About Rotary & the Kitchener Westmount Club
History of the Rotary Club of Kitchener Westmount
1905 On February 23rd, the Rotary Club was formed in Chicago, Ill. by Paul Harris and a group of civic minded businessmen with the motto, “Service Above Self”.1905 On February 23rd, the Rotary Club was formed in Chicago, Ill. by Paul Harris and a group of civic minded businessmen with the motto, “Service Above Self”.
1910 The organization became known as Rotary International when Winnipeg, Manitoba received their charter. As a matter of interest, New Orleans, Louisiana also received their charter that year, and was host to the 2011 International Convention attended by incoming President Tony Giovinazzo and his wife Janine.
1920 Guelph, Ontario received their charter.
1922 The Rotary Club of Kitchener Waterloo was chartered through sponsorship of the Guelph Rotary Club.1963 The Rotary Club of Waterloo was chartered and the Rotary Club of Kitchener Waterloo became the Rotary Club of Kitchener.
1971 The Rotary Club of Kitchener Conestoga was chartered through sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Kitchener
1981 In March, members from the three existing local clubs formed the Rotary Club of Kitchener Westmount. Al Price, Glen Stewart and Don Willcox came from the Rotary Club of Kitchener; Bob Forwell came from the Rotary Club of Kitchener Conestoga; and Jack Duffy, Gord Ferguson and Glen Machan came from the Rotary Club of Waterloo. These seven gentlemen gathered together thirty-one men who wanted to join the new club, so forty members were chartered in the Rotary Club of Kitchener Westmount.
1986 The Rotary Club of Grand River was chartered through sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Kitchener Westmount. Our banner displays a large circle stating that we had sponsored this new club.
1989 Women were now accepted as members by Rotary International, and the Constitution was changed to reflect this. To date , six women have led our club as President – Jennifer Schoenmakers, Cathy Brothers, Moira Taylor, Cheryl Hugill, Laura Power and Judy Nairn. Women continue to take leadership roles in local, district, national and international Rotary activities.
2021The Rotary Club of Kitchener-Westmount celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a Commemorative Book reflecting back on our years of service in the community .
2022-23 Jennifer Jones , of the Rotary club of Windsor-Roseland, Canada was elected as the first female President of Rotary International in 117 years.
Meeting Times for clubs in our Region:
| Rotary Club of Kitchener | Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month (Holidays exempt), 12:00PM, Crown Plaza (Trillium Suite) |
| Rotary Club of Grand River | Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 7:15AM, Crowne Plaza |
| Rotary Club of Waterloo | Tuesday 6:00 pm (bi-weekly) KW Granite Club |
| Rotary Club of Kitchener Westmount | Wednesday 12:15 pm Concordia Club |
| Rotary Club of Kitchener Conestoga | Friday 12:00 pm Westmount Golf Club |
Why Join Rotary?
Building in this complex world satisfies the basic human need for connection.
Leadership Development—association with like-minded business and community leaders provides effective examples of how to deal with many different situations.
Education—Weekly programs highlight local and worldwide topics of general and specific interest.
Why Join Rotary?
Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary members have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.
Learn more about our structure.
Our motto: Service Above Self
For more than 110 years, our guiding principles have been the foundation of our values: service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership.
What we do
Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Our 35,000+ clubs work together to:
Promote peace
Fight disease
Provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
Save mothers and children
Support education
Grow local economies
Get involved
We work differently…
We see differently: Our multidisciplinary perspective helps us see challenges in unique ways.
We think differently: We apply leadership and expertise to social issues — and find unique solutions.
We act responsibly: Our passion and perseverance create lasting change.
We make a difference at home and around the world: Our members can be found in your community and across the globe.
ROTARY CLUB OF KITCHENER WESTMOUNT ROTARIANS OF THE YEAR
2019-20 – Simon Adler
2018-19 – Brad Enns
2017-18 – Everton Wilmot
2016-17 – Leo Tobi
2015-16 – Judy Nairn
2014-15 – Karin Voisin
2013-14 – Katherine Loveys
2012-13 – Jerome Freiburger
2011-12 – John Thompson
2010-11 – Tim Bradich
2009-10 – Marc Engel
2008-09 – Dave Forwell
2007-08 – Malcolm McArthur
2006-07 – John Villemaire
2005-06 – Cameron Kozlowski
2004-05 – Susan Cullen
2003-04 – Karin Voisin
2002-03 – Brad Swanson
2001-02 – Bill Stevens
2000-01 – Membership Committee (Jim Kibble, Paul Dietrich, Herb Epp, Ed Piowarek, Kelly Strome, Dave Forwell)
1999-00 – Dolf Bogad
1997-98 – Jim Evans
1996-97 – Tom Jeary
1995-96 – David Decker
1994-95 – Herb Epp
Paul P. Harris
Founder of Rotary
Rotary International
The first Rotary Club was formed in Chicago, Ill. In 1905. Today there are over 33,000 clubs in 200 countries made up of 1.2 million business and community leaders.
Clubs are non-political, and include people from all walks of life, regardless of race, creed, economic status and gender.
Rotarians get involved in their communities and beyond to make a difference and to effect change through service projects and financial support.
You can find out more about Rotary International by visiting https://www.rotary.org