Every day mothers risk their lives giving birth and millions of children die each year from treatable, preventable causes. At least 8 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 provides immunizations and antibiotics to babies, improves access to essential medical services, and supports trained health care providers for mothers and their children. Rotary makes high-quality health care available to vulnerable mothers and children so they can live longer and grow stronger.
Rotary provides education, birth kits, and mobile health clinics. Women are taught how to prevent mother-to-infant HIV transmission, how to breast-feed, and how to protect themselves and their children from disease.
Rotary’s projects ensure sustainability by empowering the local community to take ownership of health care training programs.
in 2023, 8 million children under the age of 5 (more than 13,000 every day) died, with the highest rates of under-5 mortality in sub-Saharan Africa.
About 260,000 women (or nearly one every two minutes) died during and following pregnancy and childbirth in 2023 – 92% of them in low- and middle-income countries.
The majority of these deaths are preventable with proper interventions and access to care.
Recent decades have seen major gains in preventing maternal and child mortality.
Both the number and the rate of children dying before age 5 have fallen by more than half since 1990, and over 90 countries have cut under-five mortality rates by at least two-thirds.
From 2000 to 2023, the annual number of maternal deaths worldwide fell by 40%.
The U.S. government has contributed significantly to these gains, reporting that it helped to save the lives of more than 9.3 million children and 340,000 women over the past decade alone.
The U.S. has been the top donor government to MCH (Maternal and Child Health) activities in the world.
The administration’s FY 2026 budget request does not include any funding for bilateral maternal and child efforts.
Francesco Arezzo of Italy selected to be 2025-26 Rotary International President
Francesco Arezzo, a member of the Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy, has been selected by the Board of Directors to become Rotary International’s president for 2025-26.
Arezzo will become president on July 1st.
The Board conducted a special session following the unexpected resignation of RI President-elect Mário César Martins de Camargo on 8 June due to “personal reasons and business obligations”.
Guided by the RI code and policies, the Board selected the new president-elect from a pool of candidates who were considered by the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International in August 2023.
The 2025-26 presidential message, announced at the 2025 Rotary International Assembly in February, will remain Unite for Good, which calls on Rotary members to be a force for unity in a world increasingly divided by politics, geography, and ideology.
Through service projects, Rotary brings together people of every background — across races, religions, and professions — in a shared mission to do good in their communities.
You can feel confident that any donation to TRF will be used wisely.
There are various funds established for different purposes. And different funds have different impacts on the money the district receives or on what member and club recognition levels are reflected.
Some, but not all, of the funds generate DDF (District Designated Funds):
47.5 % of the total district contribution to TRF is returned to the district after 3 years of earning intertest (and 47.5% to the World Fund) after a 5% deduction from the total for operating expenses.
DDF can be used by districts to pay for Foundation, club, and district projects. Our district will match up to $2000 generated by your club for a project.
Districts can use up to 50% of DDF as grants to clubs, and the remainder to support eligible international projects (global grants, PolioPlus, Peace Scholars).
Unused funds can be rolled over to the following year or directed to one of Rotary’s funds.
Some, but not all, of the funds generate individual and club credit and recognition:
Every $1 donated by a member (or in their name) creates both one credit for the member’s Paul Harris recognition, AND
One FRP (“Foundation Recognition Point”) which can be used towards awarding a Paul Harris to someone -- other than oneself -- of the member’s choice.
Donations from a club (i.e. after a fund raiser) also generate FRPs.
The Annual Fund (SHARE) and Endowment Funds generate DDF.
But Endowment Funds don't generate any individual or club recognition levels.
Some donations generate Paul Harris points but no DDF (i.e., Annual funds directed to one of Rotary’s 7 areas of focus, Disaster Relief, PolioPlus).
See the charts below to determine where you would like your donations to The Rotary Foundation to be directed.
D7090 Rotarian, Thie Convery, “Polio Eradication Champion”, gives major gift to “End Polio Now!”
