When people think about Rotary, they often think about service projects, community events, and volunteerism. While those are certainly important, there is another side of Rotary that makes so much of our work possible: fundraising.
Fundraising is sometimes viewed simply as a means to an end, but in reality it is much more than that. It is an expression of generosity, community spirit, and a shared belief that together we can make a difference. This year, Wellington Rotary once again demonstrated the remarkable power of giving.
Our largest fundraising initiative continues to be the Bottle Depot. Open throughout the year, this operation depends on the dedication of many volunteers, including Mike, Kim, Bill M., Ted N., Trudy, and Tim who look after logistics and our club members along with Friends of Rotary who faithfully assist with collections every Wednesday and Saturday. Together, we recycled approximately one million containers this Rotary year. For a community of just 1,700 people, that is an extraordinary accomplishment. Beyond raising funds, the Bottle Depot has become a visible example of environmental stewardship and community engagement in action.
October brought our annual Dinner Dance and Online Auction, this year themed the "Roaring 20s." The event was a tremendous success, raising more than $14,000, exceeding its budgeted target. The enthusiasm of sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees once again demonstrated how willing our community is to support worthwhile causes. Thanks to Bill P and his committee for overseeing this.
Our sixth annual Maple Syrup Fundraiser continued its impressive growth under Gregor's leadership. Since 2021, sales have doubled from 1,000 bottles to 2,000 bottles this year. This sweet success generated more than $19,000, surpassing our fundraising goal and proving that a great idea, combined with dedicated volunteers, can continue to grow year after year.
The Diners and Duffers Coupon Book remains another outstanding success story. Under Norm's leadership and of course our finisher Mary C, the program achieved record results. We sold over 400 books—the highest number ever—and sold out in record time. Unsurprisingly, this dynamic duo also helped the project exceed its targeted net revenue.
Of course, fundraising should also be fun. Rotary Ribs at Canada Day, our annual Golf Tournament, electronic recycling events (where there is undeniable satisfaction in tossing a large-screen television into a recycling bin), and numerous 50/50 draws all contributed to a successful year. Collectively, our fundraising efforts exceeded expectations and surpassed our overall goals.
But the true measure of success is not the dollars raised. It is what those dollars make possible.
Because of the generosity of our volunteers, sponsors, supporters, and community partners, we have been able to invest in healthier communities, help address food insecurity, recognize academic achievement, support youth, literacy, recreation, accessibility, and the arts and many other programs that enrich lives both locally and beyond. This year we supported approximately thirty causes including contributions to our local hospital, the Storehouse Foodbank and other food security initiatives, scholarships and Indigenous bursaries, County Kids Read, the Storybook walk, the ROC, Quinte Sailability, Music at Port Milford, summer camp opportunities, to name a few
Every bottle collected, every maple syrup purchase, every auction bid, every coupon book sold, and every raffle ticket purchased helped create positive change. Thank you to everyone who contributed. Together, we have demonstrated that giving is not simply about raising money—it is about building a stronger community and a better world. Form
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Yvonne Buys President 2025/26
Thought for the week..
“No one has ever become poor by giving.” — Anne Frank
A year of fellowship and community
2026 Golf Tournament
This Week's Zoom Meeting Details:
Topic: Weekly Rotary Meeting Time: Mar. 30, 2026, 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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Rotary meeting minutes June 16, 2026 Notes by: Lyn McGowan
President Yvonne opened the meeting at 7:05 with 37 members present and 5 guests.
