As you read today’s weekly Bulletin, many of you will be on your way to—or perhaps resting after—our Family Day celebrations at the Wellington and District Community Centre. Family Day always arrives with a gentle reminder to slow down, gather together, and enjoy the simple but meaningful connections that shape our lives. It feels especially fitting that our Rotary Club is right in the heart of the festivities.
Family Day became an official holiday in Ontario in 2008, created to give families time to reconnect during the long stretch of winter. At its core, the day is about relationships—between parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, friends, neighbours, and communities. That spirit aligns beautifully with Rotary. While we often speak about service projects and fundraising, Rotary has always been rooted in fellowship, shared purpose, and caring for one another.
Our Family Day event is a wonderful example of Rotary in action. Once again, our club has come together to offer a free soup and chili lunch for the community, a gesture that is simple, welcoming, and deeply appreciated on a cold February day. Many Rotarians have spent time this week preparing homemade soups and treats, while others have rolled up their sleeves to help with setup, serving, and cleanup. It is teamwork at its best—and it shows.
We are also grateful for the strong support of our local business community. Ten Wellington-area businesses have partnered with us this year by providing soups, adding both variety and generosity to the event. Their involvement reminds us that Rotary’s impact is amplified when we work hand in hand with local partners who share our commitment to community well-being. The Wellington Recreation Committee will also be serving hot chocolate, which—judging by past year—may be just as popular as the soup.
Family Day is, of course, about children too, and we are proud to offer activities that bring smiles to younger faces. Arts and crafts stations provide space for creativity and play, while County Kids Read ensures that children can take home the gift of a book. Encouraging a love of reading and learning is a small investment with lifelong returns, and it’s a joy to see children light up as they choose their own stories.
Events like this remind us that Rotary service does not always need to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes it looks like a warm bowl of soup, a cup of hot chocolate, a handmade craft, or a new book placed in a child’s hands. On Family Day, those simple acts come together to strengthen the sense of belonging that makes Wellington such a special place to live.
Thank you to every Rotarian, business partner, and volunteer who helped make this day possible. You are living examples of Rotary’s values—service, fellowship, and community—and today, our community is better because of you.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
Yvonne Buys President 2025/26
Thought for the week..
“We are better when we are connected, to each other and to our communities.” – Barack Obama
This Week's Zoom Meeting Details:
Topic: Weekly Rotary Meeting Time: Feb 17, 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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Last Meeting: Shannon Collins
Notes from Rotary meeting of February 10, 2026
President Yvonne opened the meeting at 7:05 with 27 members present, 3 members on Zoom and 1 guest.
Guest Speaker:
Dawn introduced our guest speaker, Shannon Collins, who was born and bred in PEC. Shannon is the Executive Director of the ROC, which has been serving the youth of the County for 24 years. Originally focussed on youth from 12-18, just last year their mandate expanded to include young people from 19 to 24. This re-brand focuses their services around 5 pillars: Academic Support, Basic Needs, Justice System Navigation, Leadership Skills and Social Development, Mental Wellbeing. The mission of the ROC is to break down barriers that stand in the way of youth reaching their potential. At the ROC, youth are able to have fun with friends in a safe environment, have a meal, and connect with positive adult role models.
In the past year, 46 youth were provided with 863 hours of academic supports, obtained 56 credits, and 33 achieved high school graduation. Each day, healthy food is offered to everyone and the bathrooms are stocked with free personal hygiene products. Last year, the ROC helped 9 youth move from an unhoused situation and bus tickets are available to those who need them. There were 9,608 mental health check-ins in the past year. In the Youth Inclusion Program (“YIP), which is for all youth in PEC, a case worker works with youth to establish goals. Last year, they added YIP-IA (Youth Inclusion Program - Into Adulthood) which is referral-based for 16 to 24 year-olds. “Ignite” is the acronym for the mentor volunteer program – Inspiring Growth, Nurturing Inclusivity, Trust and Engagement. Volunteers invested 550 hours at the ROC in the past year. Shannon said they have excellent connections in the community, including a new one with Reaching for Rainbows, for girls transitioning into teenage. “Get Grounded“ is a new 3-week workshop targeted at grades 7 and 8.
In response to questions, Shannon said they rely on grants, donations and community fundraisers, such as the Empty Bowls fundraiser coming up on February 26th. (Michelle K. makes and donates bowls for this event.) Another fundraiser is the “Keep the Doors Open” campaign, which supports ongoing operating costs. In addition to seeking a donation from us, Shannon says they are also looking for volunteers. Shannon was thanked by Colin.
Club Business:
Maple Syrup: Gregor needs volunteers for late afternoon next Thur, Feb 19th, to assist with labelling of bottles. He will also need volunteers, 2 teams of 5, when it comes time for bottling. We are 85% pre-sold at this time, with just under 300 bottles left to sell.
Family Day: Yvonne ran through the agenda for the day, as follows:
Set-up 9:30-10:45
Kitchen Crew 11:00 – 1:00
Take-down/Dishwashers 1:00 – 2:00
Soup Servers 10:45 – 1:00
Dessert Table 10:45 – 1:00
Upcoming Events:
Spelling Bee – Dawn needs volunteers to help putting bags together on Tues, Feb 24
Wellness Presentation by Dr. J. Burley, on the topic of Anxiety - Tues, Feb 24 @ 7 p.m.
Joint Community Service Luncheon – Thu, Mar 12
Kits for Girls – Tues, Mar 17. Yvonne reported we have 56 volunteers so far.
A wonderful picture was displayed of Peter’s quilt presentation ceremony last Sunday. During “Happy Bucks” Peter was heartily congratulated by many members and thanked for his service.
Birthdays – Bill H on Feb. 14
50/50 draw – David H’s card was drawn, but he did not pick the Ace of spades.
The meeting concluded at 8:24 with the Four Way Test.
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50/50 Draw This Week: $334.50
Make sure you get your ticket(s) this week!
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Wednesday February 18, 2026
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: John I (cashier), Pierre
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Gregor, John Hatch
Saturday February 24, 2026
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Bill P (cashier), Peter C
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Gregor (cashier), Rick Bobzener (FoR)
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Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays
- none -
Anniversaries
- none -
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Rotary Grace
Oh Lord and giver of all good We thank thee for our daily food May Rotary friends and Rotary ways Help us to serve thee all our days.
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Four Way Test
Of the things we think, say, and do:
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and better FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? …… AND is it fun?
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Rotary Song
R-O-T-A-R-Y That spells Rotary
R-O-T-A-R-Y Is known on land and sea
From north to south From east to west One profits most who serves the best