Thie Convery has done it again!!! With her most recent charitable gift, Thie has given an accumulated major gift of $110,500. CAN to “End Polio Now” in this Rotary Year! Thie became a member of The Arch Klumph Society on July 1, 2022, as overseen by RI President Jennifer Jones accepting the ceremonial last $1.
Thie is well known for her amazing End Polio Now Fundraising Events, major gifts and challenges. She is also the founding Chair of the STamp Out Polio (STOP), cause-based satellite club, of The Rotary Club of Dundas Valley Sunrise, ON D7090.
Let’s all thank Rotarian Thie, “Polio Eradication Champion”, for her outstanding generosity and full commitment to “End Polio Now”!
THIE IS ONE IN A MILLION!
PHOTO (L to R): DG Dave Alexander, Rotarian Thie Convery, DRFC Lisa Bishop
We invite you to join us for a Public Image Huddle the 4th Monday of Each Month at 8:00 AM via Zoom. This informal session is open to anyone interested in Public Image, whether you’re The Club President, Club Public Relations Chair, Club Newsletter Rep, a Committee Member, or just a Rotarian looking for better ways to share your Rotary story - JOIN US!
This is the perfect space to: ✔️ Ask questions about Public Image Tools & Strategies ✔️ Share what’s working for your Club ✔️ Connect with others throghout the District
📅 Date: 4th Monday of each Month 🕗 Time: 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
It is with profound sadness that we announce that Fred Farnham, and his alter ego Freddie the Clown, passed peacefully on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, in his 99th year.
Fred's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, from the laughter he brought as Freddie the Clown to the mentorship he offered through his work with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Rotary Youth Programs. His enduring commitment to community service and his heartfelt approach to creating joy will forever be cherished by all who knew him. His philosophy of spreading happiness through simple acts continues to inspire generations in Welland and beyond.
After receiving a Paul Harris Fellowship in 1988, he joined The Rotary Club of Welland in 1996. He was significantly involved in Rotary Youth Programs, including RYLA, SLAPSHOT (now Jr. RYLA), and Youth Exchange. Fred also served as a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters and participated as a Big Brother four times. He served as a member of the former United Way of South Niagara. He contributed to the Welland Food Drive and effectively encouraged Welland Rotary Members to participate in the initiative this past November. Additionally, Fred was a long-time blood donor until he “aged out”.
Fred leaves behind his daughter Yvonne on Vancouver Island, and sons Terry in Calgary and Andrew in Regina. He is also remembered by his wide Rotary Family.
A commemoration of Fred’s life will be scheduled later in the year.
The D7090 Rotary HIP (Honouring Indigenous Peoples) committee is thrilled to announce that D7090 will be hosting the 2026 Youth to Youth Reconciliation event, to be held at Six Nations in Brantford in March 2026.
This program recruits 50% Indigenous and 50% non-Indigenous student leaders, historically from Districts all across Canada, to participate in a reconciliation event featuring cultural teaching by First Nation elders.
This year, with our cross-border district, we will be including students from the US, so we will be looking to recruit student leaders – 2 from the US and 2 from Canada from our District.
We are also looking at a Peace and Conflict Resolution Global Grant to help provide funding for the amazing life-changing event.
Watch for more info on this event with application process to begin in September.
June is the closing month for the 2024-2025 Rotary year.
At the club's June 18 meeting, special recognition was given to soon-departing President, Celine Legret.
A regular club practice is to bestow a bright yellow “Rotarian at Work” vest, suitably monogramed with the President’s name and year of service, on the condition that the individual continues to join in Rotary community efforts – as we know Celine will.
In fact, she may be so glad the year is over that she will gladly spend a few hours in community service as needed.
At the June 18 meeting, PDG Anne Bermingham presented the results of the annual club membership survey. It was completed by 23 of 36 members, a 64% response rate, down from 83% last year.
Over 85% of members indicated they were satisfied as members. 95% felt welcome in the club and 91% indicated that they felt club members cared about each other. 87% enjoyed club meetings.
