The Rotary Club of Hamilton has been at the heart of community service in our city for over 110 years. Week after week, year after year, our Club has brought together dedicated individuals who are passionate about building a better Hamilton. What makes Rotary truly unique is the unwavering commitment to hands-on service, thoughtful collaboration, and long-term impact—all grounded in a consistent rhythm of weekly action.
A Local Legacy with a Global Mission
Founded in 1913, the Rotary Club of Hamilton is one of Canada’s oldest and most active service clubs. As part of the global Rotary International network, we uphold a shared mission to unite people in service, foster integrity, and advance goodwill through meaningful humanitarian work. That mission comes to life every week through our local programs, partnerships, and on-the-ground initiatives in neighbourhoods across Hamilton.
While Rotary’s reach is global, our impact begins right here at home. Every week, our members gather at McMaster Innovation Park—our central hub for Rotary @ Noon meetings—to plan and activate service projects that directly address the needs of Hamiltonians. These are not just casual gatherings. They are working sessions where ideas turn into action, partnerships are formed, and measurable progress is made.
Weekly Work that Builds Community
The strength of our Club lies in its consistency. Each week, Rotary members review progress, brainstorm solutions, and deploy volunteers into the community. This steady and structured commitment ensures that no initiative is a one-off—it is part of a wider effort to build a healthier, more inclusive, and opportunity-rich city.
Youth Education and Literacy
One of our core focus areas is education. The Rotary Summer Literacy Program has been running for over 25 years and continues to offer free, high-quality camp-style programming to children in Kindergarten through Grade 5. This initiative removes financial barriers, fosters a love of reading, and keeps children learning during the summer months.
In addition to the camp, our Club supports literacy year-round through projects like A Book for Every Child, the Chris Cutler Book Program, and book donations delivered directly to schools and community libraries. These programs are more than just book giveaways—they are investments in the futures of Hamilton’s children.
Holiday Giving and Winter Support
Another vital part of our service is ensuring every child feels the magic of the holiday season. Through our leadership of the Children’s Christmas Celebration, we serve over 700 students from Cathy Wever School with a full Christmas meal, gifts, warm winter gear, and a book to take home. It’s the largest hands-on service event our Club leads each year, and it would not be possible without the weekly planning and commitment of our members.
We also proudly run Operation Santa Claus and the Christmas Tree of Hope, which together collect and distribute toys to over 25 local agencies. These programs are supported by community toy drives, corporate partners, and volunteers across Hamilton—all working toward one goal: making sure no child goes without during the holidays.
Community Outreach and Support
Our service doesn’t stop with children. Each week, Rotary members support a range of broader initiatives such as the Meals of Hope Van, which provides food and essentials to vulnerable residents in the downtown core, and the COREKids Program, offering free after-school activities, leadership training, and family engagement in the Landsdale and Gibson neighbourhoods.
From park cleanups to Easter egg hunts, from supporting local shelters to hosting Bingo fundraisers that power our programs—Rotary members are there, week after week, responding to where help is needed most.
Strategic Collaboration and Civic Engagement
The impact of Rotary in Hamilton is amplified by strategic partnerships. Weekly meetings include coordination with local non-profits, schools, city departments, and service agencies to ensure our efforts align with real needs. Whether it’s delivering Junior Achievement financial literacy programs in schools or supporting the development of the Liberian Learning Center overseas, our work is grounded in collaboration and accountability.
The Rotary Club of Hamilton is also proud to foster ethical leadership. We believe that civic service is both a responsibility and a privilege. That’s why we empower members to take on leadership roles, mentor others, and represent Rotary’s values in all areas of life—from local boards to global conferences.
A Culture of Weekly Commitment and Collective Care
At its core, the Rotary Club of Hamilton is more than a service club—it is a community of changemakers. The rhythm of our weekly service builds momentum, creates stability, and fosters a sense of shared responsibility across generations. We don’t just meet to talk about making a difference. We meet to make it happen.
Join Us in Building a More Inclusive Hamilton
If you believe in giving back, creating opportunity, and making real, visible change in your community, we welcome you to get involved. The Rotary Club of Hamilton offers a place for people of all backgrounds and professions to contribute meaningfully, learn from one another, and build a city that reflects the best of what we can do—together.To learn how you can join or support our initiatives, visit rotaryclubhamilton.ca. Whether through volunteering, donating, or becoming a member, there’s a place for you at Rotary. Every week matters. Every action counts. And together, we’re building a stronger Hamilton.