More than just a festival

If you’ve been to Ribfest, you’ve probably noticed the Rotarians who greet you, bucket in hand, at the gates. Well, I am one of those folks who ask for donations each year.

Admission to Ribfest is free, because we want families to come and enjoy themselves with great food, music and activities. We also want people to know what Rotary does for the community, and around the world. And yes, we do want your support.

So what does Rotary do?

As part of Rotary International, our two local clubs support a wide array of projects that fall into Rotary’s seven areas of focus. We have helped build water projects in Philippines, and this year we sent aid to Ukraine. We provide ongoing support for Polio Plus, which has almost reached its goal of eradicating polio around the world. We run international youth exchanges around the globe; dozens of students over the years have gained invaluable life experience by spending a year in countries in Europe, South America or Asia. We also sponsor youth leadership programs.

Closer to home, Rotary Club of Waterdown and Flamborough AM Rotary Club projects include the Memorial Park ice loop, Rotary Garden Court seniors apartments on John Street, and the installation of games tables at Memorial Park, to name a few. We run the Food 4 Kids program, which this year assisted 29 students at local schools. We sponsor the Flamborough Paint Challenge, and we provide bursaries to graduating WDHS students.

Additional initiatives we support include YMCA Strong Kids, Flamborough Women’s Community Resource Centre, the CHOICES Foundation, the Telling Tales literacy festival….the list goes on.

So, if you can, please consider making a small donation when you come through the gates at Ribfest – it really will go a long way towards making a difference. And if you choose not to donate, that’s OK too – just be sure to stop and say hi!