About Us

The Rotary Club of Cooksville, later to become the Rotary Club of Mississauga, was granted its charter by Rotary International on April 23, 1954.  The club’s first meetings were held in the old Cooksville United Church on Dundas Street. As the populations of Cooksville and The Toronto Township grew, the Club’s name changed to The Rotary Club of Cooksville-Dixie with its meetings held in Applewood Village.  Under this name, the Club sponsored the Rotary Club of Streetsville in 1961.

In July 1960, the club’s charter president, Archie Turner, was appointed Governor of (what was then) District 707.  Archie was the first of six District Governors from our club. He was followed by Bob Watson (’73), Duncan Lyall (’88), Bob Harriman (’89), Jerry Wijngaard (’99) and Bernd Dinert in (2010).

In 1969 Rotary International approved another name change and we became known as The Rotary Club of Mississauga.  Our record of support to local and overseas communities is impressive and varied. Rotary’s special focus on “youth” has led to the Club’s involvement with the Youth Exchange Program, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Camp Enterprise and Adventures in Citizenship.  The Club sponsors the TL Kennedy Interact Club, The Glen Forest Interact, and the Mississauga Rotaract Club and also sponsors the Mississauga Probus Club.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
 
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
 
I am deeply honored to serve as your new President and excited to embark on this journey with each of you. Our club's rich history of service and fellowship is a testament to the dedication and passion of our members, and I am committed to building on this strong foundation.
 
The Magic of Rotary lies in our ability to create positive change through collective effort and unwavering commitment to our core values. As Rotarians, we live by the motto "Service Above Self," dedicating ourselves to making a difference in our community and beyond. This guiding principle will be at the heart of our initiatives as we move forward together. As we look to the future, I have set forth the following goals to guide us in enhancing the vibrancy, inclusiveness, retention, and engagement of our membership. Together, we will:
 
1 . Cultivate Vibrance: We will inject new energy and creativity into our projects and events, making our activities more dynamic and impactful. By partnering with local organizations and businesses, we can amplify our efforts and showcase the incredible work of our members. The Magic of Rotary is most evident when we come together to innovate and inspire, transforming ideas into actions that benefit our community.
 
2. Foster Inclusion: Our strength lies in our diversity. We will strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. Embracing the Magic of Rotary means recognizing and celebrating our differences and understanding that our varied perspectives enhance our collective impact.
 
3. Enhance Retention: Keeping our members engaged and satisfied is paramount. We will implement regular feedback sessions to understand your needs and interests better, ensuring that our club remains relevant and fulfilling for all members.
 
4. Boost Engagement: Active participation is the heart of our club's success. We will offer a variety of programs and volunteer opportunities that align with our members' passions and skills. By doing so, we can ensure that everyone has a chance to contribute meaningfully to our mission. The Magic of Rotary shines brightest when we are all actively involved, working side by side to achieve our goals and make a lasting difference.
 
I am confident that, with your support, we can achieve these goals and continue to make a positive impact in our community. Let us embrace this new chapter with enthusiasm and a shared commitment to service above self. Thank you for your dedication and trust. I look forward to working alongside you to create a vibrant, inclusive, and engaged Rotary Club of Mississauga.
 
Janette Sasso
President 2024 - 2025