This Membership Month, let's embrace the exciting possibilities ahead. Whether it's exploring new meeting formats, reaching out to former program participants, or simply sharing our Rotary story with enthusiasm, each of us has a role in building a stronger, more diverse Rotary family. Together, we can ensure that the spirit of "Service Above Self" continues to thrive across North Atlantic Rotary for generations to come.
Our region has unique strengths that position us well for membership growth. From our vibrant university communities to our growing technology sectors, from our strong healthcare networks to our deep-rooted tradition of community support, our district offers rich soil for cultivating new Rotarians. Young professionals today are actively seeking organizations where they can contribute meaningfully, build genuine connections, and develop leadership skills – exactly what Rotary provides.
One of the most promising developments is the emergence of flexible club models that meet people where they are in their busy lives. Service Companion Clubs, for example, focus primarily on hands-on community service with more flexible meeting schedules, appealing especially to young professionals who want to make a real difference but need alternatives to traditional weekly lunch meetings. These models are creating opportunities for working parents, shift workers, and others who previously couldn't participate fully in Rotary to become engaged members.
As we celebrate Membership Month, it's an exciting time to reflect on the incredible potential that lies ahead for Rotary across Atlantic Canada, St. Pierre & Miquelon. While we've faced membership challenges in recent years, innovative clubs around the world are discovering fresh approaches that are transforming their communities and attracting dynamic new members. The good news? These proven strategies align perfectly with our Rotary values of fellowship, community, service, and helping our neighbors. I'm energized by the conversations happening in clubs across our district about membership growth and renewal.
Yours in Rotary,
DG Marcel Gervais
August is Membership and New Club Development Month
Impact starts with our members — people like you who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
This month, we focus on welcoming new members and finding innovative ways to engage busy professionals and diverse communities. Flexible club models and creative meeting formats make it easier than ever to get involved and contribute to meaningful projects.
By inviting friends, colleagues, and neighbors to experience Rotary, we strengthen our clubs and expand our impact across the district. Let’s work together to grow a vibrant Rotary community that reflects the spirit of service and fellowship.
We need YOU to help shape the future of Rotary District 7815! With multiple positions available, now is your chance to bring your ideas, passion, and leadership to the table. Whether you're experienced, or just looking to make a bigger impact, there’s a place for you on our District Board. Together, we can strengthen our clubs, amplify our community efforts, and create lasting change. Be a part of something bigger—step up, make a difference, and help lead our District to new heights! We’re stronger with you on board!
District Governor for the Rotary year 2028-29,and for
The District Representative (and Alternate) for the Council on Legislation / Resolutions from January 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028
Please send completed Nomination Forms to PDG Don Sword rotary7815dgsword@gmail.com, with a copy to Brian Smith, District Executive Secretary at smithrsx@gmail.com by Friday, September 19, 2025, at 4:00pm ADT.
For more details, please review the call for nominations document HEREor on the District website under Club Resources-Nomination Forms
Dalhousie Rotary Club President Paula Boudreau named Citizen of the Year.
Congratulations to Paula Boudreau for being chosen for Citizen of the year at the opening ceremony for Bon Ami Festival under the big Tent at the Inch Arran in Dalhousie, NB.
From left to right President Cynthia Good-Cormier, Citizen of the year Paula Boudreau and Mayor Normand Pelletier.
Make a gift by donating online, by telephone or by mailing a cheque to The Rotary Foundation (Canada). Your gift will help support Rotary’s vital work in promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and and empowering people and communities.
Call into The Rotary Support Center and make a payment over the phone with your credit card. Call 1-866-976-8279 (1-866-9ROTARY) to make your donation. The Rotary Support Center is available for calls during weekdays
Make your cheque payable to The Rotary Foundation (Canada) and send it with a completed recognition/contribution form, Click here for a copy of the form or here for a multiple donor form. For where to send the donation(s), please visit our Contact page
Thank you for your continued generosity and support!
Read more for other ways to give to The Rotary Foundation (Canada)!
Call for District International Service Committee members
The District International Service Committee is looking to find a few people interested in joining. Ideally, candidates will have some experience with International Service projects and will come from all the District’s areas.
International service is a high priority for Rotary — it supports all of RI’s strategic priorities and is an Avenue of Service that promotes international understanding, goodwill, and peace. Your committee plays an important role in getting clubs involved in these activities.
Exciting things are happening in Youth Services across District 7815! We’re actively looking for passionate volunteers to support Youth Exchange, RYLA, and HIP 2026. If you’re ready to help create life-changing opportunities for youth, we’d love to have you join one of our committees.
