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.
The lower mainland Rotary District 5040 Foundation Dinner happens February 4. This annual event is normally held in the fall, when instead we had a successful Million Dollar Dinner. Rather than miss the chance to celebrate Foundation in the lower mainland this Rotary year, we’ve partnered with the Richmond Rotary Club and their Lunar New Year/60th Anniversary celebration.
We hope Rotarians will attend this entertaining Foundation evening, and I’m very pleased to announce that we’ve recruited a special speaker: Dean Rohrs, past Rotary International Vice-President, current Rotary Foundation trustee, and a proud Past District 5040 Governor. It’s a special chance to hear a wonderful speaker who is also a very senior Rotary International leader. We’re also still welcoming donations for the silent auction.
Finally, the Paul Harris points match is being offered again. Rotarians who donate $500 US to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund receive 500 points for that donation, plus a matching 500 points, totalling enough for a Paul Harris fellow. There will be a table at the Foundation Dinner February 4, but the offer will also be open to Rotarians who cannot attend the dinner. Details will be posted on the District website.
John
John Berry
District Governor 2022-23