Home Page | Rotary District 5040

banner-herring-curtains---caption.-POA.jpg

Busy April-May for District

Posted on May 15, 2023

Our District Conference April 28 to 30 connected clubs with communities (our theme), showcased ideas from our own clubs, challenged our thinking with informative, effective speakers and included some wonderful fellowship and entertainment. Kudos to the organizing committee and to the Rotaractors who were so effective in keeping the fun in the Conference.

Next year's 2024 District Conference is in Terrace and Skeena Valley where it was planned to be held before the pandemic forced cancellation. The conference dates are April 26 to 28, 2024 and registration is already open!

Your club can join others to celebrate Canada Day

Posted on May 10, 2023

Canada Day on July 1st is approaching and, if your Rotary club has no plans to celebrate in your community, your club or you can come on over to North Vancouver to join other clubs and local organizations in celebrating on the waterfront .

Achievements and activities of our District 5040 clubs in April

Posted on May 09, 2023

Achievements and activities of some of our 49 clubs in Rotary District 5040 in April.

Tips for using the Brand Center to tell Rotary's story

Posted on May 06, 2023

Here are some ways to increase the impact of club communication in our communities. These are some ideas about use of the Brand Center, from our District 5040, to Rotary International in its blog, "Rotary Voices", published on May 5th. Your District 5040 Public Image Committee is here to serve our clubs. The committee will be reaching out to clubs in the coming weeks and months to advise and provide service in public image and public relations.

Rotary promotes the value of, and commitment to, Youth Service

Posted on May 02, 2023

Every year, over 350,000 young leaders participate in Rotary’s youth programs across Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), and Rotary Youth Exchange. Rotary’s Youth Service Month is an opportunity to promote our young leaders’ local and global impacts and the Rotary and Rotaract clubs that make these programs possible.

Canada's first Chief Accessibility Officer speaks up for those challenged by barriers

Posted by Roaf Peter on May 01, 2023

People with disabilities are under employed. 22% of Canadians live with a disability. They are 645,000 people ready, willing and able to work right now today. 50% of them have a post-secondary education, with at least one degree. But they're not working. Why? 27% of them will tell you it's because they can't get to work because there is no accessible transportation. Others will tell you about unconscious bias and artificial intelligence screening them out in the hiring process right from the beginning.

Stephanie Cadieux’s 4-year appointment as the Government of Canada’s first Chief Accessibility Officer began in May 2022. Ms. Cadieux is a change leader with more than 15 years of experience in planning and leadership roles. She has worked as an advocate for diversity, accessibility, and disability inclusion.

Spring brings renewal and return of Rotary programs

Posted on Apr 16, 2023

Spring is a wonderful season for renewal and looking forward, and so it is with Rotary! Rotary everywhere is working for a strong finish to the current year while planning and preparing for the 2023 – 24 Rotary year. Our new leaders, in RI, in District and in our clubs bring a fresh perspective and new ideas. And we blend that with a rich tradition of continuity, especially in our enduring values, as we change and adapt.

Herring spawning helped with fabric on docks

Posted on Apr 11, 2023

Pacific herring are a main food source for salmon. There is a threat to herring, and in turn, salmon, due to the loss of much of their natural habitat of eelgrass and kelp beds in recent years and the continued heavy roe fishery in the Salish Sea. To help the herring population grow, the Rotary Club of Pender Harbour started a project to drop fabric curtains off docks each spring as artificial spawning grounds for herring. A curtain can accommodate as many as 3 million eggs. With ongoing monitoring, volunteers carefully remove predators during the spawning season, such as crabs and starfish, allowing the roe to reach maturity within two to three weeks. -- photo by Jacob Bøtter

Coats for Kids once again fills need

Posted on Apr 06, 2023

One in two children of a single parent in British Columbia live in poverty and one in five children live in poverty. There is a growing need among children up to age 18 for warm coats to get them through the winter.

For the past 20 years the Rotary Club of Burnaby Metrotown has been facilitating the “Rotary Coats for Kids” program which has delivered up to 1,900 coats a year. In true community partnership, Rotary works with the local School District and community organizations ensuring that every child in need in Burnaby gets a new winter coat. Schools and service organizations provide a list of children requiring coats with gender and size. photo credit Peakp

Achievements and activities of our District 5040 clubs in March

Posted on Apr 04, 2023

Achievements and activities of some of our 49 clubs in Rotary District 5040 in March.

Saving the almost 6 million children under five from death

Posted on Apr 02, 2023

An estimated 5.9 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, inadequate health care, and poor sanitation — all of which can be prevented.

