Photo from Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise's Facebook page
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise is marking 30 years of service in the community, reflecting on three decades of fundraising, volunteering and projects both locally and around the world.
The club was formed about 30 years ago when the Rotary Club of Simcoe had grown to roughly 100 members.
Gail Catherwood, fundraising chair for the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, says the size of the club made it difficult for members to get to know one another and for the organization to function effectively as one group.
One incredible thing she notes is that, after 30 years, membership continues to be strong.
She adds that even of the few original members are still helping make decisions today.
Catherwood has been a member since 2004 and says the club has provided an opportunity to build friendships while making a difference in the community.
While the club has changed over the years, its focus on community service has remained consistent.
The club’s work also extends across Norfolk County through projects such as Coats for Kids.
Catherwood points to a recent Coats for Kids campaign as an example of what can happen when local organizations work together.
About 1,500 coats were donated to the program, while Peerless Dry Cleaners cleaned every coat at no cost before they were distributed to people in the community.
The club will mark its anniversary with an open house at Riversyde 83 in Simcoe on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m.
The event will give residents an opportunity to learn more about Rotary, see some of the projects the club has supported and celebrate its 30-year history.
