The spirit of philanthropy and service above self was front and centre as Minden Rotary hosted its annual dinner gala June 1.
It marked a celebration of local community bettering itself, said president Dave Woodcroft.
“Rotary is kind of like its own family. It’s being part of something. The reason I joined is because I wanted to give back to the community,” Woodcroft said.
It was a full house at the Minden Community Centre, with special guests including Minden mayor Bob Carter and Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MP Jamie Schmale. Guests greeted and talked to one another, exchanging stories before dinner began. Minden Rotary’s ‘celebrity clowns’ were in the house, taking photos with people and handing out red noses. Woodcroft said the group was still looking for new members.
The event serves as Minden Rotary’s primary fundraiser, with money from tickets, a silent auction, and 50/50 raffle.
Woodcroft said he expects the final tally to be around $8,000, which will be reinvested into the community.
This year, the group has committed to building a new shelter at the Minden community garden and will continue to fund initiatives for young people.
“We really concentrate on the youth,” Woodcroft said, citing the Highland Storm and an annual trip the club organizes giving one youth the opportunity to travel to Ottawa with Schmale for a ‘capital experience’ on Parliament Hill.
Woodcroft said money would also be set aside for various Rotary events and programs throughout the year – including the float for the Canada Day parade, contributions to Fuel for Warmth, the Minden Community Food Centre, and Children’s Water Festival.
Minden Rotary also assists with Interact club initiatives at Haliburton Highlands Secondary School, which Woodcroft said will be a continued focus. Wanting to expand on its ‘capital experience’ program, Rotary also hosts an ‘adventure in citizenship’ course where students learn about what it’s like to be a parliamentarian in Ottawa. It concludes with a ceremony in Minden where participants earn their citizenship, Woodcroft said.
Rotary also provides an annual scholarship to a graduating high school student pursuing post-secondary education. The club attracts volunteers from all walks of life, Woodcroft said – the common denominator being a commitment to bettering and helping those in need in the community.
“I think the good thing about Rotary is it’s exactly what you make it; you can make it big, you can make it small,” Woodcroft said, referring to involvement in the club.
