As the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore celebrated 40 years of service to the community, it marked the milestone in the best way it knows how—by giving back.
For many people, getting to a doctor's appointment, the grocery store, or visiting family is something they rarely have to think about. But for many older adults and adults living with disabilities across the Niagara Region, reliable transportation can be the difference between independence and isolation.
To help meet that growing need, the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore proudly donated $50,000 to Happy in My Home to purchase a new transportation vehicle that will provide safe, affordable, and dependable rides for older adults and adults with disabilities throughout the Niagara Region.
The vehicle was officially unveiled during the club's 40th Anniversary Celebration, where St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe joined Rotary members, community leaders, volunteers, and representatives from Happy in My Home to celebrate both the club's milestone anniversary and another meaningful investment in the community.
During the celebration, Mayor Mat Siscoe congratulated the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore on four decades of service and recognized the club's lasting impact through its support of local charities and community projects. He also honoured the club's four remaining Charter Members—Bruce Timms, Bob Miller, Doug Weeks, and Dr. Emilio Raimondo—before presenting Club President Bryan Pett with a certificate commemorating the club's 40th anniversary.
For Happy in My Home, the new vehicle represents far more than transportation. By replacing a leased vehicle, the organization will reduce operating costs and reinvest those savings directly into expanding transportation services. The vehicle is expected to provide an additional 48 to 60 rides every month, helping more Niagara residents reach medical appointments, grocery stores, community programs, and other essential destinations.
The need continues to grow. Between January and October 2025, Happy in My Home provided 10,211 rides across the Niagara Region, including 3,324 rides for residents of St. Catharines. Every ride helps someone maintain their independence while staying connected to the people, services, and activities that enrich their lives.
"This generous $50,000 donation from the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore is an investment in independence, dignity, and quality of life for older adults and adults with disabilities across Niagara," said Carolyn Askeland, Executive Director of Happy in My Home. "Transportation is often the link that allows people to remain connected to healthcare, groceries, community programs, and the relationships that help them thrive. This new vehicle will enable us to meet growing demand, reduce operating costs, and reinvest those savings directly into expanding ride availability. We are deeply grateful to the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore for recognizing the importance of accessible transportation and for helping ensure that more people can continue living independently."
Club President Bryan Pett said the project reflects Rotary's long-standing commitment to making a lasting difference in the community.
"As we celebrate 40 years of service, there is no better way to honour our club's history than by investing in our community's future. This vehicle represents much more than transportation—it represents freedom, independence, and peace of mind for the people who depend on this service. We are proud to partner with Happy in My Home in helping make Niagara an even more caring and connected community."
Happy in My Home keeps its transportation program affordable, charging just 65 cents per kilometre for out-of-town trips and $13 for local round-trip rides with up to two stops. Supported by dedicated staff, carefully screened volunteers, and community partners, every ride provides much more than transportation—it provides reassurance, companionship, and the opportunity for people to continue living independently.
This donation is the latest chapter in the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore's 40-year commitment to improving lives across Niagara. In addition to supporting numerous local charities, the club has created lasting community projects, including Charles Ansell Park at Lock One on the Welland Canal and the Clarice West Hobbs Contemplative Garden at the Marotta Family Hospital. Every dollar raised through the club's fundraising events and the generosity of sponsors, volunteers, and community supporters is reinvested into projects that strengthen our community.
As Rotary enters its fifth decade of service in St. Catharines, the club remains committed to creating opportunities, building partnerships, and improving lives. Together with organizations like Happy in My Home, Rotary is helping ensure that more people can remain independent, connected, and cared for—one ride at a time.