Let’s continue working together to create amazing opportunities for young people in our District!
This is your go-to spot for all things PI — tips, templates, highlights from around the District, and real examples of what’s working. Whether you're new to Public Image or a seasoned storyteller, this is the place to stay connected and inspired!
Thank You for Participating in the Rotary District Conference 2025
Thank you to everyone who attended the Rotary District Conference in June! Whether or not you were able to join us, we kindly ask that you take a few minutes to complete this short survey. Your feedback is invaluable and will help us improve future events.
Thank you, Donald G. (Don) Sword, Past District Governor, Rotary District 7815 2024-25 and Stephanie Letemplier, Chair, North Atlantic Rotary Conference 2025
Do you have a passion for leadership development? Are you looking for a way to contribute to the growth and success of clubs across our district?
We’re excited to announce that applications are now open for the District Facilitator role for the 2026–2029 term and Discover Rotary has just launched.
From Member to Leader – What Makes a Great Rotary Club Leader?
Leadership in Rotary doesn’t always look like a title or a gavel. Some of the best Rotary leaders aren’t club presidents or committee chairs—they’re the ones who show up, speak up, and step up.
At the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI), we ask: what makes someone a great leader in Rotary? And the answer is often simpler—and more powerful—than you’d think...
Rotary Friendship Exchanges continue to be one of the most rewarding ways we build global understanding, create lasting friendships, and showcase the spirit of Rotary. This year has already been filled with incredible moments—from our District 7815 team’s unforgettable trip to Peru, to welcoming a vibrant group of Peruvian Rotarians here at home.
More exciting exchanges are on the horizon! We’re preparing to host teams from Texas and Wisconsin, and discussions are underway with districts in Croatia, the Netherlands, New Orleans, Washington, Oregon, and more. Interest in visiting Eastern Canada is growing—and with your help, we’ll continue to be gracious, enthusiastic hosts.
Read more to see photos, read about our recent visits, future plans, and see how you can take part!
District Governor Marcel Gervais has been hitting the road, visiting clubs across District 7815 as part of his DG "Roadshow! From inspiring club meetings to community events and project tours, Marcel’s journey has been all about connection, collaboration, and celebrating the great work happening throughout our District.
And he’s not done yet — with many more visits to come, the Roadshow is just getting started!
Click read more to check out some fun photos from the road.
The talented Mr. Handyside: A Nova Scotian broadcasts his Rotary bona fides in multiple ways. As seen in section "Profile" in the July 2025 issue of The Rotarian Magazine
"Over the last 20 years, Handyside also became actively engaged in Rotary. He had been acquainted with Rotary in England; a master warrant officer brought him to his first meeting in Canada. Handyside has since served as president of the Rotary Club of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and he’s been a member of the Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour since 2014. "We’re a breakfast club," he says, "We’re busy, we’re diverse, we’re young, we’re active, we’re different."...
A Chat with 2025-2026 Rotary International President, Francesco Arezzo
Francesco Arezzo was sitting with a friend at his district conference when he received a call, asking him to leave the room and join a Zoom meeting with the Rotary International Board of Directors. A few minutes later, Arezzo learned that he’d been chosen as RI president for 2025-26, the third Italian and the first from southern Italy to lead the global membership organization. Since the news hadn’t been officially announced, he couldn’t tell anyone. But soon, he noticed phones coming out all over the room.
“When the news arrived on social media at about 11 p.m., we were in the middle of the gala dinner,” he says. “You can imagine more than 400 Rotarians all finding out on their phones. It was quite an unforgettable moment. All of a sudden, they all lined up to kiss me and offer their congratulations. I was deeply touched.”
Divers with Disabilities find Peace in Deep Waters
When Elliott launched Diveheart in 2001, his vision was simple: He wanted to introduce people with limited mobility to scuba diving, a sport that he loved. Intuitively, he thought someone with, say, a spinal cord injury could benefit from the sensation of weightlessness in the water. He hoped to make scuba more accessible and welcoming to all.
“The thrill for me is when a diver first looks down, and they go, ‘Oh my God, I’m standing up. I’m not in my wheelchair,” Elliott says.
The nonprofit Diveheart introduces people with an array of disabilities to “scuba therapy.”
(If you have any comments or questions, please contact the editor)
This bulletin was sent to our French-speaking clubs in French. If you received the English version, but would prefer the French version, please send an email to our Bulletin Editor.
Impact starts with our members — people like you who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
