The Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston uses a variety of fundraising activities and partnerships to generate the funds it invests in community and international service projects. Its approach combines annual signature events, community partnerships, charitable gaming, sponsorships, and member support.
Here are the club’s principal fundraising methods:
- Annual Rotary Community Auction
- The club’s signature fundraiser is its online Rotary Community Auction, which features donated products, services, gift certificates, travel packages, artwork, and experiences from local businesses and supporters.
- Hundreds of businesses contribute auction items, and proceeds are used to fund local grants, youth programs, and humanitarian projects.
- Charitable Gaming
- The club is a participating charity with Community Spirit Gaming, where volunteers assist with charitable gaming activities.
- Revenue from this partnership provides a dependable year-round source of funding for the club’s community programs.
- Business Sponsorships
- Local businesses support the club through sponsorships of its website, fundraising events, and community initiatives.
- These sponsorships help reduce operating costs and increase the amount of money available for charitable grants.
- Corporate and Community Donations
- The club actively seeks donations from individuals, businesses, and community organizations.
- Many of these donations are directed toward specific projects or added to the club’s grant-making funds.
- Member Contributions
- Rotarians contribute through membership dues, personal donations, and by volunteering their time to organize fundraising events.
- By donating their expertise and labour, members keep fundraising costs low so that more of the proceeds benefit the community.
- Special Fundraising Events
- Throughout the year, the club organizes and participates in additional fundraising activities and special events, often in partnership with other Rotary clubs or community organizations.
- These events both raise funds and increase public awareness of Rotary’s work.
How the Funds Are Used
Money raised supports:
- Community grants for Kingston-area charities and non-profits.
- Youth leadership, scholarships, and exchange programs.
- Food security and community well-being initiatives.
- Environmental projects.
- National and international humanitarian programs through Rotary and The Rotary Foundation.
- Disaster relief and the global End Polio Now campaign.
In short, the Cataraqui-Kingston Rotary Club raises funds through its annual online auction, charitable gaming, business sponsorships, donations, member contributions, and special community events, enabling it to invest tens of thousands of dollars each year in projects that benefit Kingston and communities around the world.
