Rotary Club of Bolton donates $5,500 to robotics team at Humberview

February 19, 2026 · 0 Comments

On February 9, the Rotary Club of Bolton presented a cheque for $5,500 to the Alpha Dogs, a FIRST robotics team from Humberview Secondary School.

Robert Palmateer is the youth services director for the Rotary Club of Bolton, and he explains that the club has supported the Alpha Dogs for numerous years now, “since day one.”

Each year, they try to donate around $5,000 to the Alpha Dogs to support their endeavours.

This year’s donation helped the Alpha Dogs cover their anticipated building costs.

“These kids are just amazing, the stuff they can do,” says Palmateer.

During the cheque presentation, members of the Rotary Club were given a tour of the facilities by the Alpha Dogs to see what they’re working on.

“What they do in their labs and sitting on the computers, designing what they’re going to use for their robots, and it’s just wonderful to see the kids involved in that kind of effort,” says Palmateer.

Last year, the Rotary Club of Bolton helped the Alpha Dogs purchase a 3D printer, which they use to print parts for their robots.

“It’s really cool seeing what they do,” he says, hoping that the Alpha Dogs are gearing up for another very successful season.

Palmateer says he’s happy that their club has been able to support them, and they try to use the money they raise in their fundraising activities in all aspects of the community.

“Young people are important to us and to Rotary generally. Youth is one of the things that Rotary has always helped with.”

The club continues to help other youth in the community through their Caledon Kids First program.

The Caledon Kids First Program is a funding program for sports and wellness programs for families in need.

Through the program, Caledon youth have participated in dance, soccer, karate, skating, baseball, hockey, and more. Over the past five-plus years, they have sponsored 200 youth under 18.

Palmateer says that, as much as they can through the program, they don’t want to turn anyone away.

Various assessments must be conducted for those who meet the program’s requirements, he explains.

“So far, I haven’t turned any down on an income basis,” he says, explaining that sometimes they can’t meet the number that some families are requesting, as they have a maximum amount per family.

Caledon Community Services or school social workers refer eligible families to the program, and the sports organizations are paid directly, ensuring that kids in the community can participate in the things they love.