Meet some of the people behind the banner of the Rotary Club of Saint John!
"I became a Rotarian in 2009. The then club President, Margo Buchanan challenged me to develop a communications plan to help engage the membership in her vision to make the club “bigger, bolder, and better.” That opportunity helped me get involved with the members and I soon came to learn that Rotary is much more than a service club. It is a network of like-minded, professional community leaders who care about helping others. No matter where you are in the world, the Rotarians will open doors for you and welcome you into their community and network. The sense of accomplishment that being a member of this club is inspiring - especially when we work as a team to complete a service project, but it's not all work! We have lobster dinners where we invite family, friends, and Rotary alumni. We also hold an annual chili and rib cook-off. Rotary has introduced me to a group of great people here in Saint John and across New Brunswick."
Norm is our current club president and also served as president in 2012-2013.
"I joined Rotary over 12 years ago as a way to start giving back to my community and expand my network. I stayed engaged with Rotary now because of all the great work our club has done within our community. There is no better feeling when you are able to present a cheque to a worthy charitable organization who is in need!"
Corey Childs is a Past President of our club (2018 - 2019) and President & Co-owner of B & N Flooring.
"I joined Rotary in 2012 as a great place to do some networking, but then I ended up making lasting friendships! Since then I have served on the board and was President from 2017-18. I like that Rotary supports at-risk youth and isolated seniors in our community - two very important causes. I am proud that the Rotary Club helped Rocmaura buy a new wheelchair accessible bus. I also am a big advocate for women. Rotary did not accept women as members until 1986, so during my term, it was important for me to encourage other females to get involved. I am proud to say that we now have a more balanced club, reflective of all ages, genders, and many different backgrounds. Rotary is not male, pale, and stale as we used to joke!"
Sally served as our club president in 2017-2018.
"I joined Rotary in 2009 but in my heart, I believe I have been a Rotarian since 2004 as I used to help my father who is a Rotarian so I knew Rotary through him. The dedication of its members to help others and the joy on the faces of the beneficiaries made me join Rotary as I wanted to give back to my community too. I believe Rotary is a great platform for service and fellowship. One of my favorite hobbies is traveling so when I travel around the world I find friends wherever I go. I invite and encourage people of action to join Rotary. Rotary is 1.2 Million friends that you need to meet. Rotary connects the world."
Cedric is our Incoming President for 2020-21 and is a Business Account Manager at RBC.
“I have been a member of Rotary since December 2000 and perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian was the chance to do good and give back to the community in which I conduct business. The words Friendship, Fellowship, and Community are all synonymous with Rotary but the ability to network with a cross-section of the business community in one place was also a key factor in my decision to become a Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Saint John has been an important part of the fabric within this community and its impact is felt in many places that support children, youth at risk and seniors.”
Michael Schulze is a Past President, the current Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Saint John, and the owner of McDonald's Restaurants.
“I joined Rotary in 1978 as a young bank branch manager as a way to quickly integrate into a new community. Rotary's ideals of service and it’s mission statement (is it the truth and will it be fair to all concerned?) has been the solid core of many successful CEO’s and was fundamental to my career business yearly planner! Rotary is a non-denominational, non-political worldwide organization that fosters support for the underprivileged, challenged, and is known for supporting youth and seniors in thousands of small and large communities!”
"I joined the Rotary Club of Woodstock in 1977 and have been involved on and off ever since, depending on where my employer sent me. Service to Rotary over the years has included being past President of Rotary in St Stephen and past President and Charter member of the Stellarton Nova Scotia Club. Wherever I have lived or worked, the opportunities offered by Rotary to give back to the community have always been rewarding. I am proud to be a part of this universal family that is committed to helping those seeking a better life here in Saint John and around the globe. A service that is unencumbered by the restraints of politics, religion, or culture. Rotary's strength serves and helps humanity wherever there is a need with compassion and without being judgmental."
Gary Buzzell is the current Director of International Service for the Rotary Club of Saint John.
"I am a relatively new Rotarian having joined the club just under a year ago in October 2018. Prior to that I had just moved to Saint John and knew relatively few people in my new city. When speaking with one of my colleagues I was discussing how I would like to get involved in the community and meet new people; they suggested looking into joining Rotary. The past 11 months have been filled with great experiences and great connections. Rotary has allowed me to build new relationships and feel more comfortable in my new city. There is also no better way to learn about your community than by serving it. Rotary presents a great opportunity to get involved and help those in need. Rotary is filled with great people who have a desire to make a positive impact on our communities; both locally and throughout the world."
Steven Peever is our current Director of New Membership and Commercial Banking Account Manager at TD Bank.
"My father has been a Rotarian for the last 25 years. We are 6 children and most of us did the student exchange through Rotary. As a result, we hosted several students from all over the world. My younger brother, Mateus came to Canada for 1 year and his host family became really close friends with my family since then. I believe Rotary is a strong part of my family which has taught us about the importance of multiculturalism, friendship, and serving. As a volunteer with the United Nations in New Brunswick, I was happy to join Rotary Saint John and connect the passion I have for these two organizations that collaborate extensively across the world. When I attend our meetings on Monday at the Union Club I remember my father a lot and it feels like home. Thank you for having me, Rotary Saint John!
"Rotary for me has been a relatively new endeavor, only joining in the spring of 2019. My first exposure to Rotary was at the local annual Gala in 2017. Before that, I had no idea what the organization was all about. I was impressed by the dedication to both our local community and internationally, and in addition to the commitment to the service of others. I knew that this was something I wanted to be a part of."
Ryan Moore is a Co-Director of Club Service at the Rotary Club of Saint John and a Financial Advisor for Sun Life Financial.
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