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Southampton Rotary Club Launches "Spotting Fake News" Bookmark Initiative

April 30^th, 2025 – The Rotary Club of Southampton is proud to announce the launch of its "Spotting Fake News" bookmark project, an innovative media literacy initiative designed to help community members of all ages navigate today's complex information landscape.

In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly online, this educational tool provides a quick, accessible guide to identifying unreliable news sources. The double-sided bookmark offers practical tips for analyzing content, checking sources, thinking critically, and verifying information before believing or sharing it.

"With so much information coming at us from all directions, it's increasingly important that everyone, from school children to seniors, has the skills to separate fact from fiction," said Susan Macdonald, the Southampton Rotarian who spearheaded the project. "This bookmark puts those essential skills right at your fingertips."

The bookmarks feature the "Four-Way Test" that guides all Rotary activities: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

The bookmarks will be available free of charge at the Southampton and Port Elgin libraries and will be distributed to schools within Saugeen Shores. Copies can also be obtained directly from Southampton Rotarians.

This initiative represents another example of Southampton Rotary's 85+ years of service to the community, reflecting the club's commitment to education, critical thinking, and responsible citizenship.

More info CLICK HERE

More info at: https://www.southamptonrotary.com/stories/shred-n-go-2

Coldest Night of Year - 2025 Interim Results - Media Release Feb 28th, 2025

Our Dinner of the Month Winners 2025.

Draws are every 1st Wednesday of the month, January to June 2025

Month

1st Prize - $250 Gift Certificate

2nd Prize - $100 Gift Certificate

January

Jordan Rosner

Certificate to the Walker House

Jeff Preston

Certificate to Allan's Fireside Grill

February

Ruth White

Certificate to Highview

Jim Wade

Certificate to The Wismer House

March

John Deebles

Certificate to Rosina's

John Klein

The Queens Bar and Grill

April

Mary Halbert Certificate to the Elk and Finch Coffee Pub and Bistro

Bruce Waechter - Certificate to the Southampton Thai.

May

June

Winterama 2025 Kicks Off with Exciting Events to Support Local Schools

January 2025 – The 23rd annual Rotary Winterama, a beloved community event organized by the Rotary Clubs of Port Elgin, Southampton, and Tara, is set to launch in January with a series of fun and fundraising activities to support local schools.

This year’s Winterama promises to be an action-packed celebration, featuring events for all ages, as well as opportunities to get involved and contribute to the success of local student projects.

Key Dates and Events for Winterama 2025:

January 17:
- Winterama 50/50 Draw at Winterhawks Game
- Winterama Raffle Begins: Win two tickets to a Toronto Maple Leafs game – 1st prize: Gold seats, 2nd prize: Purple seats.
January 20-21:
- Winterama Launch Assemblies at all 8 participating schools.
  Students will kick off their fundraising efforts with an engaging introduction to Winterama activities.
February 1-28:
- Winterama Travel to the North Pole: Students will track their progress as they collectively aim to walk, run, and skate their way to the North Pole, logging kilometers online throughout the month.
February 17:
- Winterama Skate: A fun-filled skating event at the Plex in the morning and Shallow Lake in the afternoon. Activities include snacks and a puck toss challenge.
March (date TBD):
- Winterama Awards Assemblies: Celebrating the achievements of the students, with dates expected to be scheduled after March Break.

A Community-Wide Effort for Local Schools

Eight local schools are participating in Winterama 2025:

Northport
Saugeen Central
St. Joseph's
SDSS (Grades 7+8)
GC Huston
Hepworth Central
Amabel-Sauble
Arran-Tara

Students will be raising funds through pledges for their school projects, including playgrounds, breakfast programs, and other educational initiatives. As they walk, run, skate, and log their kilometers, the goal is to collectively reach the North Pole.

In 2024, Winterama raised an impressive $27,700 for local school projects, and organizers hope to surpass that total in 2025. Over the coming weeks, students and their families will be reaching out to friends, families, and community members for support. Your donations and participation make a difference—please say “YES” to supporting these efforts!

How You Can Help:

Buy a 50/50 ticket: On January 17, join the Winterhawks game and support Winterama by purchasing a 50/50 ticket. The proceeds will go toward funding the Winterama event and helping students.
Support a School’s Fundraising Goals: Encourage friends and family to contribute to their school’s fundraising efforts. Every dollar raised helps students achieve their goals and enhances educational opportunities for all.
Become a Winterama Sponsor: If your business or organization would like to contribute, the Rotary Clubs of Port Elgin, Southampton, and Tara are looking for sponsors to support the event and provide prizes and food for the celebration party. Sponsorship recognition will be prominently displayed at all events.

Special Thanks to Winterhawks and NPX

A big thank you to the Winterhawks for their ongoing support. The proceeds from the January 17 Winterhawks 50/50 draw will benefit Rotary Winterama.

We also extend our gratitude to NPX, who are generously providing software to log and track the progress of students and schools, making it easier than ever to stay connected and engaged throughout the event.

