The Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers is continuing its 25th anniversary year, with many events planned to support our community and to showcase deserving citizens from the Sudbury region.
The year that was, 2016, ended with a flourish of activity for our club. The annual Vive Le Vin event, under the able direction of Sunriser Sue Lekun, was a sell out and a smashing success. The club distributed more than $35,000 to six local charities. We are indebted once again to the ongoing support of Northern Life/Sudbury.com and its affiliates, who unselfishly promote this event every year.
The “Fill a Crib” initiative led by our club raised close to $60,000 in both cash and donated items, including cribs, mattresses and other baby care essentials. The Infant Foodbank undertook the distribution to those in need. This worthwhile project during the month of December reinforces the true meaning of Christmas. Thank you to all our community partners who took part.
In December, the Sunrisers organized our fifth annual 12 Days of Christmas campaign. This event has been quarterbacked since its inception by Rotarian Liz Spooner-Young, whose enthusiasm and scheduling skills ensured that Sunrisers and other community volunteers were at the Elgin St. Mission every night in December serving the evening meal.
More than $4,400 was also collected to support the Mission’s work in our community.
Once again this year, members of the Sudbury Sunrisers are supporting the local YMCA’s Strong Kids program. The initiative sees funds raised locally used to provide underprivileged children in our community with access to the programs and camp activities offered at the “Y.”
On March 23, our club hosts its weekly meeting at the YMCA and take part in the fundraising pancake breakfast that will mark the end of the Strong Kids campaign.
The Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers continues to attract energetic, community-minded members. We encourage guests to come out and take part in our meetings, held Thursday mornings at the Radisson Hotel from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Join us – we guarantee it will be a fun way to start your day!
For more information on the Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers, please contact President Louise Bergeron at 705-929-2463.
Alex McCauley served as police chief from 1994 to 2002. Now he is an active volunteer and member of the Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers.
