History of The Rotary Club of Sydney-Sunrise

SYDNEY-SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB

OUR HISTORY

The Sydney Sunrise Rotary Club was formed in 1995 as a Thursday breakfast meeting club. We were initially comprised of some members of the lunchtime Sydney Rotary Club, some former Rotarians and new recruits to Rotary.

Our new breakfast club achieved a membership of 32 members in our first winter of existence and was presented with our charter in February of 1996.

At that time, the Sydney Sunrise Rotary Club became a member of the world-wide brotherhood and sisterhood of Rotary.

The club’s first meeting place was at the Cape Bretoner Motel on King’s Road. Our meeting venue changed location a few times over the years, but for the past several years we have met at the Quality Inn on King’s Road.

Although the number of members has fluctuated over the years, a strong, dedicated core from the early years remains. Currently our membership hovers around the 31 member mark.

A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere exists at our weekly meetings, but although not strictly formal, the club does function in a professional manner. We also enjoy several social activities during the year at which spouses, family members and friends are encouraged to participate.

Various organizations, charities, groups and individuals have benefited from the participation and support of the Sydney Sunrise Rotary Club.

To date over $200,000 has been raised for the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation.. We have also supported and continue to support such causes as Loaves and Fishes Food Bank, the Glace Bay Food Bank, New Dawn Guest Home, Glace Bay High School Interact Club, Glace Bay High scholarship fund, and more.

Other projects include support for medical excursions to South America and Africa, a well in Africa, a school for Haitian children in the Dominican Republic, as well in the past have supported international student exchanges.

Our club and the other Cape Breton Rotary clubs host the annual "Ribfest" at Open hearth Park in Sydney, the biggest summer event on the island, monies raised from this event have gone to support Hospice Cape Breton, The Regional Hospital Foundation and The United Way.

We are also the Proud host club of Past District Governor Ian Doyle and The Late David Muise.

Although proud of our short but successful history, the Sydney Sunrise Rotary Club continues to plan for the future, with a strategic plan which guides us and is reviewed and updated on a yearly basis.