Log your Kms CLICK HERE

About Rotary Winterama
Rotary Winterama is a community-driven event that has been bringing together residents of Port Elgin, Southampton, Tara, and surrounding areas for over two decades. Organized by local Rotarians, the event celebrates the spirit of giving and community engagement, all while raising funds for local student projects and initiatives.

Join us for Winterama 2025 and help make a difference in our community!

Contact: Dave Bertrand @ rotary1938@gmail.com

Two SDSS Delegates Chosen For Ottawa Conference, January 16th, 2025.

Two well-rounded 16 year-old SDSS students were selected to attend the Rotary Adventures in Citizenship program in Ottawa May 25 to 28th, along with 150 other 16-18 year olds from across Canada. Hamna Hussein will be sponsored by the Southampton Rotary Club while Ewan Dennison will be sponsored by the Port Elgin Rotary Club. This all-expenses-paid conference will allow them to rub shoulders with other young leaders across Canada, while gaining a better understanding of our country. Through meetings with political leaders, senior officials, and others, the students will learn a great deal about the workings of our democratic institutions. Through meeting one another and having discussions among themselves, the students will learn to appreciate the diversity of Canada and privileges and responsibilities of citizenship. Enayah Shad was the appreciative delegate at last year’s conference. Hamna and Ewan are seen being congratulated by Southampton Rotary youth committee member, Dave Bertrand and Port Elgin Rotary president, Ken McCulloch.

World Peace - One Exchange At A Time

Southampton Rotary outbound exchange student to Thailand, MaryJane Klunder, has been soaking up Thai culture, learning the language, making new friends and experiencing life very differently with her Thai host families. In her spare time, MaryJane decided to enter a Rotary essay competition on international peace.

The competition is a Rotary International initiative, spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Istanbul, to promote Peace Building and Conflict Prevention.

The contest drew 470 entries from 41 different countries and every continent. MaryJane placed first in the competition and will receive $3000 US, sponsored by the Rotary Club of New York. She is being flown, courtesy of Rotary Club of Istanbul, from Bangkok to Istanbul, to receive her award on February 19th, 2025.

Rotary International President Stephanie A. Urchick will be at the ceremony. Southampton Rotary, and all of Rotary District 6330, are very impressed with M.J.’s accomplishment, and are also very proud of her stellar ambassadorship as a Canadian Rotary Exchange student in Thailand.

Graphic shows MJ with her Mother in Southampton prior to departing to Thailand and a group picture of her in Thailand with other Exchange students.

Here's the winning Essay:

Southampton Rotary Club Empowers Young Learners with Dictionary Project

The Southampton Rotary Club continued its longstanding commitment to literacy by distributing dictionaries to every Grade 3 student in Saugeen Shores on November 6th, reinforcing the critical role of language skills in children's educational development.

This annual initiative saw Rotarians visiting local elementary schools at GC Huston, Northport, St. Joseph's, and École Port Elgin-Saugeen Central. They presented 229 dictionaries to eager young learners - with 52 dictionaries provided in French to support bilingual education. Each dictionary has a place where students can add their name to personalize it. Beyond simply handing out books, the Rotarians engaged students with an interactive session, including a video demonstration on effectively using dictionaries.

Dictionaries are more than just reference books; they are powerful learning tools that help children:

Expand their vocabulary
Improve reading comprehension
Develop independent learning skills
Boost confidence in language exploration

Mary Ellen Harrigan, the Club's Vocational and Youth Service Chair, said: "We believe that providing students with their own dictionary is an investment in their future."

The project underscores the Rotary Club's ongoing dedication to community education and literacy development.

The graphic shows students from each school.

Joint Media Release: December 1^st, 2024

United Way Bruce Grey and Southampton Rotary Club Join Forces

for Coldest Night of the Year 2025

SAUGEEN SHORES, ON - The United Way Bruce Grey and Southampton Rotary Club are proud to announce their partnership for the upcoming Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) fundraising event, scheduled for February 22, 2025. The collaboration was officially established through a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony between United Way Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn and Southampton Rotary President Tony Sheard. This wintertime walk raises essential funds and awareness for community members experiencing homelessness, hurt, and hunger. The event builds on the successful foundation established by the United Way in 2022 and in partnership with the Port Elgin Rotary Club in 2023.

"We are thrilled to have taken over from our friends at the Port Elgin Rotary Club," says Tony Sheard, President of Southampton Rotary. "This partnership represents our commitment to addressing critical needs in our community and aligns perfectly with our motto of “Service Above Self”.

June Van Bastelaar, Southampton Rotary Event Chair, adds, “We are excited to support this important cause especially as we have seen a doubling in the number of people seeking support at our food banks and over 600 people on the wait list for housing in Saugeen Shores. In 2025 we will be holding the event in Southampton with the intent to alternate between our two communities in future years.”

