Posted by Don Evans on Dec 20, 2017
Tuesday, November 28 -  We are off on a special trip to the Sunshine Coast, with a special goal of attending the Powell Rover Rotary Club's Purple for Polio Fundraiser.   We make an early start on the ferry, and pick up Assistant Governor Carol Doyle on our way through Gibsons - she will accompany us to Powell River and on our other Rotary stops on this trip.   After another ferry and a pleasant drive, we arrive in Powell River.
 
The Purple for Polio fundraising evening gets underway with a great crowd in the ARC Theatre,   President Scott Randolph presides over the evening, which is attended by members of both the Rotary Clubs of Powell River and Powell River Sunrise, as well as many from the community.   The Club's Foundation Director Jan Gisborne has had a huge hand in organizing this event and, as part of the event, her family are recognized with two Paul Harris awards for their great efforts as the family faced challenges over the past 2 years.   Congratulations Mark Gisborne and Bronwyn McBlane!   It is so wonderful to see Stan there with them. 
 
There is also an opportunity to present certificates from the Rotary Foundation to both Rotary clubs in recognition of their support to Polio in the past Rotary years - it is clear that this year they will also do well in this regard as the evening goes on.   A wonderful dinner is served and enjoyed, then the keynote speaker - Gabor Gasztonyi makes a moving presentation sharing his story as a polio survivor, as well as his continuing work on polio immunizations in Ethiopia.   An accomplished professional photographer, he donates three prints to the auction which does very well.   It is a great evening - we are very glad we were able to be there.