Dear Editor,

The Rotary Club of Shawville extends heartfelt gratitude to the Pontiac Agricultural Society (PAS) for entrusting us with the management of the Shawville Fair entrance gates since 1976 – an incredible 48-year partnership. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve in this capacity, and over the decades, our collaboration has grown into one of mutual respect and shared commitment to excellence.

On May 20, 2025, we were informed that the PAS Board of Directors unanimously decided to contract an out-of-town firm to manage gate operations for the 2025 Shawville Fair. As our formal role concludes, we do so with great disappointment and sadness, but also immense pride in what we accomplished together.

The PAS’s financial support over the years empowered us to serve the community and beyond through our Rotary International mission: Service Above Self. As the Fair grew, so did the need for help, and we are especially grateful to the Friends of the Rotary, whose dedication helped us staff every gate during the Fair’s busiest days. Your support made it all possible – thank you!

With the funds earned through this partnership, the Rotary Club of Shawville has contributed to many meaningful initiatives, including:

• Supporting McDowell Home and School with holiday meals, gym equipment, and outdoor storage;
• Partnering on renovations at PHS sports facilities, CAP common areas, and the Pontiac Hospital Oncology Unit;
• Sponsoring free public skating, supporting CHEO and the Pontiac Kidney Walk, and aiding local organizations like the Valentine Centre and Ski-Pontiac;
• Funding bursaries through the Pontiac Scholarship Fund and the Bob Binder Bursary for PHS and ESSC students;
• Assisting Les Amis du Pontiac and Bouffe Pontiac to fight food insecurity and provide school supplies for children;
• Supporting global efforts like polio eradication, clean water access, and safe bedding through Rotary International.

While we’ve contributed to global causes, our primary focus has been helping right here at home – where the need is often most visible and pressing.

To the PAS: thank you again for this long-standing partnership and for allowing us to be part of the Shawville Fair’s legacy. We wish you continued success and hope our paths may cross again in the future.

Warmest regards,
The Rotary Club of Shawville – Board of Directors Marc Latreille, Sue Page, Joyce McCleary Binder, Peter Haughton and Randall Russell.