The Model of Giving
Bob followed suit and joined the Fergus Rotary Club in 1975. He welcomed the opportunity to join an organization that valued “Service Above Self.” In the beginning, Bob and other members helped children with special needs by driving them to a community therapeutic centre in Guelph – “a moving experience” where Rotarians and children shared “songs, laughs and tears.”
When Bob became president of Rotary in June 2000, he felt a change of direction was required. In his president’s message to members, he stated, “I am very excited about our recent initiative to create a Rotary Children’s Centre in Centre Wellington with doors to open September 2000. This facility will serve pre-schoolers with disabilities and operate as a referral pivot for their parents.”
Together with the Rotary Children’s Centre CEO, Stephen Swatridge, a plan was devised where Fergus Rotary would raise $75,000 over three years to establish the new facility. Bob then proceeded to approach the Mount Forest Lions Club about opening a satellite office. “I was tailing on the goodwill of my father,” notes Bob. “Fortunately, the Lions agreed to provide funds and a space to see children there. Today, kids are still receiving services in Mount Forest.”
Over time, the Fergus site has moved and been renovated to meet the current needs of the children. For Bob, he still feels proud of his contributions: “Everyone who gets referred to KidsAbility thinks so highly of it. For me personally, I’m pleased that I was involved in kickstarting KidsAbility in Fergus and Mount Forest.”
For me personally,
I’m pleased that I was involved in
kickstarting KidsAbility in
Fergus and Mount Forest.
Bob Grant
Rotarian