Glenn Pascoe, founder of One4Another International, received the donations from incoming President Richard Van Dyke on behalf of the Club.

For more information check out their websites: www.amaroksociety.org and one4anotherintl.ca for more information on the great work that both organizations do.

What a wonderful way to close off a remarkable Rotary year!

2016 TOUR DE GUELPH - WHAT A SUCCESS!

Posted on Jun 30, 2016

Following on the success of the first two years, the organizing Committee set out to enhance yet again the 2016 event. For instance, the registration venue was moved indoors, to the Athletic Centre at the University of Guelph.

A marketing campaign, using social media, generated more than 400 online registrations by the week preceding the event, and the total number of riders in 2016 increased to 664 from 565 in 2015.

More importantly, this fundraising event raised $66,000 exceeding the goal of $60,000! This remarkable result will help Guelph General Hospital purchase a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine, and make a difference locally and internally through important Rotary projects supported by the 2 Rotary Clubs (Guelph South, Guelph-Trillium) that co-organized the event along with the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital.

The date for the next event has already been set - June 25th 2017 - so save the date! We are so grateful to our Presenting Sponsor, Scotiabank, and the other Gold/Silver/Bronze Sponsors, Friends and Vendors for their support in making the 2016 event the overwhelming success that it was.

THANKS 2015-2016 PRESIDENT BILL SMITH

Posted on Jun 23, 2016

2015-2016 President Bill Smith presided over his last regular weekly meeting this morning. He was thanked at the end of the meeting by Past President (2014-2015) Geoff Allen who presented him with a special memento of his year as President and his "Past President" pin.

Bill indicated that he is looking forward to wearing the "Past President' pin and sitting with the other members as incoming President Rich Van Dyke takes over starting in July.

Club members and spouses/partners also enjoyed a special Rotary Year Changeover celebration at NV Lounge in Guelph on Tuesday June 21st - a photo album is posted on the website.

OUR 2016 CAMP ENTERPRISE STUDENTS

Posted on May 21, 2016

On May 19th 2016 at our weekly breakfast meeting we welcomed the three Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School students that our Rotary Club sponsored for the 2016 Rotary Golden Triangle Camp Enterprise 3-day program in Waterloo.

(L-R: Rotarian Linda Main, Camp Enterprise Students Leah, Cameron + Abby, Rotarian Karen Dowell)

2016 CAMP ENTERPRISE

Once again in 2016 Rotary Club of Guelph South sponsored senior students from Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School in Guelph to attend the 3-day residential business and entrepreneuriship program in Waterloo. Youth Services Chair Karen Dowell, along with Rotarian Linda Main represented Rotary Club of Guelph South and attended the special dinner meeting on May 10th.

(Photos courtesy of Bob Housser Photography)

A photo album has been posted to the website, accessible through the "Photo Albums" link on the home page (frame on right hand side) and also from the "Youth Service" menu link at the top of the home page.

Camp Enterprise Golden Triangle is a cooperative effort between multiple Rotary Clubs in the ‘Golden Triangle’ region surrounding Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Waterloo and Fergus. Selected students have the opportunity, at no cost, to attend a 3 day immersive camp at the University of Waterloo about business and entrepreneurship. Students get to attend keynote speaker lectures and participate in collaborative activities culminating in a business plan presentation at the end of camp. Visit the website www.rotarycampenterprise.com for more information including our FAQ section to learn more about Camp Enterprise Golden Triangle or apply for an interview opportunity.

PROUD TO SPONSOR A SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETE

Our Rotary Club is proud to be a Sponsor of an athlete taking part in the Guelph 2016 Special Olympics Ontario Spring Games, being held May 26^th to May 28^th 2016.

Our athlete is Lianne Nichol, and her sport is 5-pin bowling.

We'll be rooting for Lianne as she joins all of the other Special Olympics athletes!

1st ANNUAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH

As we wrap up a very special April "Volunteer Month" we're grateful to Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott for sharing with us his inspirational speech from the April 10th "Volunteer Appreciation Brunch" held at Cutten Fields.

To read it, click on the "Volunteer Appreciation Brunch" menu option under the main banner above, it will open in a new window.

Thanks for your attendance and this wonderful talk, Ted!

1st ANNUAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH PHOTOS

Posted on Apr 13, 2016

We have now received the professional photos, courtesy of Pete May of one2one Photography of Kitchener-Waterloo. Click on the "Volunteer Appreciation Brunch" link above (or on the "Photo Album" link on the home page) to see the wonderful photos he took of that day!

Thanks Pete, we are so grateful to you for being a sponsor of this event.

CELEBRATING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

Posted on Apr 11, 2016

Volunteers are the roots of strong communities. Just like roots are essential for trees to bloom, volunteers are essential for communities to boom. Thanks to volunteers, our communities grow strong and resilient. Even the tiniest volunteer effort leaves a profound and lasting trace in a community, much like tree rings that appear over time.

April 10 to April 16, 2016 is National Volunteer Week (NVW), a time to celebrate and thank Canada’s 12.7 million volunteers. This year marks the 13th consecutive year that Volunteer Canada and Investors Group have partnered to deliver the NVW campaign.

Volunteer Canada and Investors Group’s Volunteer Recognition Study indicates that most volunteers prefer a genuine thank you for their efforts. Sincere words that highlight the impact of a volunteer’s contributions or simple personalized tokens are meaningful and appreciated.

Rotary Club of Guelph South hosted the 1st Annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch to extend its thanks to 100 volunteers representing 10 different volunteer organizations in the Guelph and Puslinch area. Thanks to Event Partner Davies & Mahnke Private Wealth Management, Platinum Sponsor Hammond Power Solutions, and a number of other generous sponsors, donations of $1,000 were made to each of the 10 organizations.

