On Thursday November 6, Joanne Kiefer, a member of the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, made a cheque presentation to Jill Hogeveen, board member and treasurer for the local Cancer Support and Resource Program (CSRP). RCNS donated $1000 toward CSRP’s movie morning at the Strand Theatre for families affected by cancer. The money will support the concession stand treats. RCNS applauds the work of CSRP in supporting our local families impacted by cancer.
"This 2025 World Polio Month, we all celebrate the fact that because of the decades-long commitment of Rotarians, health workers, and governments, millions of people who would otherwise have been paralyzed are walking today," said Mary Mercato, Co-Pres of the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS). "However, as long as polio exists anywhere, it remains a threat everywhere. We cannot stop now."
To mark the occasion, members of the RCNS were joined by County representatives Heidy VanDyk and Laiken Castles in a ceremonial flag raising at the Norfolk County offices – all in an effort to promote the raising of community funds and awareness. Heidy added her own remarks concerning the value of the RCNS in the Norfolk community as well as the importance of the ‘End Polio Now’ program over the years. RCNS member Lisa Bishop provided program context and appreciation to the County for their support. She noted that very dollar raised by Rotary is currently matched 2-to-1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, effectively tripling the impact of each donation. Funds support immunizations, surveillance, and operations needed to reach every last child in high-risk areas.
Go to the 'Read more ..’ tab for a few additional photos.
All members and friends of the RCNS are encouraged to support the ‘End Polio Now’ campaign by attending our website (www.norfolksunrise.org) to donate to this fundraising program. “We are this close to making history by eradicating this human disease”, Co-Pres Mary added. "We invite everyone in Norfolk County to stand with us and help ensure no child ever again suffers from this devastating disease."
Co-Pres Mary Mercato concluded the question period by thanking Anton for the great presentation. He was then presented with an expression of our thanks by noting that we had, in his name, restored the sight of a 69-yr-old woman from Ghana as part of of our Operation Eyesight support.
This year, our local Rotary Clubs are sponsoring three outbound exchange students and three inbound exchange students. All of this is being managed by our Youth Service Committees headed up by Rudi Atkinson (RCNS) and Amber McKnight (RCS). Of course, this challenging student-related task requires participation, funding and personal support to make it work as well as it does. Addressing these needs, the THE RCNS and RCS organized a special, internationally-themed, cocktail dinner event highlighted by food and drink from the inbound student home countries (Denmark, Germany, Spain). This event served to recognize those who are participating as well as those who are hosting the students and managing the program and to contribute to the fundraising need. Our Youth Service teams report a terrific success on all fronts! Go to the ‘Read more …’ tab to find out additional details and see a few selected photos. Go to this link to see a folder with photos taken during the evening. BZ.
T
his past weekend, Norfolk County hosted its first RibFest at the Simcoe Fairgrounds from Friday to Sunday, 18-20 July 2025.
This collaborative event brought together the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, the County Fair Board and a contractor to provide the ‘Ribbies’ - go to www.yourlocalribfest.ca/norfolk
The RCNS opportunity in this was to support the event and to conduct the 50/50 draw. As the event was closing down, the draw for the cash was made and the lucky winner of the proceeds was …. Richard Rogers - congratulations to Richard who takes home his share of the proceeds valued at $3194.50.
Well done to Kristine Carey, Gail Catherwood and Paul Macko; all of whom offered us the leadership needed to carry this out. An assortment of photos for the event are given at this link. Go to the ‘Read more …’ tab for a list of our volunteers and a couple of photos. The Sunrisers had a terrific time with our part of this community initiative and look forward to more summer eating success next year.
"A speaker at a Rotary meeting sparked an initiative that led to a valued legacy project by the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) and for our community. In 2008 the RCNS hosted a speaker from Norfolk County’s Planning & Economic Development Department to speak about the County’s new Strategic Plan. One of the goals identified in that plan was for the County to develop a walking and cycling trail through Simcoe on the historical Lake Erie and Northern Railway line. Following that meeting, and some discussion by the RCNS Board, we told the County “We can help with that!” And help we did, to the betterment of our community."
See how we went about this at the 'Read more ...' tab. Watch the video to see how much fun we have with this task!
It was a great day .... until it wasn't!
Following nine, successfully-concluded licences of our ever-popular Catch the Ace (CTA) fundraiser, the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, with the support of the Port Dover Legion Branch 158, will be re-starting the game on Friday 09 May '25. This new start will be our tenth licence and it will conclude once the Ace of Spade is finally drawn later in the year.
