There’s something powerful about walking into a room full of strangers and instantly feeling like you’re among friends. That’s exactly how I felt during my recent visit to the Rotary Club of Buffalo—a chapter just a few years older than our own Rotary Hamilton Club, yet sharing the same timeless mission: Service Above Self.
As someone who’s deeply rooted in the Hamilton community, and preparing to take the helm as President of the Rotary Club of Hamilton, this visit was more than symbolic—it was a reminder that even in 2025, Rotary continues to connect people through purpose, not borders.
Buffalo’s club has a rich legacy of service, much like ours here in Hamilton. Sure, we may be divided by customs booths and our pronunciation of “sorry,” but the heart of Rotary beats the same on both sides of the border. It was clear from the moment I stepped into the meeting—this wasn’t just a visit, it was a connection.
We swapped banners, shared stories, and had some great laughs (yes, mostly about weather and taxes), and I walked away energized by the possibility of collaboration between clubs. If you haven’t had a chance, I highly recommend checking out the great work happening at the Rotary Club of Buffalo, as well as our own Rotary Club of Hamilton.
As Adam Oldfield, I wear a few hats in this city, but what keeps me grounded is a strong belief in giving back. Rotary has always been about showing up for your community—not just in words, but in action.
Because whether it’s service, leadership, or simply lending a hand where it’s needed, we’re stronger when we work together—and that has no borders.