St. Marys Rotary Club marks 100 years of service to community with celebration dinner

The first Cadzow Park pool was one of many Initiatives the Rotary Club of St. Marys has participated in within the community.

By Alex Hunt

For a century, the Rotary Club of St. Marys has been shaping the town’s community spirit, from building local landmarks to supporting global causes.

On Oct. 15, the Rotary Club of St. Marys will be hosting its 100th Anniversary Centennial Dinner at the St. Marys Golf and Country Club. Tickets will cost $100 per person, and the event will run from 5-10 p.m.

“The 100th anniversary outlines what St. Marys Rotary Club has contributed locally and what we have done throughout the community, from the baseball hall of fame and the community centre, and at least a dozen major commitments,” said Edward Parkinson, who took over as president of the club from Mark Oliver this past July.

“A significant amount of the Rotary’s fundraising has gone towards financing different projects throughout the community. Most of the efforts happened in and around this town, but there have been some international projects that the organization has raised money for, too.”

Founded in 1925, one of Rotary’s major global initiatives has been the fight against polio, with the organization credited for playing a central role in its near eradication. Every club contributes to the cause, and Parkinson says the campaign has been a driving force since the effort began, underscoring Rotary’s reach both locally and internationally.

Parkinson said the Rotary legacy is trying to touch as many people who don’t have the same privileges as Canadians. He says Canadians are pretty fortunate to be in a position where they can help. Parkinson encourages his friends, family and the public at large to give a little more with the knowledge that it’s going to benefit somebody else who has less.

“We’re into our 100th year now as we speak; it’s always really good for your community in a nutshell,” said Parkinson. “Essentially, treat everybody equally. It’s a simple philosophy and something that everybody talks about, but Rotary really tries to encourage people to live by their words. This is the premise on how it was born, and this was always the focus.”

As president, Parkinson says the club is supported by past leaders who provide guidance and support. That sense of continuity has kept the club strong, but there are concerns about the future as both the local population and service organizations age. While the St. Marys Rotary Club remains a big contributor to the community, leaders acknowledge the importance of attracting new members, a challenge faced by service clubs everywhere.

For information about the upcoming Centennial Dinner visit rotarystmarys.ca or email stmarysrotary@hotmail.com.