Women in Crisis, Guelph-Wellington	Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre
Hospice Wellington	Action Read Community Literacy Centre
Special Olympics, Guelph Event	Welcome In Drop In Centre, Guelph
Salvation Army Syrian Newcomer Project	Start2Finish Reading and Running Clubs
Puslinch Pioneer Non Profit Publication	Torchlight Distress Centre of Guelph

Also in attendance were representatives of all levels of local government including Township of Puslinch, City of Guelph, Province of Ontario and Government of Canada. They also took the opportunity to express their thanks to the volunteers in attendance.

We were honoured to be able to kick off National Volunteer Week with this special event, to recognize our local volunteers! A Photo Album is available on the website and will continue to be updated as more photos are available.

1st ANNUAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION EVENT

Posted on Mar 21, 2016

What better time than the month of April - Volunteer Appreciation Month - to recognize some of the folks that give of themselves so unselfishly, through their contributions to volunteer-based and charitable organizations?

To that end, we are initiating an annual event to recognize volunteers, starting with 10 organizations in 2016. It's the least we can do, and we're very much looking forward to it!

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL 'TASTE OF ITALY' PASTA DINNER

Posted on Feb 29, 2016

Thanks to everyone that helped make our 14th Annual "Taste of Italy Pasta Dinner" another resounding success, allowing us to continue supporting Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre and the incredible work that they do there.

The talented kitchen crew - Photos by Nicolas Bell

Special thanks as well to Nicolas Bell of snapd Guelph for the photography and coverage in the March 2016 Issue of "snapd Guelph, along with the photos on their website guelph.snapd.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROTARY!

February 23rd 2016 marks the 111th anniversary of the first Rotary meeting in Chicago.

"TOUR DE GUELPH" DONATIONS - December 17th 2015

Posted on Dec 18, 2015

The final meeting of 2015 was used to distribute proceeds from the 2nd Annual Tour de Guelph Family Cycling Event. President-Elect Richard Van Dyke and his Service Projects Committee had recommended 4 organizations worthy of support, and representatives were invited to attend to receive the donation.

Projects Director Marko Andan accepts donation on behalf of Ghana Medical Help

Click on the "read more" link in order to see more photos from this special meeting.....

"GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE" Donations - December 3rd 2015

On October 22nd 2015 the 10th Annual "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" was held in Guelph, raising just over $16,000. On December 3rd 2015 the Rotary Club of Guelph South hosted teams, sponsors and beneficiaries of the event at a special weekly meeting where cheque presentations were made and representatives of teams received souvenir team photos. District Governor Elect Bill Proctor was also in attendance and participated in the presentations.

(L-R: President Bill Smith, Westwood Public School Vice-Principal Mike Anderson, District 7080 Governor Elect Bill Proctor)

Click on the "read more" link in order to see more photos from this special meeting.....

Congratulations to Rotarian ANN CAINE

Posted on Nov 18, 2015

On Saturday, November 7, 2015, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston participated in the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association’s (CanTRA) 35th anniversary celebration at the Royal Winter Fair. Her Excellency delivered brief remarks and His Excellency presented two CanTRA volunteers with the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award. The award recipients were Ann Caine of Puslinch, Ontario and Eliane Trempe of Sorel-Tracy, Quebec.

Through the healing power of horses, Ann Caine turned personal tragedy into a world of possibilities, which has had a great impact on therapeutic riding in Canada and around the world. As a founding member of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association in Canada (CanTRA) and the Ontario Therapeutic Riding Association, she led and supported the incorporation of medical professionals in therapeutic riding programs, and played an important role in developing para-equestrian sport at the recreational and Paralympic levels.

Eliane Trempe was the force behind the development of therapeutic riding in the province of Quebec. She founded the Fédération québécoise d’équitation thérapeutique (FQET) in 2000, and joined the CanTRA board in 2005, with which she continues to serve. She has initiated the FQET membership eligibility rule that requires member centres to also be CanTRA-accredited, as this field is not protected by federal or provincial government regulations.

(The Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) empowers children and adults with disabilities through the use of the horse. For more information please visit: www.cantra.ca)

Ann of course is a valued Charter Member of our Rotary Club and we could not be more proud of her....congratulations Ann!

WELCOME NEW MEMBER DARIO DI RENZO

Posted on Nov 06, 2015

At the November 5th weekly meeting we welcomed yet another new member, who was inducted into Rotary membership by none other than District 7080 Governor Will Pugh. As it happened, DG Will was scheduled to make his visit to our club and was invited to do the honours.

(L-R: Sponsor Neil Mahnke, Membership Chair Margaret Nixon, District Governor
Will Pugh, new Rotarian Dario Di Renzo, Rotary Club of Guelph South President Bill Smith)

Dario was introduced to our Rotary Club by Rotarian Neil Mahnke, attended a number of meetings and then was sponsored for membership by Neil. Dario (classification: mortgage brokerage) is going to be a dynamic and enthusiastic addition to our Rotary Club, and we're very glad to be able to count him as a member and a friend!

CONGRATULATIONS 2015 SPELLING BEE CHAMPIONS

October 23, 2015 GUELPH

Last night the Rotary Club of Guelph South hosted it’s 10^th annual Grate Groan Up Spelling Bee at the Delta Hotel in Guelph. A record 20 teams took part including 4 teams from local Rotary clubs.

The funds raised go to support two Guelph charities – Westwood Public School breakfast program and J.O.E. (Jobs, Opportunities, Enterprise) a grassroots program offering work experience for young adults with mental challenges, and for the Olive Tree Project (maternal health) in Haiti. Cheque presentations to take place next month.

In the 6^th round Davies & Mahnke Private Wealth Management team, The Money Bee$, beat out the Sesquipedalian Savants team from the Rotary Club of Guelph. The attached picture of the 2015 Grate Groan Up Spelling Bee winners – The Money Bee$ - was taken by Rotarian Pat Lewis.

