As we step into March, I’m reminded once again of how deeply connected our Rotary work is to the wellbeing of our community—both locally and globally. This past month offered several opportunities to learn, collaborate, and celebrate the spirit of service that defines the Shelburne Rotary Club.
February Recap
Our club connected with the HART Hub Dufferin, an initiative led by SHIP (Services and Housing In the Province) that is transforming how support is delivered to individuals in our region who are experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and/or substance‑use concerns. A key development for our community is the opening of a satellite HART Hub site at the Mel Lloyd Centre in Shelburne, operating Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This local presence means residents no longer need to travel to Orangeville to access essential supports such as mental health and addiction services, housing help, counselling, basic needs assistance, and nursing care. Additional services—including transitional housing, employment support, peer support, and a mobile clinic—are planned as part of a phased rollout through 2026.
We also welcomed Water First, a Canadian organization addressing water challenges in Indigenous communities through hands‑on training and long‑term capacity building. Their programs equip local youth and adults with the technical skills needed to become certified water operators and environmental technicians. This approach creates sustainable, community‑led solutions to water insecurity—an issue that remains urgent across Canada. Their work is a powerful reminder that access to clean water is not just a global concern, but a national one.
A highlight of the month was attending the Youth Exchange announcement event in Burlington (see more on that event below). The enthusiasm and courage of the students preparing to embark on their exchanges was truly inspiring. We were also treated to a delicious meal prepared by the in‑bound Youth Exchange students themselves—a wonderful reflection of the independence, cultural curiosity, and leadership this program fosters. It was a pleasure representing the Rotary Club of Shelburne and supporting our own Youth Exchange student, Natalie. Our district has only four outbound students for the upcoming year, making this group especially meaningful.
Looking Ahead to March
March seems to be coming in like a lamb—hopefully it will not go out like a lion, as we have already seen plenty of snow and winter conditions this year. We will be formalizing planning for our annual Golf Tournament, taking place on June 4 at the Shelburne Golf and Country Club. If you would like to attend or sponsor, please contact any member of the Shelburne Rotary Club or visit this page for more information.
In Closing
Thank you to every member for your continued dedication and engagement. March reminds us that when we connect with partners, support youth, and strengthen our community, we live Rotary’s values in the most meaningful ways.
Yours in Rotary,
Karen Webster
what we supported
In February we donated to Hearts Wide Open for Autism and the Glenbrook Elementary School Breakfast Club.
In February, I went to the country announcement in Burlington for the coming outbounds in the summer (see more on that event below).
One of them will go to Switzerland and I'm so happy that she will learn about my home country.
I spent the whole weekend in Burlington with my other exchange student friends. We're six exchange students in our district.
I also went snowboarding a couple of times, this time at Blue Mountain, even though it's not really a mountain compared to the Swiss Alps, it was still a lot of fun.
For the first time in my life I went to a hockey game and it was so much fun to watch.
Second semester has started and overall I'm really happy with the courses I chose. History, raising healthy children, crafts, and math.
I'm already excited for my big plans in March. Stay tuned!
At the beginning of this month I moved to a new (my third) host family.
They live in a small town called Saint Marie Cappel. It is a very small village with a stunning view of the famous town Cassel.
The family has been very welcoming. They have a 15 year old son and a 23 year old daughter.
Their daughter went to Kamloops, BC with Rotary a couple of years ago.
There is also a student here now from Kamloops that I’ve made friends with. It’s been a full circle and I’m enjoying my time here.
As I mentioned last month, I've been involved in an internship.
I interned at a car dealership run by my first host family (2AD Automotive).
In France, it is really common for all students in Grade 8-9 and higher to have internships every year. Since I’m in a marketing /sales course the dealership was a perfect fit.
I had a great time and found places where I could help and learned a lot from the experience.
It was a great morning at the youth exchange announcement day. For the upcoming year there are four outbound students from our district, 7080. They are heading to Japan, France, Switzerland, and Finland.
After the announcement the students prepared a great lunch with a variety of food from the various countries. It was delicious!! Natalie made a traditional bread. The premier Swiss bread with bacon is Späckzüpfe (or Speckzopf), a savory variation of the traditional Swiss braided Zopf bread filled with diced bacon. This rich, soft-inside/crispy-outside bread is often enjoyed on Sundays or special occasions, frequently incorporating lardons and sometimes Gruyère cheese.
The Rotary Club of Shelburne was recognized for being involved in the youth exchange program, thanks to Mike for approaching us, our club for supporting, and Bill and Michelle for stepping up to facilitate. Be proud Shelburne Rotary!!
Neil Orford, retired history teacher, fixture at Shelburne Remembrance Day ceremonies, and past speaker at Shelburne Rotary, is organizing a two week tour in November, 2026 of World War I and World War II sites in France and Belgium, including Remembrance Day at Juno Beach.
This tour is planned in conjunction with Orangeville Highlands Rotary for Rotarians and friends.