Key areas noted for improvement were membership growth, higher attendance at weekly meetings and focusing club efforts as there is always a lot going on. Focusing membership recruitment on certain demographics was suggested and drawing those individuals to club meetings, socials and events so they could have a taste of what Rotary is all about was suggested.
Some other key suggestions: reducing the number of club committees, encouraging all members to join in committee work and hosting a “Club Fair” in the Fall of each year – hopefully to attract more members and sustain those already in the club.
Communication to members got high marks, as did seeking input from members, both at 95%.
Finally, a high number of members felt they made valuable connections through the club, and membership gave them opportunities to use their talents and skills. They felt the positive experience of membership was worth the money expended, and also felt that, through Rotary, they were able to make a difference in the community and the world.
In this author’s personal experience, few clubs are able to conduct such a comprehensive and valuable survey during the Rotary year and significant recognition should go to PDG Anne Bermingham of 2WA Consulting for this excellent contribution to the Hamilton AM Rotary Club!
Sunrisers Jim and Marjorie Dawson, on their recent trip to Pikangikum First Nation in NW Ontario, were pleased to present a cheque for $3,200 to support fire training at the Eenchokay Birchstick School.
The funding was raised through a GoFundMe campaign following a devastating fire in the community.
Funds raised helped to purchase and install smoke detectors and more recently providing fire safety training in the school.
Rotary is in the business of leadership development and there are many program opportunities to assist youth which may begin as early as elementary school.
Rotary Youth Exchanges have been taking place since 1927 and are geared to students ages 15-17.
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) is active in Long Term Exchanges (LTE) and we have one student arriving in August. The Rotary Club of Simcoe (RCS) has one, and our two clubs are sharing a third. Our inbounds will arrive in mid to late August and return home in early July 2026.
We are always seeking host families as this program cannot be sustained without the support of these volunteer families.
Kudos to our hard-working and creative Youth Services Cttee as lead by Rudi Atkinson. Go to the 'Read more ...' tab to get a glimpse into the two students that the RCNS are sponsoring this year.
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise recently continued its encouragement of the local initiative to create a community-based hospice facility.
In support of the recent Hike for Hospice event, our Club entered a representative team: Mary Mercato, Louise Schebesch (with Lola), Jim & Lynda Simpson (with Blu) and team organizer Cathy Harrop (with Bruiser). It was a great (dog-) day and we were able to contribute over $1K (still growing!) to the Hike’s stated goal of $40K. So far, the event has raised more than $67K (and that value is still growing!) Thanks to all Sunrisers who contributed to this great cause.
This most-recent event participation only adds to our longer-term commitment to the Norfolk-Haldimand hospice initiative. Over the years, the RCNS has worked with other community agencies to increase public awareness, we have made community service cash donations, we have welcomed guest speakers and we’ve participated in related events.
It is wonderful to see this initiative now gaining the traction so-warranted - a solution to this pressing community social imperative would seem to be in sight!
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the Ancaster AM Rotary Club will hold its annual Autumn Stroll Event. This is a large food and wine event where we host over 700 people from the Ancaster/Hamilton area.
The guests are loaded on wagons and taken down the escarpment to the Hamilton Conservation area.
They then stroll among food, wine and beer suppliers for the afternoon. Everything is included in the ticket price. There is also music and dancing if desired.
Tickets are on sale now online.
This is a 19+ event, no children, babies or strollers are permitted, no exceptions.
This can be a loud and busy event, almost like a music concert, while we love them too, please leave pets at home.
The weather is almost always kind to us, but this is a rain-or-shine event!
There are photos and videos taken throughout the day for marketing purposes; purchasing a ticket is providing your permission to the Rotary Club of Ancaster & associates to do so.
The Charitable Receipt can only be issued to the purchaser of the tickets.
There can be no refunds within 30 days of the event, no exceptions.
Our Annual Rotary Chili Cook-Off is back this autumn—and YES, we know it’s early—but hey, early bird gets the chili bean, right?
