In this special meeting, Rotary hosted representatives from local service clubs. Those able to attend were:
- St. Marys Lions Club
- Downie Optimist Club
- Horticultural Society
- McConnell Club
- Inner Wheel Club
- Royal Canadian Legion
- Masonic Lodge (St. James Lodge #73)
- Kinette Club of St. Marys
Downie Optimist Club offered to host the next service club gathering, encouraging continued collaboration among the organizations.
Discussions also emphasized the importance of collaboration between service organizations, the challenge of recruiting new members, and ideas for joint projects. A challenge was issued for clubs to work together on a shared service initiative before the end of 2025.
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Highlights of community service:
- St. Marys Lions Club – Continuing their impactful community service with Meals on Wheels, Easter Bunny sales, community dinners, and the annual Toll Bridge fundraiser.
- Downie Optimist Club – Partnering with other clubs to refresh the Pyramid Centre Youth Room and improve facilities for local youth.Providing scholarships for students, organizing major community meals, and supporting children in need.
- Horticultural Society – Promoting local beautification efforts, including managing community gardens, hosting garden tours, and organizing flower shows.
- McConnell Club – Founded over 110 years ago in memory of William McConnell, the club honours veterans and supports community initiatives.
- Inner Wheel Club – Supporting international connections and local community programs, currently focused on the Nourish Market initiative.
- Royal Canadian Legion – Supports local initiatives, provides veteran assistance, and organizes community events such as Jazz Night.
- Masonic Lodge (St. James Lodge #73) – With roots dating back to 1857, they contribute to community causes, including hosting a recent community soccer tournament and offering bursaries for high school students.
- Kinette Club of St. Marys – Supporting a variety of community projects, including "Fill Your Fridge" fundraising draws, community dinners, Meals on Wheels, and the annual Easter Egg Hunt. They also donate to charities such as the Salvation Army and Optimism Place.
St Marys Rotary Club Fundraising & Community Events
- Rural Urban Night – The club is organizing the 99th Rural Urban Night on April 24, 2025, featuring guest speaker Mark Cullen.
- Golf Tournament & Brews and Food Fest – Annual fundraisers to support Rotary initiatives.
Local Community Support
- Youth Initiatives – Rotary is part of a collaborative effort to refresh the Pyramid Centre Youth Room.
- Meals on Wheels – Rotarians take shifts delivering meals during January.
- Easter Egg Hunt – An annual tradition for local families.
- Salvation Army Support – Donations for Christmas and Giving Tuesday, plus participation in bell-ringing shifts.
- Heritage Festival Fireworks – Rotary sponsors the town’s fireworks display.
International & Long-Term Commitments
- Magori School Washroom Project (Kenya) – The club’s 100th-anniversary signature project, installing modern washrooms in a Kenyan elementary school. The total cost is $35,000, with $21,000 still needed. 12 Rotarians will travel to Kenya in November 2025 to assist.
- Youth Exchange Program – Rotary St. Marys has been involved for 53 years, sending 133 students abroad.
- 10-Year Commitment Projects – Ongoing funding support for the Splash Pad and All Wheels Skate Park.