The Rotary Club of Milton, part of Rotary International, a worldwide service organization consisting of over 32,000 clubs in over 200 countries, celebrated their 70th anniversary in January 2017and currently have 23 active members plus many “Friends of Rotary”.
The Motto of Rotary is “Service above Self”.
They work on local and international projects to address the issues of illiteracy, disease, hunger, access to clean water and other environmental projects.
The Rotary Club of Milton aims to help the youth of our community and other community organizations. Milton Rotary has sent students abroad and has hosted students from all over the world. While on exchange the student is expected to attend school and participate in Rotary activities. This is an amazing opportunity for youth to experience a different culture and language.
Scholarships and bursaries are awarded to students pursuing postsecondary education. Awards are based on academic achievement but also how the student has contributed to the community through volunteer activities. Milton Rotarians have been volunteering at the Canadian Blood Services donation clinics for over 10 years. Rotarians are actively involved in the Milton Santa Claus Parade and support Town events such as Canada Day and the Milton Street Festival with volunteers operating the entrance/street gates to the events.
BBQs- Everyone loves food! The Rotary Club of Milton helps provide food at Community events such as Good Neighbours Day and Game On Ball Hockey Tournament for Charity. They have fundraised over the years for many community organizations such as The Darling Home for Kids, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Tim Horton’s Camps and many others.
They have supported the Rotary International’s Polio Plus Program. This initiative is aiming to eradicate Polio from all countries in the world. The Milton Rotary Club’s ‘Big Project’, Public Relations member Kirsti Fry explained “is the Pediatric Family Lounge at Milton District Hospital! We have committed to raising $25,000 over the next 4 years to furnish this area of the hospital. This will provide a safe and secure area for families/patients to rest while waiting for treatments and surgeries. It will keep them safe but also allow kids to be kids while in the hospital. This year we raised $5000 towards our goal through our Denim and Diamonds Dance in April.” The Rotary Club of Milton presented a cheque to the Milton District Hospital Foundation on October 16th.
The Milton Rotary Online Auction (a joint venture with the Rotary Clubs of Oakville Trafalgar, Mississauga West, Milton, Kitchener and Burlington) is their biggest fundraiser through the year that helps them help others. The Auction opens for bidding on November 4th at 9 am and closes on November 18th at 10pm. There are gift items, sports items, gift cards, restaurant meals, and many shopping opportunities. “This is a wonderful way to get a start on Christmas shopping and help others at the same time.” Kirsti Fry explains: “Bidding is simple. Start by Registering on line prior to making your bids. The auction is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week during the bidding period. You can even shop in your pyjamas….. Of course there are other ways to support the auction – Donate an item or service or sponsorship. Individuals can donate a sponsorship for $50 and Corporations can have a business card sized ad cycled on the main page for $250 for 1 ad and up to $1000 for 4 ads ( same ad or different, that’s up to you) ”