United Way Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn said “The Coldest Night of the Year event is a powerful reminder of the strength of community and compassion in action. Partnering with the Southampton Rotary Club is going to be an incredible experience, as it brings together like-minded individuals who will walk in solidarity with those facing poverty and homelessness. The joy of 'on the ground, in community' volunteering—connecting with participants, sharing stories, and feeling the collective spirit—truly warms the heart, even on the coldest nights.”

The family-friendly event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. Teams and individuals can register now to walk 2km or 5km routes while raising funds for this important cause. Every step taken helps provide essential services and support to vulnerable community members.

Event Details:

- Date: February 22, 2025

- Location: Southampton, Ontario

- Registration at Rotary Hall, 39 Grey St, Southampton from: 4.00 pm

- Walk Start: 5:00 pm

- Routes: 2km and 5km options

Watch out for our float in Southampton Christmas Parade. To help get in the mood for CNOY bring along and donate some new socks for those in need.

To register, donate, or learn more about the Coldest Night of the Year event, visit: https://cnoy.org/location/saugeenshores

Photo shows signing ceremony earlier this year. L to R Francesca Dobbyn Exec Director and Tony Sheard Club President

About United Way Bruce Grey

The United Way of Bruce Grey is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing poverty and building a stronger, more equitable community. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and community-led initiatives, the United Way provides essential support to those in need, from emergency assistance to long-term solutions. Guided by compassion and collaboration, we strive to create opportunities for all residents to thrive.

About Southampton Rotary Club

Southampton Rotary has served this community for over 85 years. We are a group of friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who unite and take action to create lasting change in our community and around the world. We are people of action who have used our passion, energy, and skills to improve lives through service. From promoting literacy and peace to providing clean water, protecting the environment and improving health care, Rotary members are always working to better the world or as we like to say doing “DO-GOODERY!”

Media Contacts:

Kristy Andre, United Way Bruce Grey Tel: 519 377 9475

Tony Sheard Southampton Rotary Tel: 519 797 3151

Date: November 26^th, 2024

Rotary Club Continues Century-Old Legacy of Community Service with Chantry Centre Toilet Upgrade

In continuation of Rotary International's century-old mission of community support, Southampton Rotary Club has brought comfort and dignity to local seniors by upgrading the Chantry Centre's washroom facilities.

Rotary International was founded in 1905 in Chicago by Paul Harris, a lawyer who invited three friends—a merchant tailor, a mining engineer, and a coal dealer—to a meeting. They rotated their meeting among their places of business, hence the name Rotary. The Club grew, and these early Rotarians realized that fellowship and self-interest were not enough and decided to reach out to improve the lives of the less fortunate.

The Rotary commitment to service began in 1907 when the Rotary Club of Chicago constructed the city's first public toilets. With this inaugural project, Rotary became the world's first service club organization.

When the Chantry Centre approached Southampton Rotary about washroom upgrades, the Club remembered how "Service above Self" began 117 years ago and was happy to support the project.

With the support of a Rotary District Grant, Southampton Rotary Club purchased four high-rise toilets, making the facilities more accessible and comfortable for centre members.

Stew Nutt, member of the Community Service Committee, expressed the club's enthusiasm: "We're proud to continue Rotary's tradition of community support. These toilets might seem like a small thing, but for our seniors, they make a world of difference in comfort and independence."

Connie Barker from the Chantry Centre shared her gratitude: "This upgrade means so much to our members. It's not just about new facilities—it's about showing we care and ensuring everyone can use our center with dignity and ease."

From its humble beginnings in 1905, when four friends gathered to create a service-oriented organization, Rotary continues to prove that small acts of kindness can create meaningful community impact.

Did you know: Stop for a second and imagine what life would be like without a bathroom. World Toilet Day is celebrated every year on 19 November and raises awareness of the 3.5 billion people living without access to safely managed sanitation. Source UNICEF.

Picture shows: Left to Right Rob Hughes, Dave Bertrand, Bob Speight, Cathy Janveau, Connie Barker, Tony Sheard and Stew Nutt.

WATCH OUT FOR OUR RE-IMAGINED AUCTION COMING UP IN FALL 2025

WAKE UP TO COMMUNITY & FRIENDSHIP WITH ROTARY AND DIZZY BIRD!

Get ready to elevate your morning with a delicious new coffee collaboration between the Southampton Rotary Club and Dizzy Bird!

At Southampton Sparkles, on November 21st, the two community-minded organisations are officially launching their '1938 Blend' - a rich, Mexican dark roast that promises to make your days brighter

"I have long admired the good work the Southampton Rotary does in our community, and this partnership is one way I can support their efforts," said Dizzy Bird owner Jon Hepplewhite. "A great cup of coffee has the power to bring people together, and we're thrilled to do that alongside such an impactful organization."

Portions of the coffee sales will support the Southampton Rotary Club's vital work serving Saugeen Shores and communities worldwide. And on the launch night at Dizzy Bird, you'll have the chance to win an amazing gift package from Rotary and Dizzy Bird.

But the real prize is the opportunity to connect over a shared love of great coffee. As Rotary knows, a cup with a friend has the power to lift your spirits and strengthen community bonds.