Guest Speakers
Liz introduced three of our guests – Callie Craig, Ava Wylie and Emma-Leigh Johnson. Callie Craig is the16-year-old PECI student selected to participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange, who departs for Germany on Sept 8, 2026. Callie also attended the RYLS in April 2026, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Picton. After high school Callie plans to attend college in the Paramedic program. Ava Willie is a 17-year-old PECI student who also attended RYLS in April, sponsored by the Wellington Rotary Club. Ava plans to attend university in Environmental Science but is working to save money after she graduates high chool. Emma-Leigh Johnston is 21 years old and attended the HIP (Honouring Indigenous Partnerships) Youth2Youth Conference in Nova Scotia in 2025 and returned as a youth peer alumna in 2026. In April 2026 Emma was the youth-lead who organized “Walk with the Earth” - a fundraising walk in partnership with HIP, local Rotary Clubs Whitby and Whitby Sunrise, elders, and other youth.
Callie and Ava did an energetic tag-team talk about their time at RYLS in April. It sounds like they had a wonderful time at the Ganaraska forest and made some lasting friendships. They were very appreciative of the opportunity to attend.
Gregor introduced our second group of speakers, Catalina Blumberg and Catherine Sprague. Catalina is the Municipal Clerk for the County of Prince Edward. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the U of Western Ontario, a B.A in Political Science and Public Administration from the U of Ottawa and moved to the County in 2019. Catherine is the Deputy Clerk for the County of Prince Edward, starting in January 2026. Originally from Toronto, she moved to Picton in 2020 with her husband to work in their family business. She holds dual master's degrees from York U and the U of Strasbourg, and a B.A. in Global Politics from Carleton U.
The topic was the “2026 Municipal Elections and Your Voice in the County.” Catalina and Catherine outlined the role of the clerk in municipal elections, the role of council and staff in PEC and the criteria for eligibility to run as a candidate for office. They listed all the offices to be elected and key dates – nominations opened on May 1st and will close on Nomination Day, August 21st at 2:00 p.m. Advance Voting Day is Saturday, October 17th. Internet voting goes “live” on that day and will be available through the end of Voting Day, October 26 at 8:00 p.m. There are 10 in-person voting locations and free transit will be provided by County Transit on both Advance Voting Day and Voting Day. In the last municipal election in 2022, voter turnout was 47.05%. This year, the hope is to exceed 50% - “Our County, Our Vote.” After a robust question and answer period, our speakers were thanked by John I.
Club Business:
Everyone is asked to pay their dues by June 30th. If paying by cheque, it can be post-dated to July 1.
Roger reminded everyone that Past President’s night festivities start at 5:30, with set-up starting at 4:00. Remember to bring a serving utensil and an extension cord, if your potluck dish needs to be warmed.
Ken asked for a volunteer to tow the float in the Canada Day parade. Both Chris and Dave R stepped up. Liz asked for volunteers to help sell 50/50 tickets at Canada Day. Christine stepped up and will ask Iza if she is available.
Yvonne said Corey contacted her about participating in a pre-Canada Day Wellington Community Cleanup on Thursday, June 25th from 9 to noon. Volunteers needed.
Reminder – no morning meeting on June 23, except for board members. Board meeting that day at 7:07.
Birthdays – Happy birthday to Conrad on June 22, David H on June 25 and Margo on June 28
Anniversaries – Happy Anniversary to Dave and Mary Robinet, 53 years on June 16; Bill and Karen Hurst, 59 years on June 17; Ted Hannigan and Karen Williamson, 31 years on June 24.
50/50 Draw – Trudy’s ticket was drawn but no Ace.
Yvonne closed the meeting at 8:32 with the Four-Way Test.
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50/50 Draw This Week: $831.00+
Make sure you get your ticket(s) this week!
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Bottle Depot
Wednesday June 24, 2026
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: John Inwood, Ted Nash, Alex Lacher (FoR,
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Gregor Stuart, John Hatch, Ken Robertson,
Saturday June 27, 2026
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Trudy Brown, Kevin Hanbury (FoR), Lana Whitteker
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Howard Ziedenberg, Lari Langford (FoR), Pierre LeBrun
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Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays
Conrad Guziewicz
June 22
David Hawkins
June 25
Margo Langford
June 28
Anniversaries
Ted Hannigan & Karen Williamson
June 24 - 31 years
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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
