The Rotary Club of Portage la Prairie marked a significant leadership transition and celebrated outstanding service during its executive changeover meeting on Tuesday, July 15th.
Outgoing president Tosha Hotel formally passed the Rotary President's Pin to David Roberts, who now leads the club for the 2025/2026 year. The evening also saw Rotary member Cathie McFarlane honoured as Rotarian of the Year, receiving the prestigious Four Way Test coin.
Hotel steps down as president
Reflecting on her year as president, Hotel expressed gratitude for the profound experience.
"This past year has been truly a learning experience for everything," she says, "You don't realize how much intertwined you can be with being the President of the Rotary, so this truly gave me a full force of figuring out the history of Rotary, what everyone does in the club, and really connecting with people outside in the community that I probably wouldn't have done if I wasn't the president."
She highlights successful fundraisers and strong volunteer support, expressing excitement for the club's upcoming 75th anniversary under Roberts' leadership.
Her key advice for the new president emphasized club support, noting, "You aren't alone. Don't ever think that you're alone. There is everyone in this club who can help you, and at the drop of a hat. They'll drop everything to come and help with any questions you have."
Her name will be added to the Rotary Club's "past presidents' plaque" which the club joked needs to be updated, as it had been sitting in storage since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Roberts outlines vision for growth
New president David Roberts steps into the role with clear priorities centred on membership and member engagement.
"I feel pretty good. I feel very comfortable in this role," Roberts states. "Great bunch of members we have here, and I'm really looking forward to the opportunity and rolling up my sleeves."
He immediately identified membership growth as critical to the club's future impact.
"Membership is key. We have to grow our membership... Ask yourself this question: What will our club, or what will our town look like in 10 years if we didn't have a Rotary Club? We have to always be growing, and with new members comes new energy, new ideas."
Roberts also stressed the importance of education within the club.
"I think that once we all start realizing why we're here, we get more involved in it. Education is key."
He also mentioned practical community projects, like addressing algae at the local Rotary duck pond, stating they are "still looking for a solution." and finished by emphasizing the need to share the club's impact stories widely.
McFarlane honoured as Rotarian of the Year
The meeting also celebrated Cathie McFarlane, who was visibly surprised and deeply honoured to receive the Rotarian of the Year award and the Four Way Test coin.
"Well, it was a total surprise to me that this was going to happen," McFarlane shares, "You're voted on by other Rotarians and it's to recognize a Rotary member who has done extra work on things that are happening in the club."
She expressed pride in the recognition, linking it to her broader commitment to service. "I am feeling very proud, but I do these things for the club because I enjoy doing it, and I really enjoy giving back to the community. I just feel that if I can give back to the community, it enriches the lives of people who are here."
The event underscored the Rotary Club's tradition of service, leadership, and community dedication, as it looks ahead to its milestone 75th-anniversary celebrations under President Roberts' guidance.