They're back! The Scots have returned to Canada for the bi-annual curling exchange that has been going on for 70 YEARS! They will be landing in Norfolk County on the infamous Friday the 13th!!! If you would like to come watch some curling, you're welcome to come to the Simcoe Curling Club. The games begin at 1:30. Piper included-starting at 1:15!!
One chance encounter blossomed into a lasting friendship and a powerful example of Rotary’s Service Above Self.
Sometimes, the most meaningful Rotary experiences begin with a simple act of community service.
In September 2021, members of the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) were planting daffodil bulbs along the community hiking/biking trail when a young mother and her toddler daughter stopped to ask what we were doing and whether they could help. They introduced themselves as Yuliia and Yeva, recently arrived from Ukraine.
Yuliia soon became involved with our club, and in December 2021, Rudi Atkinson sponsored her Rotary membership. Little did we know how important that connection would become.
In February 2022, Yuliia, her husband Alex, and Yeva returned to Ukraine to attend to family matters. Just two weeks later, Russia invaded.
Forced to flee their home in Kyiv, the family escaped to Yuliia’s parents’ village in the Poltava region. Despite the danger, Yuliia remained connected with RCNS, sometimes travelling to the community centre just to access Wi-Fi and join our Zoom meetings.
Through daily communication with Rudi, they held onto their dream of returning to Canada. After a challenging year and a half, the family finally arrived on July 17, 2023, with just five suitcases. Alex had been accepted into a program at Fanshawe College in St. Thomas, where they would begin their new life.
The Rotary family quickly stepped forward. Members of RCNS, Jennifer Rogers of Port Dover, and the St. Thomas Rotary Club worked together to furnish and equip the family's basement apartment, providing household essentials and practical support.
Their generosity demonstrated that Rotary is much more than an organization or weekly meeting. It is a family of people who care and are ready to help when it matters most.
Through hard work and determination, Yuliia and Alex have built a wonderful future in Canada.
Yuliia began working on the factory floor at Takumi Stamping Canada Inc., earning two promotions while completing Fanshawe’s Human Resources Management program in 2025. Today, she is a Human Resources Specialist at Takumi.
Alex graduated from Fanshawe in 2024 in Mechanical Engineering – Industrial Maintenance and now works as a CNC Operator at Element5. Their daughter Yeva is thriving in Grade 2 at St. Anne’s School.
The family has also purchased a home and is busy making it their own.
Recently, Rudi had the joy of joining Yuliia, Alex, and Yeva in London to celebrate as they became Canadian citizens.
It was a special moment, bringing everything full circle. What began with a simple question while planting daffodils grew into a friendship that endured war, uncertainty, and the challenges of starting over in a new country.
Yuliia asked that we share this message with her Rotary family:
“I love you all. We are grateful for everything everyone did to help us settle here, to feel at home, and to support us. Hugs to you all!”
To everyone who helped this family along the way, thank you. Your kindness and generosity made a lasting difference.
We began by planting daffodils together. Today, we celebrate a family that has planted new roots, built a home, found a place to belong, and become Canadian citizens.
That is Rotary. That is the power of connection. And that is the Rotary family at its very best.
On Friday, Oct 23 the Rotary club of Norfolk Sunrise presented a cheque to the Port Dover Legion to assist with the costs of the new fire suppression unit in their kitchen. Funds were made available through the clubs Catch the Ace fundraiser held every Friday at the legion.
Pictured are (L to R)
Gail Catherwood (RCNS member) , Wally Breen ( President of Legion) , Keith Jones ( RCNS member) , Jim Pilkington ( Legion member) and Gail Bouw (RCNS member)
On Tuesday Nov 2 the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) presented a cheque at Lynndale School for the CNN part of R.E.A.C.H. 53 schools across HN County offer student snack and/or breakfast programs. At Lynndale approximately 100 students attend the breakfast program 3 times per week. RCNS thanks the many volunteers who help to make these programs possible and to the various donors who support the CNN. In addition schools run fundraisers to support the program at their school.
L to R
Melissa Blunt, Lynndale School Principal, Joanne Kiefer , RCNS, Sharon Smyth, Children’s Nutrition Network, (CNN) David Douglas, RCNS, Amanda Simoes, Program Coordinator Lynndale School
Paul Harris Fellows 2026:
John Wallace and Steve Malo
Eric and Adele Haverkamp
Carolyn Nordheimer
Maria Kinkel
**WHISKY LOVERS, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU!** 
**SPACE IS LIMITED AND SEATS ARE GOING FAST!** Don't miss your chance to be part of this exciting first annual event. Grab your tickets before they're gone!
**GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!**
Email **whisky.folk@yahoo.com** to reserve your seats. Great whisky. Great people. A great night for a great cause!
