The Club recently marked its 40th Anniversary with a Celebration Event at Queenston Mile Vineyard. The evening brought together current and former members, community partners, and friends of Rotary to reflect on four decades of fellowship, leadership, and service. Guests enjoyed an evening of memories, laughter, and recognition as we celebrated the many people whose dedication has shaped our club since its charter in 1986.A highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of a vehicle purchased for Happy in My Home, a local organization that provides transportation services to seniors. The vehicle will help ensure older adults can attend medical appointments, access essential services, and remain connected to their community. It was a fitting reminder that Rotary's impact is measured not only in years, but in lives changed.
“It is extremely fitting that, as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore and its mission to support local residents of all ages, we are able to assist Happy in My Home with this $50,000 donation towards a new vehicle,” said Bryan Pett, President of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore. “Ensuring safe, reliable, rides for older adults and adults with disabilities in St. Catharines aligns well with the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore’s focus on supporting our local youth, senior residents and doing Good in the World internationally.”
This donation continues The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore’s 40-year commitment to the community both through supporting many local charities and in creating legacy projects such as Charles Ansell Park at Lock One on the Welland Canal and the Clarice West Hobbs Contemplative Garden stretching along the rear wall of the Marotta Hospital site in St. Catharines.During the formal unveiling of the vehicle at the 40th Anniversary celebration, St. Catharines Mayor Matt Siscoe congratulated Rotary Lakeshore on its long history and lasting impact in supporting the City’s residents, while recognized the four Charter members still part of the Club (Bruce Timms, Bob Miller, Doug Weeks and Dr. Emilio Raimondo). Mayor Siscoe then presented President Bryan Pett with a Certificate commemorating the Anniversary.
Carolyn Askeland, Executive Director, Happy in my Home noted in her remarks at the unveiling that, "This generous $50,000 donation from the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore is an investment in independence, dignity, and quality of life for older adults and adults with disabilities across Niagara. Transportation is often the link that allows people to remain connected to healthcare, groceries, community programs, and the relationships that help them thrive. This new vehicle will enable us to meet growing demand, reduce operating costs, and reinvest those savings directly into expanding ride availability. We are deeply grateful to the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore for recognizing the importance of accessible transportation and for helping ensure that more people can continue living safely and independently in the place they call home."
If you missed the event, here is a quick video of the highlights of the unveiling and Celebration
The festivities were highlighted by a slideshow of past photos collected by Charter Member Bruce Timms and, of course, a new musical take on the Annual Poem by Phil Horner.
The experience can only be done justice by viewing the video.
PHOTO: St. Catharines Lakeshore Charter Members and vehicle purchased for Happy in My Home