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.
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Hashim Taqvi
I am thrilled to share with you all that this month marks a truly momentous occasion for our Rotary Club of Mississauga. On Tuesday, April 23, we will come together to celebrate our 70th Anniversary—a remarkable milestone that speaks to decades of service, fellowship, and community impact.
As we reflect on the journey that has brought us to this significant moment, let us take pride in the legacy of service and leadership that defines our club. For seven decades, we have been at the forefront of positive change in Mississauga and beyond, embodying Rotary's ethos of "Service Above Self" in all that we do.
Our 70th Anniversary is not only a time to honor our past achievements but also an opportunity to look forward with renewed vigor and determination. It is a chance for us to reaffirm our commitment to Rotary's mission and to rededicate ourselves to the noble cause of making a difference in the lives of others.
On this special day, I invite each and every one of you to join us in celebrating the rich history, enduring spirit, and bright future of our Rotary Club. Together, let us commemorate the countless lives we have touched, the friendships we have forged, and the bonds of service that unite us as Rotarians.
Details of the anniversary celebration will be shared in the coming days, and I encourage you all to mark your calendars and make plans to join us for what promises to be a memorable and inspiring event.
As we embark on this milestone occasion, let us be reminded of the words of Rotary founder Paul Harris: "Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves." Let us continue to achieve greatness together, today and for the next 70 years and beyond.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication, your tireless efforts, and your steadfast commitment to Rotary's ideals. It is an honor and a privilege to serve alongside each and every one of you.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Hashim Reza Taqvi
President 2023–2024, Rotary Club of Mississauga