Rotary Club of Summerside

05/24/2026

Two weeks ago, Atlantic Bioheat owner Dick Arsenault was welcomed as a guest speaker at the Summerside Rotary Club, where he shared the story behind one of PEI’s most practical clean-energy solutions.

Dick explained how his business uses locally sourced wood chips, including trees downed by hurricanes and wood that might otherwise be wasted or scrapped, to heat public buildings across Prince Edward Island. It’s a smart Island-made model that supports local forestry, reduces dependence on imported oil, and lowers emissions at the same time.

He also spoke about working with local machine shops and companies such as Trout River Industries to develop new technologies, including an innovative unloading system designed to save valuable floor space by allowing wood chips to be unloaded into taller storage bins.

What stood out most was that this isn’t just talk about sustainability, it’s real infrastructure, real innovation, and real impact happening right here on PEI.

Thank you, Dick, for sharing your story and for showing how resourcefulness, local leadership, and practical innovation can create lasting value for our communities. ✨

05/23/2026

Proud club moment ! 💪

🌳 ROTARY PARK TREE PLANTING 🌳

Recently, members of the Rotary Club of Summerside planted 500 trees in the Rotary Friendship Park, with funding for the project provided by the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

The project is one of many the Rotary Club has planned for the area, including the recent installation of bike racks in the new Cairns Boulevard parking lot, a trail resurfacing project, and the intent to plant an additional 500 trees in September.

| Rotary Club of Summerside | TD

05/19/2026

Today, Rotary was pleased to welcome Bruce Andrews, President and CEO of Atlantic Beef Products Inc., as our guest speaker.

It was inspiring to learn more about the exciting work Atlantic Beef Products is doing to open new markets and continue growing its reach beyond Prince Edward Island. Their work is a powerful reminder of the incredible impact PEI businesses can have, both here at home and far beyond our shores.

We are grateful for the opportunity to hear more about their growth, their innovation, and the important role they play in supporting our Island’s economy, producers, and communities.

Thank you, Bruce, for joining us and sharing such an important PEI success story.

05/17/2026

A note from our incoming president, Brian Stewart

“Super honored to represent the Rotary Club of Summerside at the donor appreciation dinner for the Prince County Hospital Foundation.

The PCH is a critical piece of infrastructure supporting our city and the Island with life-saving care, close to home.

From equipment upgrades to facility improvements, the PCH Foundation plays a vital role in ensuring our healthcare teams have what they need to deliver the highest level of care.

They also shared updates on the new Learning & Innovation Centre now underway — a significant investment in the future of healthcare in our region.

This project will create a dedicated training hub, support recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals, and expand overall system capacity for years to come.

It’s a great example of thinking beyond today and building for what’s needed tomorrow.

The Rotary Club of Summerside is proud to support this important work through fundraising efforts and direct involvement with the Foundation.

A sincere thank you to the donors, volunteers, and organizers who make this possible.

The impact reaches far beyond a single evening!”

05/16/2026

05/07/2026

🎓 Thank You, STRIVE Students!

This past Tuesday, the Summerside Rotary Club had the pleasure of welcoming our STRIVE students as they came to present to the club and share their experiences from the year.

It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their hard work, growth, and commitment throughout the STRIVE program. These students have taken part in sessions focused on building confidence, preparing for future opportunities, and developing important life and career skills.

A special thank you to the STRIVE committee for their work throughout the year, and to STRIVE Chair Jill Kelly-Waugh for her leadership and commitment to the program.

We also thank Neil McLean of NAPA Auto Parts for joining us for the STRIVE presentations, and we appreciate NAPA Auto Parts' ongoing sponsorship.

Your support helps make the work of our STRIVE committee possible and continues to make a meaningful impact for local students.

04/25/2026

We love meeting all the wonderful Island students and sharing Ambassador Rowan’s message: “There is ability in every disability. We are no less. We are unstoppable.” Thanks Elm Street in Summerside!

04/24/2026

04/22/2026

🌍 Happy Earth Day from the Rotary Club of Summerside!

Today is a reminder of the role we all play in protecting and nurturing the spaces that bring our community together .... and Rotary Friendship Park is a perfect example of that shared commitment.

Behind the scenes, our Park Committee has been hard at work advancing a long-term vision to ensure the park continues to grow as a vibrant, accessible, and nature-rich space for everyone.

From new entrance enhancements and trail improvements to a renewed focus on forest health, biodiversity, and community wellbeing, exciting things are taking shape.

This is just the beginning.

We’ll be sharing some major updates soon.... including plans that will shape the future of Rotary Friendship Park for years to come.

🌱 Stay tuned. Big things are growing.
Chad Mann, Brian Stewart

04/16/2026

SAVE THE DATE! Mark your calendars for Red Shirt Day on Wednesday, June 3!

On June 3, show your support to Canadians with disabilities by sharing a selfie or group photo with friends, classmates, or family—wearing red—on social media using .

Visit easterseals.ca/redshirtday for resources, activities, and more ways to get involved!