This month the spotlight will once again shine on the amazing service of Rotaract in District 7010, specifically the Rotaract Club of North Simcoe.
In four short years the Rotaract Club of North Simcoe (founded 2017) has made a significant impact on their community. Hunter Markle is the current president and no stranger to making a difference. This club of about 34 members is made up by a diverse group of working professionals including photographers, farmers, police officers, financial planners, therapists, entrepreneurs, accountants, reporters, designers, and more. In 2019 the club was the Recipient of the Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce's President's Award for commitment and work in the community. Also, in 2019, the women of Rotaract were recognized by the Meridian Women of Excellence Awards.
The community is a better place thanks to this hard-working group of volunteers. The fantastic yearly WINTERAMA Cardboard toboggan races continue to grow in attendance and participation, engaging youth and adults alike, who use creativity to come up with interesting toboggan designs. The side benefit is the time spent together outdoors. They were able to offer this event virtually this year and it was a hit!The Care Boxes distributed to women's shelters during the festive season contained many essential items but also some “more special” gifts that aren’t usually donated or that the recipients wouldn’t otherwise receive.
The Club has also been active with their sponsor clubs, the Midland and Penetanguishene Rotary Clubs. They have worked side by side for events like Party on The Dock, Champlain Road Clean Up and Random Acts of Kindness Day. They also speak to the Rotary Clubs to update them about their activities and successes.
The work of Rotaract takes money and the club has demonstrated creativity in their fundraising activities. The signature event March Mudness (now Mud Mayhem) has raised thousands of dollars for local beneficiaries.
The club created a Trick or Eat annual event and have trick or treated for canned food items to donate to local food banks since 2018.
The Pints, Poutine and Plaid event raises money for the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre (>$5,000) and the incredibly successful Art Auction Night supports Women's Health.
The club is engaging and social. They frequently have Trivia Nights following meetings, had a paint night, Christmas parties, backyard BBQs for President's Nights, and special guest speakers to talk about mental health, mindfulness, the music production industry, and professional photography (to name a few).
Throughout Covid-19, they have remained busy and visible in the community. They use the meeting time to keep connected and include social time. They completed a virtual Random Acts of Kindness Day, partnering with a local business and a local coffee shop to provide free coffee for some of the patrons.
Members are committed to social justice and made a donation of over $500 in Anti-Racist, BIPOC Literature to the Midland Public Library. They also started the Garden Overflow Project to facilitate the donation of surplus produce to the local foodbanks and the Salvation Army and are currently preparing for a general day of service, a community clean up, and a socially distant potential member information night to be hosted in the spring!
The North Simcoe Rotaract Club truly exemplifies the “Family of Rotary” and when this “family” comes together their accomplishments are huge: more than 6 babies born, more than 3 marriages or proposals, and over 5000 volunteer hours spent with friends and extended family!
Thank you, Rotaract Club of North Simcoe!
For more information about the club, its projects and fundraisers > visit here.