Rotary seeks to provide practical contributions that will enhance the academic and extracurricular endeavors of students. Pictured: Crossley rowing team members: front, left to right with cheque, Coach Patrick MacNally, Carolyn Mullin, Carole Irwin, Katie Irwin
E.L. Crossley’s Secondary School Rowing Program and the FirstOntario Performing Arts imPACt Education Series received special recognition this spring as the Rotary Club of Fonthill provided $1,000 to support students continuing pursuing their passions.
Ann Harrison is the Director-at-Large for the Finance Committee at the Rotary Club of Fonthill. She also served as the Club President from 2021-2022.
“Our club budgets a certain amount each year to support community groups in the fall and spring,” Harrison shared in a recent comment to the Niagara Independent. “In the application the groups are asked how their project or initiative or organization aligns with the overall goals of Rotary. A committee of rotary club members considers app applications and determines whether to fund and how much it has available to fund the group.”
The Rotary Club of Fonthill, which was founded in 1991 with the sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Welland and under the leadership of original Charter President Gayle Baltjes, has a rich history of supporting local schools, charitable organizations and initiatives across the Niagara Region. Over the years, the Club has collaborated with organizations including Pelham Cares, Wellspring Niagara and the Meridian Community Centre. It has participated in community events such as the Summer Fest, Pelham Mudfest, Thursday night concerts, as well as various seasonal fundraisers.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill also donates to international Rotary campaigns worldwide, in support of initiatives such as vaccinating vulnerable children against polio and supplying medical supplies to countries in desperate need. Finally, Rotary seeks to provide practical contributions that will enhance the academic and extracurricular endeavors of students.
Harrison offered some insight about why the Crossley rowing team and imPACt received funding this spring.
“The Crossley rowing team has a decades long history of success locally, provincially, nationally and internationally,” Harrison explained.
She also noted that imPACt received funding for offering students a chance to be exposed to dance, music and theatre to help stimulate their minds and open them up to new ideas and possibilities.
Those interested in learning more about Rotary in the community of Fonthill, the work they do and upcoming events are invited to visit their webpage: Rotary Club of Fonthill
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
