January Newsletter

Wishing you Health and Happiness!

Your Vote can save the Club $6,000+

Help the GRC Avoid Substantial Unnecessary Costs

If you are an annual GRC member,* you can help the club save more than $6,000 this year by supporting a simpler, fully compliant financial review for 2025.

To do this, we need annual members to vote at a short virtual Special Meeting on Tuesday, January 20 at 6:30 pm. The meeting will cover a single resolution and should take only a few minutes. If you can’t attend, please take part by submitting a proxy. We need 80% of annual members to vote for this to pass.

The Board is recommending a review engagement instead of a full audit. A review engagement meets all current requirements, costs about $7,400 instead of $14,000, and can be completed several weeks faster. Our accountant and two GRC members who are CPAs see no added benefit to the more expensive audit, and funders do not require one.

Recent changes to Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Corporations Act mean this choice now requires approval from the membership. Your vote is what allows the club to proceed with the lower-cost option.

Full details regarding this Special Meeting, can be read here.

*To vote on this resolution, you must be over 18 and currently registered in a full year program. (Recreational full year, Masters, Combined Senior Competitor + Varsity)

High School Rowing

High School Rowing: Winter Program

The high school program has moved into its winter home at the Church of the Apostles as of early December. The group is feeling nice and toasty while putting in the K’s and slinging weight circuit bars, strangely nostalgic for some cold temperatures at times!

Following the Holiday break, athletes are back preparing for the “Hammer the Erg” 2k race hosted by Leander Jan 17 and looking ahead to the big season race at the Nancy Storrs Ontario Indoor Rowing Championships at Ridley College Feb 28. They’re mixing in a few tank sessions at the Don RC throughout the season. Novices are coming along with good examples being set by the experienced crowd.

The team is coached by Jack Wilhelm, Dean Raso, and Andrew Borden.

High School Rowing Program Growth

Request for Volunteers – High School Program

The Guelph Rowing Club is looking for volunteers to join our High School coaching team next season. This is a great opportunity to give back, mentor youth, and be part of a program that makes a real impact. Commitment is flexible, and training will be provided if needed — a perfect way to easily complete your volunteer requirement for the club.

We’re also seeking a High School Program Lead to help with administrative tasks such as registrations, regatta entries, communications, uniforms, and coach scheduling. This role offers insight into the operations of a competitive rowing program and a chance to contribute meaningfully behind the scenes.

If you’re interested in either role, please contact Joanne Ryks at rowingcommittee@guelphrowing.ca by the end of January. The competitive season runs from April to the end of May.

Club Winter Workouts

For those of you who need a little extra motivation to stay in rowing shape through the winter months, the GRC has put together a suggested on-land workout for self-directed winter training.

The current four-week block is already underway, with two weeks remaining.

February will be available shortly.

You can find it here.

Fundraising Update

Thank You for Your Incredible Support!

We’re happy to share the results of our recent fundraising efforts, and it’s all thanks to you, our amazing GRC community! Every dollar raised goes directly toward rebuilding our fleet.

Giving Tuesday: The Gryphon rowing program raised $3,755, and an additional $2,045 came from 9 GRC members who donated through the NSTF toward the same goal.
Year-End Tax Receipt Campaign: 8 generous donors contributed $1,800 to support our fleet.

Your generosity is helping us move closer to having the boats our rowers need to train and compete safely. Thank you for being part of this vital effort!

P.S. Many thanks to Gord Barr for his ongoing fundraising efforts. Thanks to his dedication, we’re steadily moving toward what many thought was an impossible goal—rebuilding our fleet.

Fundraising Oar Necklace

Didn’t get one of these under your tree? Treat yourself!

Jewellery designer Eric Montgomery—now based in Guelph, but originally living in Port Dalhousie when he created these pieces for the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Henley—has generously donated five necklaces to support our Rebuild Our Fleet fund. Only 3 remain.

Each necklace features a vintage-style oar pendant in sterling silver or brass, hanging from a durable waterproof latex cord. Prices are $35 for brass and $45 for silver.

A unique, meaningful gift for the rower in your life—and a wonderful way to support the club.

To purchase one, contact Odette

Learn-to-Row Instructors Needed

We’re Recruiting Learn-to-Row Instructors!

Our club entry programs are the most important way we introduce the community to rowing—and help new people become active members of our rowing family. Jessica, our Learn-to-Row Coordinator, is looking for club members who’d like to join the team as Learn-to-Row instructors. We’re known for our warm, welcoming attitude, and this is a great way to share it.

No coaching experience? No problem. The club will train you.
Our LTR courses run in June, with either morning or evening options. Each course includes 8 lessons (10 hours total).

If you’re interested, please contact Jessica Wilson-Sterling at LTR@guelphrowing.ca

Join the Guelph Rowing Club Board of Directors

The Guelph Rowing Club is seeking new board members! We’re looking to fill three positions starting April 1. This is your chance to give back, help shape the future of the club, and make a real difference in the rowing community.

Serving on the board offers many benefits:

Impact: Influence key decisions on programs, facilities, and events.
Community: Work alongside passionate rowers and volunteers who care about the club.
Experience: Gain valuable leadership, governance, and organizational skills.
Connection: Deepen your engagement with the sport and support athletes of all levels.

If you’re interested in helping the club grow and thrive, consider joining the GRC board. For more information or to express interest, contact Michele Richardson, chair of the nominating committee.

Ontario Adventure Rowing

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