The Rotary Clubs of St. Catharines; St. Catharines South and St. Catharines Lakeshore were pleased to recognize seven local community leaders at their Second Annual Paul Harris Celebration Evening held at Amici’s Banquet and Conference Centre. Five (Dr. Robert Cooper; Marko Bukovec; Ron Matsushita; Mario Divitiis and Korey Rorison) were recognized as Community Paul Harris Fellows (for individuals) and two (CAA Niagara – accepted by Marianne Wilson, Vice President of Marketing, Strategy and Member Engagement; and Start me Up Niagara – accepted by Board Chair Paul Miller and Executive Director Laura Dumas) were recognized with Community Certificates of Appreciation (for organizations) for their meritorious service.
Photo Caption of Recipients (left to right) Ron Matsushita; Laura Dumas; Paul Miller; Dr. Robert Cooper; Rotary 7090 District Governor Dave Alexander; Marianne Wilson; Mario Divitiis; Korey Rorison; Robert Cervoni, past Paul Harris recipient; Marko Bukovec. [Photo courtesy of Robert Nowell Photographer]
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore recognized two community organizations/individuals:
Certificate of Appreciation for Start me Up Niagara
SMUN works with individuals facing challenges like compromised mental health, addictions, poverty, homelessness, and unemployment. They provide Services and Programs including Community meals, Health care, Bike Me Up (transportation assistance), Gardening programs, Employment services, On-site medical supports, Food and transportation assistance, and Clothing assistance (Niagara’s Mobile Closet). Their mission is to provide opportunities for individuals to improve their health, increase community integration, and support employment. They operate a resource center open 5 days a week, offering wrap-around services to help individuals stabilize, participate, and grow. Start Me Up Niagara aims to build a community where all are included.
Paul Harris Fellow for Marko Bukovec
Since opening in 2019, the COBS Bread franchise St. Catharines has embedded community support into its daily operations. Adhering to the COBS Bread proposition, baking is fresh daily and unsold goods are donated equating to over $1.5 million in retail product to Community Care over the past 5 and a half years. COBS Fundraising Cards, primarily exclusive to the St. Catharines location, foster impactful partnerships with organizations like the Rotary Lakeshore. Card sales have generated more than $125,000 in the past year alone for 50 Niagara Region schools, specifically supporting sports, technology, and meal programs.
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