SUNRISER NEWS
The Scots are Coming!

They're back! The Scots have returned to Canada for the bi-annual curling exchange that has been going on for 70 YEARS! They will be landing in Norfolk County on the infamous Friday the 13th!!! If you would like to come watch some curling, you're welcome to come to the Simcoe Curling Club. The games begin at 1:30. Piper included!!

The Power of the Rotary Family
From Planting Daffodils to Planting New Roots:
One chance encounter, a journey through unimaginable challenges, and a powerful reminder of what Rotary can accomplish through friendship, compassion, and Service Above Self.
Some of the most meaningful Rotary experiences begin with a simple act of community service.
In September 2021, while members of the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) were planting daffodil bulbs along the community hiking/biking trail, a young mother and her toddler daughter approached us to ask what we were doing and whether they could help. They introduced themselves as Yuliia and Yeva, recently arrived from Ukraine.
Yuliia was interested in learning more about Rotary and soon became involved with our club. In December 2021, Rudi Atkinson had the pleasure of sponsoring her membership at our Christmas celebration. Little did we know how important that connection would become.
A Journey Through Uncertainty
In February 2022, Yuliia, her husband Alex, and Yeva returned to Ukraine to attend to urgent family matters. Just two weeks later, Russia invaded.
Living in Kyiv, the family was forced to flee their apartment when warnings of impending bombing reached them. They packed what they could into their small car and escaped to Yuliia's parents' village in the Poltava region.
Despite the danger and uncertainty, Yuliia made every effort to stay connected with our Rotary club, sometimes travelling to the village community centre simply to access Wi-Fi and join our Zoom meetings.
Throughout their time in Ukraine, Yuliia and Rudi communicated daily. Their dream was to return to Canada, but the journey was dangerous and complicated. It took a year and a half of perseverance before they finally made it back.
On July 17, 2023, Yuliia, Alex, and Yeva arrived in Canada with just five suitcases between them. Alex had been accepted into a program at Fanshawe College in St. Thomas, which would become their new home.
Rotary in Action
This is where the Rotary family truly demonstrated the meaning of Service Above Self.
Members of the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, Jennifer Rogers of Port Dover, and the St. Thomas Rotary Club came together to help furnish and equip the family's basement apartment. Through donations, household necessities, and practical assistance, Rotarians helped give them a fresh start.
RCNS members are deeply grateful to everyone who stepped forward. Their generosity demonstrated that Rotary is much more than an organization or a weekly meeting. It is a family of people who care and are willing to help when it matters most.
Cheque Presentations

On Friday, Oct 23 the Rotary club of Norfolk Sunrise presented a cheque to the Port Dover Legion to assist with the costs of the new fire suppression unit in their kitchen. Funds were made available through the clubs Catch the Ace fundraiser held every Friday at the legion.
Pictured are (L to R)

Gail Catherwood (RCNS member) , Wally Breen ( President of Legion) , Keith Jones ( RCNS member) , Jim Pilkington ( Legion member) and Gail Bouw (RCNS member)
 

On Tuesday Nov 2 the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) presented a cheque at Lynndale School for the CNN part of  R.E.A.C.H. 53 schools across HN County offer student snack and/or breakfast programs. At Lynndale approximately 100 students attend the breakfast program 3 times per week. RCNS thanks the many volunteers who help to make these programs possible and to the various donors who support the CNN. In addition schools run fundraisers to support the program at their school.

L to R
Melissa Blunt, Lynndale School Principal, Joanne Kiefer , RCNS, Sharon Smyth, Children’s Nutrition Network, (CNN) David Douglas, RCNS, Amanda Simoes, Program Coordinator Lynndale School
 

Calendar
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Speakers Corner
Past Speakers
Julie Kent & Jennifer Carrier
Oct 27, 2026 7:00 AM
Norfolk County Public Library-Sensory Room
District Governor Joanne Serkeyn
Oct 20, 2026 7:00 AM
Club Visit
Paul Zorad
Oct 06, 2026 7:00 AM
Electric vehicles
View entire list...

Paul Harris Fellows 2026:

John Wallace and Steve Malo

Eric and Adele Haverkamp

Carolyn Nordheimer

Maria Kinkel

Whisky Tasting Fundraiser

 

🥃 **WHISKY LOVERS, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU!** 🥃
Get ready for a night of incredible pours, great company, and unforgettable memories!
Join us for the **1st Annual Rotary Norfolk Sunrise Whisky Tasting Night** – an evening dedicated to discovering exceptional flavours, sampling new favourites, and celebrating all things whisky!
Whether you're a seasoned whisky enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of whisky, there's a seat at the table waiting for you. Bring your friends, raise a glass, and enjoy a night filled with flavour, fun, and a little whisky magic!
🚨 **SPACE IS LIMITED AND SEATS ARE GOING FAST!** Don't miss your chance to be part of this exciting first annual event. Grab your tickets before they're gone!
🎟️ **GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!**
📧 Email **whisky.folk@yahoo.com** to reserve your seats.
🥃 Great whisky. Great people. A great night for a great cause!
**Cheers! We can't wait to raise a glass with you!**
2026-27 
in 
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Sunrisers in 2026-27