The club last week presented cheques totalling $25,000 to a range of local recipients, being the funds raised from two of the club’s biggest annual events.

“The strong success of Paddlefest and Jazz on the Lines has raised significant funds to help many local and regional groups,” club president Graham Streeter said.

Paddlefest was held on Lake Macquarie at Speers Point in February.

Participants paid a registration fee to take part in races involving a range of aquatic craft, including dragon boats, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and outriggers.

Jazz on the Lines was held on the old Toronto railway station in March.

Rotarian Vic Lewis said the afternoon featured jazz music, food and wine, and was very well supported.

“We had about 120 people there this year, which was the fourth time we’ve staged the event,” he said.

“The venue and the views there are just brilliant.”

The key beneficiaries from the Rotary club’s endeavours were presented with cheques in a breakfast function at Royal Motor Yacht Club, Toronto.

They were.-

Other beneficiaries included the State Emergency Services (SES), St John’s Ambulance, and Lake Macquarie and District Historical Society.

“Our club enjoys the work required to hold these events but without the community and business support we would not be able to support these organisations to achieve their aims,” Mr Streeter said.

“To see the community reach out, have fun, connect with one another and raise needed funds at the same time is what local support is all about.

“It’s certainly a privilege for Toronto Rotary to be the catalyst in fundraising and partnering with our community.”