Twenty-three members and Friends of Rotary gathered for a fall social at IL Forno RestoBar and Lounge, East Main in Welland. The evening began at 5:00pm, in a room perfect for small gatherings with a welcome from Ray Tisi, Club President and Carol Duffus, Chair of Membership Committee.
Dinner options varied from tasty pasta dishes to pizza. The happy hour from 5:00pm to 6:00pm afforded a reduction of costs for liquid refreshments and appetizers.
The purpose for this social gathering: an opportunity to engage, connect and build networks with fellow Rotarians, and to hear updates of three current projects in 2025.
Four Committee Chairs were present. Vic Kerschl – Community Service, Roy Timms - Fundraising, Brad Wood – International, and Carol Duffus - Membership.
Vic shared a brief history of the Rotary Park and the current functions the park: reflection centre, open air shelters and the Welland Canal pathway. Vic called upon Tim Proctor to speak about the 2025 exercise equipment project – the installation, equipment uses and upkeep. Tim indicated phase one will be completed in 2026.
Brad was called upon to speak about the Child Development Centre 2025 project in Mindanao, Philippines. Brad recalled the conditions and setting of the pre-existing Children’s Centre, the costs to modernize the centre for safety, health and varied use, and the Rotary Team collaboration necessary for cluster grants to support this project. The Children’s Centre renovation, now complete, includes expanded washroom facilities, upgraded kitchen and structural changes to support a long-term plan. The Rotary Club of Mindanao and parents have stepped-up with a renewed focus on maintaining the centre for the long term.
Neil Chopp provided details on the Holy Trinity Breakfast program offering daily hot breakfasts to nearly 90 homeless, aged and folks living in rooming houses. No one is turned away. More than 30,000 breakfasts are served annually at the breakfast program window - 365 days a year. Breakfast program volunteers begin at 6:30 am preparing freshly cooked egg/ham English muffins, (fall and winter - hot oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar), (spring and summer - oatmeal/raisin muffins), coffee and tea.
Additional items given out the window include: sandwiches donated by Starbucks and Tim Hortons, pet food, clothing, water, and health supplies. Neil requested the Community Service Committee and Board continue funding the Breakfast program in 2026, helping the neediest of Welland.
To conclude an interesting and engaging evening, iL Forno provided each dinner guest with a complimentary taste of in-house Tiramisù. il Forno is a first-time participant in the 2025 Niagara Rotary Auction. Thank you!
Thank you to Carol Duffus for planning and organizing the Fall Social!