Rotary makes high-quality health care available to vulnerable mothers and children so they can live longer and grow stronger. We expand access to quality care, so mothers and children everywhere can have the same opportunities for a healthy future.

Rotary provides education, immunizations, birth kits, and mobile health clinics. Women are taught how to prevent mother-to-infant HIV transmission, how to breast-feed, and how to protect themselves and their children from disease.

Economic impact of District 2021-22 CDN$6+ million, worldwide US$6.5 billion

Posted on Mar 18, 2023

With all the donations made and matched, grants given, expenditures of our District and clubs and value of volunteer time, throughout, the economic impact of our District 5040 in the past year is estimated to be as high as CDN$6.3 million, according to Past District Governor and District Foundation Chair Lorne Calder.

Salute to Rotaract, RYLA South, Foundation thank you, learning continues

Posted on Mar 14, 2023

As spring approaches, we're delighted to see Rotary blossoming throughout our District. Pat and I have enjoyed tremendously visiting all the Rotary clubs and nearly all the Rotaract clubs in District 5040. Some of the many initiatives and successes that we see at clubs are profiled on our website.

At our District Conference, April 28 to 30, we'll also learn more about how clubs succeed in connecting with communities.

Rotary celebrates Rotaract worldwide March 13-19

Posted on Mar 13, 2023

Rotaract is a global movement of students and young professionals ages 18 and older who are developing innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges as they exchange ideas with leaders in the community, develop leadership and professional skills, and have fun through service. From big cities to rural villages, Rotaract is changing communities and knows no limits in its outreach. Rotaractors have access to the many resources of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation. Shown here, members of the North Shore Rotary Club, one of 10 Rotaract clubs in Rotary District 5040.

Global and local Rotary leaders saluted on International Women's Day

Posted on Mar 08, 2023

It is a special year in Rotary worldwide, on International Women's Day, March 8th with the first female President of Rotary International in its 117 year history: Jennifer Jones. She is also a Canadian -- an extra source of pride for all of us. Not only worldwide, but here in our District 5040 of 49 clubs, we have a number of women as our leaders.

Achievements and activities of our District 5040 clubs in February

Posted on Mar 06, 2023

Check out recent achievements and activities of some of our 49 clubs in Rotary District 5040.

Clean water, sanitation, hygiene for a healthy environment, productive life

Posted on Mar 01, 2023

When people have access to clean water and sanitation, waterborne diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families.

Rotary’s people of action mobilize resources, form partnerships, and invest in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change.

March is Water Sanitation and Hygiene month throughout Rotary world.

Kids experience a daily routine of those in Uganda hauling water

Posted on Feb 27, 2023

To support a water infrastructure project for students in Uganda who do not have easy access to clean drinking water over 300 students at Holly Elementary School in the Delta community of Ladner participated in a Walk for Water on February 10, 2023. The children carried yellow jerry cans of water almost one kilometer to simulate a daily task for their peers in the East African nation. The schools "Green Team" also raised $900 which, matched by a member of the Rotary Club of Tsawwwassen, for a total of $1,800 towards the Club's "Walk for Water" project that will deliver clean drinking water and sanitation and hygiene training to over 1000 people in Uganda.

Rotary relief fund now open for Turkey Syria earthquake

Posted on Feb 15, 2023

The Rotary Foundation Trustees decided that all donations made, from now until 31 March, to the Turkey/Syria Disaster Response Fund will be used to aid earthquake relief projects. In addition, the Trustees made available more than $125,000 to Rotary districts affected by the earthquake through Disaster Response Grants. Many Rotary members are asking how they can help. Here's how to have the greatest impact.....

RYLA return, Foundation success, sad news -- District Governor

Posted on Feb 15, 2023

RYLA is back!! After the restrictions and isolation we all experienced during the past two and more years of pandemic we can all celebrate that our District's Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, an exceptional development program for youth, has returned in person. RYLA South, for 15 to 18 year olds, is happening at Camp Elphinstone, near Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast, March 25 to 28. Spots are still available, clubs and the 5040 RYLA website have registration information with a February 23 closing date.

Gift of a lift: driving to access medical services

Posted on Feb 13, 2023

Accessing specialist medical services for residents of Squamish can be a challenge for some. For those who cannot drive to Whistler or the Vancouver area because of a medical condition or following surgery and family or friends are not available and if paid services or not suitable or too costly, it's a worrisome problem. To meet that need in the community Rotary Club of Squamish has awarded a grant of $20,000 to fund the launch on March 1st, and first year of operation, of a new MediCar service for residents in need of transportation to specialist medical services at no cost to them. - photo courtesy of the American Cancer Society

Recent achievements and activities of our District 5040 clubs

Posted on Feb 13, 2023

From food support programs, fundraisers and youth to social events, Ukrainian new family support and First Nation presentation on Rotary, check out recent achievements and activities of some of our 49 clubs in Rotary District 5040.

