World Understanding and Peace Day is observed every year on February 23, marking a pivotal moment in history—the founding of Rotary International.
This day commemorates the very first Rotary meeting, initiated by Paul Harris in Chicago on February 23, 1905.
Harris, an attorney, envisioned a professional group that would rise above political and religious divisions, focusing instead on fellowship and community service.
This initial gathering laid the foundation for what would become Rotary International, a name adopted as the organization expanded beyond the United States to embrace a global mission.
Over time, this evolution has reflected Rotary’s deepening commitment to international service and peacebuilding.
World Understanding and Peace Day not only honors the origins of an organization dedicated to humanitarian service worldwide but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for peace and mutual understanding among all nations and communities.
This year, we celebrate the 121st anniversary of Rotary’s founding.
The Countdown is on to the Rotary International Convention.
This June 13-17, in Taipei, Taiwan, about 35,000 of your closest Rotary friends will be coming together to celebrate Rotary and have the experience of a lifetime.
It’s not too late to sign up and join your friends from D7090 on this Rotary adventure to the Far East, and be energized by the experience that is the Rotary International Convention.
From incredible venues, inspiring speakers and the House of Friendship, and exciting Zone 28/32 Events, the Rotary International Convention is a must for all Rotarians. You will leave the event wanting to go to another and bring back all the great ideas to your own club, along with all the memories you will make. Hope to see you there to Create Lasting Impact! To make your plans and register, please go to https://convention.rotary.org/en-us/
February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution Month which offers us powerful reminders that peace is not passive. Peace is built through preparation, relationships, and sustained commitment to one another and to the world we serve.
One clear expression of this work was our successful President-Elect Learning Session. By equipping and supporting incoming presidents, we are strengthening clubs and nurturing leaders who know how to listen well, navigate challenges, and build healthy cultures of collaboration. These skills are essential not only for effective Rotary leadership, but for peacebuilding in our communities.
This month also included the Rotary International Assembly, where District Governor-Elect Joanne Serkyn joined Rotary leaders from around the globe. The Assembly provided space to learn, network, and prepare for a year focused on Creating Lasting Change. These global connections remind us that peacebuilding is relational work—grounded in shared learning, mutual respect, and a commitment to understanding across difference.
In lieu of holding our own District Conference for Rotary D7090, this year we will embark on a collaborative District Conference with our neighboring Rotary D7120, NY State Finger Lakes Region.
The conference is being held from May 1- 3 in Ellicottville, NY, which you may recognize as a town (with a Rotary Club) in our own District.
So, mark off these dates on your calendar, and be on the lookout for additional registration information to come.
What a great opportunity this will be to come together with our fellow Rotarians to share ideas, celebrate Rotary, and enjoy some fellowship with others who share our passion and commitment to Unite for Good!
Currently, people who are interested in joining Rotary can submit their name and some background information through the Rotary Internation web site. When I get these, in my role as District Membership Chair, I follow up to see which club they might be interested in joining and then I forward the candidate’s information on to the club for follow up.
RI is innovating this process for connecting prospective members and referrals with clubs by empowering candidates with the knowledge they need to find their home in Rotary and connect them to a club right away.
So, instead of the leads coming to the District, potential members will be able to select a club and express their interest directly with the club.
Call for Volunteers! Needed: Planners and Organizers!
Although we are just beginning 2026, Rotary D7090 and DGE Joanne Serkeyn is looking ahead to 2027, and to an exciting District Event, that will be in place of our usual District Conference.
As such, we will need a team of volunteers to help organize and plan this event, scheduled to be in the early part of 2027.
So, if you want to lend your special skills and talents and be part of this exciting event, please let us know.
We have had several people step up, and we are looking for a few more to join our efforts.
We hope to have our first organizational meeting in early February and get going early with the planning.
Let’s come together and create a memorable District wide event!
If interested in joining the team, please contact PDG Scott Marcin at sdmarcin@gmail.com.
District 7090 is participating in an exciting PolioPlus Society Challenge, a campaign spearheaded by April Beston, District 7890 Governor and member of the Rotary Club of Ludlow, Massachusetts.
During the 2025–2026 Rotary year, sixteen districts have joined together to increase membership in their PolioPlus Societies and to End Polio—once and for all.
The friendly competition adds a bit of fun: the district with the greatest percentage of PolioPlus Society members in June 2026 will win a fancy banner and, of course, bragging rights!
Better yet, we will all know that we did our part in saving the lives of children around the world.
For those who may not be familiar, the PolioPlus Society was formed to encourage Rotarians to commit to a minimum contribution of $100 per year to the PolioPlus Fund, continuing annually until polio is eradicated.
Our PolioPlus Society is approaching 100 members.
Please help District 7090 compete — and more importantly, take part in something that truly matters for the children of the world.
The PolioPlus Kennel Klub was “inspired by Rotarians whose dog, Mollie, agreed to give up $10 worth of treats each month to be a ‘Polio Plus Society’ member”.
Mollie started asking her fellow four-legged friends to help her End Polio, and the Kennel Klub was born!