We’re on the hunt for:
Chili Chefs
Sponsors to help make this the best cook-off yet
Basket item donors to spice up our raffles
It’s a chance to support a great cause, connect with our community, and get your brand front and center at one of our most delicious events of the year.
The Saturn Club rang out with young voices at a recent Buffalo Rotary luncheon.
On the menu– hearing from our Rotary Exchange student Kokone Nakaoshi from Japan and a group of students from Lorraine Academy.
Koko gave us a terrific presentation on her year at Buffalo’s City Honors School with many activities from Algonquin Park in Northern Canada to Jamestown.
She also shared images from her home in Japan including a devastating earthquake that hit her region.
Our own Deann Sheppard and Paul Marzello shared their mentoring experiences at South Buffalo’s Lorraine Academy.
This important program has bolstered student progress at this school for the three decades.
Open Your Home. Open Your World. Host an International Exchange Student
Rotary International is currently seeking 3 to 4 welcoming families in Fonthill to host a high school exchange student from France during the 2025–2026 school year.
Meet Touti Gendre-Guittard, a bright, curious, and adventurous student from France who will turn 17 in June. Touti will attend E.L. Crossley Secondary School from September 2025 to June 2026 through the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, and she is eager to experience Canadian family life, school culture, and community traditions.
Hosting is typically for a 3 to 4 month period, allowing multiple families to participate in creating a memorable and meaningful exchange experience.
Host families receive a monthly stipend of $300 to help offset the cost of meals and household expenses.
The Scholarship Committee of the Rotary Club of Hamburg has announced the names of the 2025 scholarship award winners selected from the Hamburg, Frontier and St. Francis high schools.
Graduating seniors who each earned a $1,000 college scholarship were: Jordan Balus, of Frontier pictured with Rotarian Barb Stanley; Wylie Schmitt, of Hamburg High School and Jacob Tucker of St. Francis High School.
PHOTO (L to R): Jordan Balus, of Frontier; Rotarian Barb Stanley
We were very pleased to induct two new members in the month of June.
It was a great way to cap off the year for our Club.
New members Marcia Mohammed & Ross Pollock were both introduced to the activities of our Club at a recent “Business After Five” event co-hosted with the Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce.
PHOTOS:
LEFT: President Elect Tom Peddle, Marcia Mohammed, President Mike Dunne
RIGHT: Paul Crossman, sponsor, Ross Pollock, President Mike Dunne
Lewiston/NOTL Rotary President Elect Leslie Scibilia continued the long tradition of awarding a Scholarship to a graduating Senior of Lewiston Porter High School.
As part of the tradition, the club had input into naming the recipient and the criteria to be used.
Need and uniqueness of student achievement have always been important factors in the process.
Just like the Rotary Club, itself the recipient, Lorali Ward, is truly special.
The Club had to hold a special fundraising event in order to be able to fund this scholarship, which succeeded due to the strong advocacy and leadership of President Elect Leslie.
In a small Rotary Club, every member can have a big impact.
PHOTO: Lewiston/NOTL Rotary President Elect Leslie Scibilia and Graduating Lewiston Porter High School Student Lorali Ward
Our annual need-based scholarships were awarded to Lancaster and Depew High School graduates continuing to college or trade school.
The last two years, applicants have been few.
High costs of college are closing out the students we reach out to, despite helps like our own,
Therefore, this year we changed the qualification to include graduates going on to trade schools and are back to a healthy application rate.
As we scored the applicants it became apparent that the fourth and fifth were less than one point apart, but both were almost a standard deviation above those below.
As a result, an award was added, and the club presented five scholarships at their respective school's graduation ceremonies.
Congratulations to: Samar Mehrzad, Hope Jerackas, Dylan Thomas, Clare Devine, and Kayl Hazel.
Firing Up the Grill – Rib Fest Officially Launched!
The countdown to the Rotary Club of St. Catharines’ most anticipated event of the year has begun!
On January 23rd, John Potts, co-chair of the Rib Fest Committee, officially launched the 25th anniversary of Rib Fest.
