These are tough times to be working in the charity and non-profit sectors. Local agencies agree that in the current economy, demands on their services are increasing. On October 30, 2025, the Rotary Clubs of Guelph hosted a second meeting for local agencies to meet each other and share their most pressing needs, with time to mix and mingle, share ideas and perhaps even find synergies amongst themselves. Hosting these community gatherings is advancing the profile of Rotary in the non-profit sector.

The Guelph Food Bank is under tremendous pressure to meet growing needs in our community. Two items in particular would be very helpful to donate:  canned meat (of any kind), and pasta sauce to go with the dry pasta that is often donated. Bring what you are able to a club meeting and we will make sure to deliver it to the Food Bank. 

The IT Committee of our Rotary District 7080 is hosting a series of informative, free, one-hour webinars that are well worth attending. On Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11am the presenter will be our own club's past president, Brian Martin, addressing the critical subject of cybersecurity. Register here to get the link. 

On October 29, 2025, the KidsAbility Guelph site held their second annual “sensory-friendly trick-or-treat” event for clients, siblings, and members of the public who preferred a quieter, indoor, single-level event for their young ones. About 65 kids visited, and the event was well supported by Guelph Rotarians and friends who volunteered as “hosts” in the 10 rooms set up for this. It was great!

On October 21, 2025 the grand opening of the seventh Grove Hub was celebrated at the YMCA of Three Rivers in Guelph.  The setup and resources are fantastic, transforming the Y's former admin offices into a welcoming space for youth to hang out. The speeches were all heartfelt and moving, and our Rotary hearts felt full to see fulfillment of our original stretch-goal to establish SEVEN youth wellness centres in Guelph and Wellington. An Open House will be held at the Y on November 10 from 5-7pm and all are welcome to drop in. You should! Read and see more on Guelph Today. 

Ben McCarl has been a valued member of our club for the past 14 years. A retired engineer, Ben fills his life and home with good cheer and his artworks in several different mediums. He generously shares his talent and love of art with the community through art therapy, paint nights, sculpting classes, and more. During 2025, a local documentary producer approached Ben about creating a video documentary about “The Need To Create”.  The collaboration of two exceptional talents resulted in a beautiful 12-minute video by Thomas Mlodzinski that can be viewed HERE. 

Preparations start early for our club's annual “Sparkles In The Park” Christmas lights in Riverside Park. On Saturday, October 18th, volunteers cheerfully unravelled, tested and sorted hundreds of light strings that had been hastily taken down and bundled into storage tubs during the freezing cold of the previous January 1st. Our ritual of “many hands make light work” is truly joyful. This year, three retired electricians have volunteered to assist us with necessary repairs! Testing of the stand-up displays will take place next Saturday, October 25th - volunteers are needed!