Local Ontario Service Projects:

Ontario Rotary Club and Boy Scouts Receive Rotary Leffler Grant

Ontario Rotary Club and Boy Scout Director Phil Velez receives a $1,500 check from the Ontario Rotary Club. Phil wrote the Leffler grant to provide uniforms for scouts that participate in the Ontario area after school program. This is the first Leffler grant that Ontario has received in over 10 years! Good job Phil!

Many of you know that Rotary and the Boy Scouts go back many years to the early days of Rotary Clubs. The Rotary motto of "Service Above Self" and the values embodied by the Scouts were a natural match. Our club is proud to further the aims of this important organization.

"Adopt a Family" Service Project

This year the Ontario Rotary Club collaborated with the Public Health Department to adopt two area families that were in need of assistance. At the annual Christmas party friends, neighbors and Rotarians brought food, clothing, and shoes to help Emily (pictured below) and her family.

Another family with several members also benefited from Rotarian generosity. The concept of lending a helping hand to those in need is a long standing tradition that originated with the first Rotary Club founded by Paul Harris in 1905.

Shortly after the club was founded, one of the members came across a news boy that was freezing in the cold Chicago weather. He came to the club and left with a new jacket, gloves and $5 in his pocket.

We hope that Emily and her family will benefit from the support she has received from Rotary and the County of San Bernardino Public Health Department.

Wine, Art, Antiques and Music (WAAM)

The WAAM project raises funds to support the various youth service projects supported by Rotary during the year. Pictured here are Katie Roberts and Don Driftmier helping the club raise funds.

Nativity Scenes

Each year Rotary, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and other service organizations assist with erecting the Nativity scenes on Euclid. These scenes have been a long-standing part of the Ontario Christmas tradition.

Bell Ringing

Ontario Rotarians collaborate with the Salvation Army to "ring the bell" for needy families in a friendly competition with other local service clubs. Last year the club received an award for the amount donated.

Citizen's Bank Christmas Tree Distribution

Citizen's Bank works with the Salvation Army to identify needy families in the Inland Empire area. Each year Ontario Rotarians collaborate with other service organizations to deliver the boxes to the families. Started by former Rotarian Wayne Young, this has been one of the most rewarding club service projects.