From left to right are Rotary Club of Guelph South President Bill Smith, BUZZ the Spelling Bee mascot and the 3 members of The Money Bee$ team (Michael Schout, Brian Davies, Terry Van Dreumel).

Congratulations to the Champions, all of the teams that participated and to the sponsors, so critical to a successful event.

WELCOME NEW MEMBER PAT LEWIS!

On October 15th our Club was pleased to formally induct its newest member, Pat Lewis. Pat (classification: Human Resources/Finance) has attended a number of our meetings, participated in service projects and Tour de Guelph, and has overall embraced Rotary. She even did a make-up at the Rotary Club of Penzance during a recent visit to England! We know that Pat is going to be a dynamic addition to the club....and a lot of fun!

(L-R Membership Chair Margaret Nixon, Rotarian Pat Lewis, President Bill Smith)

VERY SPECIAL ROTARY MAKE-UPS

Posted on Oct 08, 2015

One of the very special aspects of being a Rotarian is that you are welcome at any of the Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. More than one of our members has taken advantage of the hospitality of other clubs during their travels.

For example, Brian Cowan did a make-up at a Rotary Club at Disney World - and brought back a make-up form in the shape of the Disney mouse ears.

Recently two members - Pat Lewis and Geoff Allen - were traveling in England and were warmly welcomed at local clubs that they visited.

Rotarian Pat Lewis is welcomed to Rotary Club of Penzance President Jon Symons on Oct 2nd 2015

Rotarian Geoff Allen and wife Deb are welcomed at the Rotary Club of
Westminster West in London (across the street from Buckingham Palace no less!)

SUPPORT YOUR FAVOURITE SPELLING BEE TEAM

Posted on Oct 06, 2015

How to support your favourite "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" team:

Each team has its own fundraising page on CanadaHelps, and you can help your favourite team (or teams!) raise funds for the worthy causes being supported by this event.

From the drop-down menu find the team you wish to support, then make your online donation and get a tax receipt immediately by email.

Could not be easier!

Help your favourite team reach its target and possibly raise enough to qualify for a "Spellover" or even win a coveted award for most pledge $$ raised.

Go to www.canadahelps.org and search on "Rotary Club of Guelph South Charitable Foundation".

Thanks for your support!

Faire un don maintenant par CanadaHelps.org!

10th ANNUAL GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE

The excitement is building as final details on this year's teams are received! 19 teams will be competing for spelling supremacy at the 10^th Annual event being held at Delta Guelph Hotel & Conference Centre.

Returning Champion Blue North Strategies' "Blue Jays" team will be trying to channel the success achieved by a certain Toronto major league baseball team. They are sure to be challenged by 2014 runner up team from Rotary Club of Guelph-Wellington, along with the other 17 teams.

We're pleased to welcome some new teams this year participating in a Corporate Challenge including first time teams from Reid's Heritage Homes, Paragon Kitchens, Tonin & Co, Mortgage Guys, BDO Canada and Scotiabank.

Not only will it be a lot of fun, it should also raise about $20,000 that will be directed towards worthy causes, including 2 Guelph-based ones (Westwood Public School Breakfast Program and J.O.E. Jobs, Opportunities and Enterprise program) and Olive Tree Projects in Haiti (maternal and child care) along with other Rotary projects.

Dinner tickets are now available - $50 each - for a scrumptious sit-down dinner and the evening's entertainment. Contact any Rotary Club of Guelph South member for more information or tickets. Come and cheer for your favourite team!

10th ANNUAL GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE

2015 "TOUR DE GUELPH" AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS!

Posted on Jul 05, 2015

565 enthusiastic riders, generous event and prize sponsors, a group of volunteers that gave up parts of their weekend - and the most glorious weather imaginable. All of it came together today to result in a successful 2nd annual event.

This year, the Guelph General Hospital Foundation is committed to updating its entire suite of IV pumps, approximately 300 of them at a cost of almost one million dollars. Approximately $750,000 has already been raised for this project, and proceeds from 2015 Tour de Guelph will go towards that fundraising drive, as well as to the two Rotary Clubs (Guelph South and Guelph Trillium) for their support of worthwhile projects.

The IV pumps are specialized equipment, important tools that the hospital caregivers need to help them save lives and improve health. From administering anaesthetics and keeping patients hydrated prior to surgery, to delivering antibiotics and pain medications during recovery, IV pumps are an integral part of a patient's care.

A photo album of candid photos taken at the 2015 Tour de Guelph is now posted on this website: go to the "Photo Albums" links on the right hand side of the website. More photos will be added as they come available. Our thanks to all of the riders for their participation and for the valuable fundraising by way of pledges and online donations that they did!

WELCOME NEW MEMBER IDABELLE "BELLA" HODGKINSON

Posted on Jun 25, 2015

The June 25^th 2015 Rotary Meeting marked the final regular weekly meeting of the 2014-2015 Rotary year, and President Geoff Allen's final meeting as President. He ended a most successful year by inducting another new member: Idabelle "Bella" Hodgkinson. Bella has attended quite a few meetings, including the District Assembly, and already shows great enthusiasm for Rotary! We know she will be a wonderful addition to the Club.

June 30^th 2015 also marks the end of Margaret Nixon's 3-year term as District 7080 Assistant Governor. Margaret excelled in the role and brought distinction to herself and our Club by her performance over the past 3 years. We will miss her leadership at the District level but look forward to having her undivided attention back at the Club level.

Thanks Geoff and Margaret for a very successful 2014-2015 Rotary Year!

2015 "Grand Taste" Event - Rotary Club of Centre Wellington

Posted on Apr 07, 2015

(Rotary Club of Centre Wellington is based in Elora, and is part of our Guelph & Wellington Cluster of 6 Rotary Clubs)

The 10th Annual, this is always a popular event to attend....just be sure you take a big appetite when you go!
So much wonderful food from all of the different vendors, a great way to get to know some of the Elora-area restaurants.

