Rotaract is a service club for young people ages 18 to 35 who are dedicated to finding innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges while developing leadership skills and making friends from around the world.
Rotaract clubs decide how to organize and run their own clubs, manage their funds, and plan and carry out activities and service projects that are important to their communities.
The Haliburton Highlands chapter of Rotaract was founded in March 2020, right before the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the chapter - developed a community outreach program called Helping Hampers that provides basic needs items to individuals in the community, created multiple interactive recreational opportunities to help with social isolation during the pandemic, and volunteered at numerous community events. The Highland Yard was once organized by the local Rotary Chapter, and, with the local housing crisis primarily impacting young adults, it seemed like a perfect new chapter for the Rotaract Club to continue this legacy.
The goal of Rotaract clubs is to bring members together to share ideas with leaders in the community, develop leadership and professional skills, and have fun through service. In communities worldwide, Rotary and Rotaract groups work side by side to provide community and social services and ultimately change communities.