President’s Message – Celebrating 121 Years of Rotary

Today, February 23, Rotary celebrates its 121st birthday—a remarkable milestone that invites us to reflect on where we began and how far we have come. On that winter evening in 1905, founder Paul Harris convened the first Rotary meeting in Chicago with a simple but powerful idea: to bring together professionals from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas, build trust, and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. That spirit of fellowship and service remains at the very heart of Rotary today.

From those humble beginnings, Rotary has grown into one of the world’s most respected service organizations. What started as a small gathering of professionals now includes more than 1.4 million members, belonging to over 36,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographic regions around the globe. Despite differences in language, culture, and geography, Rotarians everywhere are united by a shared commitment to Service Above Self.

Over the past 121 years, Rotary has evolved in ways that Paul Harris himself could hardly have imagined. One of the most significant and meaningful changes has been the transformation in 1989 from an all-men’s organization to one that proudly includes women as full and equal members. This shift strengthened Rotary by broadening perspectives, enhancing leadership, and better reflecting the communities we serve. Today, women play vital roles at every level of Rotary, including club leadership, district leadership, and the presidency of Rotary International itself.

Rotary has also adapted to a changing world by expanding its focus and reach. While fellowship remains central, Rotary now tackles some of the world’s most complex challenges—promoting peace, fighting disease, supporting education, providing clean water, protecting the environment, and growing local economies. Through initiatives such as PolioPlus, Rotary has demonstrated the extraordinary impact that committed volunteers can have when they work together across borders.

At the same time, Rotary has learned to adapt locally. Clubs like ours here in Wellington continue to reflect the needs, talents, and passions of our own community in Prince Edward County. While the tools and methods may have changed over the decades, the core idea remains the same: people coming together, building relationships, and taking action to make their communities—and the world—a better place.

As we celebrate Rotary’s 121st birthday, it is worth remembering that Rotary’s strength has always come from its members. Each generation of Rotarians inherits a legacy, but also a responsibility: to keep Rotary relevant, welcoming, and impactful for those who will follow us. Change has never weakened Rotary; instead, it has allowed the organization to grow, thrive, and remain meaningful in an ever-changing world.

This anniversary is not only a celebration of the past, but a reminder of our shared future. As members of the Rotary Club of Wellington, we are part of a story that began 121 years ago—and one that continues to be written through our service, fellowship, and commitment to Rotary ideals.Bottom of Form

Yvonne Buys President 2025/26

Thought for the week..

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

This Week's Zoom Meeting Details:

Topic: Weekly Rotary Meeting
Time: Feb 24, 2026, 2025 07:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81827939082
Meeting ID: 818 2793 9082
Passcode: rotary

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