Welcome to Guelph Rotary International President Gary Huang

Posted on Mar 25, 2015

On Monday March 23rd Guelph-area Rotarians were honoured to welcome Rotary International President Gary C.K. Huang, along with his wife Corinna, to Guelph. They visited some local service projects including Hospice Wellington and Hopewell Homes' Playsense Centre.

The day ended with a sell-out gala banquet celebration at Hanlon Convention Centre with President Gary & First Lady Corinna as special guests of honour. What an incredible coup for Guelph and District Governor Patsy Marshall, to have the Rotary International President in our midst!

Our wonderful youth ambassadors

Posted on Mar 20, 2015

On March 19th we were happy to host a couple of young people who give us hope and make us proud with their commitment to service.

Rotaractor Daniella Rizzo provided us with information on the University of Guelph's "Global Vets" program and the opportunity she has to participate in a 2-1/2 month internship, providing veterinary support in a third world coutnry.

Mikayla MacDonald is a young lady that our Rotary Club sponsored for the 2012 Camp Enterprise program when she was a senior at Bishop Macdonell High School. She was so inspired by Camp Enterprise, and other family members involved in Rotary, that she has geared her post-secondary education towards social justice. She is also a "New World Ambassador" for The New World Community, a Canadian next-generation social business non-profit.

It is exactly the kind of results that we hope for, when we make the investments that we do in Youth Service initiatives, and we are just so proud of these young people!

2nd ANNUAL TOUR DE GUELPH - July 5th 2015

Posted on Mar 10, 2015

Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual "Tour de Guelph" family cycling event, being held on Sunday July 5th with the start/finish point at the University of Guelph. This event is a joint effort by Rotary Club of Guelph South, Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium and Guelph General Hospital Foundation, with the proceeds from the event going to support the GGH Foundation and worthwhile Rotary projects.

The first annual event, held in 2014, was enthusiastically embraced by the Guelph community and local riders. Have a look at the video above - and we expect the 2015 event to be even better!

If you don't ride, don't worry...you can still participate. You can sponsor a rider, you can make an online donation, and you can register online to volunteer to assist that day in one of the many roles available.

Check out the link above, or go direct to the "Tour de Guelph" website www.tourdeguelph.ca and get more information, make a donation or register to ride or volunteer.

Thanks for your support!

DONATION TO SUNRISE THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTRE

Posted on Mar 04, 2015

Following the successful 2015 "Taste of Italy" Pasta Dinner - the 13th annual event - our Rotary Club was once again pleased to be able to provide Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre with a $4,000 donation from the proceeds of the event.

Rotary Club of Guelph South has held this event for the past 13 years as a fundraiser for Sunrise, resulting in total donations to date of an impressive $48,570.84!

New CEO Rob Vandebelt (right) accepted the $4,000 donation at the March 5th 2015 Rotary Meeting, from Rotarian Linda Main (left) and Rotary Club of Guelph South President Geoff Allen (centre).

13th "TASTE OF ITALY" PASTA DINNER

Posted on Feb 24, 2015

Another successful event! We're grateful for the support and enthusiasm of our guests, and for the hard work of the many volunteers that planned and organized the event. We're also so appreciative of the many generous sponsors who supported the event with their donations of prizes for the raffles, door prizes and silent auction.

Final numbers are still being tallied but we look forward to being able to present Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre with a $4,000 donation. A Puslinch treasure, we have been proud supporters of Sunrise and its programs for many years. The "Taste of Italy" Pasta Dinner in fact was created specifically to benefit Sunrise, and since its inception in 2003 we are proud to have donated a total of $48,570.84 to this worthwhile organization.

SPECIAL ROTARY DATE: FEBRUARY 23, 2015

Posted on Feb 22, 2015

Celebrating Rotary’s 110^th anniversary and 30 years of PolioPlus

This year marks both the 110^th anniversary of Rotary and 30 years of our campaign to rid the world of polio.

This year marks 30 years since Rotary launched its campaign to rid the world of polio:

During a speech at Rotary’s annual training event for leaders in February 1985, then President Carlos Canseco announced what he called “the biggest news in Rotary,” an organized campaign to eradicate polio by working alongside the World Health Organization and UNICEF. Prior to that, Rotary Foundation grants had supported immunization activities in individual countries.

This February 23^rd 2015 will mark 110 years since the first Rotary meeting:

Paul P. Harris, an attorney, wanted to create a professional group with the same friendly spirit he felt in the small towns of his youth. On Feb. 23, 1905, Harris, along with Gustavus Loehr, Silvestre Schiele and Hiram Shorey, gathered at Loehr's office in downtown Chicago. This was the first Rotary Club meeting. They decided to call the new club "Rotary" after the practice of rotating meeting locations among the members' offices.

From that one historic meeting, Rotary has grown to a worldwide organization of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in 200 countries and territories. From those four visionary members, there are now over 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide. There is also The Rotary Foundation which since the first donation of $26.50 in 1917, has received contributions totaling more than $1 billion. Among thousands of successful projects funded, Rotary has spearheaded the ongoing world-wide effort to eradicate Polio.

Each Rotary club is different in size and activities, though all share in certain similar characteristics: the club has weekly meetings, generally built around fellowship and networking, a meal and a program; it looks for local and international service opportunities; it is made up of a diverse group of men and women of all ages who share a certain degree of professional recognition in the business or the non-profit worlds; and all members share a dedication to the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self."

Rotary's "Four-Way-Test" is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use in their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and it is recited at club meetings: "Of the things we think, say or do: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?"

During February, visit a Rotary Club. See what grew from that first meeting in Chicago so long ago. Learn about the varied community and international projects that clubs are sponsoring and supporting, and the fellowship among Rotarians. Rotary clubs' meeting locations and times can be found by going to rotary.org and clicking on the "Club Finder" button at the top.

See you at Rotary.

