August 28, 2026. Right now, over 123 million people around the world have been made homeless by disaster and conflict. The Rotary-inspired global program of ShelterBox is working to change this. By providing emergency shelter and tools for families robbed of their homes by disaster, ShelterBox helps transform despair into hope. Read the update below from our RotaryGuelph ShelterBox Representative, Carolyn Weatherson.
On August 14, 2026 the Rotary Club of Guelph inducted two new members - Dhruv Shah and Jim Rooney. Both have incredible track records for making a difference in the world, and we feel very fortunate to have them join our club. Dhruv spoke warmly about the gift of connection that Rotary provides and he looks forward to collaborating with Rotary on Guelph 200. For Jim, it is “welcome back to Rotary” because he was previously a member of our club for 20 years from 1973 to 1993 before work and family took priority. Jim is proud to once again wear a Rotary pin, and spoke of how Rotary's 4 Way Test has served him as an anchor throughout his life and endeavours. Read more below.
On August 17, 2026 the “Top 7 Over 70” award winners for 2026 were announced by United Way Guelph Wellington … and four are Rotarians! We send our warmest congratulations to our fellow Rotarians:
Jim Rooney - from Rotary Guelph
In 2027, the City of Guelph will celebrate its 200th birthday, and the whole community is being encouraged to get involved. The Rotary Clubs of Guelph are heeding the call, and on August 7, 2026, a joint-club meeting was well attended to launch “Rotary Guelph200”. The strategy is twofold:
Our club's 46th annual Lobsterfest Gala - a key fundraiser for our charitable support - takes place on Saturday, 26 September 2026 at the ICC. Join us in cocktail attire and enjoy an elevated experience that includes: Cash Bar - Antipasto - All You Can Eat Lobster - Fall Off The Bone Ribs - 2 Bottles of Wine on the Table - Silent Auction - Live Auction - 50/50 draw - Dance - Early Bird Tickets $160 (up until June 30th) - Single Ticket $175 (after July 1st) - Table of 10 $1500. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE.
This year's Rotary Ribfest takes place at Riverside Park from August 28-30, 2026 at Riverside Park. 2026 marks the 28th year of this event being run by the Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium as a community fundraiser. It is one of Guelph's largest annual summer events drawing 40,000-50,000 visitors each year. This popular community event is 100% volunteer driven and MORE VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED! Get details and sign up at www.ribfestguelph.com.
Duck Race Tickets are On Sale Now!
Mark your calendar for Ribfest Sunday, August 30, 2026 at 3pm to watch the Guelph Duck Race fundraiser at Riverside Park and see thousands of rubber duckies bob and “race” to the finish to win prizes the winning duck ticket holders. Since its inception, this event has raised and donated well over $1 million for local charities and community initiatives. The 2026 Duck Race has $22,000 in prizes! Buy tickets and see the prize list at GotDuck.ca.
Thursday, July 30, 2026 marked another year of Rotary raising its “Eradicate Human Trafficking” flag at Guelph City Hall to raise awareness about this issue. Four invited speakers each gave a short, meaningful speech - Mayor Cam Guthrie, MP Dominique O'Rourke, Guelph Police Chief Cobey, and Vicki Oluntundun who highlighted the plight of sex trafficking victims. The flag was then ceremoniously raised.
The Rotary Club of Guelph South will host its fourth annual “Lunch at the Arboretum” fundraiser on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from noon to 3pm. Including a wonderful lunch, participants can bid on various items, and enjoy this year's Hawaiian theme. The event will benefit five incredible charities.
