Celebrating the Season with Rotary Club of HamiltonAs the year draws to a close, the Rotary Club of Hamilton has truly made this December one to remember.
With the spirit of giving and community at the heart of our mission, we celebrated the holiday season through three remarkable initiatives: the Rotary Children's Christmas Celebration, Operation Santa Claus, and the Christmas Tree of Hope.
These events brought joy, support, and hope to countless individuals in our community.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
The success of these events is a testament to the power of community and the unwavering support of our sponsors, partners, and volunteers.
Together, we have demonstrated the true meaning of the season: giving, caring, and creating hope for a brighter future.
As we prepare for the new year, the Rotary Club of Hamilton remains committed to making a difference.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this December truly unforgettable. Here’s to continuing our mission of service above self in the year ahead!
Rotary Children's Christmas Celebration: Spreading Joy to Inner-City ChildrenOn December 12th, the Rotary Club of Hamilton hosted its 26th annual Rotary Children's Christmas Celebration, a cherished tradition that brightened the holidays for over 650 inner-city children. Held at Cathy Wever School, the event was filled with laughter, music, and the excitement of the season. Each child enjoyed a festive meal, entertainment, and received a new book, toque, mittens and school supplies. Volunteers, sponsors, and community members came together to make this day unforgettable, proving that the magic of Christmas is best shared with those who need it most. It was a magical day filling the tummies and putting smiles on the faces of over 650 children!
Operation Santa Claus: Supporting Families in Need
Through the Operation Santa Claus initiative, the Rotary Club of Hamilton extended its holiday outreach to families who could use a little extra cheer. This program, part of the broader Tree of Hope campaign, provided toys to over 20 local charitable organizations who distributed to families facing financial challenges during the holiday season. Thanks to the generosity of donors and the dedication of our volunteers, Operation Santa Claus helped ensure that no family was left without a reason to celebrate this December. The highlight of the program was CORUS Radio (Y108 & Energy 95.5) Blitz day at Limeridge Mall. A live broadcast with interviews from Rotarians helped raise funds and collect donated toys. Early indications show almost 8700 toys collected and given to children in time for Christmas!
Christmas Tree of Hope: Lighting Up the Season
The Christmas Tree of Hope stood tall as a beacon of hope and goodwill in Hamilton’s Gore Park. Officially lit on December 6th, this annual tradition symbolizes the Rotary Club’s commitment to serving our community taking over the project from 900 CHML. The tree lighting ceremony, attended by Rotarians, community members, and local leaders, was a moment of reflection and celebration. Funds raised through the Tree of Hope campaign directly supported Operation Santa Claus and over 50 charitable initiatives, amplifying the impact of our holiday efforts. The Rotary Children’s Fund (Christmas Tree of Hope) gave away over $120,000 to local charities, organizations and service organizations this past year.