The MUMs fundraiser supports Rotary community service projects all across Ottawa. 

Vibrant blooms of various colors have arrived in the last few days at the homes of 5,000 lucky individuals in Ottawa. Rotarians and non-profit organizations, in partnership with the Rotary Club of West Ottawa, have sold and delivered pots of chrysanthemums all across the city. Real estate agents, car dealerships, brokerage firms, legal and medical professionals, businesses and individuals use this program to thank their friends or clientele. 

The annual fundraiser supports community service projects such as local food banks, high school bursaries, women’s shelters and more. Thanks to the many volunteers who made this project possible. Enjoy this beautiful, resilient flower considered by many to be the favorite flower of the fall season.

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The 53-foot in diameter labyrinth provides an easy way for people to meditate and relax. 

Former Stittsville Rotary members Theresa Qadri and Val Wright brought the idea to the club  of installing a labyrinth in the W. J. Bell Rotary Peace Park. It was a way to create an inclusive, non-denominational park space that could provide an easy opportunity for people to meditate and relax. 

The official opening of Stittsville’s only labyrinth in a public park at 1751 Stittsville Main Street took place on October 8, 2015. The labyrinth itself measures 53 feet in diameter and was designed as a “contemplative path” for walking meditation. At the heart of the labyrinth is a blue and yellow wheel, the logo of Rotary International. See photo left from 2015.

Recent changes to the park include a new accessible picnic table which was added in 2021 thanks to funds donated to the club by Val and Tony Wright and matched by the City of Ottawa. Since then, commemorative bricks have been installed along the pathway to the labyrinth, a hosta garden has been added, and a pollinator garden has been created.  www.stittsvillerotary.com

Stittsville Rotarians are a link in the Lionhearts bread recovery program that feeds vulnerable neighbours.

The process goes like clockwork! At the end of each day, 190 COBS bakeries across Canada pay it forward by donating leftover baked goods to local charities. On Sunday evenings in Stittsville, Stittsville Rotarians pick up leftover baked goods at the COBS Bakery at the Terry Fox location for transport to Lionhearts Inc. at Iber Road.

At the Iber Road facility, Stittsville Rotarians and Friends of Rotary sort, slice and re-package the baked goods for delivery by other volunteers the following morning to charitable organizations according to a pre-determined schedule. 

One Friend of Rotary volunteer described it like this: “The Lionhearts bread recovery program is a fun, hands-on and “feel-good” activity that helps people”.

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173 Canadian students gained a better understanding of Canada and its political traditions and institutions.

Stittsville Rotary Club sponsored Jayden Bernhardt, a student in the graduating class at South Carleton High School in Richmond, to join with 173 other students from across Canada in a unique experience in Ottawa. 

In Jayden’s words: “The opportunity has enlightened me on how, as citizens, we have the chance to advocate for what we believe in. Especially when looking at my generation, who are just starting to become of age to vote, we have the right and responsibility to vote for what we believe in and make the change we want to see happen. We have the opportunity in front of us to make the change we want to see, to better the future for us and generations after, and to create a better Canada for everyone.”

Now that Jayden is back at home, completing his final year at high school, Jayden is able to share his newfound knowledge with his classmates. At Stittsville Rotary, we are proud to be part of this excellent program. www.stittsvillerotary.com