Haldimand Rotary Clubs making a difference locally and abroad

By Valerie Posthumus

The Haldimand Press

HALDIMAND—Local Rotary Clubs in Caledonia and Dunnville are actively serving locally and abroad through fundraising events and in-person assistance.

Caledonia Rotary Club

The Caledonia Chapter was chartered in 1975 and currently has 30 members. They hold lunch meetings the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 12 p.m.

A major accomplishment of the club was the creation of the Rotary Riverside Trail, a seven kilometre stretch along the north side of the Grand River following the old highway between Caledonia and York, which will include a pavilion at the Caledonia end at a future date. The path is maintained with the help of Haldimand County. Other initiatives include:

• Book Libraries around the community for use of the public, the theory being “read a book, give a book.” They are made of wood and have illustrations on them.
• Fruit for a school apple program.
• Dictionaries for Grade 3 children in our schools.
• A bursary to a high school student.
• Early Act Club at St. Patrick’s School and Interact Club at McKinnon Park Secondary School. (Early Act is for students aged 5-13, and provides them an opportunity to gain awareness and knowledge of their community and world. Interact is for students aged 12-18. These students develop leadership skills and take action in the community and abroad.)
• Support for Gift of Life – specifically, for the next core program being developed in the Dominican Republic. Core programs enable access for more children to receive surgery for cardiac defects closer to home.