Stories

 

 

Katherine joined the Rotary Club of Stratford in 2003, driven by a desire to contribute to the community that had generously supported her three children. In 2015, she joined the board of directors, subsequently serving as the president during the challenging 2020-21 term. Her leadership during this period resulted in the club being recognized for exceptional growth during Covid, ranking in the top 5% in North America. Until 2023, Katherine held the role of District Polio Chair. A multiple Paul Harris Fellow, she is a member of the Bequest Society, Polio Plus, and Paul Harris Society. Her dedication is further underscored by her upcoming role as District Governor for the 2024-25 Rotary year.

 

Within her club, Katherine has actively participated in various projects, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to youth services and international initiatives. Her fervor for global impact led her to undertake a NID trip to India in 2018, with her son. Instrumental in numerous annual fundraising projects, she has contributed to the Rural-Urban Dinner, Arts and Crafts Show, and Concession Booth, and initiated the Shine-On Dave Blackburn Memorial Car Rally. She continues to chair the Paul Harris Committee in her club.

 

A mother of three children and two grandchildren, Katherine resides on a small farm just outside the picturesque city of Stratford. Holding an Honours BA in Exceptionality in Human Learning and Crime and Deviance from the University of Toronto, she is a certified yoga instructor, a professional photo organizer, and a graduate of RLI Levels 1, 2, and 3.

 

Beyond her Rotary engagements, Katherine volunteers with the Stratford Rotary Hospice and has served as a past board member for the Association of Professional Photo Organizers, Stratford Minor Hockey Association, and the Stratford Agricultural Society. Her interests include traveling, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, photography, genealogy, and yoga.

This year’s theme, The Magic of Rotary, urges members to recognize and amplify the organization’s power to save lives.

 

At the Rotary International Assembly in Orlando, Florida Rotary International President-elect, Stephanie Urchick told incoming district governors “Don’t misunderstand me – we are not going to end polio or bring peace to the world by waving a wand and saying some funny words. It’s up to you. You create the magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member.”