Water, Sanitation & Hygiene: Uniting for Good Through Sustainable Communities
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
As we recognize March as Rotary’s focus on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, we are reminded that access to clean water and safe sanitation is fundamental to healthy communities. While these needs are often associated with developing regions around the world, they also remind us that strong infrastructure and environmental stewardship remain essential here at home across District North Atlantic.
Throughout our region, many communities continue to face challenges related to aging water infrastructure, environmental pressures, and the ongoing need to protect reliable access to clean drinking water. Rural and coastal communities in particular understand how vital sustainable water systems are to public health, economic stability, and long-term community growth. Supporting initiatives that promote water safety, environmental responsibility, and community awareness reflects Rotary’s commitment to improving quality of life close to home.
Globally, Rotary’s impact in water and sanitation has transformed communities by helping provide access to safe water sources, improved sanitation facilities, and hygiene education. These efforts do far more than address immediate needs — they help prevent disease, improve school attendance, strengthen local economies, and create lasting opportunity. When families have dependable access to clean water, entire communities are empowered to thrive.
Matthew Connolly (matthewconnolly56@gmail.com), from the RC of Kentville is a WASH Rotary Action Group Ambassador for our district. If a club is working on a global grant that involves Water- Sanitation or Hygiene, the WASH Rotary Action Group offers assistance to review the global grant. They will help put or suggest corrections for approval.
This work also tells an important story about who we are as Rotarians, and it plays a meaningful role in growing our membership. Many people today are looking for ways to contribute to solutions that create measurable and lasting impact. Rotary offers that opportunity. When prospective members see Rotarians improving lives both locally and globally through practical, sustainable projects, they recognize an organization where service truly matters.
Our theme this year, Unite for Good (Times), perfectly reflects the spirit behind this area of focus. Addressing water and sanitation challenges requires collaboration — across communities, professions, and even countries. When Rotary clubs unite their expertise, resources, and passion for service, we demonstrate how collective action can solve complex challenges.
As we move forward this month, I encourage each club to reflect on how water stewardship, environmental awareness, and community partnerships can continue to shape our service efforts. By working together and inviting others to join us in meaningful action, we strengthen both our impact and the future of Rotary across District North Atlantic.
Together, we continue to unite for good — ensuring healthier communities today and for generations to come.
Yours in Rotary service, Marcel A. Gervais
District Governor, District North Atlantic
March is Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Month
Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education are basic necessities for a healthy environment and a productive life.
When people have access to clean water and sanitation, waterborne diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families.
Through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, Rotary’s people of action mobilize resources, form partnerships, and invest in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change.
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. Be a part of something bigger—step up, make a difference, and help lead our District to new heights!
North Atlantic Rotary Atlantique Nord is seeking nominations from Rotary clubs in our district of any Past District Governor (PDG) interested and qualified to serve as :
The district representative (and alternate) for the Zone 28 Nominating Committee to select the next Rotary International Director to serve from June 2028 to June 30 2030.
The deadline for nominations by clubs for both positions is 12 Midnight Atlantic Time, Monday March 30th 2026.
Mark your calendars for May 16, 2026 as clubs across the district participate in the growing Epic Day of Service (https://www.epicdayofservice.org/) — a powerful movement uniting Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact in visible, hands-on community impact.
This year, North Atlantic is amplifying the momentum by building toward a month-long showcase of service throughout May 2026, culminating in one unified day of action over the Victoria Day long weekend.
From environmental cleanups to food security initiatives and community gardens, every registered project contributes to a larger demonstration of Rotary in Action.
👉 Read more to learn how your club can participate and register your project.
North Atlantic Rotary continues to create powerful spaces for youth to grow, connect, and lead.
In February, our Youth Exchange students gathered for a memorable ski weekend at Ski Martock, building friendships and confidence beyond the classroom. Interact leaders and Rotarian advisers came together virtually to collaborate on upcoming service initiatives, including participation in the Epic Month of May.
Nine youth from across our district have also been selected to attend the 4th Youth-to-Youth Truth and Reconciliation Experience at Six Nations of the Grand River this March — an important opportunity for learning, dialogue, and relationship-building.
This spring, leadership development continues with Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) 2026 in Truro, NS, equipping teens with practical leadership skills, teamwork strategies, and confidence to lead in their schools and communities.
👉 Read more for details, registration deadlines, and ways to get involved.
Prêt(e) à développer vos compétences en leadership et à approfondir votre impact au Rotary ? Excellente nouvelle ! Les inscriptions sont maintenant ouvertes pour le Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) en présentiel, le 11 avril 2026, de 8 h 30 à 16 h, au McKenzie College, Moncton, NB !
Cette expérience de leadership dynamique d’une journée complète est conçue pour renforcer vos connaissances du Rotary, élargir votre réseau et vous outiller avec des outils pratiques à ramener dans votre club. Que vous débutiez votre parcours RLI ou que vous complétiez le niveau 3, cet événement en personne est une occasion de vous connecter, collaborer et évoluer aux côtés de Rotariens de tout le district.
Les places sont limitées — choisissez votre niveau et inscrivez-vous dès aujourd’hui !
