Why I Joined Rotary and Why I Stay

Member Testimonial:
In 2015, we challenged our members to provide us with a testimonial outlining why they joined Rotary or the circumstances around their joining Rotary, why they stay and perhaps provide an 'aha' moment when they knew they were a committed Rotarian. We've had new members join since then and after giving them a couple years to take in what Rotary has to offer, here's the most recent testimonials that we have received.
 
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Why I Joined Rotary:
I moved to St. Marys in 2009 and didn't know very many people. My out of town business was in the process of closing and I started making local real estate investments. It was important to me to make a contribution to this community. I noticed that Rotary was making St. Marys a better place to live. Mark Oliver introduced me to the club, and he showed me that Rotary supports more programs and initiatives than I imagined, including sponsoring exchange students. But Rotary has another part to play: the organization is active throughout the world, has made and continues to make life changing contributions to humanity.
 
The organization attracted me by it's visibility but the bonus is that it is a very social club. Dinner meetings are held every week with lots of time for interaction with others. The club encourages members to plan and become involved in local projects. The combination of friendship and participation in worthwhile community events keeps people coming back. For this reason most Rotarians tend to hang around. I plan to stay.
 
Bruce Radford
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Why I joined Rotary:
 

I moved to St. Marys in 1991 to be with my husband, in the early years I was busy working and raising the children.  When they were older and didn’t need me as much I looked for something to fill my time.  While I enjoyed playing sports and still enjoy golf and paying darts, I felt it was time to give back. 

I started by joining the Army, Navy and Airforce as a Ladies Auxiliary and was secretary/treasurer for a number of years.  I then joined Habitat for Humanity and became very involved with Habitat, was the Board Treasurer and the Chair of the Restore for six years.  When Stratford-Perth joined forces with London I left as I could not make it to London for Board Meetings and they no longer needed me for the Restore.

After a little break in Volunteering I again looked for a new organization that I believed in.  I first tried to be part of the Stratford Boys and Girls Club but sadly the club did not make it in Stratford.

In September 2015 I started work at Veterinary Purchasing where we are very committed to sponsoring community projects.  Len Hawkins had been my neighbour for a number of years and was in picking up a donation to the silent auction and while in conversation with him convinced me that I would be a great addition to Rotary.

I read up on the many projects and committees that Rotary had and did indeed think that I would enjoy being part of that organization.  I joined in April 2016 and almost immediately joined the Literacy committee.  I enjoy coming up with project ideas that helps promote literacy in the community and hope to continue to be part of this committee.  In July 2017 I assumed the role of Treasure, this has allowed me to really see all aspects of Rotary and what we endeavor to do as a group.

I continue to enjoy the weekly comradery and have made many new friends in my short time as a Rotarian.   I hope to continue to be part of Rotary and all the great contributions to the community the make.

Rotarian Heather Ellis