"A good cup of coffee can be the start of something meaningful," said Mary Halbert, 1938 Coffee organizer and Southampton Rotarian. "We're thrilled to partner with Dizzy Bird to bring people together through this delicious new blend."

The coffee retails @ $15 and the 1938 branded mugs are available for a donation of $15 to Southampton Rotary. They are available from both Dizzy Bird in Southampton and Rabbit Dash in Port Elgin while stocks last.

Rotary is a global network of neighbours, friends, and problem-solvers united in taking action to create lasting change. Join them on November 21st to experience the flavour of community.

For more information, please contact Mary Halbert at 519-477-5005.

NEW THIS YEAR

You have 2 options this year for buying tickets. If you want to pay by credit card you can click the link below and fill in the information. We are using a platform that doesn't charge any fees and allows us to put every dollar towards our children. There is a place where this company asks for a donation. If you don't want to donate to this, click the area and hit "Other" and put $0 into the donation location.

Once you fill out the form and pay, you will not be issued a ticket. Your name is your ticket and when you arrive, your name will be on the list. This way we can save a few trees and not have you worry about losing or forgetting your tickets.

Click here:

2024 Rotary Dinner Auction Tickets

OR if you want to buy your tickets by e-transfering money, please call or email Henry Weickert at 519-797-1388 or at weickert@bmts.com and he will get your information and get you all set up. If using e-transfer, use the Club email address: southamptonrotary@bmts.com and enter Rotary Dinner Auction 2024 in the memo line.

FOR MORE INFO CLICK HERE

Tim Horton's BBQ July 17th, 2024

Southampton Rotary Club teamed up with Dave Falconer’s Tim Horton’s team, Southampton Foodland, VPI Employment Services and Police Chaplain, David Baker to host a very successful Camp Day at Tim Horton’s Southampton on Wednesday, July 17th. Tim Horton’s drive-through patrons generously donated $760 to David Baker’s donation can to help send kids to camp. At the barbecue, Southampton Rotary members and VPI employees flipped 125 burgers and 60 hot dogs, bringing another $965 to the Tim Horton’s Foundation. Southampton Foodland owner, Martino Catalano, again donated all the food to support the cause. Tim Horton’s foundation champion, and local franchise owner, Dave Falconer, was very appreciative of the public's support of Tim Horton’s camps. For more information on Tim Horton’s camps, visit https://timscamps.com/ .

We are proud to be supporting the Town's 25th Anniversary Celebrations with our Family Funday on August 10th and our Rotary 25th Anniversary Quiz. See the poster below:

Entry Forms can be downloaded by clicking on the link above in the Down Load Box above.

Family Funday

Join us at Jubilee Park from 11 am to 3 pm for the Rotary Family Fun Day!

Event highlights will include:

Southampton Rotary's famous fresh-cut fries and popcorn from Noon till 2 pm.
Children's entertainment
Bouncy castles
Box land
Bubbles
Interactive Games
Bollywood Dancers
Touch-a-Truck event with the Fire Department and more..!
25th Quiz Draw at 2 pm

Feel free to bring a picnic and your refillable water bottles. Picnic tables will be available but families are also welcome to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets to sit on.

Children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

*Note: In the event of rain, this event will be moved indoors, to the Southampton Coliseum. Organizers will decide whether to move the event indoors by 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 9th.

For what's happening during the full celebrations check out the Town'Web Page. CLICK HERE

Southampton Rotary Club Celebrates Changeover Dinner and Year-End Generosity

The Southampton Rotary Club recently hosted its annual Changeover Dinner, marking the official handover of presidential duties from Dave Bertrand to Tony Sheard. The event was a night of celebration, fun and optimism.

Dave Bertrand, the outgoing president, was honored for his service and leadership with a unique, handmade 4-String Rotary Guitar, a token of appreciation that reflects the club’s gratitude. Dave’s tenure was marked by dedication to youth exchange and numerous achievements, setting a high bar for the incoming leadership.

Taking the helm, Tony Sheard was inducted as the new president, along with the new board members. Tony, who is no stranger to leadership within the club, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for service at home and around the globe. "I am excited to lead this team and continue the incredible work that our club is known for as we imagine how we connect and create hope in the world through the magic of Rotary service," said Tony during his acceptance speech.

The evening also featured club members and the club’s Exchange Student, Rei, celebrating together, showcasing the club’s commitment to international friendship and community spirit.

Year-End Donations Highlight

In keeping with its tradition of giving back, the Southampton Rotary Club confirmed recent year-end donations exceeding $20,000 in June alone.These contributions are set to make a significant impact both locally and internationally:

Local Donations:

New side tables for the HCSS Day Away Program.
A donation towards furnishing a consultation room at the Salvation Army Foodbank.
A series of school scholarship awards
A donation to Owen Sound Rotary Camp Presqu’ile.
Refurnishing grant for the Aaron Roote Memorial Youth Centre

International Contributions:

Support to disaster relief agencies at Shelterbox and Aqua Box.
Funding for Rotary Handup's humanitarian work in Guatemala.

