Oktoberfest Thunder Bay now includes daytime events for even more fun! Join in on the Fresh Air 5k Fun Run, Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club race, and Stein-Holding Struggle! In partnership with Sleeping Giant Brewing Company, 2016 will be another great year of new & traditional Oktoberfest fun and games. Funds raised go towards Our Kids Count and other local charities selected by the Port Arthur Rotary Club.

Oktoberfest is a full day of events including the Fresh Air 5k Fun Run,  delicious food from local vendors, traditional Oktoberfest music by the Polka Pirates, dancing, and the Sleeping Giant beer will be flowing! There will also be a stein-holding struggle, and BlackSheep Mountain Bike Club will be celebrating their end of season. Join in on the fun!

Our Kids Count is a non-profit community development organization whose primary goal is to empower individuals to build stronger families and inclusive communities by enhancing people’s lives through personal growth and development.

One of our focuses has been out Community Kitchen program which addresses food security issues and provides opportunities for participants and their children to learn and cook in a safe, secure environment. It’s a multi-purpose space where people of all demographics in the community can learn valuable skills and celebrate food, culture and traditions.

We currently provide other community-based programs built on the needs identified by the families we serve. The programs offered may include pre/post natal information and support, parenting groups, life skills, community kitchens, home visiting and child development.  We’ve been in operation since 1995 and received our charitable designation in April of 1998.

Our Centres belong to the community and everyone is welcome!

For more information, visit: ourkidscount.ca

Oktoberfest is more than just Thunder Bay’s “Party of the Year!” Funds raised help the Port Arthur Rotary Club support a variety of organizations, events and initiatives in our community, including:

Field of Greens Project
A partnership between the Port Arthur Rotary Club and the Salvation Army Thunder Bay, with assistance from the Food Security Research Network and  local businesses. The Field of Green Project created a vegetable garden to help supply fresh produce for the Salvation Army’s kitchen and Food Bank. As the garden develops, the residents will take over ongoing care. In addition, a recreational area which includes a basketball court  provides important exercise opportunities, not otherwise met, for long term residents.

St. James School Project
The project was developed in 2012 to increase student participation and skill development. Financial support and volunteer opportunities were provided for: literacy, leadership, fitness, music and community involvement. Through direct allocations and the help of a District grant, the Port Arthur Rotary Club has purchased new school sports uniforms, snowshoes and skates. Rotarians regularly read with students, give music workshops and organize fitness activities.

Shelter Box
This international disaster relief charity delivers emergency shelter, warmth and dignity to victims of disasters worldwide. Each year for the last three years, the Port Arthur Rotary Club has purchased a ShelterBox. Every $1200 CAD provides a tent and shelter for a group of 10 people for up to six months.