Civitan Club of Perth
Club History
The Civitan Club of Perth is part of the Civitan International organization. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama U.S.A., this organization has over 1,200 clubs in 22 countries worldwide. Although the main focus of the Civitan International is helping people with disabilities, each club operates autonomously, selecting projects which are suitable for their own area.
Chartered by Civitan International on June 19, 1965, the Civitan Club of Perth has been serving the needs of the Perth community for over forty years. Starting from a group of twenty-seven members, with Russ Ellis as our charter president, the club has grown to its present size of over ninety active members. Originally meetings were held in rec rooms, restaurants, the Legion and eventually Farrell Hall. In 1977 the decision to construct our own facility was made. Through donated help, reduced fees, a Wintario grant and the efforts of all members at the time, the dream became a reality in 1979. The club welcomed in the new year of 1980 with its first function in the new hall - a New Year's Eve dance. Civitan in Perth has never looked back.
Over the years the Civitan Club of Perth has supported many worthwhile causes in the area. The first street signs in the town of Perth were acquired with the assistance of Civitan. The Civitan Club of Perth also helped to establish the Perth Day Care Centre and the former Civitan Playground at the Stewart School. We have also provided funds to assist with the construction and/or operation of the Perth and District Indoor Pool, the Perth and District Union Library, Great War Memorial Hospital of Perth and District, Conlon Farm recreational facilities, Lanark Lodge and the Tay Valley Non Profit Housing Corporation.
Community involvement is not only giving money. The Civitan Club of Perth participates in various facets of the community such as the Santa Claus Parade, Perth Fair Parade, Tree Lighting at the Crystal Palace and the Festival of the Maples. We also provide a free Christmas dinner for seniors and a Breakfast with Santa for the kids. During the Ice Storm of '98, the Civitan Club of Perth opened its hall, twenty-four hours a day for twelve days, to anyone who required a warm meal or a warm place to stay.
Civitan recognizes the importance of our youth and those less fortunate than ourselves. In 1974, the Civitan Club of Perth initiated a Citizenship Award which is presented to the student, in each of the area schools, best exemplifying good citizenship in the home, school and community. The Civitan Club of Perth also helps sponsor the Special Olympics, supports Big Brothers/Big Sisters and assists with the Children's Miracle Network Telethon on an annual basis.
In order to raise the funds necessary to support these various causes, the Perth Civitan Club is always challenged to initiate new projects. In the past there was very little that the Civitan Club of Perth did not attempt to do to raise money to reinvest in our community. Do you remember when the Civitan Club of Perth held these events? Air Shows, Spring Formals, Wayne Rostad Concert, Stompin Tom Connors Show, Country Music Jamboree, Julie Lynn Show, Community Citizenship Awards, Montreal Oldtimers Hockey Game, Civitan Auctions, Steak Barbecues, Dunk A Cop, Win A Trip Draw, 150 Club Draws, Chinese Night, Hawaiian Night, Sno-Do 100, Line Dancing.
As a result of its efforts during the 1997-1998 , 1999-2000 and the 2000-2001 years, the Civitan Club of Perth was recognized by Civitan International as the most outstanding Civitan club throughout the world. This prestigious honor has never before been awarded to a club in Canadian District East and only once in Canadian District West.
General meetings are held at 7:15 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from September through June, inclusive.