These donations underscore the club’s commitment to international humanitarian efforts, supporting vital local services and fostering educational opportunities.

TS July 2024

Rotary-Sponsored STEM Workshops Engage Local Elementary Students

For the third consecutive year, the Rotary clubs of Southampton, Saugeen Shores and Port Elgin have sponsored STEM workshops in 5 local schools throughout the spring term. Through the “Scientists in School” program, children from Kindergarten to Grade 8 get to do a variety of hands-on science experiments and activities to learn about important concepts in their science curriculum. This year, the three local clubs each sponsored one workshop in our 5 local elementary schools. A total of 14 engaging workshops were undertaken. From learning about seeds and plants to constructing structures for different purposes, students enjoyed and learned a good deal from the hands-on instruction and materials provided by the program. Teacher Cheryl Barnard comments: “The kids had a blast! They were engaged the whole time and loved the added challenge at the end of the program which they could work on here at school, or at home.” Teacher Victoria Ruby comments: “The invertebrates unit was very hands-on and engaging. The students loved working with the clay provided.” Grade 1 student Lily says “Scientists in School is useful to help kids minds grow and learn new things,” while a classmate adds, "“You get to learn about being a scientist by making and testing things.” And Grade 1-2 student, Cohen, says “I liked learning about different insects. It was awesome!”
Media Release June 18th 2024. Contact Dave Bertrand for further information,

Japanese Exchange Student Rei Kaneda Talks to Probus

Rotary Youth Exchange student Rei Kaneda has been in Canada since August and is proving to be an excellent ambassador for her home country of Japan. She talked to Probus on May 7th, telling the club about her life in Japan and some of her experiences and learnings throughout her exchange year. Rei is hosted by the Southampton Rotary Club, but the local program is supported by all three local Rotary clubs.

Rei’s current host mom is president-elect for Port Elgin Rotary, Katie Rice, who was an exchange student to Brazil herself as a teen.

Rei’s Youth Exchange Officer, Dave Bertrand, also talked about the Rotary Youth Exchange program in general after Rei’s presentation. Dave was a youth exchange student to Australia in 1980-81. In his talk, he mentioned that Southampton Rotary is still looking for two host families for next year’s German exchange student, Lena Storath.

If interested in hosting Lena in the Fall or in the Winter, please contact Dave at portelgindave@gmail.com. The relationships one forges as a host family last a lifetime.

You can aslo check out our Awards and Scholarship Page. CLICK HERE

Bearama Seals The Deal With Eastlink!

Louigi Salvati, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing at Eastlink Telecommunications, shakes the paw of Bearama and pledges to donate $1500 to help the 2024 Rotary Winterama campaign. Corporate dollars and individual donations to Winterama help to pay for this February program in 8 area schools by funding incentives, prizes, CanadaHelps administration fees and the cost of events. If there are excess funds after, these are distributed to the participating Rotary Clubs’ many youth programs. After 8 days, the 2024 Winterama program has already raised $ 12,200 online for local schools through CanadaHelps and more money is be raised via paper pledges. School children are collecting pledges from family and friends to build play equipment in their school yards, to provide an accessible swing for children with disabilities, to improve activity opportunities for school children on their playgrounds and to strengthen school nutrition programs. Individuals are asked to consider sponsoring a local student in their school’s journey across Canada this February, as children in all grades (and some of their teachers) skate, ski, sled, walk, run, and do other movement activities to earn kilometres, which they record daily on a master database designed by Nuclear Promise X. The kilometres from all participants in the school are added together in the database, and children find out each day where their school is on their cross-Canada journey along Terry Fox’s and Steve Fonyo’s route. Some schools are already over halfway across our nation while others are still “gaining steam” in the Maritimes. All money pledged to students goes directly to their school’s projects, through Rotary Winterama. Go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/Rotary/p2p/2024RotaryWinterama/ if you would like to sponsor a student in their February Winterama journey. Your support will encourage these students in their goal and help them to provide “service above self” in their schools, as they do their best to help fund their school’s major projects.

If you or your business would like to donate directly to Winterama, email rotarywinterama@gmail.com, and all the necessary information will be sent to you.

2024 Rotary Winterama Race Across Canada in February Media Release Monday, January 22nd.

Phew......we launched the 2024 Rotary Winterama in 5 schools yesterday and will do the final 3 schools today. The awards assemblies will be after March Break, and I promise to provide more lead time for those.