CBC Radio Update on Olive Tree Projects (Haiti)

One of the organizations that we supported in the 2014 "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" is Olive Tree Project. Founded in 2008 by Sarah Wallace Olive Tree Projects was created to serve and save the children of Haiti. Although orphanages and schools are typically recognized as children based programs, OTP has also recognized the effect maternal care can have on a child’s life. CBC Edmonton recently posted an update.....Audio of interview with Sarah below.

2015-2016 Rotary International Theme

Posted on Jan 21, 2015

Using their talents, expertise, and leadership, Rotary members worldwide are asked to be gifts to the world this upcoming 2015-16 Rotary year. Rotary International President-elect K.R. "Ravi" Ravindran called Sunday's address to incoming district governors the "most significant moment of my life."

"All of you have been given so many gifts. And you have now been given this great gift: one year to take all your talents, all your gifts, everything that you are and can become -- and Be a Gift to the World," said Ravindran, revealing his presidential theme at the annual five-day training meeting in San Diego, California, USA. "You have one year to take that potential and turn it into reality. One year to lead the clubs in your district and transform the lives of others. The time is so short, yet there is so much to be done."

Be A Gift To The World - 2015/2016 Rotary International Theme

Highlighting Rotary's biggest challenge, the eradication of polio, Ravindran said, "A future without polio is a gift that we have promised to the children of the world. And indeed it is a gift that we will give."

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year and the best for 2015 for all from Rotary Club of Guelph South.

PARKINSONS 2014 'SUPERWALK'

Posted on Dec 07, 2014

Member Karen Dowell is Community Development Coordinator for the Guelph-Wellington Chapter of Parkinson Society of Central & Northern Ontario. Besides organizing the Guelph 'Superwalk' Karen also personally participates in them! This year she participated in the event held in Collingwood, along with other Rotarians.

(L-R Rotarians Karen Dowell, Jennifer Wright, Bev Taylor, Brian Hickey, David Wright)
Rotary is not just about belonging to a Rotary Club....it is about belonging to the international "family of Rotary"!

GIVING BACK....Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign

Posted on Dec 07, 2014

On Saturday December 6th a number of club members stood with the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle at Stone Road Mall. We have been happy to help the Guelph Salvation Army Citadel with this campaign for many years. It is heartening to meet the folks who need no encouragement, who come willingly to the Kettle to make their contributions - to hear their stories of why they so willingly support the Army. And in particular the adults who encourage the youngsters with them to put some coins into the Kettle, impressing on them at a young age the spirit of giving, the true spirit of the season!

(L-R Rotary Club of Guelph South members Peter and Celia Clark, Rotary Club of Guelph member Mahmud Ali Hassain)

Not far from the Salvation Army Kettle there was a large table of wrapping materials, and members of the Rotaract Club of Guelph - most of whom are in the middle of writing final papers and exams - were there, wrapping gifts for mall shoppers and collecting proceeds for the Guelph Food Bank.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS - ERIC GOWLAND & LINDA MAIN

Posted on Dec 04, 2014

December 4^th 2014 was a special meeting in many ways, not the least of which was because we officially welcomed 2 new members to our Rotary Club: Eric Gowland and Linda Main. President-Elect Bill Smith did the honours.

Eric was accompanied by his sponsor, Rotarian Ann Caine.

Linda's sponsor - President Geoff Allen - could not attend the meeting, so Assistant Governor Margaret Nixon stood with Linda as she was inducted.

We know they will both make fine Rotarians, and we're excited to get to know and work them.

GIVING BACK....Proceeds from "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee"

Posted on Nov 27, 2014

On November 20th we enjoyed hosting representatives of the sponsors, teams and beneficiary organizations for the 2014 "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee".

Teams and sponsors were provided with special "thank you" plaques, with photos of the team they participated in or sponsored (all team photos courtesy of Sam Anderson-Coats Photography).

We so appreciated Westwood Public School's recognition of our donation to their Breakfast Program from the Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee proceeds.

We handed out cheques totalling $11,500 that morning - it was a very good day!

NOVEMBER - Rotary Foundation Month

Posted on Oct 29, 2014

One of the highest profile programs associated with The Rotary Foundation is the End Polio Now program, a global initiative to eliminate polio forever. Started in 1985 by Rotary and now a partnership of Rotary International, the Centre for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, we are "thisclose" to achieving our goal. Only 3 countries - Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan - still have reported polio cases, and even those have drastically reduced in numbers. Our goal is to ensure that no other child ever has to endure the the disease and the debilitating and often times fatal effects of it.

On October 24th - World Polio Day - Rotarians representing the 6 Clubs in the Guelph, Fergus & Elora cluster assembled with Guelph Mayor Karen Farbridge outside of Guelph City Hall for a flag raising.

CONGRATULATIONS to 2014 "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" Champions!

Posted on Oct 28, 2014

The "Blue Grass Boys" team from Blue North Strategies managed to nail every word they were presented with, on their way to an impressive 3rd Spelling Championship. As other teams fell from contention, it was down to the last 2 teams: "Blue Grass Boys" and the "Literally Quacked" team from the Rotary Club of Guelph-Wellington. It was a classic and exciting competition as the victorious teams from the last 2 years (Blue North in 2012, Rotary Guelph-Wellington in 2013) went head to head for this year's award. Blue North prevailed and took home - for the third time! - the coveted Spelling Champion trophy, medals and prizes.

2014 DISTRICT CONFERENCE

Posted on Sep 20, 2014

Congratulations to District Governor Patsy Marshall and her District Conference organizing team on an awesome event held the weekend of September 19-21st 2014 at Delta Guelph Hotel & Conference Centre. In an innovative move, the program included an actual on-hands service project....packing bags of dry soup mix "soup meals in a bag". Ably assisted by Rotaractors and Rotary Youth Exchange Students, teams of District 7080 Rotarians wound up packing thousands of bags of soup mix!

