A Bevy of Community-Minded Swans in Elgin
- Colette Kenny
- Nov 4
- 2 min read
Back row: Donna Owen, Barb Bentley (District 4 President) Pat Summers (Treasurer), Elizabeth Wright
Missing: Evelyn Ramdhanie (Vice President), Lenora McDougall, Becky White-Thompson
There is a special type of swan which resides year-round in Rideau Lakes Township. Recognized by their t-shirts and friendly smiles, these swans gather monthly to organize on behalf of their local community. The Rideau Swans community service group is now in its fourth year of operation, part of the larger network of Swans Ontario, which has 22 chapters and is growing.
These swans certainly live up to their motto of “Volunteering for a Better Community.” They fundraise through a wide range of activities, including dinners and 50-50 draws. You may have also seen them vending at markets and other events such as The Lyndhurst Turkey Fair and Elgin Days. Every year, the group raises thousands of dollars, all of which goes directly back to people in need.
When an unexpected need arises in the community, the Rideau Swans are there to lend a hand. Examples of their support include the Rideau Lakes Township schools, fire victims, expenses related to cancer treatment (such as gas money), our local food banks and other needs that arise.
Every few months, the members bake muffins that are delivered to local schools for the breakfast programs. At their most recent meeting, President Angela Bearance reported that the Swans had brought 108 muffins for the children.
Their name, “Swans” itself has a special meaning: Service We Assist Nurture Support. In 2024, the Swans Ontario collectively donated $16,300 to the Shine Program for youth with disabilities. The Shine Program fulfills dreams for youth in Canada who face challenges due to severe physical disability. The dreams granted by the Shine Program help these young people “see new possibilities for their future, turning their mindset from ‘I can’t’ into ‘I can’.”
Do you love great music and lots of fun? The Swans are asking everyone to mark their 2026 calendars on May 2, when they will be presenting Eddy and the Stingrays at the Elgin Lions Club Hall. This band, currently in its 45th year of operation, is billed as “Canada’s top 50s and 60s Rock and Roll attraction.”
Closer on the horizon is the raffling of a gift card wreath. Tickets will be on sale as the holidays in December approach. In weeks to come, look for details from your Swans.
In everything they do, the Swans emphasize the value of community service. In their ideal world, they see “people helping people, serving with kindness, generosity and commitment.” Their sense of fun and friendship was also easy to see at the recent meeting. This “small but mighty” group of 11 is always interested in welcoming new Swans into their fold.
For more information about their activities, or to find out about how to join the Rideau Lakes Swans, you can email them at rideaulakesswans@yahoo.com or leave a message at 613-359-1165.
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