Dave Bertrand

2024 Winterama Committee

Mon. Jan. 22

9:15 - Sauble

10:15 - Hepworth

11:45 - Tara

12:45 - SDSS

2:15 - St. Joseph’s

Tues. Jan 23

9:15 - G.C. Huston

12:45 - Northport

2:15 – PESCS

This year, students and teachers at each school will be skating, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, walking, running and doing other movement activities to collectively propel their school across Canada. Each school will leave St. John’s Newfoundland on February 1st and will try to get to Vancouver before February 29th, following Terry Fox’s and Steve Fonyo’s route. Students will be asking parents, relatives and friends to sponsor them on their individual Winterama challenge, and all donations collected by the students will go to special projects in their schools and school nutrition programs. Improved prizes will be awarded by Rotary for top pledge earners across the 8 Winterama schools and within each school. Rotary will also award fun prizes for all students achieving 25 kms, 50 kms and 75 kms, and a top class prize in each school as well. Nuclear Promise X has designed a slick website where students track their personal kms and compare how they, their class and their school are doing in the race across Canada. The website will keep students and teachers updated on what province and city they are in as they travel across our huge nation. Please consider offering a financial pledge to a keen student this February, as they try to achieve a personal fitness goal and provide "service above self" to their schools, to make their schools a better place. Businesses can also consider making donations to Rotary Winterama to help offset costs for the program and to support Rotary youth programs in our area. The 3 Rotary clubs involved thank our very generous businesses that have offered support this year so far, and in years past, as Winterama and many other Rotary youth programs would not exist without their steadfast generosity and community mindedness.

For more information on how the 2024 Rotary Winterama program works, go to the promotional/instructional video at https://youtu.be/_y4OV0HzjYQ .

To record your distances: https://www.npxinnovation.ca/winterama

Here are a few pics from Northport.

Salvation Army Replacement Foodbank Van – Service Clubs Partnership "WHEELS OF HOPE"

Handover Ceremony – January 18th at 11 am, 614 Barnes Ave, Port Elgin.

In a display of community synergy, the Rotary clubs of Port Elgin, Saugeen Shores, and Southampton, together with the Port Elgin and District Lions Club, have joined hands with the Salvation Army for the formal handover of a much-needed replacement Foodbank Van. This collaborative effort not only symbolizes the spirit of unity but also amplifies the impact of service clubs on community welfare.

The clubs jointly donated $32,500 and this was matched dollar for dollar by the Salvation Army to enable the purchase. The vehicle is a 2 year old van Ford Transit Cargo van, sourced by community minded Port Elgin Chrysler.

The replacement van represents not just a mode of transportation but a conduit for hope, illustrating how service clubs and community partnerships can drive meaningful change. This enhanced vehicle will undoubtedly elevate the efficiency of the Salvation Army's food distribution efforts, ensuring that support reaches those in need promptly.

The project was spearheaded by Southampton Rotarian and Food Bank Volunteer John Van Bastelaar who said: “The collaboration between the service clubs and the Salvation Army stands as a testament to the impact that can be achieved when organizations align their goals for the greater good. This venture is more than a van; it's a reflection of a caring community investing in those less fortunate”.

Members of the service clubs were then invited to a “Behind the Scenes” tour of the Foodbank and a talk about the array of services offered by the Salvation Army.

A Look Back: The Earlier Van

Reflecting on the history of community service, the original Foodbank Van, acquired in 2014, was made possible through the combined contributions of the Rotary Clubs of Port Elgin and Southampton, The Rotary Foundation, the Port Elgin and District Lions Club, the SouthPort Optimists, and public donations. With an initial investment of approximately $15,000, this van has been steadfastly serving the community's needs over the past decade.

For further information contact: John Van Bastelaar 519 386 8288.

January 18, 2024

Southampton Rotary Club Launches "Spotting Fake News" Bookmark Initiative

April 30^th, 2025 – The Rotary Club of Southampton is proud to announce the launch of its "Spotting Fake News" bookmark project, an innovative media literacy initiative designed to help community members of all ages navigate today's complex information landscape.

In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly online, this educational tool provides a quick, accessible guide to identifying unreliable news sources. The double-sided bookmark offers practical tips for analyzing content, checking sources, thinking critically, and verifying information before believing or sharing it.

"With so much information coming at us from all directions, it's increasingly important that everyone, from school children to seniors, has the skills to separate fact from fiction," said Susan Macdonald, the Southampton Rotarian who spearheaded the project. "This bookmark puts those essential skills right at your fingertips."

The bookmarks feature the "Four-Way Test" that guides all Rotary activities: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

The bookmarks will be available free of charge at the Southampton and Port Elgin libraries and will be distributed to schools within Saugeen Shores. Copies can also be obtained directly from Southampton Rotarians.

This initiative represents another example of Southampton Rotary's 85+ years of service to the community, reflecting the club's commitment to education, critical thinking, and responsible citizenship.

More info CLICK HERE

More info at: https://www.southamptonrotary.com/stories/shred-n-go-2

Coldest Night of Year - 2025 Interim Results - Media Release Feb 28th, 2025

Our Dinner of the Month Winners 2025.

Draws are every 1st Wednesday of the month, January to June 2025

Month

1st Prize - $250 Gift Certificate

2nd Prize - $100 Gift Certificate

January

Jordan Rosner

Certificate to the Walker House

Jeff Preston

Certificate to Allan's Fireside Grill

February

Ruth White

Certificate to Highview

Jim Wade

Certificate to The Wismer House

March

John Deebles

Certificate to Rosina's

John Klein

The Queens Bar and Grill

April

Mary Halbert Certificate to the Elk and Finch Coffee Pub and Bistro

Bruce Waechter - Certificate to the Southampton Thai.