With promises of sizzling barbecue, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun, John emphasized the importance of teamwork, calling for volunteers and sponsors to make this milestone event bigger and better than ever.
We have commenced our Erie Canal Historic Site Rejuvenation project along the Empire State/Shoreline Trail in the Town of Tonawanda. We received donations from several clubs in our Rotary/Niagara River Partnership as well as a $150,000 grant from the Buffalo and Erie County Greenway Committee. The work is in conjunction with the Erie Canal Bicentennial and the World Canals Conference being held in Buffalo September 21-25.
The first contractor on site was Let's Goat Buffalo to begin eradication of the overwhelming invasive plants found on the site. The site is part of the Erie County Parks system and they, along with the Niagara River Greenway and the Historical Societies of the Tonawandas, are partnered to deliver the project.
The club has hired an engineering firm and landscape designer who are developing plans to bring in native pollinator plants, native shrubs, and trees. The site is overgrown with buckthorn and phragmites and the goats eat the invasive plants while sterilizing those seeds during digestion. In addition to native plantings, accessible pathways, historic interpretive signage, a bicycle pavilion, bike repair station, bike racks and benches will be installed. Below is a concept plan for development. Future additions hopefully will include public art installations.
PHOTO: Jim Jones, Tonawanda Rotary Chair, Jimbo McDonald, Deputy Commissioner Erie County Parks, Josh Konovitz, Erie County Forester along with "crew" from Let's Goat Buffalo standing on the original 200-year-old Erie Canal towpath
Co-Chaired by Lauren Gallaccio and Don Thorpe, there were 10 happy winners of brand name purses (Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors). An exciting special 11th Bingo game awarded a Gucci Purse valued at $1,170! A 50:50 draw was held, with the winner, Kerrie Calla of Niagara Falls taking home $1,310.
Community support is essential for the Club to assist those in need. The Purse Bingo this year raised $9,854.
Everyone had a great evening, especially the Purse winners: Sande Prevost, Suzanne Gautier, Janet Burattini, Maria Lanzillotta, and Shelley McClemont (all from Welland); Linda Marshall (Hamilton); Jillian Geddes (Grimsby); Rosie Federinko and Margie Rylett (Niagara Falls); and Christine Fazackerley (Fort Erie). Karen Wright of Welland took home the Gucci Purse.
Thank you to all participants and congratulations to the winners. Special thanks to our generous sponsors.
PHOTOS: 1) Gucci Purse Winner photo: Karen Wright 2) 50:50 Winner Kerrie Calla (L) and Past President Tammy Morden
Mike Harrington, Rotary Area 16 Assistant Governor, recently presented to the Westfield Academy and Central School (WACS) and its Band Department, its students and community the results of another Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville and Rotary District 7090 Grant initiative.
It that started over a year ago with Mr. Chagnon, band director, playing a 106-year-old baritone euphonium before the Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club!
At that time, he asked for assistance in supporting the Band music program at WACS.
Presented were four (4) new, high quality Band instruments; a Yamaha Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone and Trumpet each with their own case valued at nearly $3,000 which be available for generations of students to enjoy and use for years to come.
PHOTO (L to R): Mike Harrington, WACS band students (flute, sax, clarinet, trumpet), WACS Band Director Roger Chagnon
The Williamsville Rotary Club, in collaboration with the Amherst Rotary Club, is pleased to announce the 2025 Classic Car Show and Family Fun Day.
Sunday, August 17th
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Northtown Center in Amherst, 1615 Amherst Manor Drive, Williamsville, New York 14221.
Admission: FREE!
Gates open at 9:00 AM for participants registering for the event. Pre-registration for vehicles is available for a fee of $10.00 and must be completed by August 8th. On-site registration will also be accepted for $15.00, with a registration deadline of noon on the day of the event.
Attendees can look forward to an impressive showcase of hundreds of vintage and classic cars, along with customized trucks. Food and beverages will be available, promising an enjoyable day of family entertainment.
