This is the last month of the Rotary year, and I wanted to thank everyone within North Atlantic Rotary for the opportunity to again serve as a District Governor. I stepped into this role in December and six months have passed by in a flash.
On July 1st I will pass the baton of leadership to Marcel Gervais of the Rotary Club of Moncton to carry on as the new Governor of D7815.
So, here are the “Ten Top Things” I am thankful for from my second tour of duty as a DG.
PDG Jillian Gibson, who made the difficult decision to step down due to her health challenges, had successful surgery to repair her cerebrospinal fluid leak and was well enough to attend the gala on May 31st at the district conference in Halifax! It was fantastic to see her, and we all wish her well as she continues to return to good health.
PDG Jillian left a legacy of a fantastic leadership team and organization structure featuring committees and action teams that has continued to operate very well. Our district has a solid foundation to move forward into a bright future. Thank you to the entire district leadership team – the DG Line, the Executive Officers, the Directors, the Committee members and the Area Governors. You made my life easy!
We had a very successful district conference in Halifax from May 30- June 1 with great speakers on themes that included membership, peace, polio eradication and much more. Everyone left motivated to “take action” in their local clubs and to meet again next year at the conference in Shediac, NB, May 29-31, 2026!
PDG Jillian’s “One Magic Project” initiative was well supported, and the conference was able to showcase several of the best projects at the district conference. The big winners were the local communities that benefited from the “white glove treatment” from each service project.
District Foundation Chair Wayne Thompson recruited a strong committee, held two retreats, and put in place some smart goals. The results were impressive this year. Check out the Bulletin section on Foundation to see for yourself!
Our Magical Major Gifts Campaign to raise US$1 Million for The Rotary Foundation (Canada) officially wraps up June 30th but at the District Conference we announced that we have already achieved campaign donations and bequests totalling over US$1.6 Million!
Youth services in our district continuing to be well supported with about 10 outbound and inbound Youth Exchanges, 2 RYLA events, new Interact clubs and our district hosted a successful Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP) event at Acadia University! Rotaract clubs are continuing to rebound after the drop during the pandemic.
The PDG Council established our new district-wide awards that were presented at the district conference. Congratulations to all the clubs that applied and all Rotarians who were nominated and especially our 2025 winners: “Club of the Year”, New Minas Sunrise and “Rotarian of the Year”, Holly Thompson, District Data Management Chair and President of her own club.
Our district’s Membership Committee held a successful retreat in March and has put in place a solid foundation for membership growth within existing clubs and new club development. We were inspired at the district conference when we heard from Partick Longano about Companion clubs and membership growth strategies. Just in time for an increased emphasis on membership in 2025-26 Rotary year!
Finally, I am grateful that Marcel Gervais is ready, willing and able to lead the district during 2025-26 and that two amazing Rotarians are following him – Chris Hornberger of Halifax Harbour in 2026-27 and Wayne Thompson of Summerside in 2027-28.
Thank you all for the opportunity to again serve as DG. It has been an honour and privilege!
Yours in Rotary Service,
District Governor Don Sword
Rotary Club of Avalon Northeast, NL
June is Rotary Fellowships Month
Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience.
Rotary Fellowships are international groups of Rotary members who come together based on shared interests in recreational activities, sports, hobbies, or professional fields. These fellowships offer members the opportunity to further their vocational development, enhance their Rotary experience, and connect with others around the world.
Operated independently from Rotary International, each fellowship establishes its own rules, dues, and administrative structure. Membership is open not only to Rotarians but also to their family members, as well as participants and alumni of all Rotary and Rotary Foundation programs. To ensure global reach, fellowships must have active members in at least three countries.
By participating in fellowships, members can build lasting friendships beyond their own clubs and districts, contribute to Rotary’s public image, and find new motivation to join or stay involved in Rotary.
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! Click more for available positions.
Rotary in Your Pocket or Purse - Getting More from ClubRunner
As we prepare for the new Rotary Year, it is a good time to remind you that ClubRunner is the go-to location for quick information about your Club and District 7815.
The ClubRunner App is available for Iphone or Android, and it has the phone and email contacts for everyone in your Club, for every Club in District 7815, and for our District Executive.
Look for ClubRunner video training sessions on your Member Page (top right corner) to learn how to improve the Club website, manage data as a Secretary or Treasurer, and manage volunteer and fundraising events more easily.
Planning an Atlantic Canada staycation or trip (including Saint-Pierre et Miquelon) this summer? Check our improved District Website or the CR App for information about local Rotary meeting times and locations.
Reimagining Membership: Companion Clubs and the Future of Rotary
At the 2025 North Atlantic Rotary Conference, Rotarians had the opportunity to hear from Patrick Longano, a dynamic leader from Rotary International, who spoke passionately about growing Rotary through innovation and inclusivity. His session on membership was both practical and visionary, offering clubs new tools to welcome more people into the Rotary family.
Click read more to find out about Patrick Longano and Companion Clubs
District 7815 Sets New Records for Rotary Foundation Support
This has been a record-breaking year for District 7815 in support of The Rotary Foundation (Canada)! With one month remaining, we have already surpassed last year’s donation totals for the Annual Fund, Polio Plus Fund, and Endowment Fund. Thanks to these generous contributions, we supported 22 district grants for local clubs and have actively sponsored several ongoing and upcoming global grants.