A mixture of different dehydrated ingredients were added to the soup mix bags, providing nourishing meals. It was work, but worth it!

Congratulations to Event Chair Margaret Nixon and the organizing team for coming up with a great District Conference.

ADOPT-A-ROAD PROGRAM: ROAD CLEAN-UP IN ABERFOYLE

Posted on Sep 15, 2014

A small but mighty group of dedicated volunteers met early on Saturday September 13th and cleaned the stretch of Brock Road in Aberfoyle (between the Aberfoyle Mill and Duff's Church). By starting at 7:30am they were able to escape most - but not all! - of the rain that developed. Thanks to all of you for helping us meet our obligation to the County of Wellington.

17th Annual Guelph Ribfest!

Posted on Aug 25, 2014

District Governor Patsy Marshall, along with ADG (and Rotary Club of Guelph South Member) Margaret Nixon, welcomed Guelphites, and
assisted the event host Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium's President, Mary Visser Kerr, to open Guelph's 17th Annual Ribfest.

LOBSTERFEST! Saturday September 27th 2014

Posted on Aug 09, 2014

This annual event is hosted by the Rotary Club of Guelph Every year it's a sell out - so get your tickets soon!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY (Multiple Sclerosis Society Guelph-Wellington)

Posted on Jul 15, 2014

This year the Multiple Sclerosis Society (Guelph-Wellington Chapter) is holding our very first Summer Relay! The Val Bremner Memorial Summer Relay is a brand new fundraiser that will be held on August 9th at Ponsonby Recreation Park in Guelph. Participants attending this event will bike or run the country roads of Wellington. The event will be followed by music and entertainment! We will need many volunteers to help on the day of this event to ensure its success.

I am wondering if members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South would be interested in helping? Volunteers are needed to assist in set up, registration, rest stops, food prep and serving, route logistics, prizes and bartending.

Interested volunteers can contact me, Sandra Clarke at Sandra.clarke@mssociety.ca or (519) 569-8789. Your support with this initiative would be greatly appreciated! Sandra Clarke | Volunteer Coordinator | Central West Ontario Division MS Society of Canada | 35 Belmont Ave W | Kitchener, ON N2M 1L2 Phone: 519-569-8789 | Fax: 519-569-8475 | Email: sandra.clarke @mssociety.ca

ROTARIAN PAUL MORAN

Posted on Jul 15, 2014

Paul has officially joined the Rotary Club of Trenton as of July 1st (his moving to Trenton being the lame excuse he came up with for not attending any more of our weekly meetings....).

Paul is shown here with Angie Gill, the President of his new Rotary Club, Rotary Club of Trenton (proud home of the 2007-08 Rotary International President, Wilf Wilkinson).

Seriously though, we're glad that Paul continues to be a Rotarian, even if it's no longer with our Club, and we wish him and his Club all the best!

RIBFEST! August 22nd to 24th - Volunteers Needed

Posted on Jul 15, 2014

Hosted by our sponsor Club, Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium, Ribfest is a wonderful 3-day event (held at "Ribberside Park" in Guelph) that is managed and staffed by volunteers. Volunteers make this wonderful event happen and we need your support. There are many different opportunities available for everyone and we encourage you to explore the different volunteer positions and find something that is right for you! If you are interested in meeting new people, gaining skills, listening to wonderful music and helping your community enjoy itself; Ribfest has an opportunity for you. (Oh yes, there are also those wonderfully tasty ribs!)

Go to www.ribfestguelph.com and follow the links for volunteer opportunities. All volunteer positions will require a police check. Any volunteers serving at the beer tent are required to be Smart Served. All the qualifications are listed with each volunteer opportunity.

Looking forward to seeing you at Ribfest, volunteers@ribfestguelph.com (Donna Graham, Volunteer Coordinator)

COME JOIN US.....

Posted on Jul 09, 2014

An awesome 4-minute video, inspired by RI President (2010-2011) Ray Klinginsmith and the work of Rotarians worldwide. You won't see one photo of rich old men sitting around having lunch!! Because that's not Rotary, not today. What you WILL see is what Rotary actually is - examples of more than 1.2 million committed men and women, in more than 200 countries and geographic areas around the world, fulfilling the Rotary objective of "Service Above Self" and President Ray's theme "Building Communities - Bridging Continents". (The song was written by Jerry Mills. The video was produced by Rotarian Bob Gallagher with full cooperation from Jerry Mills) ENJOY!

Come Join Us-EN from Rotary International on Vimeo.

THERE'S A ROTARY APP FOR THAT....

Posted on Jul 06, 2014

Considering how many smartphone devices are now in use, it shouldn't be a surprise that Rotary-specific applications have been developed. These are all free to download and can become very valuable to Rotarians by providing them with information they need quickly, including contact information for their fellow club members (if they have a ClubRunner website), a club locator (with day and time of meeting and contact information) and subsets of Rotary International website data without having to drill through many screens!

1. Club Locator:

Find Rotary clubs with our free Rotary Club Locator app. Using your smartphone or tablet, you can search for clubs by keyword, country, state/province, district, and even by meeting day. Or you can simply select the “Near me” feature and find club meeting dates and times within a certain radius of your current location.

The Rotary Club Locator app is available for iOS devices in the Apple App Store, for Android devices in Google Play, and for BlackBerry in BlackBerry App World. Key features:

Display a club’s location on a map
Search clubs by keyword
Search clubs within 1-100 miles of your physical location
Save your search results
Add a club to your contact list
View club officer information (only available to Rotarians and Rotaractors)

2. ClubRunner Mobile App:

The ClubRunner Mobile App is your key to connect to your ClubRunner website on the go! Completely, free to download and use, this app will let you access the key info you need while you're on the go. Password protected just like your website, the ClubRunner Mobile app is comprised of 3 main modules.You now will have the ability to view your member directory, view thearticles posted to your website and locate the nearest club right from your iPhone or iPod, bringing you even closer to being able to connect, collaborate and communicate!

