William J. Egnatoff, President of the Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston answers our questions about grants and many other club projects.
Can you describe some of the key projects your club has undertaken recently?
- The largest project we have undertaken in the last five years has been the Rotary F.A.R. (Facilitator of Alumni Relations) Project supported by Global Grant GG2094294. Our club was the host and the Rotary Club of Madras was the International Partner. The work was supported by four other clubs in Madras, and three others in our district—Kingston, Napanee, and D7040 Passport. This project has led to a growing ongoing relationship with Pathways to Education Kingston, allowing Pathways to extend to its alumni the support it provides to high school students. The Facilitator of Alumni Relations position allows Pathways to work with its high school graduates as they enter post-secondary studies, apprentice programs, and the workplace. This global grant provided bridge funding while Pathways raised an endowment, initially $1,000,000, to sustain the F.A.R. position. Equally important, it gave us time to get to know the staff and students and to become collaborators in their programming. We have sent several Pathways students to RYLA and Adventures program and two of our members meet weekly with Pathways students on a volunteer basis to augment the support provided by the staff and to give us hands-on experience to guide our partnership. We are in discussion with Pathways and other organizations in the community to expand access to support programs for youth throughout the Kingston area. For photos related to this project see Celebration Dinner for F.A.R. Global Grant Program Success.
What impact has your club had on the local community that you're most proud of?
- Beyond our work with Pathways, we have a close partnership with Loughborough Public School where we helped establish a greenhouse and teaching kitchen, an idea generated by the graduating students of challeng-program teacher Alan Macdonald, now an active member of our club.
- We also have partnerships with several organizations in the community related to food security and housing, serving underserved children, youth, and adults; working with Indigenous peoples; and addressing environmental concerns.
Can you tell me about any upcoming events or projects your club is planning?
- On November 9 some of us will attend the Annual Art Show & Sale of The Mess Studio, which we have supported since it began and with which we have shared special events. On November 13th, members will be attending the Rotary Foundation event with Jennifer Jones. On November 28th we will help to organize a newcomers potluck social at the Kingston Community Health Centre, which also houses Pathways. On December 17th we will have a holiday celebration with Darkspark founders D’Ari Lisle and Melissa Larken and will present them Paul Harris Awards for their remarkable work with youth across Canada and internationally in providing youth with the capabilties of sharing their concerns and aspirations through rap, song-writing and video, through the same social media channels used by professional artist such as D’Ari and Melissa.
How does your club decide which causes or initiatives to support?
- Each year we refine our focus and then engage in service work related to our focus, with each committee shaping its work within its own budget. See C-K Rotary Vision 2024-25.
How do you involve community members with your Rotary club?
- Through partnerships with other organizations, special social events, and through engaging with donors and bidders in our Rotary Community Auction.
How has your Rotary club adapted to changing times and new challenges in recent years?
- We redefined what we expect of our members to balance Rotary with personal, community, and work responsibilities. We vary our meeting formats to include special evening events at least monthly. We have increased our social media presence with the service of the same firm that serves our closest partner, Pathways.
How does your club collaborate with other Rotary clubs?
- In Seaway West, we are active participants in the Joint International Projects Committee and collaborate closely on recruitment of youth for RYLA and Adventures programs.
- Internationally, we have a large network of club partners. We are involved currently in 10 Global Grants. We are host on one (Rotary F.A.R.) about to conclude, and international partner or nine others. In addition we are contributor to many other projects. We are a member of the Indigenous Peoples Partnership Cluster and a member of HIP (Honouring Indigenous People.)
How does your club engage with youth and support their development?
- We send students to RYLA, Adventures in Understanding, Adventures in Citizenship, and Adventures in High Tech. We sponser the Interact Club at Kingston Secondary School We work very closely with Pathways to Education Kingston.
What do you see as the future direction of Rotary, both locally and globally?
- Locally, we see Rotary developing new ways of being a club that balance contributions of people retired from employment and people who are early-mid careeer. We foresee hosting more social events for the community related to our service as part of our regular meeting schedule and in close collaboration with other organizations who share one or more of our areas of focus. We foresee continuing to develop long-term partnerships with such organizations.