May

June

Winterama 2025 Kicks Off with Exciting Events to Support Local Schools

January 2025 – The 23rd annual Rotary Winterama, a beloved community event organized by the Rotary Clubs of Port Elgin, Southampton, and Tara, is set to launch in January with a series of fun and fundraising activities to support local schools.

This year’s Winterama promises to be an action-packed celebration, featuring events for all ages, as well as opportunities to get involved and contribute to the success of local student projects.

Key Dates and Events for Winterama 2025:

January 17:
- Winterama 50/50 Draw at Winterhawks Game
- Winterama Raffle Begins: Win two tickets to a Toronto Maple Leafs game – 1st prize: Gold seats, 2nd prize: Purple seats.
January 20-21:
- Winterama Launch Assemblies at all 8 participating schools.
  Students will kick off their fundraising efforts with an engaging introduction to Winterama activities.
February 1-28:
- Winterama Travel to the North Pole: Students will track their progress as they collectively aim to walk, run, and skate their way to the North Pole, logging kilometers online throughout the month.
February 17:
- Winterama Skate: A fun-filled skating event at the Plex in the morning and Shallow Lake in the afternoon. Activities include snacks and a puck toss challenge.
March (date TBD):
- Winterama Awards Assemblies: Celebrating the achievements of the students, with dates expected to be scheduled after March Break.

A Community-Wide Effort for Local Schools

Eight local schools are participating in Winterama 2025:

Northport
Saugeen Central
St. Joseph's
SDSS (Grades 7+8)
GC Huston
Hepworth Central
Amabel-Sauble
Arran-Tara

Students will be raising funds through pledges for their school projects, including playgrounds, breakfast programs, and other educational initiatives. As they walk, run, skate, and log their kilometers, the goal is to collectively reach the North Pole.

In 2024, Winterama raised an impressive $27,700 for local school projects, and organizers hope to surpass that total in 2025. Over the coming weeks, students and their families will be reaching out to friends, families, and community members for support. Your donations and participation make a difference—please say “YES” to supporting these efforts!

How You Can Help:

Buy a 50/50 ticket: On January 17, join the Winterhawks game and support Winterama by purchasing a 50/50 ticket. The proceeds will go toward funding the Winterama event and helping students.
Support a School’s Fundraising Goals: Encourage friends and family to contribute to their school’s fundraising efforts. Every dollar raised helps students achieve their goals and enhances educational opportunities for all.
Become a Winterama Sponsor: If your business or organization would like to contribute, the Rotary Clubs of Port Elgin, Southampton, and Tara are looking for sponsors to support the event and provide prizes and food for the celebration party. Sponsorship recognition will be prominently displayed at all events.

Special Thanks to Winterhawks and NPX

A big thank you to the Winterhawks for their ongoing support. The proceeds from the January 17 Winterhawks 50/50 draw will benefit Rotary Winterama.

We also extend our gratitude to NPX, who are generously providing software to log and track the progress of students and schools, making it easier than ever to stay connected and engaged throughout the event.

Log your Kms CLICK HERE

About Rotary Winterama
Rotary Winterama is a community-driven event that has been bringing together residents of Port Elgin, Southampton, Tara, and surrounding areas for over two decades. Organized by local Rotarians, the event celebrates the spirit of giving and community engagement, all while raising funds for local student projects and initiatives.

Join us for Winterama 2025 and help make a difference in our community!

Contact: Dave Bertrand @ rotary1938@gmail.com

Two SDSS Delegates Chosen For Ottawa Conference, January 16th, 2025.

Two well-rounded 16 year-old SDSS students were selected to attend the Rotary Adventures in Citizenship program in Ottawa May 25 to 28th, along with 150 other 16-18 year olds from across Canada. Hamna Hussein will be sponsored by the Southampton Rotary Club while Ewan Dennison will be sponsored by the Port Elgin Rotary Club. This all-expenses-paid conference will allow them to rub shoulders with other young leaders across Canada, while gaining a better understanding of our country. Through meetings with political leaders, senior officials, and others, the students will learn a great deal about the workings of our democratic institutions. Through meeting one another and having discussions among themselves, the students will learn to appreciate the diversity of Canada and privileges and responsibilities of citizenship. Enayah Shad was the appreciative delegate at last year’s conference. Hamna and Ewan are seen being congratulated by Southampton Rotary youth committee member, Dave Bertrand and Port Elgin Rotary president, Ken McCulloch.

World Peace - One Exchange At A Time

Southampton Rotary outbound exchange student to Thailand, MaryJane Klunder, has been soaking up Thai culture, learning the language, making new friends and experiencing life very differently with her Thai host families. In her spare time, MaryJane decided to enter a Rotary essay competition on international peace.

The competition is a Rotary International initiative, spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Istanbul, to promote Peace Building and Conflict Prevention.

