We love connecting with people, other organizations, and their ideas!
If you have a project, initiative, or speaker idea you want us to consider, please Contact Us. 
People of Action

President's Message for 2024-25

Maria Khan

member photo

Dear Rotarians and friends,

I am pleased and proud to serve as the President of the Rotary Club of Ottawa in this 108th year of its inception.

In the tapestry of philanthropy and goodwill that we weave, each Rotary initiative and project represents a gesture of kindness, a beacon of hope, and a testament to our unwavering resolve.

It is Rotary’s service that defines our distinguished organization. As we embark on another year and continue our journey of altruism and community upliftment, I stand resolute in our commitment to fostering positive change and creating an environment for a sustainable impact.

Our collective efforts, dedication, and a shared vision, have paved the way for transformative initiatives that resonate far beyond our immediate sphere. Together, we exemplify the epitome of service above self, embodying the very core principles upon which the Rotary Club was founded.

Let us continue to embrace diversity, inclusiveness, and innovation, to illuminate the path towards a brighter and more equitable future for all.

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of societal needs and global challenges, let us draw strength from our unity and tenacity. May our actions speak volumes and work towards empowerment to those we serve and inspire.

Together, let us forge ahead with courage, compassion, and conviction, knowing that our collective impact transcends borders and transforms lives. In unity and service, we stand for positive change and meaningful progress.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Maria Khan - President, Rotary Club of Ottawa  (2024-2025)

 
Club Happenings
York Public School Kitchen Project
Representatives from the Ottawa Rotary Club (Che Weist and Robert Therrien) were honored to attend a donor appreciation event at York Street Public School on May 15th, 2025.  In conjunction with its Children's Foundation, the Ottawa Rotary Club provided $8,600 to equip the school's new community kitchen.  This was only one of several amazing projects undertaken by the school this year.  We would like to thank the wonderful staff at York Street Public School, and especially their incredibly dynamic principal, Mr. Jonathan Coupland, for their tireless work and dedication to improving the school and making their community a better place to live and learn.
 
Ottawa Foodbank Volunteer Day

This past week, members of Rotary Ottawa club rolled up their sleeves and volunteered at the Ottawa Food Bank to help sort food donations. Together, we helped sort food for distribution to families and individuals in need across our community. It was a rewarding experience that embodied Rotary’s commitment to service above self.

Thank you to everyone who came out to make a difference—we’re proud to support such an essential organization in our city!
Downtown Historic and Fellowship Walk
On January 25th, members of the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of Ottawa met for a guided historic walk of downtown Ottawa. We talked about the history of the Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill, the Chateau Laurier and Sparks Street, among the spots visited.

Read more...
Dictionaries 4 Life, Rotary Club of Ottawa
 
On a cold January morning, rotarians Angela Kelly, Robert Therrien and Ché Weist visited the Centennial Public School in Ottawa to distribute dictionaries to grade 3 students. This wonderful tradition has been coordinated for many years by rotarian John Lark.
 
The school staff and custodians were very welcoming. A guided tour of different classrooms showed  the professional care and extra attention provided, especially to young students with special needs. 
 
Read more...
December-4-2024 PARKDALE FOOD CENTRE - Recipes for Change

PARKDALE FOOD CENTRE - Recipes for Change

We have created a new style of event called Recipes for Change with aims to help fund our operations, provide an outlet for teams to engage with our community in the kitchen, and learn a little bit more about our food systems and have some deeper conversations about our relationship with the community and food security. Also it's super fun!
 
Everything is provided by Parkdale including ingredients, recipes, packaging, chef instruction and guidance, set up, tear down, and dishwasher.
 
