Throughout November, Rotary clubs worldwide celebrate the impactful work of The Rotary Foundation, highlighting the organization’s successes while anticipating the challenges and opportunities the future holds. I am proud to be part of this remarkable legacy of service above self. Together, we create lasting change in communities around the world.
The Rotary Foundation distributes over $1 million USD daily in grants to projects that change lives forever. From eradicating polio to bringing clean water to communities in need, our work touches millions of lives. What makes The Rotary Foundation extraordinary is our unparalleled efficiency and effectiveness. Our contributions are matched and multiplied through Rotary's extensive partnership network, maximizing our impact. It's no wonder we've maintained Charity Navigator's highest four-star rating since 2008—a distinction earned by only 1% of charities.
Join me November 13 in celebrating and supporting the Rotary Foundation at a very special dinner in Kingston, Ontario with Past Rotary President Jennifer Jones. Seating is limited so please REGISTER by Friday, November 8th.
Kingston area Rotary Clubs continue to demonstrate the power of "Service Above Self" through their innovative community programs and tireless dedication to local causes. Over the past year, the Kingston Rotarians have spearheaded several high-impact initiatives that exemplify Rotary's commitment to creating positive change. The following stories are just a sampling of all the exciting things happening in the Kingston Ontario area.
To begin, Kingston Rotary Club President Don Heath answers our questions:
To acknowledge World Polio Day, our club, Kingston Frontenac, had a proclamation from the City of Kingston, an article in the Whig Standard, and a Social Media presence. We hosted a Purple Pinkie night at our club, with a generous donation to Polio Plus , and we also conducted a Purple Pinkie Day at Springer Market Square, generating additional funds and raising awareness, with help from the Kingston Club and the Rotaract Club.
The weather was spectacular for the annual Kingston Fall Fair, and Rotarians from across Seaway West came out to support our friends on the Kingston Fair board in a big way.
Fellow Rotarians that have gone on this exchange have told me this is an incredible experience that has been going on for over 60 years! The combination of curling, a sport rich in tradition, and the cultural exchange through Rotary makes for a very memorable trip. Scotland, being the birthplace of curling, will offer a unique opportunity to connect with the sport's roots while meeting fellow Rotarians from across the pond. Scotland’s beautiful landscapes and welcoming spirit will be the perfect backdrop for this adventure. I am very excited to experience the local customs, learn new techniques, and to immerse myself in this wonderful Rotary Friendship Curling Exhange. - Mark Siemans
I've been hearing stories from past team members about this friendship exchange for 15+ years - as long as I've been in Rotary I'm so unbelievably excited about this opportunity. Travel, fellowship, curling, and a few wee drams... a dream experience! - Lindsey Foster
Syvio, Lori, Pete and Carol from the Rotary Club of Kingston recently participated in an ITHF trip to Japan, to experience the culture on Osakakimajima Island and participate in the Hiroshima based Oleander Peace Program.
Led by the Frontenac Club, the Kingston Cataraqui and Kingston Rotary Clubs helped to support a project between Queen’s University and the University of Nairobi in Kenya that uses Virtual Reality technology to connect faculty at Queen’s with resident learners at the Nairobi hospital. According to Dr. Islam, Department of Diagnostic Radiology at Queen’s, this is the first program of its kind in the world.
Members of the Oleander Initiative showing their love for a survivor tree.
Members of the Rotary Club of Kingston participated in the Oleander Peace Initiative in Hiroshima, which was destroyed at the end of the Second World War by an atomic bomb. The stories they heard about the death and destruction on that and the ensuing days from the survivor they met (a 92-year-old Hibakusha named Sadae) were horrific. The inhabitants were told and believed that Hiroshima was a dead city and that nothing would grow there for at least 75 years. However, in the spring, they noticed an Oleander weed growing up through the rubble, and on a burnt and twisted tree, there was a small tendril pushing out with a single new leaf. This was taken as a symbol of hope and provided inspiration to the survivors, and the city has now been dedicated to the pursuit of peace to ensure that this will never happen again.
Increasing membership in small Rotary Clubs can be challenging, but there are several effective strategies that can help attract new members and retain existing ones. Here are five key actions that small Rotary Clubs can implement to boost their membership: By implementing these strategies, small Rotary Clubs can effectively increase their membership base, ensuring sustained growth and greater community impact.
Count down to the Calgary International Rotary Convention June 2025. Great opportunity to meet Rotarians from around the world. Register today if you have not done so yet.
The District 7040 bulletin is now published in English and French. You received this edition because English is the official language of your club. If you would also like to receive the French version, click here to send a request to the editor Martha Weaver.
