As Rotary prepares for a new year of leadership, the Rotary Club of Kanata is taking a moment to honour and thank Ruth Hawkins for her three years of service as Club President.
Ruth’s Rotary story began long before she stepped into the role of President. At just 18 years old, Ruth was introduced to Rotary as a Rotary exchange student in Brazil. That experience gave her a first-hand understanding of Rotary’s ability to build friendships across cultures, create lifelong connections, and open young people’s hearts and minds to the wider world. It feels fitting that an experience rooted in friendship, service, and international understanding would become part of Ruth’s own Rotary journey.
When Ruth became President of the Rotary Club of Kanata, she took on a big responsibility after only a short time as a Rotarian herself. It was a steep learning curve, and one she embraced wholeheartedly. Ruth did not simply step into the role. She grew into it with grace, determination, humour, humility, and real care for the people around her.
Over the past three years, Ruth has helped guide the club through growth, change, and connection. Under her leadership, the Rotary Club of Kanata has continued to become a place where people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences feel welcome, valued, and encouraged to serve. Ruth has helped build not only a stronger club, but a kinder one.
Ruth has also shown us what resilience truly looks like. During her time as President, she faced a serious health scare, one that frightened all of us and reminded us just how much she means to this club. We came far too close to losing her. But in true Ruth fashion, she came back with strength, courage, and spirit. She returned as the same Ruth we love, only somehow even more of a force.
Dwight Brown, Founding member of Rotary Club of Kanata, shared:
“Every Rotary president leaves a fingerprint on their club. Ruth's fingerprint is one of kindness, inclusion, and thoughtful leadership. She made every member feel valued and reminded us that Rotary is as much about the people we inspire as the projects we complete. Thank you, Ruth, for leaving our club stronger than you found it.”
Charles Berlinguette, incoming President, also shared:
“Ruth is the GOAT of the Presidents of the Rotary Club of Kanata that I have had the pleasure to serve under. Smart, compassionate, and - when you least expect it - so damn funny. Ruth, you did it like a pro.”
Those words say so much about Ruth. She is thoughtful and steady, but never distant. She is organised and capable, but always human. She leads with kindness, and also with strength. She has a way of making people feel included, appreciated, and gently encouraged to do more than they thought they could. She reminds us that Rotary is about service, but also about friendship, belonging, laughter, and showing up for one another.
Ruth’s leadership reflects the very best of Rotary: Service Above Self, friendship, integrity, resilience, and the belief that people can come together to do good. From supporting local initiatives in her free time, to starting fundraising campaigns, Ruth has helped ensure that the Rotary Club of Kanata continues to make a positive difference close to home and beyond.
On behalf of the club, and the wider Kanata community, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Ruth for her dedication, her leadership, and the countless hours she has given in service to others. Her impact can be seen in the projects she has supported, the members she has encouraged, and the community spirit she has helped nurture.
As Charles prepares to take on the role of Club President in July, we are excited for this next chapter in the Rotary Club of Kanata’s story. Thankfully, Ruth will not be going too far. After three years of keeping us encouraged, laughing, and moving in the right direction, we have a feeling Charles will be grateful to have her wisdom, experience, and well-timed guidance close at hand.
Congratulations, Ruth. Thank you for your service, your heart, your humour, your strength, and everything you have given to the Rotary Club of Kanata and to our community.