The Rotary Club of Huntsville has a long history of giving and doing good work in our community and beyond.
On record, they have been loyal supporters and donors to Huntsville Hospital Foundation since 2004, and have donated over $270,000 over the past 17 years.
It all started with their $200K pledge in 2004 to fund Huntsville’s Day Surgery, followed by a $50,000 pledge in 2014 to support the Digital Imaging Campaign.
In 2018 they joined the Business Cares Program and pledged another $50,000. Just last week, at their weekly meeting at the Huntsville Legion, Katherine Craine, Executive Director was presented with another $10,000 cheque. Katherine took to the podium and Rotarians learned about some exciting new things planned at Huntsville Hospital and about the new Focus on Imaging Campaign. She thanked the members for their dedication to our community and for their continued support to Huntsville Hospital.
Katherine Craine, Executive Director explained: “We are truly inspired by our Rotarian friends! This is a group that we can always count on year after year. They are so integral in the health and wellness of our entire community – thanks so much!”
Rotary is a volunteer organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in their local communities and all over the world. There are approximately 1.2 million Rotary Club Members belonging to 33,000 Rotary Clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas.
The Rotary Club of Huntsville was chartered on May 11, 1934. Harmon E. Rice was president. Today, with over 60 members, the Rotary Club of Huntsville is lead by President Mary Rashleigh. They meet via zoom or in-person on Wednesdays at 12:00 pm, except for the first Wednesday of each month which is 6:00 pm. They are a very active club, with many projects in Huntsville. Most recently, they completed the Hunters Bay Trail Project that included building new benches, and replacing them all along the trail. In total twenty-two benches were installed all along the beautiful waterfront. Their future plan includes adding eight benches to the Fairy Vista Trail. Many people donated a bench in memory of a family member or friend, and each bench is plaqued with names and or special messages. “In Loving Memory of Jo-Anna Starr. Happy Trails to you” and “Dr. Douglas and Muriel Bell, Murl Loves Doog, Enjoying the view forever” are just two lovely plaque messages you will see along the trail.
Their next big project is the Annual Rotary TV Auction. This event raises over $40,000 each year to support local community projects and organizations like Huntsville Hospital Foundation. Over 50 local businesses ensure it’s success and donated product, services and merchandise. There are always items for the whole family, and you can’t beat the bargains. The auction takes place online starting November 20th and live on YourTV December 5th at noon. Please visit: www.huntsvillerotaryauction.com and register to bid!
On Saturday February 26, 2022 planning is underway for the ‘Rotary NHL Alumni Hockey Game’ chaired by Rotarian Ross Kirwin. This first time event is taking place at the Canada Summit Centre and has secured over $40,000 in sponsorship to date. It is gearing up to be a fun, weekend and the hockey game will be part of Huntsville’s SnowFest celebrations taking place throughout town February 25, 26, 27.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni Team will include former captain Wendel Clark and a roster of former Leafs who will dazzle and entertain you with their skills as they play against a team of Huntsville’s best championed by backstop Adrian Musters. Ticket sales, complete with V.I.P. packages will be available in December. Would make a great Christmas gift! Funds raised at this event will be used to help build an outdoor skating rink and multi sport facility in town.
President Mary Rashleigh told the foundation: “The Rotary Club of Huntsville is happy to support the Hospital Foundation recognizing the importance of having such a wonderful Hospital in our own community.”
Huntsville Hospital Foundation is a fundraising organization dedicated to improving healthcare services for residents of Muskoka and East Parry Sound. A registered charity since 1984, its mandate is to provide ongoing capital and education resources for Huntsville District Memorial Hospital. This will ensure our hospital and medical professionals have the technology and equipment they require to provide exceptional care.
Find out more about the Foundation by visiting www.huntsvillehospitalfoundation.ca
Photo: Pictured from Left: Gord Mitchell, Ross Kirwin, Bill Sibeon, Rob Saunders, Jennifer Simpson, Les Ross, Jamie Thompson, Barb White, Katherine Craine, Adrian Musters, Mary Rashleigh, Bill Pritchard, Ron Strickland, Hugh Holland, and Bryan Loxton.