Within weeks of launching, the Kennel Klub raised over $3,500 (that’s over $10,000 with a 2:1 match from the Gates Foundation).
To date, tens of thousands of dollars have been raised for PolioPlus!
How can you sign up your four-legged friend to join Mollie in the Kennel Klub?
Rotary District 7090 is inviting Rotarians from across the district to join our Finance Committee and help guide the financial stewardship of our district.
If you have past finance, accounting, budgeting, or governance experience, your skills would be a valuable asset. An interest in learning and supporting good stewardship is equally welcome.
We meet the second Thursday of each month on zoom from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
This is a great opportunity to work with Rotarians from across District 7090, gain insight into district operations, and contribute to responsible financial decision-making.
📩 Interested or want to learn more?
Please reach out to Sandi Chard (sandichard@gmail.com), Chair, Finance Committee 2025-26
Every Rotarian has a story. Whether it was a single moment of inspiration that led you to join or a lifelong friendship that keeps you coming back, we want to hear it!
We are looking for "My Rotary" stories to feature on our social media channels and District website. We want to know:
The Spark: What originally drew you to Rotary?
The Heart: Why do you continue to stay and serve year after year?
Showcasing Our Clubs
Personal stories move us, but club projects inspire us! If your club has recently completed, or is currently working on, an Awesome Club Project, let us shine a spotlight on your hard work. Sharing these projects helps other clubs find inspiration and shows our community the tangible impact of "Service Above Self."
How to Submit
Help us tell the story of our Rotarians and Clubs in District 7090 by sending your personal testimonials, project descriptions, and high-quality photos to: d7090media@gmail.com.
Let’s celebrate the people and the projects that make our District extraordinary. We can't wait to share your stories with the world!
Do you know the next District 7090 Rotary Peace Fellow? Applications open Feb 1!
The next great Rotary Peace Fellow might be your neighbour!
Help District 7090 find qualified Rotary Peace Fellows in your community. Who could they be?
An educator dedicated to conflict resolution. A community leader bridging cultural divides. A young professional passionate about social justice.
They may not realize Rotary Peace Fellowships exist—but you can change that.
Two fully-funded Rotary Peace Fellowship programs are available for qualified candidates:
MA Fellowships (over $83,000 USD value) at international universities: Duke/UNC, Bradford (UK), Queensland (Australia), Uppsala (Sweden), or ICU Japan.
Professional Certificate Programs (approx. $25,000 USD value) at Makerere University (Uganda) or Bahçendşehir University (Turkey)
What do Candidates need: An undergraduate degree with excellent grades, meaningful work experience, and proven commitment to peace and development.
A 3-year gap between their last degree and fellowship start is required.
We need YOUR network. Reach out to teachers, community organizers, NGO staff, and local leaders throughout the US, Canada, internationally, and wherever your connections extend.
Applications open February 1, 2026, with a submission deadline May 15, 2026, for the 2027 academic year.
They’re in Your Community—Help Us Find Them!
Interested individuals can contact Bob Munroe at munroerobert@yahoo.ca for information, and guidance with an application. Bob is the District 7090 Peace Fellowship Chair.
Begin by watching our Application Checklist Video and review the application process online. See more information HERE.
The Jr. RYLA Committee is pleased to return for another inspiring year of programming!
Our facilitators are excited to work with youth from across the district to connect with like-minded individuals and develop their leadership skills.
Participants can expect engaging sessions with skilled facilitators where they will develop heightened self-awareness, problem-solving skills and a leadership mindset to create meaningful change in their schools and communities.
In-person: May 1-3, 2026
Virtual sessions: May 5 & 7, 2026
Visit theJr. RYLA website for 2026 program information and registration details.
As “Youth-to-Youth 2026” approaches we are looking at the volunteer roles that need to be filled the week of Mar 22-29. While the main transportation needs -- large groups to/from Toronto and within Six Nations during the week will be done by buses -- there will be a need to transport small groups of students or adult helpers either from the airports or within the Six Nations area.
There are three times we are looking at:
1) Sun Mar 22 with pick-up times ranging from 10am to 6pm- need is to pick up participants at Hamilton (or perhaps Toronto Pearson) and drive to Chiefswood Park in Ohsweken.
2) Mon- Fri - during the day- taking small groups to local areas- so Chiefswood park to Mohawk Institute or Good Minds bookstore or Lloyd King School on Mississaugas of Credit. This would be a 3–4-hour commitment to drive to site, participate in the activity and then drive back to Chiefswood.
3) Sat Mar 28- return trip to Toronto or Hamilton airport from Chiefswood Park- likely Saturday morning (early or late)
There may be other opportunities for volunteers at Chiefswood Park during the week. If you can canvas your clubs and identify people willing to help if needed, that would be great. For drivers, please identify dates available, number of passengers and contact phone number.
Rotary encourages us to expand our reach. This was never more evident than when Ray Bukovec and PDG Charlie Complin of St. Catharines reestablished Rotary in Slovenia in 1990 after the breakup of the former Yugoslavia.