In a highlight of the year, our Magical Major Gifts Campaign, aiming to raise US$1 million for The Rotary Foundation (Canada), officially concludes on June 30th. However, at the recent District Conference, we proudly announced that donations and bequests have already exceeded US$1.6 million — a truly remarkable achievement for our district!
One Magical Project: Celebrating the Spark and Keeping the Magic Going
The One Magical Project wrapped up at this year's conference, where 8 clubs were on site to showcase the incredible projects they have championed over the past year!
While no single project was selected as the winner, what truly stood out was the meaningful impact each project has made. Across the district, clubs are leading powerful community-based projects, many in collaboration with other service clubs, local organizations, and fellow Rotary clubs. It's a true testament to the spirit of Rotary~
Clubs that participated in the One Magical Project:
Halifax Harbour
Middleton
New Minas
Kentville
Gamechangers
Woodstock
Charlottetown Royalty
Charlottetown
Fredericton Sunrise
Fredericton North
Hampton
Florenceville
Sydney Sunrise
Happy Valley Goose Bay
Dartmouth East
Perth Andover
Thank you to all participating clubs for sharing your inspiring work and helping to create real magic in our communities.
Youth programming in District 7815 was in full swing this May!
From May 1–3, the Outbound Orientation Weekend at Mount Allison University kicked off the exchange year for outbound and inbound students, thanks to the efforts of Alida Campbell, Anna Gleason, Ade Adeyemi, and Nick O’Toole.
Later, nine inbound students attended the District Conference, with six sharing moving presentations about their Canadian experience. Interactors Alana, Rebecca, and Vaishnavi impressed during youth breakout sessions.
The Youth-to-Youth Truth and Reconciliation Experience at Acadia University united 52 youth from across Canada for a powerful week of learning. Thanks to Tom Hermon, Brendan McDonald, and others who supported this event.
The Rotary Club of Truro hosted 32 youth at NSCC Truro for a leadership event, ending with “Beat the Heat” kits donated to Maggie’s Place.
Our youth programs are thriving—contact Nick O’Toole to get involved!
Click read more for all the stories, and photos of these amazing events!
Rotarians Embrace the Power of Public Image at North Atlantic Conference
At the recent North Atlantic Rotary Conference, the Public Image breakout session was standing-room only—proving that Rotarians are more motivated than ever to tell their stories and strengthen their club’s voice. From practical tools like Canva Pro, Google Workspace, and Buffer, to creative ideas like “Rotarian of the Month” and cross-club collaboration, the session highlighted real needs and fresh inspiration.
Rotarians aren’t just asking how to promote Rotary—they’re ready to do it better, together.
Click read more to find out about the ideas, tools, and takeaways shaping Public Image in our district.
Un week-end de croissance et de préparation : PELS et SELS à la conférence du district 7815
La conférence du district 7815 à Halifax a offert une précieuse fin de semaine de formation en leadership pour les présidents élus et les secrétaires élus dans le cadre des séances PELS et SELS. Tenue au Westin Nova Scotian les 29 et 30 mai, cette formation a permis aux futurs dirigeants de clubs d’acquérir les compétences et stratégies essentielles pour diriger leur club avec succès au cours de la prochaine année rotarienne.
Cliquez sur « En savoir plus » pour découvrir notre fin de semaine PELS et SELS !
Halifax, Nova Scotia | May 30 – June 1, 2025 The Westin Nova Scotian & Pier 21
Rotarians from across the Atlantic and beyond gathered in Halifax this spring for the North Atlantic Rotary Conference 2025, an event pulsing with energy, inspiration, and meaningful connections. With the theme The Magic of Rotary, the weekend celebrated not only the accomplishments of our clubs and members but also the boundless potential that lies in our collective impact.
Click READ MORE to see all about our amazing weekend
Embark on an exhilarating journey of connection and inspiration at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary! Engage in riveting discussions, learn from distinguished speakers, and explore enlightening breakout sessions against the backdrop of Calgary's picturesque beauty nestled amid the Canadian Rockies.
Fueled by friendship and a spirit of collaboration, exchange best practices, ignite innovative projects, and form lifelong connections with fellow changemakers from around the world.
Take part in this transformative, one-of-a-kind event and experience the Magic All Around at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada 21-25 June 2025.
Need expert advice? Ask Rotary’s Cadre of Technical Advisers
Rotary’s Cadre of Technical Advisers is a global team of expert volunteers who help clubs design and implement stronger, more sustainable projects. Since 1995, they’ve provided guidance in areas like health, education, water, and microfinance. Advisers assist early in the planning process, helping clubs strengthen proposals, find partners, and align with Rotary Foundation goals. They offer region-specific, culturally sensitive support and help overcome common challenges. Engaging a Cadre adviser early boosts a project's chances of success and long-term impact.
(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.
June is Rotary Fellowships Month
Click read more to find out about Patrick Longano and Companion Clubs
