The family of area Rotary clubs is celebrating 100 years of service.
The Rotary Club of North Bay started in 1923 with a group of 25 local businessmen and professionals.
There are now three clubs, including the Rotary Club of North Bay-Nipissing and the Rotaract Club of North Bay-Nipissing.
“The need is there. It’s as simple as that,” says Grace Doiron, president of the Rotary Club of North Bay. “Any free time that we have, it doesn’t have to be financial, any free time to go out there in the community for whatever is needed. That’s what we’re here for.”
Officials say funding to support projects and initiatives is largely generated through fundraising activities, such as Rotary4Kids, TV Bingo, Rotary Rose Day, Catch the Ace and Nevada tickets.
“The amount of work that we’ve contributed. Everything from children’s incentives, we just donated $25,000 to the hospital for a special camera, for the food banks, all the students we support,” Doiron says.
The donation to the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC) is helping purchase a specialized retinal camera for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Hospital officials say the camera will be used to screen infants for a potentially blinding eye disorder, capturing digital images that can then be examined virtually.
“We are grateful to the Rotary Club,” says Chantal Gagne, Director Medical & Surgical Programs. “With their donation we are halfway to our goal of funding this specialized equipment and having it available at NBRHC.”
Officials raised the Rotary flag at North Bay City Hall to celebrate the 100 year anniversary.
Mayor Peter Chirico also proclaimed May 17, 2023, as Rotary Day in the city.