To download the app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play, simply type in 'ClubRunner' in the search bar. Our mobile app is compatible with all versions of the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch sets that have iOS 3.1 or later and with versions of Anrdoids that are 2.3.3 or better.

Released as Version 1.1, the app currently features the following modules:

Member Directory

Immediately view the most up to date member directory, upon login. You can browse your member profiles which give you the necessary contact information you need to connect with just one click. Make a call to any of their phone numbers, email them directly from your iPhone, or even add them to your contacts list.

View Posts on Your Website

View the latest feed of home page stories that are on your website, directly on your phone, so you never miss any information!

Club Locator

Based on your current geographic location, ClubRunner’s Club Locator will instantly show you a map to visually locate the closest clubs near you. Click on a drop pin to expand and view more information on the club, including their meeting day and time and address. Perfect for doing makeups anywhere in the world!

3. Take Rotary With You

Don't let the slim description of this app fool you! This smartphone and tablet app enables you to stay connected with Rotary wherever you go. Read the latest Rotary news, keep in touch with Rotary’s social networks on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and watch videos. The app also provides direct access to popular documents, Rotary Showcase, Rotary Club Central, the Rotary Shop, and End Polio Now.

The home screen of the app lets you access the information most regularly and frequently accessed by Rotarians on the Rotary International website, without the need for logging in and drilling through screen after screen to find it.

It is available only currently for Android and iOS (sorry Blackberry & Windows Phone users!)

SUCCESSFUL INAUGURAL TOUR de GUELPH

Posted on Jul 05, 2014

This inaugural event, in memory of George Vettor, was jointly organized by The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital, Rotary Club of Guelph South and Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium. Not a race, it was a family-friendly cycling event that everyone could enjoy with routes ranging from 5km through University of Guelph grounds up to the 100km route that wound through beautiful countryside roads in Guelph, Puslinch Township, Halton Region and Guelph-Eramosa Township - starting and ending at the University of Guelph.

This event, long overdue for an increasingly cycling-crazy town like Guelph, was modeled after the Cambridge Tour de Grand, now in its 18 year and a local institution. We are so grateful to Don Pavey, Chair of the Cambridge event, for so graciously sharing his vast knowledge of the organization of events like this.

Our objective was to try to attract about 500 riders for the inaugural event, and we got pretty close, 463! Mother Nature smiled on us as well, blessing us with a perfect day for a ride that attracted many last-minute registrants.

We are so grateful to the many generous sponsors, donors, riders and their pledges, and especially the team of volunteers that made everything go so smoothly for a first-time major event.

We are confident that word will get around about Tour de Guelph, and that it will become a regular and in-demand fixture on the annual Guelph events calendar! See you in 2015!

WELCOME 2014-15 PRESIDENT GEOFF ALLEN

Posted on Jun 30, 2014

July 1st is the start of the new Rotary year and that means that we say goodbye, with our thanks, to outgoing 2013-14 President Brian Cowan and welcome new 2014-15 President Geoff Allen.

Brian passed the gavel over to Geoff at his final regular weekly meeting on June 26th. Geoff will chair his first regular weekly meeting as President at Springfield Golf & Country Club on Thursday July 10th, 7:30-8:30am.

We are so grateful to Brian for his leadership and contributions to our continuing success over the past year! Watch our "Past Presidents" page (link on left side of home page) for Brian's wrap-up presentation to the club on June 26th.

Geoff, we are looking forward to your year as President and helping you, as a club, to "Light Up Rotary".

NEW ROTARY YEAR STARTS JULY 1st "LIGHT UP ROTARY"

Posted on Jun 30, 2014

RI President Gary C.K. Huang chose "Light Up Rotary" as his theme for 2014-15. Huang was inspired by the teachings of Chinese philosopher Confucius who said: "It is better to light a single candle, than to sit and curse the darkness."

"There are so many problems in the world, so many people who need help. Many people say, 'There's nothing I can do.' So they sit there doing nothing. Meanwhile everything stays dark. The Rotary way is the Confucius way. The Rotary way is to light a candle. I light one, you light one, 1.2 million Rotarians light one. Together, we light up the world," said Huang, who is a member of the Rotary Club of Taipei in Taiwan.

Huang urged club members to "Light Up Rotary" in the coming year by hosting a Rotary Day in their community and including local Rotaract and Interact members in their service projects. "How you Light Up Rotary is up to you," Huang said. "You know where you are strong, you know what your community needs, and you know how you can help."

Huang also shared his membership development goals, including the need for more women and young adults and his goal to increase membership to a total of 1.3 million members. He asked Rotarians to invite their spouses, family members, and friends to join Rotary. "We need to assume leadership for building strong clubs, and that starts with bringing in new members," he said.

Addressing the status of the fight against polio, Huang noted that with the current momentum Rotary is on track to achieve full polio eradication by 2018. "When we eradicate polio — and we will — we will have proved ourselves an organization capable of great things. And we'll be even better equipped for the next challenge we choose to take on. We'll have given the world a gift that will endure forever," he said.

By continuing to fight against polio, setting an example in local communities, and growing membership, Huang hopes to see Rotary shine brighter than ever. "Light Up Rotary is our theme, but it is more than our theme. It is how we live in Rotary, how we think in Rotary, how we feel, how we work," Huang said. "It is how we make a difference — every day, in every club, every district, and every country where we serve."

ROTARY CLUB OF GUELPH SOUTH WINS 4 AWARDS!

Posted on Jun 29, 2014

We couldn't be more proud - our small but mighty Rotary Club took home 4 awards at the District 7080 Changeover Dinner & Awards ceremony held at Hanlon Place Convention Centre on Wednesday June 25th. President-Elect Geoff Allen represented the Club and received the awards from outgoing District 7080 Governor Mike Gauthier in recognition of our Club's efforts over the past Rotary year, from July 1st 2013.