👉 Cliquez sur « Lire la suite » pour tous les détails et les liens d’inscription.
(Taken from Zone 28 newsletter) Doug chose not to have an obituary or a service. Thank you to Zone 28 Rotary Membership Coordinator Louisa Horne for sharing this beautiful tribute to a dynamic leader who will be missed by so many.
Zone 28 lost a special leader on February 19. My friend and colleague, Past District Governor Doug Logan (D7820, 2008-09), died with grace after a short illness. Having had a lifetime of service, he was currently serving as Z28 Action Plan Champion after a term as a successful Membership Coordinator.
Doug inspired, encouraged and mentored many Rotarians and his innovative mind will continue to influence my thinking. Doug and I spent countless hours talking on the phone, on long drives to Rotary events, over tea in his office, at conferences and elsewhere about how best to tell stories that would enable change. Doug was a true change agent – for him, there was no box to think outside of.
[Correction & Acknowledgement: In our previous publication, we inadvertently omitted coverage of the RCKCCFs December grant distribution. We regret the oversight and are pleased to now share the full story.]
The Rotary Clubs of Kings County Charitable Foundation (RCKCCF) exists to support, through a grant program, qualified organizations that serve seniors; provide poverty relief; assist individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities; offer immigration services; promote basic education, literacy, and employment training; advance environmental sustainability and education; support international development; and foster the arts.
In December, the Rotary Clubs of Kings County Charitable Foundation (RCKCCF) was proud to support seven inspiring projects with a total of $160,000 in funding, helping bring positive change to communities across Kings and Annapolis counties.
Since 2007, the Foundation—guided by a board of past Presidents from the Rotary Clubs of Kentville and Wolfville–Mud Creek—has grown to more than $3 million in assets and has distributed over $1.2 million in support of local initiatives. The seven projects that follow reflect this ongoing commitment to strengthening our communities and supporting ideas that make a real difference.
Read more to see how these seven projects are creating measurable, lasting impact. (larger picture also enclosed)
One Summit: Membership, Public Image & The Rotary Foundation Working Together will focus on club members gaining insights about how Membership, Public Image, and The Rotary Foundation work together to help clubs achieve impact, reach, engagement, and adaptability, and how a Club Action Plan can help clubs.
This One Summit will be a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas and learn about club growth and service and to then be prepared to return to your home club with ideas for implementation!
We are proud to announce Keynote Speaker Nabil Oudeh will be joining us as we Unite For Good Times - Shediac, New Brunswick – May 29–31, 2026!
📅 May 29: PELS & SELS – In-person learning sessions for all incoming Presidents and Secretaries 📅 May 30–31: North Atlantic District Conference 2026 – For Rotarians and partners
Join Us for the 2026 Beyond Borders Dinner in Taipei!
Rotarians from across our Zone are invited to celebrate fellowship and global connections at Director Chris Etienne's Beyond Borders Dinner during the Rotary International Convention in Taipei.
This special evening is a chance to connect with fellow Rotarians, enjoy inspiring conversation, and support our shared mission. Your presence matters—Rotarians from every district are welcome!
📅 Date: During the 2026 RI Convention in Taipei 🎟 Tickets & Info:Purchase here
(Full letter from Event Coordinators in 'read more')
Article #9: What Every Rotarian Should Know About The Rotary Foundation
The Rotary Foundation (TRF) is one of Rotary’s most powerful tools—but many members don’t fully understand how it works. At RLI, we make it simple: The Foundation is Rotary’s engine for doing good around the world, turning donations into projects with global impact.
Here’s what every Rotarian should know: 💰 Your donation to TRF supports projects locally and globally through District and Global Grants. 🌍 Clubs can apply for grant funding to amplify their service efforts. 🕊️ TRF funds peace fellowships, scholarships, and major initiatives like PolioPlus.
When members understand TRF, they’re more likely to support it—and use it. Your club might be one great idea away from grant funding that could multiply your impact.
Want more ideas like this? RLI offers 3 levels of interactive leadership development across Atlantic Canada.
Rotary Peace Center at Symbiosis International University will train peace and development professionals from across Asia
Leaders of Rotary International and Symbiosis International University gathered in Pune, India, to inaugurate a new Rotary Peace Center at the university. Supported through The Rotary Foundation, the center will provide experienced peacebuilders from across Asia with one-year professional development certificate fellowships to study subjects such as conflict transformation, sustainable development, and social change.
(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.
North Atlantic Rotary Atlantique Nord is seeking nominations from Rotary clubs in our district of any Past District Governor (PDG) interested and qualified to serve as :
In February, our Youth Exchange students gathered for a memorable ski weekend at Ski Martock, building friendships and confidence beyond the classroom. Interact leaders and Rotarian advisers came together virtually to collaborate on upcoming service initiatives, including participation in the Epic Month of May.
PELS & SELS Installment Three: Building Flourishing Clubs
Unite for Good – Mini Conference 2026
Silent Auction
Fellowship
Evening Social
Rotary Peace Center at Symbiosis International University will train peace and development professionals from across Asia