I want to encourage you to join me and be part of the legacy of the St. Catharines Rotary Club. Witness this absolutely beautiful country and its people who will open their homes to you so you may experience life and Rotary 36 years after communism. The transformation is something to behold.
Details: you are responsible for your flight arrangements (approx. $1,200), some meals, conference registration, entrance into tourist attractions, incidentals. They will do their best to keep costs as low as possible.
They will host you, provide breakfast, transportation, and the itinerary.
Dates: MAY 29- JUNE 7, 2026
You are certainly welcome to extend your time in Europe either before or after.
We would hope that you would host when they come in September, but it is not mandatory.
The group total is capped at 12.
Let me know your intentions as soon as you can.
For those who wish to participate, I will need a recent picture, address, phone #, passport # and expiry date. and brief bio.
Richard (Dick) Earne was a pillar of the Grand Island Rotary Club and of our district.
To those of you who served as president during Dick's year as governor (2006 - 2007), do you remember the little rocks he gave out during his club visits?
DG Dick was remarking on the effect a person can have on the world through Rotary service, like the ripples spreading across a pond from even a small, tossed stone.
With help from the Grand Island club, the Richard Earne Reading Garden has been established at the Grand Island Library.
Dick envisioned the creation of this garden to fulfill his goal of extending the usable library space to include a comfortable outdoor seating area for patrons to enjoy.
The garden will be dedicated on Wednesday, May 13th at 5:00 PM.
Location: Grand Island Memorial Library, 1715 Bedell Rd, Grand Island, NY 14072
For a wonderful tribute to Dick from his dear friend and fellow Grand Island Rotarian, the late Henry Kammerer, please "read more".
The Rotary Club of the BNMC will be gathering with other Area 10 clubs (Buffalo Noon, Buffalo Sunrise, BNMC, and Kenmore) for the 2nd Annual Socks & Skivvies Social (and friendly competition) on Monday, February 2nd from 5:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. at Magic Bear in Larkinville.
There will be light snacks and a cash bar.
The competition: collecting new socks, skivvies and other clothing items that will be donated to those who need them most.
The coveted “Two Socks Cup” is up for grabs and bragging rights. (Last year's winner was Kenmore.)
Club Presidents should be prepared with their two-minute elevator pitch about what their Club is working on for the coming year.
So, set your calendars for the 2nd Annual Socks & Skivvies Social:
Monday, February 2nd
5:00 PM. - 8:00 PM
Magic Bear
Mill Race Commons - Larkinville
799 Seneca St, Suite B
Buffalo, New York 14210
Let us know you're attending (space is limited): SIGN UP HERE
The Batavia Rotary Club has launched a food scrap composting initiative designed to reduce landfill waste and promote environmental sustainability across the region.
The program partners with local restaurants to divert food waste to EcoVerde Organics, an industrial composting facility in Akron, New York. Eli Fish Brewing Company is the first participating restaurant, with Batavia’s Original Pizzeria expected to join the effort in the coming weeks.
Participating businesses collect food scraps in designated totes, which are transported to EcoVerde Organics for processing into nutrient-rich compost. The process reduces methane emissions, extends landfill capacity, and provides a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers.
According to EcoVerde Organics Chief Operating Officer Katy Duggan, more than 30 percent of food produced in the United States is wasted, much of it ending up in landfills. Composting offers a practical way for communities and businesses to reduce environmental impact while supporting soil and water quality.
Batavia Rotary President Lynn VanDerBeck said the initiative reflects Rotary International’s commitment to environmental stewardship. “This is a practical, collaborative solution that benefits both local businesses and the broader community,” VanDerBeck said. “We hope it will encourage additional participation across Genesee County.”
Funding for the program is provided through a Rotary District 7090 matching grant.
The Rotary Club of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is offering a $1000 scholarship for a graduating high school senior.
The award will be used to help defray expenses for tuition, books, fees, or lodging for a student continuing their education/training past high school.
It can be applied toward expenses at a 4-year or 2-year college or to a trade school.
If you are or know a 2026 graduating senior that would be interested, please reach out to us! EMAIL
Autism Dog Services (ADS) is a small but mighty organization whose primary focus is to provide autism service dogs to people over 3-years-of-age with autism and related disorders.
Executive Director, Vicky Spadoni, told Brantford Sunrise members during a January meeting ADS is the only organization in Canada (as of January 2024) that recognizes the diagnosis of autism doesn't stop at age 18, and it is also the only organization now supporting adults and seniors being diagnosed with autism. Vicky said more and more people are being diagnosed later in life, helping the person understand an issue they knew existed all along.
In explaining the role of an autism service dog, Vicky said ADS is training a working dog, not a family pet. Although the animals do have some down-time at home, when a service dog is wearing his/her jacket, they are working. Vicky said Henry plays a dual role, as a working autism service dog and an ambassador for ADS. She said autism dogs save lives, demonstrating, with Henry, how the dog would respond to an autistic child who "bolts".
