No secret handshake. No funny hat. Just people who want to make a difference.
The Rotary Club of Hamilton brings together business owners, professionals and community leaders who like to roll up their sleeves. We have been doing it since 1913 as Hamilton’s original Rotary club, and we are part of a global network of more than 1.2 million Rotarians.
If you want to give back, meet great people and actually see the difference you are making, you will fit right in.
Come for lunch. Stay for the people.
The best way to find out what Rotary is all about is to show up. Join us as our guest at Rotary @ Noon: a good lunch, an interesting speaker and a room full of people who care about Hamilton.
- When: Thursdays at noon (except the first Thursday of the month)
- Where: McMaster Innovation Park, 175 Longwood Rd S, Hamilton
- Can’t make it in person? Our meetings are hybrid, so you can join online.
Let us know you’re coming and we will save you a seat. Check the calendar for special meetings and summer schedules.
Find your fit
- Rotarian ($350 a year): Full club membership with access to our meetings, projects and Rotary’s global network.
- Corporate ($600 a year): One Rotarian plus up to three Associate Members from your organization, with added marketing and promotional opportunities.
- Friend of Rotary: Help out at fundraisers, service projects and socials without the commitment of full membership.
- Imperium Legati: An invitation-only honorary circle for civic leaders, appointed by the Board.
What we actually do
Rotary isn’t just about meetings. It’s about showing up for your community and making a real difference.
Operation Santa Claus
When CHML closed, Rotary stepped up to keep this Hamilton holiday tradition alive, so local kids and families still have gifts under the tree. Learn more.
World of Choices Career Day
Every spring, Rotarians serve lunch to more than 200 Grade 7 and 8 students and help them explore careers and possibilities. See how it works.
Kids and literacy, year round
From literacy, nutrition and after-school programs at the Wever Community Hub to our Summer Literacy Camp, Junior Achievement and A Book for Every Child, supporting children and youth is at the heart of what we do.
Around the world
Hamilton Rotarians also support polio eradication, ShelterBox disaster relief, the Liberian Learning Centre, Ukrainian crisis support and Rotary Peace Fellowships.
Why people join
- Real connections. Get to know business and community leaders from across Hamilton.
- Hands-on impact. Help out locally and around the world, and see the results for yourself.
- Leadership growth. Chair a committee, lead a project or serve on the Board.
- Good friends. Honestly, it’s a big part of why people stay.
Hamilton’s original Rotary club
Our first meeting was held on June 26, 1913, at Fong Young’s Cafe on King William Street. That made us the third Rotary club in Canada and the 82nd in the world. In 2019, the Rotary Club of Hamilton Mountain joined us, making us Hamilton’s oldest and largest club.
More than a century later, our vision is simple: engaging the Hamilton community to help children and youth, locally and internationally, reach their full potential.
Ready to take the next step?
Come to lunch as our guest. Or, if you already know Rotary is for you, apply online and our Membership team will be in touch to set up a conversation.