The contest drew 470 entries from 41 different countries and every continent. MaryJane placed first in the competition and will receive $3000 US, sponsored by the Rotary Club of New York. She is being flown, courtesy of Rotary Club of Istanbul, from Bangkok to Istanbul, to receive her award on February 19th, 2025.

Rotary International President Stephanie A. Urchick will be at the ceremony. Southampton Rotary, and all of Rotary District 6330, are very impressed with M.J.’s accomplishment, and are also very proud of her stellar ambassadorship as a Canadian Rotary Exchange student in Thailand.

Graphic shows MJ with her Mother in Southampton prior to departing to Thailand and a group picture of her in Thailand with other Exchange students.

Here's the winning Essay:

Southampton Rotary Club Empowers Young Learners with Dictionary Project

The Southampton Rotary Club continued its longstanding commitment to literacy by distributing dictionaries to every Grade 3 student in Saugeen Shores on November 6th, reinforcing the critical role of language skills in children's educational development.

This annual initiative saw Rotarians visiting local elementary schools at GC Huston, Northport, St. Joseph's, and École Port Elgin-Saugeen Central. They presented 229 dictionaries to eager young learners - with 52 dictionaries provided in French to support bilingual education. Each dictionary has a place where students can add their name to personalize it. Beyond simply handing out books, the Rotarians engaged students with an interactive session, including a video demonstration on effectively using dictionaries.

Dictionaries are more than just reference books; they are powerful learning tools that help children:

Expand their vocabulary
Improve reading comprehension
Develop independent learning skills
Boost confidence in language exploration

Mary Ellen Harrigan, the Club's Vocational and Youth Service Chair, said: "We believe that providing students with their own dictionary is an investment in their future."

The project underscores the Rotary Club's ongoing dedication to community education and literacy development.

The graphic shows students from each school.

Joint Media Release: December 1^st, 2024

United Way Bruce Grey and Southampton Rotary Club Join Forces

for Coldest Night of the Year 2025

SAUGEEN SHORES, ON - The United Way Bruce Grey and Southampton Rotary Club are proud to announce their partnership for the upcoming Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) fundraising event, scheduled for February 22, 2025. The collaboration was officially established through a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony between United Way Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn and Southampton Rotary President Tony Sheard. This wintertime walk raises essential funds and awareness for community members experiencing homelessness, hurt, and hunger. The event builds on the successful foundation established by the United Way in 2022 and in partnership with the Port Elgin Rotary Club in 2023.

"We are thrilled to have taken over from our friends at the Port Elgin Rotary Club," says Tony Sheard, President of Southampton Rotary. "This partnership represents our commitment to addressing critical needs in our community and aligns perfectly with our motto of “Service Above Self”.

June Van Bastelaar, Southampton Rotary Event Chair, adds, “We are excited to support this important cause especially as we have seen a doubling in the number of people seeking support at our food banks and over 600 people on the wait list for housing in Saugeen Shores. In 2025 we will be holding the event in Southampton with the intent to alternate between our two communities in future years.”

United Way Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn said “The Coldest Night of the Year event is a powerful reminder of the strength of community and compassion in action. Partnering with the Southampton Rotary Club is going to be an incredible experience, as it brings together like-minded individuals who will walk in solidarity with those facing poverty and homelessness. The joy of 'on the ground, in community' volunteering—connecting with participants, sharing stories, and feeling the collective spirit—truly warms the heart, even on the coldest nights.”

The family-friendly event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. Teams and individuals can register now to walk 2km or 5km routes while raising funds for this important cause. Every step taken helps provide essential services and support to vulnerable community members.

Event Details:

- Date: February 22, 2025

- Location: Southampton, Ontario

- Registration at Rotary Hall, 39 Grey St, Southampton from: 4.00 pm

- Walk Start: 5:00 pm

- Routes: 2km and 5km options

Watch out for our float in Southampton Christmas Parade. To help get in the mood for CNOY bring along and donate some new socks for those in need.

To register, donate, or learn more about the Coldest Night of the Year event, visit: https://cnoy.org/location/saugeenshores

Photo shows signing ceremony earlier this year. L to R Francesca Dobbyn Exec Director and Tony Sheard Club President

About United Way Bruce Grey

The United Way of Bruce Grey is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing poverty and building a stronger, more equitable community. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and community-led initiatives, the United Way provides essential support to those in need, from emergency assistance to long-term solutions. Guided by compassion and collaboration, we strive to create opportunities for all residents to thrive.

About Southampton Rotary Club

Southampton Rotary has served this community for over 85 years. We are a group of friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who unite and take action to create lasting change in our community and around the world. We are people of action who have used our passion, energy, and skills to improve lives through service. From promoting literacy and peace to providing clean water, protecting the environment and improving health care, Rotary members are always working to better the world or as we like to say doing “DO-GOODERY!”

Media Contacts:

Kristy Andre, United Way Bruce Grey Tel: 519 377 9475

Tony Sheard Southampton Rotary Tel: 519 797 3151

Date: November 26^th, 2024