The Rotary Club of Harrogate Brigantes was founded in 1980 and is part of Rotary International.  RI is a worldwide association of business and professional men and women dedicated to high ethical standards in business; the ideal of service in personal, business and community life and the advancement of international understanding and world peace.

The Club meets weekly for dinner and undertakes personal service in the community as well as fundraising to enable it to support worthwhile projects both locally and in the wider community.  The Club has around 30 members.

During the Rotary Year ending 2010, the Club raised £19,000 to fund its charitable activities.  Santa Grotto, ASDA collected £4,500 during December and £6,500 was raised at a charity golf day held at Oakdale Golf Club in May.  Haiti collection for Shelter Boxes raised £3,500, Pedal for Polio £1,100 and Thanks for Life £900.

The  Wishing Well in the Valley Gardens raised £2,000 and Members of the Club donated £1,538 to the Rotary Foundation.

Members of the Club provided "hands on" assistance throughout the year acting as drivers on one day each week for the WRVS Meals-on-Wheels service.

Local Rotarians provide organizational support to the 'Skills for Living, of Harrogate,  who provide training and social inclusion, enabling people with learning difficulties and disabilities to achieve their potential.

The Club's principal donations during the year were Harrogate Young Carers £6,500; Shelterbox £3,500; St Michael's Hospice £1,800; Talking Newspaper £1,000; Keswick Flood Appeal £1,000; Thanks for Life £900 and Polio Plus £1,100.

Rotary is a worldwide organisation with clubs in over 160 countries.  The Rotary Foundation, which is supported by Rotary Clubs and Rotarians worldwide, makes grants to humanitarian projects which are supported by local Rotarians. 

Rotary Foundation has been instrumental in initiating a worldwide programme to eliminate polio and has contributed over £250 million, more than 20% of the cost of the programme.  Worldwide incidence of Polio has been reduced from over 400,000 cases annually to less than 500.  Rotary International is currently raising the £55 million needed to achieve final elimination.  £500 was paid to Polio Plus to complete our pledge to donate £1,500 over a 3 year period.