Rotary road sign marks Prince Rupert club's anniversary

Posted on Feb 13, 2023

To mark its 100th Anniversary in 2021 the Rotary Club of Prince Rupert commissioned this road sign which now welcomes people to the community.

International Rotary Citation for our District - one of only 3 among Zone 28's 20 Districts

Posted on Feb 10, 2023

Of our 48 clubs in Rotary District 5040 in 2021-22, 39 (81%) earned the Rotary International Citation. In turn, our District has now received an international Rotary Citation for a District which achieves 50% or more of its clubs receiving their Rotary Citation.

As last year's District Governor Lorne Calder says, "This is quite the accomplishment. Zone 28 includes 20 Districts, including all those in Canada, plus Alaska and parts of Northern United States, and we are one of only three Districts in the Zone to have received the Citation. Globally, we were among only 91 (17%) out of 526 Districts to have achieved this distinction. This is the second year our District has earned its Citation."

Deadly earthquake in Turkey, Syria: Rotary partner, Shelterbox, preparing to respond

Posted on Feb 06, 2023

A devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake ravaged southern Turkey and northern Syria on February 6, 2023. Over 35,000 people have lost their lives, and this tragic number is continuing to rise. It is now the worst the country had seen since 1939, when the Erzincan earthquake in eastern Turkey killed nearly 33,000 people.

Paul Harris Fellow Award points matched by District in February

Posted on Feb 04, 2023

During February Foundation Giving Month, our District 5040 will match the donation of US$500 or more by any members of our clubs with US$500 value in points towards a US$1,000 Paul Harris Fellow Award. Please contact District Governor Nominee Drew Antrobus or District Executive Administrator Nancy Eidsvik to take advantage of this opportunity and receive a tax receipt from Rotary.

Pakistan flood, Ukraine war: Rotary Foundation temporary relief funds announced

Posted on Feb 02, 2023

In Pakistan a severe monsoon season has caused devastating floods and affected millions of people. Seen here, Shabana’s home was destroyed and she now lives in a shelter made of sticks and cloths. In Ukraine, the ongoing war has led to a continued humanitarian crisis. We’ll begin fundraising efforts soon to finance disaster response grants from these funds.

Past Rotary International President and current Trustee Chair of The Rotary Foundation Ian Riseley says, “As a global humanitarian organization, Rotary continually takes action such as this to help communities in need. The Rotary Foundation has established two temporary funds to support immediate relief efforts in Pakistan and Ukraine.” photo © European Union, 2022 (photographer: Abdul Majeed) https://flic.kr/p/2nP8qqR

BC Rotary Hearing and Balance Centre at St. Paul’s Hospital

Posted on Jan 30, 2023

Not being able to hear a favourite song or the sound of a loved one’s voice is a reality for over 400,000 BC residents who suffer from severe hearing loss. For over 40 years, the Rotary Club of Vancouver’s Hearing Foundation has provided life-changing care for children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing. From funding Canada’s first-ever Cochlear Implant surgery in 1982, to completing over 770 surgeries, raising $3.6 million and committing $6 million for the creation of a new Hearing and Balance Centre at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver for research, restorative care, and recovery of patients with hearing loss, Rotary Vancouver's Hearing Foundation has pursued its mission to bring back the sounds of life for so many in need.

Learn from, recognize, valuable Rotary service in our BC communities and world: 5040 SHOWCASE

Posted on Jan 24, 2023

Rotary members and program participants throughout Rotary District 5040 are improving lives in many communities of British Columbia and around the world every day through thousands of service projects. Here are some examples of how People of Action in Rotary have made life better for others in service above self. Learn what other clubs are doing to inspire yours and share in the value of the Rotary experience.

District Foundation Dinner and District Conference ahead

Posted on Jan 17, 2023

I hope everyone had a great holiday season and are enjoying the opportunities we have in Rotary to serve our communities and the world in so many rewarding ways.

Plans for our District Conference April 28 to 30 are moving rapidly: check out the theme and draft program and register. There’s something for everyone, an interesting and varied program, great speakers, fun and fellowship all in a great location. The $400 registration cost is being extended for another month, to January 31, before it rises to $450. And there’s a special rate for Rotaractors and first-year Rotarians -- $99, not including a Gala ticket. There are still hotel rooms in the block at our special negotiated rate.