ADS has 137 working grad dogs supporting clients, with 50 dogs in training, and 2 litters of lab puppies. Autism Dog Services includes a territory that covers Brant, Norfolk, Niagara, London, K-W and Toronto. More information on Autism Dog Services is available through their website at www.autismdogservices.ca
PHOTO: Vicky Spadoni, Executive Director (Autism Dog Services) and Good Boy Henry
Sunrise members had the opportunity in January to offer their personal thanks to sponsors at the annual Sponsor Appreciation Breakfast.
Their support is critical to the Club. The sponsorships help cover the administrative costs of running our fundraising events, ensuring all of the money raised goes directly to the charities.
Three speakers gave testimonials on the positive impact Rotary funding, and sponsor support, has had on their organizations.
Cindy Perrodou of the St. Joseph's Lifecare Centre spoke about the beds, bed lifts and evacuation chairs St. Joseph's was able to purchase with a $53,000.00 donation from Rotary.
In addition, the Memory Box program was the recipient of more than $5,900.00 in funding.
Kerri VanSickle of Stedman Community Hospice explained the importance of both the Wind Phone Construction and Legacy Project Funding, which received $5,500.00 and $4,700.00, respectively, from Rotary.
Jennifer Barker spoke on behalf of the Brantford Blessing Centre, which served more than 49,000 hot meals to those in need in 2025. The $6,000.00 in funding received from Rotary Sunrise purchased a new double oven for the Centre, replacing an older, unreliable unit, prone to breakdown.
Rotary Club of Buffalo members are thankful for being invited to tour Build Promise: Amy’s Place of Hope, a vision and mission of Amy Betros, co-founder and director of St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy. Nearly 30 of our members and invited guests took advantage of the opportunity to learn about the facility following an on-site lunch.
Amy’s Place of Hope is a refuge for the indigent and homeless. They had a ribbon cutting this past October and welcomed their first clients in November.
Howard Rich, Build Promise Chair, and Sam DiVincenzo, Executive Director, led us through the incredible 24,000 square foot facility where homeless men are given opportunities and a sense of love and respect. There are laundry facilities, medical and mental resources, welcoming food services. Bed facilities for up to 96 men and private shower areas are designed in a way to give clients a sense of peace and support.
Many companies and benefactors such as Russell Salvatore have generously given their support to this effort. Mental Health experts, medical personnel, even the DMV provide assistance to those in need. Amy’s Place of Hope is currently operating Tuesdays and Wednesdays while evaluating their systems and fine-tuning the help they can provide.
This is a remarkable facility and one that depends on our community for support. The members of the Rotary Club of Buffalo are happy to spread the word.
The Rotary Club of Buffalo Sunrise is pleased to announce we are hosting a friend/fundraiser on Wednesday, February 25th from 6-8 at PAUSA Art House in Buffalo. (See flyer in "read more...")
We are holding this event to raise funds to support our Rotary Club’s new and ongoing local and international projects.
Each year we:
• Spend $2,500 to sponsor two Youth exchange students, one that we host from abroad and a local student that we send abroad for the year.
• We adopted the Tow Path Park as part of a greater Greenway Project Initiative. To date we have purchased benches for the area and installed a peace pole, a little library, and native pollinator garden.
• We have a $5,000 new fundraising goal to install water fountains along the bike path for riders to use.
• We have provided tools to the Providence Farm Collective in their effort to engage refugees in sustainable farming practices, growing vegetables from their native countries.
• We have an ongoing financial commitment to the 7090 Human Trafficking Grant.
At our first meeting in the new year, presenter Kiera Maracle, from the Cattaraugus-Allegany Reservation, presented a fascinating talk on the Seneca Nation Language Program.
This immersive course is offered by four Elders at that site.
Kiera described the language as both literal and descriptive and primarily, a complex oral language.
Throughout her presentation, Kiera gave club members a better understanding of the cultural complexities of the language among the various members of the Haudenosaunee Nation.
She also helped us understand some of the difficulties and forced relocation of her people and told of her grandparents, in a residential school in Ontario, being forced to speak only English – one of several ways native people were forced to “forget” who they were as a people.
E.L. Crossley Students Embrace 40 Year Holiday Cheer Tradition
The spirit of holiday giving filled the hallways and cafeteria at E.L. Crossley on the last school Monday of December when the Interact Club held their annual Holiday Cheer collection. A tradition at the school for over 40 years, the event has seen a resurgence in recent years following a lull during COVID restrictions.
This year, the club members kicked it into a new level with the Mascot and cheerleaders welcoming students as they brought down boxes of food, toys, and warm clothing to the cafeteria where they stood for a photo booth and signed a massive Holiday card. Supported by Interact’s sponsoring Rotary Club of Fonthill, the school community adopted 17 families in need who were registered with the Salvation Army in Welland. Each family gets non-perishable food items, a food gift card, and personalized gifts for their children. Crossley staff, students, and Rotarians collected so many items that they were able to have boxes of extra food, stocking stuffers and warm hats and mitts to add to some of the other families served by the Salvation Army.
PHOTO: Gifts organized for transportation at E.L. Crossley Secondary School
The Grand Island community collection of new warm underwear to benefit those in need will be held until February 8th.
The Undie Sunday collection is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Grand Island.
