One of our earliest ventures in large fund raising projects was the Automobile Show held for several years in the Armouries. This was the first large auto show in Halifax and, thanks to the dynamic leadership of Rotarian Cliff Nickerson, was very successful.

The Minstrel Show of 1925, successful as a fund raising project, also did much to strengthen the fellowship of the Club, as many members took part. It was presented at the Majestic Theatre for three nights in April, and was said to have been the hit of the season. The end men comedians were Felix Quinn and J. Layton Ralston (both future members of Parliament, as also was our 50 year member, Sam Balcom). They were supported by a circle of well-known business and professional men. Songs, dances and chorus numbers entertained the audience. The local press reported, "The Minstrel Show was piquant with topical jokes and personalities too numerous to bear reciting. The closing chorus by the whole company brought to an end the Minstrel Show as such, and it was "Bang-Up" all the way. Imagine the cream of local business and professional men seated in a circle in their fancy minstrel costumes. What a bunch of fast-steppers that aggregation proved to be, when the orchestra struck up a jazzy refrain for the finale. One and all of the gang played up in great style." It was rehearsed and staged under the direction of Ifan Williams and J.L. Robertson.

Two years later we put on the Rotary Musical Review of 1927, filling the largest theatre in the City for three nights and a matinee. This also added much to the fellowship of the Club.

The Ice Cycles Show, which we sponsored from 1947 to 1959, was not only very successful in raising funds, but also involved many of our members as ushers and in other activities. The attractive girls of the cast proved welcome additions to our luncheon the week of the show. Credit for initiating this project should go to that energetic trio, Rotarian John McCurdy of McCurdy Print, Bob Rankin of the Halifax Herald and Tom Courtney of the Casino Theatre.

In 1960 and 1961, we sponsored a Circus. The first brought us a substantial sum, but the second was not so successful.

In 1964, with Bill McCurdy as Chairman, we ran the First Atlantic Antique Automobile Show at the Forum, September 18 and 19.

Other Fund Raising projects included White Elephant Sale in 1956, a sale of First Aid Kits for 5 years 1956-60, a Toronto Art Show in 1962, a Rotanza in 1963, the New Westminster Boys Band in 1965, a performance of the Ballet Roland Petit in 1968, as well as Wine and Cheese parties in 1970 and 1972. The Annual Vacation Draw which was first held in 1973 is described in detail in a separate section of this history.

From 1952 to 1989, we sponsored the Easter Seal Campaign for Crippled Children for the Halifax area. The Campaign was opened each year at a regular Club luncheon, with the Lieutenant Governor being present to receive the first seals from a handicapped child. An average of about $20,000 ($30,000 more than once) was collected each year. Half of the proceeds were paid to the Nova Scotia Society for Crippled Children and the balance, less expenses, was spent on our various projects (also for handicapped children).