About Us
Who Are We?
People of Action, Serving Markham and Beyond
The Rotary Club of Markham-Unionville is a community of neighbours, business leaders, professionals, volunteers, and friends who believe in the power of Service Above Self.
We are part of Rotary International — a worldwide network of People of Action who bring people together, exchange ideas, build friendships, and take action to create lasting change in our communities and around the world.
Here in Markham and Unionville, service is at the heart of everything we do. We organize community events, raise funds for important causes, support youth, partner with local organizations, and create opportunities for people to give back.
But Rotary is more than volunteering.
It is about friendship, leadership, fellowship, and bringing people together around a shared purpose. Our members contribute their experience, ideas, professional skills, connections, and time to make our community stronger.
We believe that when good people come together with a desire to serve, remarkable things can happen.
Our History
Serving Our Community Since 1962
Our roots in Markham stretch back more than six decades.
The Rotary Club of Markham was chartered in February 1962, beginning a tradition of service that continues today. The Rotary Club of Unionville was chartered in October 1980, establishing its own legacy of community involvement and fellowship.
In 1997, the two clubs joined together, forming what we know today as the Rotary Club of Markham-Unionville.
From those beginnings, generations of Rotarians have contributed their time and talents to initiatives benefiting Markham, Unionville and communities around the world.
Our history includes supporting organizations and initiatives such as Evergreen Hospice Markham-Stouffville, Markham's Kids at Camp, York Region Children's Safety Village, Markham Jazz Festival, the Rotary Forest in Milne Park, Participation House, Cherish Integrated Services, and many others.
Our international efforts have extended far beyond Markham, including youth exchanges, clean water and sanitation projects, humanitarian assistance and Rotary's worldwide effort to eradicate polio.
Youth have also been an important part of our story through student leadership awards, international youth exchanges, literacy initiatives, Interact and other educational and leadership opportunities.
Our projects have changed over the decades as the needs of our community have changed.
Our commitment to service has not.
Vision
Building the Next Chapter of Rotary in Markham-Unionville
We honour more than six decades of history by looking forward.
Our vision is to build a modern, active and welcoming Rotary club where people of different ages, professions, cultures and experiences can come together to turn good ideas into meaningful action.
We want Rotary to be a place where someone can walk through the door with an idea to help the community — and find a group of people willing to help make it happen.
We envision a club that:
- Creates hands-on projects with visible impact in Markham and Unionville.
- Inspires young people to become tomorrow's community leaders.
- Builds partnerships with local businesses, charities, government and community organizations.
- Creates opportunities for members and volunteers to use their unique skills for good.
- Responds to emerging needs within our community.
- Connects local action with Rotary's humanitarian work around the world.
- Makes volunteering meaningful, social, inclusive and fun.
Our goal isn't simply to talk about making a difference.
We want to be the people who show up and make it happen
548
$1,428,400
+500
Our Mission
The Rotary Club of Markham-Unionville brings people together to serve our community, develop leaders, build meaningful connections, and create lasting positive change — locally and around the world.
Through volunteerism, community partnerships, fundraising, youth initiatives, and humanitarian service, we turn compassion and ideas into action.
We are People of Action, united by a shared commitment to Service Above Self.
Our Values
Service Above Self
Service is at the heart of Rotary. We give our time, skills, experience, and resources to help others and strengthen the communities we serve.
Fellowship & Friendship
Rotary brings people together. We build genuine friendships and create a welcoming community where members, volunteers, and partners can connect through a shared desire to make a difference.
Integrity
We act with honesty, fairness, respect, and high ethical standards. Our decisions are guided by Rotary's Four-Way Test: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Diversity & Inclusion
We believe our community is stronger when people with different backgrounds, professions, cultures, generations, experiences, and perspectives come together around a common purpose.
Leadership Through Action
Leadership isn't only about holding a title — it's about stepping forward when something needs to be done. We encourage our members and volunteers to bring ideas, take initiative, and turn those ideas into meaningful action.
Community
Markham and Unionville are our home. We listen to the needs of our community, build partnerships with local organizations, and work together to make it an even better place to live, work, and grow.
Global Citizenship
Our service extends beyond our own neighbourhoods. As part of Rotary International, we share a responsibility to promote goodwill, understanding, peace, and humanitarian service around the world.
Lasting Impact
We strive to create more than a moment of goodwill. We support projects, partnerships, and initiatives that can make a meaningful and lasting difference in people's lives.
Accomplishments
A Legacy of Impact
Over the years, the Rotary Club of Markham-Unionville has built a proud record of community service.
Our members have helped organize community fundraisers and events, supported hospice care and children's programs, contributed to local festivals and community spaces, supported youth leadership and international exchanges, participated in humanitarian projects overseas, and joined Rotary's historic worldwide campaign to eradicate polio.
Our club's legacy includes initiatives such as the Rotary Forest at Milne Park and the Rotary Friendship Garden at Markham Stouffville Hospital, alongside support for numerous community organizations and programs.
Internationally, our club has supported projects ranging from water and sanitation in Mozambique and village assistance in Laos to humanitarian relief and youth exchange programs.
And that legacy continues today.
From community fundraisers and volunteer initiatives to projects that teach valuable skills and bring neighbours together, we continue finding new ways to serve a growing and changing Markham.
More than 60 years of service.
Countless volunteers.
One shared purpose: making a difference.
Be Part of What Comes Next
Our history tells the story of where we've been.
The next chapter is still being written — and you can be part of it.
You don't have to be a Rotarian to start making a difference. Come volunteer at an event. Meet our members. Bring us an idea. Help with a community project. Discover what Rotary is about.
And if you're looking for something more — an opportunity to serve, build friendships, develop leadership skills and become part of a worldwide community — consider becoming a member of the Rotary Club of Markham-Unionville.
Whether you have one hour, one idea, or years of experience to contribute, there is an opportunity to make an impact.
Join us. Volunteer with us. Become a member. Give back.
Be a Person of Action.
Service Above Self.