There is a request for new youth and adult-sized T-shirts, warm socks and briefs, which will be provided to Niagara Community Mission and other local missions to distribute. As in most winters, emphasis is on warm socks.
Please bring in packagednew items to place in the Red Hampers. Collection bins can be found in churches, schools, the town hall and GI library, the Island Ship Center, M&T, Northwest and Key banks, and Niagara Frontier Publications. The Hampers will be in place through Sunday, February 8th and will be collected beginning Monday February 9th, when the club sorts and distributes the items to the missions.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the chartering of the Rotary Club of Grimsby. To build on past successes and continue serving our town and the world, we maintained momentum in January. We focused on our planning process, expanded our community partnerships, and had our club’s curlers proudly represent us in Sudbury.
Since the fall, our club has been developing a strategic plan to guide us over the next three years. The objective is to remain vital and sustainable. On Jan. 22, Bob Morrow presented our final draft of the plan. We are grateful to Bob for his dedication and leadership. The future of the Rotary Club of Grimsby looks brighter.
We continued strengthening our partnership with The Grimsby Public Library by successfully launching a meditation program. The session was so well-received that we need a larger space. This year, we will also continue our Meet a Professional or Hobbyist sessions. Additionally, we are working on another collaboration that we will announce soon.
Apart from all this hard work, our members found time to enjoy some recreation. Eight members of our club travelled north to Sudbury, Ont., for a bonspiel with the Rotary Fellowship of Curling. The team reports that their results on the ice were not as hoped. However, the camaraderie off the ice more than made up for any disappointment.
The Rotary Club of Grimsby looks forward to making this year the best yet.
PHOTOS: Left: Bob Morrow; Right: Grimbsy Rotary Fellowship of Curling Members
The Rotary Club of Hamilton is proud to announce the distribution of $35,000 through the Rotary Children’s Fund – Christmas Tree of Hope, continuing a cherished Hamilton tradition that supports children, youth, and families across the community.
When 900 CHML closed its doors, the future of the long-standing Christmas Tree of Hope and Operation Santa Claus campaigns were uncertain. Recognizing the importance of this initiative to Hamilton families, the Rotary Club of Hamilton stepped forward to ensure the tradition not only continued but remained firmly rooted in the community it serves. With the support of dedicated volunteers, community partners, and generous donors, the Rotary Club successfully raised more than $35,000 and collected and distributed over 10,000 toys during the most recent holiday season.
The funds raised were be distributed to 20 local charities and community organizations, all of which provide essential services and supports to children and families in Hamilton. In addition, the toys collected through Operation Santa Claus, carried forward under Rotary’s leadership, were distributed to children across the city, ensuring thousands experienced the joy and warmth of the holiday season.
Hamilton AM club members were treated to an excellent presentation on January 7 by Past District Governor Frank Adamson.
Frank gave a presentation on his Wounded Warriors Canada Battlefield Bike Ride to Normandy, the site of Operation Overlord in World War II, with his nephew who is a First Responder. The ride was a fundraiser to support Canadian Forces, veterans and First Responders suffering from PTSD. The ride included a number of historic cemeteries where Canadian soldiers have been laid to rest, following both World Wars. The pictures shown highlighted the beautiful monuments and carefully manicured lawns of these hallowed grounds.
This was a very stirring presentation that should be considered for future Remembrance Day events!
Brian talked about the importance of community and non-market housing as part of the solution to alleviating the housing crisis and some solutions as to how the private and non-profit sectors can work together. A key issue to be overcome is housing affordability. Hamilton-East Kiwanis is a member of the “Hamilton is Home” housing collaborative.
Brian has been the Executive Director of Kiwanis Homes Inc. since 2014. Kiwanis Homes is the third largest social housing provider in the Hamilton Region operating over 1,100 units. Their goal is to increase their portfolio by an additional 1,000 units by 2028. They currently have developed or are in process of developing 530 new units.
For much of his career, Brian has been involved in implementing and managing programs servicing marginalized client groups, including developing several transitional housing projects working with at-risk persons.
He is a grandfather of two wonderful grandchildren, a cancer survivor, and an unapologetic proponent of social change.
Following up on our annual Pancake Breakfast at Hess Street School on December 18, Principal John Efthimiadis gave us a large number of “Thank you” cards and posters created by the students.
What a wonderful display of gratitude and creativity!
We have been hosting this event for so long we have lost track of the number of years, but we think it is over 25!
When John started his position at Hess Street School in September, he started hearing about this great Christmas event from students and now that he has experienced it, he is looking forward to next year!
In recognition of the long partnership between the club and the school, a presentation of a watercolor to the school was made.
Our Rotary Club sponsors two local teams, and we proudly visited and presented Big Cheques to both of them before the Game Video Started.
There are many local robotics teams and events in the 7090 and beyond and we encourage all rotary clubs to search and engage and support them.
Our relationship with both teams has grown so that we volunteer for each other’s events and fundraisers. Our last few RYLA and RYLA jr. participants came through our relationships with these local robotic teams.
As part of Rotary International's "Youth Services" initiatives, we are honoured to support both teams in this year's challenge, with $3000 each for the season.
