North Bay’s Family of Rotary is relaunching the Leaves of Inspiration campaign.
Nearly 16 years ago, the initiative allowed people to recognize family, friends, businesses, and organizations through engraved stainless-steel leaves displayed on the Rotary Centennial Pergola in front of the North Bay Museum.
Leaves are still available, and officials are looking to add more stories of inspiration online that may be missing from leaves already on the pergola.
Funds raised go towards Rotary’s funding commitment to the City of North Bay’s next phase of the downtown waterfront development for the area adjacent to Rotary’s Splash Pad and Playground.
“This project has been part of North Bay’s waterfront for many years, but there’s an opportunity to bring new life and attention to it,” says Bill Hagborg of the Rotary Club of North Bay. “We want people to rediscover the pergola, learn about the stories already represented here and see how they can contribute to its future.”
Officials say the original campaign supported a $1 million commitment toward waterfront improvements and was closely tied to the transformation of North Bay’s downtown waterfront from the former rail lands into public parkland.
Money raised went towards landscaping, tree planting, parking areas, and the development of the Civic Plaza.
“Rotary has a long history of investing in projects that strengthen our community and create lasting benefits for future generations,” says Tony Limina of the Rotary Club of Nipissing. “The Rotary Centennial Pergola is a wonderful example of what can happen when community members and organizations work together. Through this relaunch, we’re building on that legacy and inviting the next generation to help carry it forward.”
To explore existing stories, submit a missing story or learn how to recognize someone through Leaves of Inspiration, visit www.rotarycentennialpergola.com.
