About

THE ROTARY CLUB OF WEST OTTAWA

ABOUT US

Chartered 1957

A group of men and women dedicated to the principles of Rotary united in the ideals of service and fellowship

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL, the world's first service club organization (1905), is made up of over 32,000 clubs in more than 200 countries. Its members form a global network of business and professional leaders who volunteer their time and talents to serve their communities and the world. There are nine Rotary dubs in Ottawa

The Rotary Club of West Ottawa, the second Rotary club in Ottawa and presently the largest, was organized in 1957. It is part of Rotary International District 7040, made up of 66 Rotary clubs in Nunavut, Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec, and Northern New York State.

Membership

Our membership represents a cross‑section of the community's business and professional men and women. We meet weekly and are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races and creeds.

Service

Our main objective is service ‑ in the community, the workplace and throughout the world. Although Rotary clubs develop their own programs, all Rotarians worldwide are united in a campaign for the global eradication of polio.

Fellowship

In meetings to plan these service programs and engage in fundraising projects, we build lasting friendships and enlarge our circle of acquaintances. Social activities, such as the annual family BBQ and the anniversary party, a Christmas musical program and fellowship dinners, are designed to bring members, family and friends together for fun and fellowship.

Communications

Our club's weekly newsletter, SPINOFF, is distributed to members mainly by e‑mail. It provides a listing of committees, program schedule, reports and notices of club activities and a summary of the previous meeting. SPINOFF is also published on the club website www.rotaryclubwestottawa.ca. The roster and a list of minibiographies of members are revised periodically.

Weekly meeting

We meet each Tuesday at noon. Most come early enough to chat, followed by a lunch during which we welcome guests in song, hear updates on our projects and social activities, and enjoy a 20 minute talk, often illustrated. Guest speakers bring perceptive insights on current community, national or international events, discuss advances in technology or our changing social and cultural way of life. Numerous programs feature talks by club members.

Attendance

Rotary places high value on regular attendance. We attend as often as possible and if unavoidable, can make up attendance by visiting other Rotary clubs (ten in the Ottawa area) in more than 300 countries. We meet with other Rotarians at district events or by joining with another club in a fund raiser or a joint meeting.

Fund raising

Our two major projects bring in 80% of the funds we use to support our service programs. Pre‑sold potted mums delivered by members and several partner groups raise some $30,000. The sale of calendars results in a profit of $50,000.

"Service Above Self

Fifty years of West Ottawa Rotary service to the Ottawa community
Current projects and programs

The Rotary Centennial Playground for children of all abilities in Brewers Park (in conjunction with other Ottawa Rotary clubs)
Support of the Ottawa Rotary Home ‑ providing respite care for children and families
Presentations by volunteer Rotarians explaining frauds and scams to seniors and church groups ‑ 390 presentations have reached an audience of 13,500
Camperships for children with special needs to attend Ottawa area camps
Rotary International Youth Exchange ‑ More than 50 students ages 15‑19 Including both Ottawa students sent abroad and foreign students hosted for a school year
Sponsors the Merivale High School Rotary Interact Club, an enthusiastic group of youths active in community volunteer activities and fund raising projects
Adopt‑a‑ Road ‑ keeping the Hunt Club Road clean
Scholarships in science and business to Ottawa high school students
Group Study Exchange ‑ supporting visits by young Ottawa business people abroad and hosting similar groups from other countries
Awards to graduating middle school students
Assistance to individuals to complete education or other special needs

Fifty years of service in the international community
Current programs

Support of an adult literacy project in South Africa
Replacement of fishing boats lost in the tsunami, Sri Lanka
Support of an orphanage, Guatemala
Provision of a shelter box for Myanmar disaster relief
Concerts to encourage music students and raise funds for a Children's Village project in South Africa
Diagnostic equipment provided to a Diabetics Foot Care Program in Tobago
Medical, dental and education assistance, Working Boys Shelter, Ecuador
Shipment of computers to Haiti and Afghanistan, books to Kenya
Support of the world wide Rotary eradication of polio program

Significant completed local projects and programs ‑ volunteer time and talents

Belair Community ‑ volunteers' support led to positive change
Camp Y on the Ottawa ‑ hands‑on rehabilitation of buildings
Carlington Chiropractic Clinic ‑ free treatment for needy patients
Structure designed for children with special needs

Our club takes pride in maintaining the high standards of service and fellowship of Rotary International, and believe we have not only made Ottawa a better place to live but have also made a positive difference in communities around the world.

11/08