January has been a busy month for the Rotary Club of Kenmore and Kenmore West Interact Club completing two Purplie Pinkie Projects!
On January 9th, the Rotary Club of Kenmore and the Kenmore West Interact Club brought the “Purple Pinkie Project” to Hoover Middle School and Hoover Elementary School! The amazing students raised $485 to support Rotary’s PolioPlus fund! The best part? The Kenmore Rotary will match this $485 to become $970. Then the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation matches these funds 2-to-1, turning our $970 donation into $2,910!
Following an awesome Purple Pinkie Project at Hoover Elementary & Middle School on January 9th, the Rotary Club of Kenmore and the Kenmore West Interact Club brought the Purple Pinkie Project to Lindbergh Elementary on January 16th! The amazing Lindbergh students stepped up in a big way, raising $310 for the PolioPlus Fund! By simply getting their pinkies painted purple for $1, our students are helping to provide hundreds of life-saving vaccines to children across the globe and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation matches these funds 2-to-1as well! A huge thank you to the Lindbergh faculty, students, and our dedicated Interact volunteers for helping eradicate polio.
The longtime Foundation Chair of the Binational Rotary Club of Lewiston, NY USA & Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, John Shaver, recently completed 30 years of membership in Rotary. He was just awarded a PH+3 honor from Rotary Foundation.
A Paul Harris+3 Fellowship Award is a prestigious recognition given by The Rotary Foundation to individuals who make a significant contribution to the Foundation and is a testament to John's commitment to the ideals and causes of Rotary, which aim to build world understanding and peace.
The Lincoln Rotary reached out to Community Care of West Niagara and asked where we could make the biggest impact with our annual Christmas Donation.
The answer was to help with their Christmas Hamper program.
The club donated $2000 to be spent on food and small gifts for the Christmas Hamper Program.
Many in our community are facing extraordinary challenges.
These increasing difficult circumstances affecting so many of our community members, where some are unsure how they will provide for their families over the holiday season are helped with programs like this.
The Lincoln Rotary Club, using a Rotary District Grant, presented to the West Niagara Secondary School two throw projectors to be used in the theatre program and audio-visual programs offered at the school.
At the same time two laptops were donated by https://www.facebook.com/TierconAutomotive as one of our Lincoln Rotarians arranged the donation to go along with the projectors.
This is an ongoing support of the arts in our high schools and support for the West Niagara Secondary School Theatre.
The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls is hosting a Trivia event on Wednesday, February 18 at Club Italia in Niagara Falls.
The funds raised at this event go toward areas of need in Niagara Falls and around the world.
Organizations like Project Share, Niagara Nutrition Partners, GROW Community Food Literacy Centre, Niagara Health, Wellspring Niagara, Pathstone Mental Health, Niagara Festival of Performing Arts, local student awards, and scholarships for high school graduates as well as international Rotary projects all benefit from our fundraising.
We expect about 500 people to attend Trivia Night.
The first prize team wins $1000 in gift cards and there are lots of door prizes (you don’t have to be smart, just lucky), a raffle, 50/50 draw and live auctions as well.
Something for everyone and a lot of fun.
Please contact John Beyer at 905-348-8316 or email HERE.
Tim Lutton moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake in the Fall of 2020 and quickly became part of the community. If you didn’t know him by name, you certainly would have seen him around town—he was always in service to the community he loved.
Tim exemplified Rotary's motto of 'Service Above Self'. He was a tireless volunteer taking on many roles. He was an active board member and served as our secretary. Tim started and led our Club's 'Adopt-a-Road' project, overseeing the cleanup of Lakeshore Road in Old Town. He always stood up, signed up, and showed up for many volunteer positions, including the St. George's breakfast program feeding the hungry, serving on Rotary's Community Services Committee responsible for funding local charities and non-profits, volunteering every year at the Holiday House Tour, delivering apples to the kids at all three NOTL schools, and more.
He was never too busy to take on another role or project. We always jokingly told Tim that he didn't know how to say no. He was organized, caring, and a great motivating leader. He was always dependable. When we needed help with any community event, he was always the first to help and the last to leave once everything was done. Some people add so much to a community when they arrive and adopt it as their own. Tim was one of those people. Having lived here for the years he did, he was able to weave himself into the fabric and design of Niagara-on-the-Lake and into the hearts of us all.
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise is pleased to announce the award of a $55,000 Rotary Global Grant to foster Peace and Reconciliation.
The grant, with supporting funding from Rotary clubs in Brantford, St Catharines, Hamilton – Stony Creek, Niagara Falls and Toronto area clubs is in support of the upcoming Youth to Youth Truth and Reconciliation event to be held at Chiefswood Park in Ohsweken (near Brantford) Mar 22-29.
This reportedly life changing event brings 50 Indigenous and non- Indigenous youth together for a week of cultural teachings and reconciliation.
Operation Warm Hearts and the Olean Rotary Club once again joined forces to support local families through a successful “diaper and pull-up drive” that addressed a critical and ongoing community need.
