When it comes to the three local Rotary Clubs in the Peterborough area, it’s not a competition: everyone pulls together to improve our community.
The presidents of all three local Rotary Clubs participated in the 38th annual BEL Rotary Polar Plunge on Sunday (February 4) at Chemong Lake at Rotary Park in Ennismore. Held during the annual PolarFest weekend, the Polar Plunge is organized by the Rotary Club of Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield. In the past 37 years, BEL Rotary has raised more than $650,000 for charities and local organizations.
This year’s plunge, which had a “Superheroes” theme, raised more than $20,000. Andi van Koeverden, President of the Rotary Club of Peterborough, was dressed as Wonder Woman. Trevor Copeland, President of BEL Rotary, was dressed as Batman. And Len Lifchus, President of the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha, created his own superhero: “Rotary Man”.
Lifchus himself raised $320 for The Warming Room in Peterborough, along with another $1,445 raised through pledges made at the BEL Rotary Polar Plunge website. The Warming Room provides shelter and a hot meal on cold winter nights for those living in poverty.
Last year, the 45 members of the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha raised more than $100,000 for local projects. In addition to The Warming Room, members supported Peterborough Musicfest, One Roof Dinner, Special Needs Day at the Ex, United Way’s Back Pack for Kids, Hospice Peterborough’s Every Moment Matters Campaign, Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Family Literacy Day, ReFrame Film Festival, Easter Seals, Rotary’s Super Spring Cleanup and River Road Cleanup.
Each year, the club also assists the Salvation Army with their hamper program and Extra Special Book program ensuring that children are provided with their own books for Christmas.
“The overwhelming majority of the money raised here stays here to support community organizations and initiatives,” Lifchus says. “Rotarians are committed to making a difference right here at home, as well as responding to needs abroad. This past year, 90 per cent of the money raised support projects in Peterborough.”
As another example of the local Rotary Clubs working together, both the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha and the Rotary Club of Peterborough are each contributing $25,000 towards an outdoor gym to be constructed at Beavermead Park this spring.
Also supported with a contribution of $40,000 from the City of Peterborough, the new outdoor gym will include a variety of exercise machines including some that will be accessible for people with disabilities.
