Rotary Club of St. Marys
Welcome to the Rotary Club of St. Marys
St. Marys

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Mondays at 6:30 p.m.
Rotary Parkview building
22 St. Andrews St. N., St. Marys
Parkview Hall, lower level east entrance
St. Marys, ON N4X 1C5
Canada
2nd & 4th Monday (see MEETINGS below) - attend via Zoom by emailing the Secretary
MEETINGS
Community Dinner
Jan 27, 2025 5:00 PM
St. Marys United Church
Rotary Hall Dinner Meeting
Feb 10, 2025 6:30 PM
Assembly
Rotary Hall Dinner Meeting
Feb 24, 2025 6:30 PM
Service Club Night - area service clubs hosted at Rotary Hall
Rotary Hall Dinner Meeting
Mar 10, 2025 6:30 PM
Assembly
Rotary Hall Dinner Meeting
Mar 24, 2025 6:30 PM
Speaker TBD
Rotary Hall Dinner Meeting
Apr 14, 2025 6:30 PM
Assembly
Rotary Hall Dinner Meeting
Apr 28, 2025 6:30 PM
Speaker TBD
Rotary Hall Dinner Meeting
May 12, 2025 6:30 PM
Assembly
Rotary Hall Dinner Meeting
May 26, 2025 6:30 PM
Speaker TBD
Rotary Hall Dinner Meeting
Jun 09, 2025 6:30 PM
Speaker TBD
Rotary Hall Dinner Meeting
Jun 23, 2025 6:30 PM
Speaker TBD
Home Page Stories
 
The Rotary Club of St. Marys congratulates Claire Dunbar, our next outbound exchange student! Claire learned this past Thursday evening that she’s been assigned to Denmark. She will leave sometime in August 2025 for her 10-month exchange. Claire is currently a student at St. Marys DCVI.

Hav en god udveksling i Danmark Claire! Vi er alle så stolte af dig!
Computer screen showing Zoom meeting
 

Cindy Benning, representing Rotary District 6330’s International Services Committee, outlined the committee’s mission to support impactful international projects by connecting clubs with resources, facilitating grants, and sharing expertise. She highlighted three goals for 2024–2025: developing a resource network, assessing club engagement, and increasing participation in international projects. Cindy explained Rotary’s funding model, noting over $100,000 available for global and district grants, and acknowledged St. Marys’ contributions, including projects in Kenya, Colombia, and Uganda. She encouraged Rotarians to join the committee, donate, and share their stories to amplify Rotary’s global impact.

AI generated image of people making soup
 
Diane and Andrew are leading a Micro Service Project! On January 20th, we’ll prepare and package delicious vegetable soup for the Salvation Army Food Bank, using donated and fresh ingredients.
Gary Cumming pins Bernie Vandook as new member of St Marys Rotary
 
At our Monday, January 6th meeting, Bernie Vandonk was inducted into the Rotary Club of St. Marys. He was sponsored by Gary Cumming, who is shown pinning Gary. Assistant Governor Kirk Riehl inducted Bernie into the club.
The Rotary Club of St. Marys proudly honoured Grant Barton with the "Service Above Self Award"—our club's highest recognition for exemplary service and dedication.
 
A devoted Rotarian for an incredible **47 years**, Grant has embodied Rotary's values through tireless efforts in our community and beyond. From being a founding board member of the Parkview Seniors’ Complex to organizing the Dragon Boat Races and countless other projects.
 
His leadership, commitment, and compassion have made a lasting impact on St. Marys.
 
Rotarians, along with many volunteers from other groups, helped pack Christmas hampers for distribution by the Salvation Army. A big shout out to the Salvation Army for organizing this project. The hampers will make Christmas brighter for over 100 families this Christmas!
 
 

The Rotary Club of St. Marys proudly unveiled a plaque honouring the club’s 100 Presidents, generously donated by Rotarian Claire Sherwin and his wife Mary. This plaque commemorates the men and women whose leadership shaped the club's history and includes a holder for one of the symbolic walking sticks crafted by the late PDG Maurice Oliver. These cherished canes, rich in Rotary symbolism, celebrate service and tradition, reflecting the legacy of dedication that continues to inspire the Rotary community.

 
 
In her Classification Talk Leslie shared her journey from a farm kid to a social worker, emphasizing her passion for helping others.
 
Another successful “To St. Marys With Love” dinner was held at the Pyramid Recreation Centre on Sunday, December 8th with almost 400 in attendance! Rotarian volunteers were on hand to scrape plates and clean dishes following the meal. Thank you to the dinner organizers for all your hard work. Rotary was glad to be involved!
 
 
 
 
Jennifer Morris, Community & Family Services Manager (left) receives a cheque from Rotarian Diane O'Shea 
 
In the spirit of Giving Tuesday, The Rotary Club of St. Marys donated $400 to the Salvation Army for Food Bank use. Plans are underway to further support the Food Bank in January with freshly made and frozen soups.

Discover how Rotary Youth Exchange transformed Majo Camacaro’s life, taking her from Venezuela to Canada, where she overcame extraordinary challenges with resilience and optimism. Now pursuing her passion for interior design with Rotary’s support, Majo continues to inspire others through leadership programs and mentorship. Click to read her remarkable journey and the enduring impact of Rotary Youth Exchange.

On Monday, May 13, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., members of Council joined representatives from the fundraising committee, Rotary Club of St. Marys, and Saputo Inc. at Rotary All Wheels Park on James Street (180 James St. S) for the Official Opening.

   

In 2022, former Royal Family nanny Jean Rowcliffe partnered with teens Quinn and Sully Bolton to launch a fundraising campaign to revamp the St. Marys Skate Park. Throughout the project, the group secured $100,000 from the Rotary Club of St. Marys, $25,000 from Saputo Inc., and donations from supporters across the globe, totalling $208,443 in funds raised. 

“It is great to see the park being used by riders of all ages, levels of expertise, and talents,” says Stephanie Ische, Director of Community Services. “We want to thank all the donors, including those that chose to remain anonymous, and the Skate Park Steering Committee. Your hard work and generosity have made the Rotary All Wheels Park on James Street inclusive and safe for all.” 

The Skate Park Steering Committee is still actively seeking donations to support the cost of ongoing enhancements to the park, including signage, fencing, lighting, turf restoration and a bench. Members of the public can donate online with a credit card (www.townofstmarys.com/allwheelspark), through online banking, in person at the Municipal Operations Centre (408 James St. S) or by mailing a cheque to the Town.  

 Additional information about the Rotary All Wheels Park on James Street and a full list of donors can be found at www.townofstmarys.com/allwheelspark.  

 
 
Mayor Strathdee, on behalf of Governor General Mary Simon, presented the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers to Murray Mitchell. The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers is a prestigious Canadian award that recognizes exceptional volunteer achievements by individuals from across the country. It is part of the Canadian Honours System and is awarded to those who have demonstrated commitment and made significant, sustained contributions to their community.
 
In addition to volunteering in the local community, Murray organized over 40 trips to developing countries including Malwali, Peru, Uganda, and notable “Hope for Haiti”.
 
The club sponsored several Hope for Haiti projects, one was to build a school. Several Rotarians have volunteered to do construction on several projects.
 
Murray was awarded a Paul Harris Award several years ago as recognition of his humanitarian service.
 
Club Executives & Directors
President
President Elect
Past President
Secretary
Treasurer
Community Service
Foundation Chair
Membership Chair
Club Administration
Youth Services
Youth Exchange Officer
Director
Sergeant-at-Arms (Prime)
Executive Secretary
Web Administrator
Member Access
Zoom Recordings and Photo Albums
(Member Login Required)