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.
To mark this achievement, the Rotary Club of Hamilton hosted a Celebration Lunch on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Representatives from the 20 recipient organizations were welcomed as cheques formally presented, celebrating the collective impact of the campaign and the partnerships that made it possible.
“It is a tremendous honour for the Rotary Club of Hamilton to carry forward the legacy of the Children’s Fund and the Christmas Tree of Hope,” said Adam Oldfield, President of the Rotary Club of Hamilton. “This campaign is about more than dollars raised or toys collected—it is about community, compassion, and ensuring that the organizations doing vital work for Hamilton’s children have the support they need. We are deeply proud to stand alongside these groups and to help make a meaningful difference in the lives of Hamiltonians.”
Founded in 1913, the Original Rotary Club of Hamilton has a long history of service and leadership in the community, with a particular focus on literacy, youth development, and supporting families in need. Through initiatives such as the Rotary Children’s Fund and Operation Santa Claus, the Club continues to uphold its commitment to Service Above Self.
Congratulations to the following organizations and groups who received part of the $35,000 from the Rotary Children’s Fund.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grand Erie, Hamilton and Halton, Cathedral High School, Catholic Children's Aid Society of Hamilton, Children's Aid Foundation of Halton, CityKidz, Fit Active Beautiful Foundation, Good Shepherd Family Centre, Hamilton & District Extend-A-Family, Hamilton Child and Family Supports, Hamilton Dream Center, Junior Achievement of South Western Ontario, Liberty For Youth, Living Rock Ministries- Youth Resource Centre, Safe Families Canada, Hamilton Halton, Streetlight Ministries, Telling Tales, The Catholic Youth Organization of the Diocese of Hamilton, The Hamilton Foundation for Student Success -Memorial School, Wesley Urban Ministries, YMCA of Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford, Children's Christmas Celebration.
A special thank you to the Hamilton community for supporting the Children’s Fund and our partners: Corus Entertainment – Y108 & 95.3, Michael St Jean Realty, Hamilton Fire Fighters, Stantec, Paul Gordon – All of Me Performance, McMaster Innovation Park, Downtown Hamilton BIA and Rotarians and Friends of the Rotary Club of Hamilton!