Club History

The History of the Kapuskasing Rotary Club

Founded in 1966, the Kapuskasing Rotary Club emerged as a beacon of service and community engagement in Northern Ontario. Initially spearheaded by Jack Helpert and Gus Mortson of the Rotary Club of Timmins, the new club’s first president, Gerry Kellen, led a group comprised of local business leaders. Though the early days emphasized male membership, the 1989 Rotary International decision to include women brought a positive shift. Denise Lamontagne was the first of many dedicated female members, adding to a diverse group united by the Rotary ideal: “Service Above Self.”

The Club’s growth and impact in Kapuskasing reflects Rotary’s enduring values of fellowship, ethical standards, and international goodwill. Members apply the “Four-Way Test” as a guiding principle to ensure integrity in their thoughts, words, and actions. This moral code fosters respect and tolerance among Rotarians and cultivates a collaborative environment in which individuals share their talents for the greater good. For Kapuskasing Rotarians, their work is also about camaraderie, fun, and friendship, elements that have sustained their mission across decades.

Rotary activities began making a meaningful difference in the community soon after the club’s founding. Among its early contributions were financial support to significant institutions and facilities, such as the Kapuskasing Hospital Building Fund, North Centennial Manor, and Rotary Park. Notable projects in the ensuing years included supporting emergency services like the Fire Department’s rescue vehicle, funding for the Nordic Skiers, and sponsoring the local Connexion Centre. The club also emphasizes youth programs, promoting international exchange through programs like Group Study Exchanges, Youth Exchange Program and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.

Throughout the years, the Kapuskasing Rotary Club has committed its resources and energy to numerous humanitarian projects, both locally and internationally. The Club has participated in Rotary’s global initiative to eradicate polio and raised funds to support vaccination efforts. Members have provided resources for educational projects and medical missions, including an effort to supply medical equipment to the Dominican Republic, and the donation of musical instruments to foster local music education. Further afield, the Club has contributed to school building initiatives in Malawi and provided wheelchairs to communities in Jamaica, St. Lucia and Honduras.

Local efforts have also featured strongly in the club’s legacy. Kapuskasing residents have benefited from Rotary’s ongoing commitment to community wellness. Members supported food bank initiatives, organized annual Rotary Radio Days, and sponsored school bursaries for graduating students. Seasonal community events, including Canada Day festivities, the Lumberjack Festival, and youth activities such as curling and hockey, have also benefited from Rotary’s involvement.

One particularly memorable initiative emerged in the late 1980s. The Club sponsored a literacy center, Kap Alpha, which was made possible by a Trillium grant application. During the application process, a local woman shared her own story of receiving life-saving surgery funded quietly by Rotarians during her childhood—a moment that reflected the personal impact of Rotary’s presence. The gratitude she expressed was emblematic of the quiet generosity Rotary brings to each project. Kap Alpha became a well-respected resource for the community, helping countless residents gain literacy skills that would empower their lives.

Embracing the digital age has brought further evolution to the Kapuskasing Rotary Club, allowing them to connect with a broader audience. Through social media and a dedicated website, they continue to showcase projects and invite community engagement. This virtual presence complements the club’s longstanding tradition of fostering connections through District and International Rotary Conventions, where members exchange ideas and learn from other Rotarians worldwide.

One of the club’s proudest achievements was the 1988 chartering of Le Club Rotary de Hearst, a nearby town that embraced the same Rotary spirit. This sister club continues to exemplify the “joie de Rotary,” adding to a regional network of service-minded individuals committed to the greater good. The District’s support has also been instrumental, with District leaders offering guidance that has allowed the club to grow and thrive.

Over the years, the Kapuskasing Rotary Club has built a legacy through both large-scale projects and quiet acts of kindness, which continue to enrich the lives of local and global communities. The roster of projects accomplished includes contributions to schools, hospitals, libraries, youth centers, and cultural events. The Rotarians’ “Service Above Self” motto has guided every initiative, from the CT scan at Sensenbrenner Hospital to the Rotary Hiking Trail, as they work to make Kapuskasing—and the world—a better place for future generations.

Looking ahead, the Kapuskasing Rotary Club remains dedicated to fostering leadership, fellowship, and community service. The club’s commitment to building goodwill through enduring friendships and service reflects Rotary’s core mission, one that will continue to inspire Rotarians in Kapuskasing for many years to come.

Glen R. Agar, Past-President