We are currently seeking sponsors for this event. Sponsorship provides a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to gain visibility and connect with the community. Sponsors will receive recognition on event materials, including trophies and plaques, and announcements throughout the day. In addition to the car show, the Family Fun Day promises there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Volunteers are also welcome to join us in making this event a success. Whether you're interested in helping with setup, managing activities, or assisting with registration, your support would be greatly appreciated.
Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends for a day filled with fun, excitement, and nostalgia. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information, to register your vehicle, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at wojtowiczr@aol.com or visit our website https://williamsvillerotaryclub.org/
Rotary’s ‘Pathways to Peace and Prosperity in Colombia’ program will strengthen local leadership, expand access to social protection, and create entrepreneurial opportunities.
The Board conducted a special session following the unexpected resignation of RI President-elect Mário César Martins de Camargo on 8 June. Based on RI code and policies, the Board selected the new president-elect from a pool of candidates who were considered by the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International in August 2023.
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Every day mothers risk their lives giving birth and millions of children die each year from treatable, preventable causes. At least 
Maternal and Child Health
The Rotary Foundation: WHERE YOU DONATE MATTERS!
SAVE THE DATE!
D7090 Club Foundation Committee Learning – JUL 17
D7090 Public Image Huddle
It is with profound sadness that we announce that Fred Farnham, and his alter ego Freddie the Clown, passed peacefully on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, in his 99th year.
The D7090 Rotary HIP (Honouring Indigenous Peoples) committee is thrilled to announce that D7090 will be hosting the 2026 Youth to Youth Reconciliation event, to be held at Six Nations in Brantford in March 2026. 
June is the closing month for the 2024-2025 Rotary year. 
At the June 18 meeting, PDG Anne Bermingham presented the results of the annual club membership survey. It was completed by 23 of 36 members, a 64% response rate, down from 83% last year.
Sunrisers Jim and Marjorie Dawson, on their recent trip to 
Rotary is in the business of leadership development and there are many program opportunities to assist youth which may begin as early as elementary school. 
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise recently continued its encouragement of the local initiative to create a community-based hospice facility. 
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the Ancaster AM Rotary Club will hold its annual 
Our Annual Rotary Chili Cook-Off is back this autumn—and YES, we know it’s early—but hey, early bird gets the chili bean, right?
Chili Chefs
Sponsors to help make this the best cook-off yet
Basket item donors to spice up our raffles
It’s a chance to support a great cause, connect with our community, and get your brand front and center at one of our most delicious events of the year.
The Saturn Club rang out with young voices at a recent Buffalo Rotary luncheon.
The Rotary Club of Buffalo is spreading goodwill in our community by approving four grant requests. Thanks to all who contributed!
Open Your Home. Open Your World. Host an International Exchange Student
The Scholarship Committee of the Rotary Club of Hamburg has announced the names of the 2025 scholarship award winners selected from the Hamburg, Frontier and St. Francis high schools.
We were very pleased to induct two new members in the month of June. 
We need volunteers at our community food booth at the Winona Peach Festival from Friday, August 22 to Sunday, August 24.
Lewiston/NOTL Rotary President Elect Leslie Scibilia continued the long tradition of awarding a Scholarship to a graduating Senior of Lewiston Porter High School.
Our annual need-based scholarships were awarded to Lancaster and Depew High School graduates continuing to college or trade school.
The Lancaster-Depew Rotary Club reflects on 2024 as we plan for 2025. 
Firing Up the Grill – Rib Fest Officially Launched!
Food4Kids Committee Chair Marlene’s prayers to the rain gods were heard at Sobeys 400 Scott Street, St Catharines.
Welland held its 5th “annual” Purse Bingo with 164 Bingo enthusiasts on Wednesday May 28th at the 
Mike Harrington, Rotary Area 16 Assistant Governor, recently presented to the Westfield Academy and Central School (WACS) and its Band Department, its students and community the results of another Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville and Rotary District 7090 Grant initiative.
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