The awards included: 2013-14 Presidential Citation with Distinction; 2013-14 Rotary Club Central Award; Recognition of Smaller Club Membership Growth; and Membership Development and Extension Award. Congratulations to all members of the Club who made it all possible!

CANADA DAY AT RIVERSIDE PARK July 1st 2014

Posted on Jun 09, 2014

July 1st is Canada Day - and that means the Canada Day Celebration at Riverside Park in Guelph, hosted by the Rotary Club of Guelph!

For more information or to volunteer check out their website at www.canadadayinthepark.ca.

Canad Day in the Park also means the annual Duck Race, a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Guelph-Wellington.
Information on where you can buy tickets is available on their website www.gotduck.ca and tickets are also available at the event.

TOUR DE GUELPH....less than 4 weeks away!

Posted on Jun 08, 2014

There's still time to register, either as a rider or as a volunteer, for the inaugural 2014 "Tour de Guelph" family cycling event being held on July 6th 2014 in Guelph. For more information, or to register online, go to www.tourdeguelph.ca.

We're proud to be co-sponsors of this event along with Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium and the Guelph General Hospital Foundation. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Foundation and worthwhile Rotary projects.

FAREWELL AND BON VOYAGE, WILBERT AND BERTHA ABBOTT

Posted on Jun 01, 2014

At our May 29th weekly meeting we had an opportunity to spend some time with Majors Wilbert and Bertha Abbott before they retire from their careers with the Salvation Army, most recently as pastors of the Guelph Citadel.
     Wilbert was a member of our Rotary Club from October 2009 through June 30th 2013. At that point he and Bertha focused their efforts on preparing the Citadel for the transition to new leadership and, as of late, getting ready for their move back to their home in St. John's NFLD and retirement!

   (Rotarian Ann Caine, Wilbert Abbott, Bertha Abbott, and Rotarian Celia Clark - May 29th 2014)
Wilbert and Bertha related to us how they came to meet more than 45 years ago and how they moved through the ranks in the Salvation Army through to their current posting in Guelph. Retirement will allow them more time to spend with their 3 children and 7 grandchildren.
     Thank you to Wilbert and Bertha for their service to our Rotary Club and our community....enjoy your well-deserved retirement!

CAMP ENTERPRISE STUDENTS

Posted on May 21, 2014

At today's Rotary meeting we welcomed the 3 students from Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School (Guelph) that we sponsored in the May 6-8 Golden Triangle Camp Enterprise.
As usual, these 3 grade 11 students wowed the group with their presentations and how well they expressed themselves.
All 3 spoke eloquently about how much they took from the 3-day camp, and how they made connections and took life and business lessons that will be helpful to them in their future endeavours.
Thank you Alex, Harrry & Raechel!

(L-R: Raechel Mills, Alex Varney, Harry Sivashankaran)

OUR NEWEST PAUL HARRIS FELLOW AWARD RECIPIENTS

Posted on May 12, 2014

At the May 8th 2014 weekly meeting Rotary Foundation Committee member Anna Lammerding presented President Brian Cowan and Rotary Foundation Chair Andreas Hug with their Paul Harris Fellow Award.

(L-R Andreas Hug, Anna Lammerding, Brian Cowan)

Brian and Andreas are the 10th and 11th respectively Club members to be so awarded.

2014 CAMP ENTERPRISE

Posted on May 09, 2014

From May 6th to 8th, 3 senior students from Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School that we sponsored attended the 2014 Camp Enterprise residential program at the University of Waterloo. Our Rotary Club has sponsored at least 3-4 students to attend this camp every year.
Camp Enterprise Golden Triangle is a cooperative effort between multiple Rotary Clubs (including Rotary Club of Guelph South) in the ‘Golden Triangle’ region surrounding Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Waterloo and Fergus. Selected students have the opportunity, at no cost, to attend a 3 day immersive camp at the University of Waterloo about business and entrepreneurship. Students get to attend keynote speaker lectures and participate in collaborative activities culminating in a business plan presentation at the end of camp. More information, programme, photos etc are available on the website www.rotarycampenterprise.com.
Our Youth Service Committee Chair, Karen Dowell, quarterbacked our Club's involvement in the camp and had the assistance of other Club members (who transported students, acted as chaperones, etc) and the Guidance Department at Bishop Mac in the selection of the 3 students sponsored for the 2014 camp.
We look forward to welcoming the 3 students (Harry Sivashankaran, Raechel Mills and Alex Varney) to our May 22^nd 2014 weekly meeting where they will tell us about their experience at the 2014 event.

(I had a great time at the Golden Triangle's Camp Enterprise last week. It was great to see the students' business plans come together from beginning to end. They did a great job and I look
forward to helping out again next year! Gabby Dickert, Rotaract Club of Guelph)

TOUR DE GUELPH - Exciting!

Posted on May 05, 2014

It has been wonderful to watch the enthusiastic response to the inaugural 2014 "Tour de Guelph" family-friendly cycling event that is being organized for July 6th.
This event, organized by and benefitting The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital plus worthwhile projects supported by Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium, is perfectly timed to coordinate with an increased focus on the benefits of cycling at both the municipal and provincial level.

Be sure to visit the website www.tourdeguelph.ca and register. Or, if you won't be riding, register to volunteer for one of the many jobs available that day, become a sponsor or make an online donation.

However you can help, it will be appreciated and will be instrumental in making this event the signature event that we know it can be!

WELCOME NEW MEMBER SUE ARNOTT

Posted on Apr 24, 2014

On April 17th 2014 we were so pleased to welcome yet another new member to our Rotary Club.....Sue Arnott. Sue is a Wellness Consultant, through her company and website, www.vitalitylady.ca.

(L-R President Brian Cowan, Rotarian Sue Arnott, Past President Thomas Newby)