Throughout the drive, community members generously donated diapers, pull-ups, and wipes—items that are essential for the health, safety, and hygiene of infants and toddlers.
The strong response reflected growing local awareness of diaper need, an issue that continues to impact many families in the region.
“Recent data suggests that up to half of U.S. families with young children experience diaper need,” said Ann Marie Sitter-Tompkins, co-founder of Operation Warm Hearts.
“Babies without clean diapers face higher risks of painful rashes, urinary tract infections, and additional doctor visits.
Diapers cost about $100 per month per child and are not covered by SNAP or WIC, forcing families to make difficult choices.
Many families locally are also feeling the impact of recent cuts to diaper assistance programs.”
Founded in 2020, Operation Warm Hearts has grown into a trusted community resource, providing clothing and essential items such as dental care products, books, pillows, blankets, and other comfort necessities.
Through partnerships with volunteers and charitable organizations, its services continue to expand to meet evolving needs across the region.
As part of our 100th Anniversary, the Rotary Club of Simcoe challenged the people of Norfolk County to match our $50,000 donation to the Norfolk General Hospital.
The people of our County stepped up with their $50,000 for a total donation of $100,000 that will go towards new beds for the hospital.
ShelterBox Canada, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Simcoe, is proud to announce the Perks’ Memorial Matching Campaign, a special initiative honoring the remarkable legacy of siblings Bob and Joyce Perks—two individuals whose lives were defined by compassion, service, and community.
Bob Perks was a dedicated Rotarian for more than 33 years, serving the Rotary Club of Simcoe with passion and purpose.
Deeply committed to Rotary’s mission, Bob championed international service and supported ShelterBox Canada’s work to help families rebuild after disaster.
Joyce Perks was known for her warmth, humor, and love of animals.
Together, Bob and Joyce shared a lifelong commitment to helping others—locally and globally.
Our Community Donations Committee was proud to support Bike Me Up Niagara with a $2000 donation to help purchase bike locks for their community bike program.
Following recent bike thefts in St. Catharines, this initiative is a practical step toward helping residents keep their bikes secure and on the road.
This is "Rotary in Action": identifying a local need and working with trusted community partners to create real impact.
Start Me Up Niagara offers services and programs to support people facing significant challenges such as poverty, homelessness, unemployment, disabilities, addictions, and mental health issues.
Their goal is to help these individuals increase their level of self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life through daily drop in, community lunches, health care, income maximization, arts, garden, and employment development.
A key part of this initiative is Bike Me Up Niagara.
Alina Masud Memorial Indoor Walkathon powers Rotary’s flagship fight against child malnutrition.
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines South is proud to lead a flagship initiative that is saving the lives of children who have no voice and no choice: Trust for Malnutrition and Stunted Growth(TMSG).
Across Pakistan, children under five are arriving at clinics in the most dangerous stage of malnutrition—Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). In these cases, a child’s body is running out of strength to fight infection, to grow, and in many cases, even to survive. The good news is that this is treatable when help reaches in time. With therapeutic foods and essential micronutrients, children can recover and return to normal life.
Through consistent, evidence-based treatment and a growing clinic network—78,000 children have been revived and brought back to health. But the crisis is still overwhelming. Funding remains the only hindrance. As we often say: when we reach one child, ten are missed—not because the solution isn’t known, but because resources don’t reach far enough.
At its first meeting for January, Area 16 AG, Marion Beckerink introduced District 7090 Governor Aaron Carlson during his visit with the Westfield-Mayville Club.
Carlson reviewed the accomplishments of the club over time and shared the goals of Rotary International.
He then presented John "Doc" Hamels with his Paul Harris +2 pin and Dan Smith with his Ruby level Paul Harris pin.
Additionally, Smith was presented with a Polio Plus Society pin.
In sad news, it was shared that long-time Rotarian Donald Dowling, who served in a variety of local and area roles, had passed away.
PHOTO (L to R): John "Doc" Hamels, DG Aaron Carlson, Dan Smith
Rotary International moves Barcelona convention to 2027BARCELONA (April 6, 2026) – Barcelona, Spain, has been selected to host Rotary’s international convention, which is often described by attendees as a mini-United
Rotary is recognizing six of its members and program participants age 30 and under as Rotary People of Action: ‘Champions of Tomorrow’ for their leadership in advancing impactful, youth‑centered initiatives that are helping to create the foundations for brighter futures, today.
Young leaders honored as Rotary’s People of Action: Champions of TomorrowHonorees worked with Deaf communities, expanded access to education, and raised awareness about mental
Welcome to the APRIL 2026 district 7090 newsletter
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You are specially invited to join us as a Special Guest at the upcoming 2026 Peace Begins at Home – International Mega Meeting.
In lieu of holding our own District Conference for Rotary D7090, this year we will embark on a collaborative District Conference with our neighboring Rotary D7120, NY State Finger Lakes Region. 
Currently, people who are interested in joining Rotary can submit their name and some background information through the Rotary Internation web site. When I get these, in my role as District Membership Chair, I follow up to see which club they might be interested in joining and then I forward the candidate’s information on to the club for follow up.
