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Art Duerkson ... a man with a Mission!

Hamilton AM members were intrigued at their March 12, 2025 morning meeting by the passion and ingenuity of Art Duerksen, a Pastor of 25 years’ experience with Hamilton International Missions Community.

Art lives in Hamilton but the whole world is the target for his charitable endeavors. He has led projects in Haiti, Cuba, Bangladesh, Columbia, Malawi and Nepal. One of his more interesting projects was to provide female goats to widows in Nepal. 40 widows and poor families were given 80 goats! In 2025, plans are being made to lease 20 acres of land to create a goat farm. Apparently, there are lots of local male goat that can be pressed into service! This is a very poor area that has suffered significantly from earthquake damage.

Art works with an impressive group of volunteers and locally is associated with Parkview Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Hamilton. Twice a month Art goes to the Barton Jail in Hamilton to minister to the incarcerated. Art and his colleagues work hard to deal with other local challenges including food insecurity.

Paul Lakin Tribute at Soupfest on February 25

On January 25, Hamilton Convention Centre rocked with the annual Soupfest fundraiser - the premier event of Living Rock Ministries!

For 39 years, Living Rock Ministries has been a vital resource for youth in Hamilton, responding to over 22,000 visits last year alone. They serve one of the city's most vulnerable populations: young people aged 13-25 facing challenges such as family loss, poverty, substance misuse, and mental health issues. Living Rock Ministries has been committed to engaging, encouraging, and equipping youth to pursue their personal development goals, offering support and hope in their journey.

The Rotary Club of Hamilton AM has supported this important charity for a number of years and this year was no exception. Because of this, the evening program included a heartfelt tribute to one of the club's long time members, Paul Lakin. Paul personally supported Living Rock in the past but could not this year due to illness, Sadly, Paul passed away on March 8. Recognizing Paul's many contributions, club members personally donated $1000 in his name to Soupfest. The printed tribute is below.

Rotary Club of Hamilton AM Pays Tribute to Paul Lakin

The Rotary Club of Hamilton AM is pleased to once again sponsor The Living Rock’s 2025 Soupfest. This year the club’s members wish to publicly recognize Paul Lakin, a long-standing club member who has contributed his time, talents and money to many local charities; most recently The Living Rock, The Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair and Theatre Aquarius. Not only a great Rotarian, Paul Lakin is considered a great Hamiltonian, mentor and friend, by many who know him!

Dr. James MacFarlane - to sleep perchance to dream?

There was no slumbering during a fascinating talk at the regular Hamilton AM Rotary meeting on March 5. Not surprisingly, there were many questions posed about one of our favourite topics - our sleep or lack there of!

Dr, MacFarlane came back as promised last year to bust a few sleep myths. He focused on how to improve sleep quality, overall energy and health! Dr. MacFarlane gave some excellent advice on the value and use of sleep related medication. Dr. MacFarlane is an Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto.

Rousing applause was offered at the end of his presentation, especially by the insomniacs in the group!