Read more...
Community Financial Support in 2022-23
With support from the Rotary Ottawa Children's Foundation, the Community Service Committee funded these worthwhile local community-based charitable organizations and their projects in 2022-2023:   
Read more...
Podcasts and More
Upcoming Events
Adventure in Citizenship 2025 / Redécouvrons Notre Citoyenneté 2025
A unique and special program for 160 youth May 25-28! 
See the Video too!
Free Reading Program
A complete, fun, interactive English literacy program for grades K to 6.  Click the logo to create a "classroom" on our club's campus, add your learners, and you're all set.  It's an engaging platform with over 3600 activities!
More info at Be Reading. 
Literacy lasts a lifetime. 
Rotary Club of Ottawa meets...

We meet In Person & Online
Mondays at 12:00 p.m.
Jack Purcell Centre and online
320 Jack Purcell Lane
Ottawa, ON K2P 2J5
Canada
Our club meets twice a month. 1. In-Person: Second Monday of the month at 12 pm at Jack Purcell Community Centre (320 Jack Purcell Lane). Please confirm your attendance. 2. Online: Fourth Monday of the month. Time: 7pm. Link to be sent.
Join Us Online [Login to view details]
District Site
Club Links
RSS
From e-waste to empowerment

How a Rotary initiative turns old computers into new opportunities

Rotary projects around the globe June 2025

Learn how Rotary clubs are taking action in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Italy, Uganda, and Taiwan.

A moment in time: Rotary magazine's 2025 Photo Awards

Sparks fly as Rotary members focus their cameras and freeze-frame the wonders of the world for Rotary magazine’s 2025 Photo Awards.

Club goes on the march against domestic violence

Club goes on the march against domestic

Club Executives & Directors
President
Maria Khan
Ex-officio, Children's Foundation
Ché Weist
Director
Carol McCalla
Secretary
Maria Reyes
Treasurer
Alan Acton
Director
Andre Bourdon
Director
John Lark
Director
Rady Osman
Chair - Community Service
Robert Therrien
Chair - International Service
Ché Weist

AIC partners / sponsors:

 
 

Desjardins Ontario Credit Union
 
 

The many Rotary Clubs across Canada who sponsor their students' participation and travel.
York Public School Kitchen Project
Representatives from the Ottawa Rotary Club (Che Weist and Robert Therrien) were honored to attend a donor appreciation event at York Street Public School on May 15th, 2025.  In conjunction with its Children's Foundation, the Ottawa Rotary Club provided $8,600 to equip the school's new community kitchen.  This was only one of several amazing projects undertaken by the school this year.  We would like to thank the wonderful staff at York Street Public School, and especially their incredibly dynamic principal, Mr. Jonathan Coupland, for their tireless work and dedication to improving the school and making their community a better place to live and learn.
 
Ottawa Foodbank Volunteer Day

This past week, members of Rotary Ottawa club rolled up their sleeves and volunteered at the Ottawa Food Bank to help sort food donations. Together, we helped sort food for distribution to families and individuals in need across our community. It was a rewarding experience that embodied Rotary’s commitment to service above self.

Thank you to everyone who came out to make a difference—we’re proud to support such an essential organization in our city!
Dictionaries 4 Life, Rotary Club of Ottawa
 
On a cold January morning, rotarians Angela Kelly, Robert Therrien and Ché Weist visited the Centennial Public School in Ottawa to distribute dictionaries to grade 3 students. This wonderful tradition has been coordinated for many years by rotarian John Lark.
 
The school staff and custodians were very welcoming. A guided tour of different classrooms showed  the professional care and extra attention provided, especially to young students with special needs. 
 
Read more...
Downtown Historic and Fellowship Walk
On January 25th, members of the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of Ottawa met for a guided historic walk of downtown Ottawa. We talked about the history of the Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill, the Chateau Laurier and Sparks Street, among the spots visited.

Read more...
Evening on the Rideau

On Thursday, November 7th, at the Art Gallery of Ottawa, members of the Rotary Club of Ottawa attended a fundraising event to support Operation Come Home in its valuable efforts to reduce, and hopefully eliminate, youth homelessness in Ottawa.