Call for Volunteers! Needed: Planners and Organizers!
District 7090 is participating in an exciting PolioPlus Society Challenge, a campaign spearheaded by April Beston, District 7890 Governor and member of the Rotary Club of Ludlow, Massachusetts.
The PolioPlus Kennel Klub was “inspired by Rotarians whose dog, Mollie, agreed to give up $10 worth of treats each month to be a ‘Polio Plus Society’ member”. 
Rotary District 7090 is inviting Rotarians from across the district to join our Finance Committee and help guide the financial stewardship of our district.
Share Your "Why" and Your Club’s Impact!
As “Youth-to-Youth 2026” approaches we are looking at the volunteer roles that need to be filled the week of Mar 22-29. While the main transportation needs -- large groups to/from Toronto and within Six Nations during the week will be done by buses -- there will be a need to transport small groups of students or adult helpers either from the airports or within the Six Nations area.
Rotary encourages us to expand our reach. This was never more evident than when Ray Bukovec and PDG Charlie Complin of St. Catharines reestablished Rotary in Slovenia in 1990 after the breakup of the former Yugoslavia.
Richard (Dick) Earne was a pillar of the Grand Island Rotary Club and of our district.
The Rotary Club of the BNMC will be gathering with other Area 10 clubs (Buffalo Noon, Buffalo Sunrise, BNMC, and Kenmore) for the 2nd Annual Socks & Skivvies Social (and friendly competition) on Monday, February 2nd from 5:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. at Magic Bear in Larkinville.
The Batavia Rotary Club has launched a food scrap composting initiative designed to reduce landfill waste and promote environmental sustainability across the region.
The Rotary Club of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is offering a $1000 scholarship for a graduating high school senior.
Autism Dog Services (ADS) is a small but mighty organization whose primary focus is to provide autism service dogs to people over 3-years-of-age with autism and related disorders.
Sunrise members had the opportunity in January to offer their personal thanks to sponsors at the annual Sponsor Appreciation Breakfast.
Rotary Club of Buffalo members are thankful for being invited to tour 
The Rotary Club of Buffalo Sunrise is pleased to announce we are hosting a friend/fundraiser on Wednesday, February 25th from 6-8 at PAUSA Art House in Buffalo. (See flyer in "read more...")
At our first meeting in the new year, presenter Kiera Maracle, from the Cattaraugus-Allegany Reservation, presented a fascinating talk on the Seneca Nation Language Program.
E.L. Crossley Students Embrace 40 Year Holiday Cheer Tradition
The Grand Island club was fortunate to have DG Aaron Carlson visiting the club on January 28 and inducting the newest member into the club.
The Grand Island community collection of new warm underwear to benefit those in need will be held until February 8th.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the chartering of the Rotary Club of Grimsby. To build on past successes and continue serving our town and the world, we maintained momentum in January. We focused on our planning process, expanded our community partnerships, and had our club’s curlers proudly represent us in Sudbury.
The Rotary Club of Hamilton is proud to announce the distribution of $35,000 through the Rotary Children’s Fund – Christmas Tree of Hope, continuing a cherished Hamilton tradition that supports children, youth, and families across the community.
Fighting for Justice – Lalla Aracely – Hamilton Police Services
Hamilton AM club members were treated to an excellent presentation on January 7 by Past District Governor Frank Adamson.
Hamilton’s Housing Hero – Brian Sible
Hess Street School says, “Thank You!”
January has been a busy month for the Rotary Club of Kenmore and Kenmore West Interact Club completing two Purplie Pinkie Projects!
On January 10th, the Rotary Club of Kenmore went Wine Tasting on the Niagara Wine Trail!
Longtime Rotarian Honored
The Lincoln Rotary reached out to 
The Lincoln Rotary Club, using a Rotary District Grant, presented to the West Niagara Secondary School two throw projectors to be used in the theatre program and audio-visual programs offered at the school.
Tim Lutton moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake in the Fall of 2020 and quickly became part of the community. If you didn’t know him by name, you certainly would have seen him around town—he was always in service to the community he loved.
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise is pleased to announce the award of a $55,000 Rotary Global Grant to foster Peace and Reconciliation. 
As part of our 100th Anniversary, the Rotary Club of Simcoe challenged the people of Norfolk County to match our $50,000 donation to the Norfolk General Hospital.
ShelterBox Canada, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Simcoe, is proud to announce the Perks’ Memorial Matching Campaign, a special initiative honoring the remarkable legacy of siblings Bob and Joyce Perks—two individuals whose lives were defined by compassion, service, and community. 
The Rotary Club of Simcoe will be holding our second annual pickleball tournament on Saturday April 4 at the Rec Centre in Simcoe.
Our Community Donations Committee was proud to support 
Join Us February 21st for 26th Annual Trivia Night
Alina Masud Memorial Indoor Walkathon powers Rotary’s flagship fight against child malnutrition.
At its first meeting for January, Area 16 AG, Marion Beckerink introduced District 7090 Governor Aaron Carlson during his visit with the Westfield-Mayville Club.
135 Taylor Road
