Posted by Alex Moroz

YEAR'S END CELEBRATION

On June 7th the Rotary Club of Hamilton held its annual Rotary Celebrates evening at the prestigious Hamilton Club. The annual event is an opportunity to celebrate the Rotary year, recognize President Brad Spencer for his accomplishments during the 2017-18 Rotary year and to welcome incoming President Nancy Baker. 
 
Rotarians and friends enjoyed an evening reception on the outdoor patio followed by a buffet dinner and then the presentation of awards. The Rotary Club of Hamilton celebrated the many projects and initiatives that they participated in the 2017-18 Rotary year. Over 9,000 local children & youth benefited from the multiple projects and initiatives of the club this year. Some of these projects include the Rotary Summer Literacy Project, Books, Books, Books and the CORE Kids After School Project.  The 2017-18 Rotary year was very busy with many service projects and initiatives.
 
The Rotary Club of Hamilton also presented two Paul Harris Fellows at the event.  The Past Presidents' nomination committee selected two worthy recipients from the nominations made by club members.
 
The internal award was presented to Past President & Rotarian Kevin Anstee. Kevin was recognized for his ongoing efforts and behind the scene work.  Taking on the role of treasurer during his year as President, creating our new procedures without a club administrator and setting up the club's financial records with a new bookkeeper going line by line. Kevin is very involved in all Rotary activities, fundraising and service projects often bringing his children to help and showing them how important service above self is. Congratulations to Rotarian and Past President Kevin Anstee.
 
The external award was presented to Ryan Ellis. Ryan grew up in Freelton and went on to play professional hockey. He is currently a defenceman with the Nashville Predators of the NHL. Ryan continues to give back to the community with various appearances in Nashville, but has continued to give back to his hometown of Hamilton. He started Ell4Kids Foundation to raise funds to support building play structures for kids. Over the past 3 years,  4 playgrounds have been built so kids can be safe and have fun while playing. Last year North Central Park (Keith Neighbourhood) received a new play structure and this summer Woodlands Park will receive one. As part of the event in July at Woodlands Park, our Rotary Summer Literacy kids will help with the build and Ryan will visit the participants. The Elly4Kids Foundation has supported other great causes in Hamilton including our Rotary Children’s Christmas Celebration each year. Congratulations to Ryan Ellis.