About Us
Gathering at our new Peace Pole, 2025
RCWO Members getting ready to distribute 4,000+ mums!
Volunteer Mums Drivers, fueling up for the big day
District 7040 Friendship Exchange participants (picture by RCWO member)
Hadi Mortada, RCWO Member, helping at Silver Springs Farm
RCWO Member Bachir Bastien talks with participants at Adventure in Finance, 2025
District 7040 members welcome Friendship Exchange participants from Mumbai, 2025
RCWO Member Brett Brooking sending a message for World Peace Day, 2025
RCWO Members embarking on a nature walk, Mud Lake
RCWO Members and friends ready to volunteer at IRONMAN, 2025
The RCWO Team volunteering at IRONMAN 2025
The Rotary Club of West Ottawa acknowledges that we gather, live, and work on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe People. For thousands of years, the Algonquin People have cared for and lived in relationship with this land, and we recognize their enduring presence, knowledge, and stewardship.
As Rotarians committed to peace, reconciliation, and community service, we honour the resilience and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in the Ottawa region and across Turtle Island. We commit ourselves to walking together in friendship and respect, fostering partnerships that advance learning, understanding, and healing.
The Rotary Club of West Ottawa is in its 70th year of carrying out humanitarian work locally as well as globally. As beneficiaries of our efforts, the Ottawa area and the broader world have gained much from our work in the Rotary Areas of Focus. The heart of Rotary is our dedicated members, who share the ideals of service, friendship, diversity, integrity, and leadership. So, for friendship, fellowship, purpose, and a sense of personal pride, come check us out at one of our regular Tuesday meetings or other get-togethers that we enjoy from time to time.
What are you waiting for? Contact us, and together we can make a positive impact on the world.
Ric Pallister, Secretary; Gordon Beresford, Treasurer;
Carter Storr, President; Clarke McGlashen, Vice-President
January 17, 1957
Since 1957, the Rotary Club of West Ottawa has been a place where neighbours roll up their sleeves together. What began as a handful of community-minded volunteers has grown into a multi-generational network of People of Action investing time, talent, and resources in youth, literacy, community wellbeing, and international service—right here in West Ottawa and across the world. As part of Rotary International (District 7040), we connect local passion to global expertise and multiply impact.
Our story is written in projects you can see and feel: long-standing traditions like Mums for Thanksgiving and the Cash Calendar, hands-on literacy efforts such as Dictionary4Life, youth leadership and Youth Exchange, and collaborative initiatives like Prepared & Positive. Along the way, we've partnered with trusted local organizations to support safe housing, inclusive employment, newcomer families, Indigenous-led programs, and more—turning generosity into real outcomes for our neighbours.
Today, in our seventh decade, the spirit that started it all still guides us: friendship, service, and the belief that small, consistent acts of goodwill change lives. If you're curious about Rotary—or ready to help—visit a Tuesday meeting, say hello, and see how you can add your chapter to the RCWO story.
Learn More About Our History
Interested in learning more about the Rotary Club of West Ottawa's history? Explore our commemorative anniversary books: