New Rotary E-Club in Centre Wellington Aims to Redefine Service

In Centre Wellington, a recently established Rotary club is redefining the concept of service organizations. The **Rotary District 7080 E-club**, launched just over a year ago, is co-created by local councillor **Barb Lustgarten-Evoy**. Her vision was to create a service club that diverges from traditional fundraising-focused models.

Lustgarten-Evoy stated, “The way I see it, the more service clubs, regardless of their name, the more people living in service and having different opportunities.” The club’s two primary goals are raising awareness about human trafficking and providing a platform for local youth and diversity within the community.

Beyond participating in events like the annual **Canada Day** celebration and the **Fergus Scottish Festival**, the club has hosted an **All Clubs Day**, showcasing nearly all service clubs in Centre Wellington. Lustgarten-Evoy highlighted their involvement in installing a **UN Peace Pole** at **Wellington Place**, a project slated for completion by the end of this month. She added, “We’re doing a lot of firsts, which I think is very exciting.”

The club initially operated as an e-club to enhance accessibility for members. However, after significant feedback, it transitioned to a hybrid model, combining online and in-person meetings. “We’re pushing the envelope of what a club looks like,” Lustgarten-Evoy said. “The next generation wants to break the mould, and we’re trying to accommodate that and evolve with the need.”

Currently, the club comprises approximately **25 members**, predominantly young families. Lustgarten-Evoy noted that this is particularly impressive since only two members have prior experience in service clubs. “Seventy-five percent of our members are probably under 50, and I would say that’s a really big deal,” she explained. “That’s not to say that we don’t celebrate the wisdom of our senior service club members; it’s just really important that we teach the next generation what living in service and volunteerism means.”

Co-president **Lori Ferber** expressed her desire to contribute to the community but was initially deterred by the monetary expectations of traditional service clubs. “People can’t always afford to donate or give money, but we can give our time where we can,” Ferber remarked. “I find that’s just as important.”

Looking towards the future, Ferber envisions growth for the club, aiming to expand its reach and impact within the community. “That’s what we’re here for. Not just teaching and guiding the next generation, but helping them truly embrace the value of living in service,” Lustgarten-Evoy affirmed.

Residents interested in getting involved can contact Lori Ferber at **[email protected]** for more information. The club continues to seek opportunities to engage and support the community in innovative ways.