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John Featherstone, Director of International Service, Stephanie Christensen, Executive Director, ShelterBox Canada and President David Ferris

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The Rotary Club of Simcoe and ShelterBox Canada Launch Matching Campaign in Memory of Simcoe Residents, Bob and Joyce Perks

Simcoe, ON – [01/12/2026] – ShelterBox Canada, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Simcoe, is proud to announce the Perks’ Memorial Matching Campaign, a special initiative honoring the remarkable legacy of siblings Bob and Joyce Perks—two individuals whose lives were defined by compassion, service, and community.

Bob Perks was a dedicated Rotarian for more than 33 years, serving the Rotary Club of Simcoe with passion and purpose. Deeply committed to Rotary’s mission, Bob championed international service and supported ShelterBox Canada’s work to help families rebuild after disaster. Joyce Perks was known for her warmth, humor, and love of animals. Together, Bob and Joyce shared a lifelong commitment to helping others—locally and globally.

Through a generous bequest entrusted to the Rotary Club of Simcoe, Bob and Joyce ensured their legacy would continue to make a difference internationally. ShelterBox Canada is honored to be chosen as the recipient of this gift, allowing us to carry forward their vision of service.

This winter, all Rotary Club donations to ShelterBox Canada will be matched up to $45,000 thanks to the Perks’ Memorial Matching Campaign. Every contribution will go twice as far—providing emergency shelter and essential aid to families who have lost everything after disaster, while memorializing Bob and Joyce’s extraordinary spirit of service.

For more information or to donate, visit: shelterboxcanada.org/donate

Media Contact:
Stephanie Christensen
Executive Director
stephchristensen@shelterboxcanada.org

Want to donate to the Bob & Joyce Perks Memorial Matching Campaign, click here> https://give-can.keela.co/shelterbox-canada

Posted April 12th, 2026

January 9, 2026, Catch the Ace Raffle, Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 79, Simcoe Rotary President David Ferris gives Maureen Russel, Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice a $ 7, 550.00 cheque for the new Jarvis Hospice. The money was donated by individual Rotarians as part of the 100th Anniversary celebration.

Posted January 9, 2026

March 2nd, 2026, CTA Winner Mary Ingersoll attended the Rotary Meeting To Pick Up Her Large Cheque, She Had Help From Dan Hill, CTA Administrator and President David Ferris

Posted March 18th, 2026

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Captain George Gibbons

March 16, 2026

Story by C. Richard Campbell

Photographs by C. Richard Campbell and from the archives

Port Dover, Ontario, once the home of the largest fresh water fishing fleet in the world. Has become famous for thousands of bikers parking their bikes on Main Street each Friday the 13th.

Lynn River, Date and Origin Unknown

While Friday the 13th captures the headlines, Port Dover fishermen like George Gibbons are getting media attention, thanks to a documentary "Netting the Waters" by award winning Simcoe resident and filmmaker Daryl Granger. For those of you that have visited Port Dover for the perch, pickerel and celery bread at the Erie Beach Cove Room. Not to worry, men like George Gibbons are catching the fish you eat at the Erie Beach.

Port Dover Rotarian and sailor Hadley Jackson, Captain George Gibbons and Rotarian Jim Jackson

George Gibbons, a fisherman for 45 years spoke to the club about fishing Lake Erie. He uses a gill net to catch perch and pickerel. The amount of fish that he is permitted to catch each year is determined by an International Agency composed of American states and Ontario. But first he has to find the fish using his experience and skill ( and perhaps some technology) to set his nets where he anticipates they will be. No fish. No payday.

Introducing Our Next Club President - Thor Olsen

March 9, 2026

Story by C. Richard Campbell

Photograph by C. Richard Campbell

Thor Olen President-Elect being congratulated by 2025-2026 President David Ferris

Meet the Club's President-Elect who will become the 102nd (if the math is correct) President of The Rotary Club of Simcoe on July 1st, 2026. Thor, a Port Dover resident has the classification of Chemical Engineer. He has been a member of the club for over 18 years. In that time, the Paul Harris Fellow has made an impact with this club.

Not many Simcoe Rotarians can say that they have served a second term as club president. Thor Olsen becomes the fourth Past-President to serve a second Presidential term.

He is the Club's Administrator and Chair of the Jeff Scott Memorial Medical Arts Bursary. With the support of the Scott family, this extremely successful bursary is endowed with funds that permitted the bursary to award three $ 2000 bursaries in 2025.

He has committed himself to youth services such as the student exchange program which has been operational since 1967 and served as Director of New Generations, now Youth Services until recently.

With an experienced Board of Directors and seasoned officers, he will led the club in dealing with the challenges ahead.

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By the way, Thor possess the namesake of a Norse god in mythology. Thor is the god of thunder, lightning, storms, strength, and the protection of mankind. Thor, the god is famous for his hammer Mjölnir. This is not a Marvel Comic character. This is the real thing. Such as cool first name. Kudos to his parents. Assuming one or both of them named him.