The President of our Rotary International network of 1.4 million worldwide members, Stephanie Urchik (in photo), the Chair of The Rotary Foundation and General Secretary/CEO of Rotary International confirm to Rotary members and all our communities served, that Rotary keeps its focus on service and values in these turbulent times in this message.
The Festival of Performing Arts in Powell River was sponsored, managed, and attended by members of Rotary Club of Powell River. Here are many of the other achievements and activities of some of our clubs in Rotary District 5040 in the past 30 days or so.
Rotarian Ron Suzuki prepares for the 2024 District 5040 Conference End Polio Now Walk in Terrace, BC with his pal, Rotarian Ron Malmas dressed as one very friendly dinosaur. And while we don't have pictures yet, Ron Suzuki is currently preparing for the 2025 District 5040 Conference End Polio Now Walk.
Join us at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, BC, Friday, April 25th at 4:30 p.m.
The apartheid government of South Africa in the 1970s applied the Group Areas Act when it displaced and bulldozed an entire community of "Coloureds", as they were called (members of multiracial ethnic communities with ancestry from African, European, and Asian people), from Cape Town to the new community of Atlantis 40 km to the north. Atlantis now has 90,000 residents. Unemployment is high at 40% and suffers from lack of housing and a very high crime rate among its challenges. Many students arrive at their schools without having eaten any food in the morning or during the day.
In support of their community the Rotary Club of Atlantis has established gardens at 12 elementary schools to feed the children. The club also educates the students on how to grow vegetables and on environmental issues. It also operates two community soup kitchens to feed children and teens.
In December 2024, Rotary Club of Ladner member and Past District 5040 Governor Chris Offer, as a side trip on a personal tour along the African west coast, spent a day with members of the Rotary Club of Atlantis touring four of the community's schools and doing a volunteer shift at one of the local Rotary club's soup kitchens. Chris learned that funds are needed to purchase gardening equipment the children can use, and rice and corn meal to supplement the vegetables grown at the schools to feed the children. Atlantis was built on sand. So, to grow gardens, there is also the cost of bringing in soil. -- photos by Chris Offer
Members of the new Interact Club at Richmond Christian School receive their official certificate from (left) Rotary Club of Steveston President John Kibblewhite and President Elect Bruce Marshall on March 14, 2025. Congratulations to our newest Interact Club and RC Steveston.
We are pleased to announce Rotarian Dr. Danilo (Danny) Salcedo, of Deva Dental Clinic in New Westminster, BC, in conjunction with Caring Hearts Dentistry Society has joined us as a Silver Sponsor of the 2025 District Conference.
Danny is a shining example of how Rotarians find ways to empower communities near and far through their vocations.
District 5040 Governor Drew Antrobus: Fellow Rotarians, as we embrace February, Rotary International’s Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month, we are reminded of the essential role we play in fostering harmony, understanding, and cooperation. Peace is more than just the absence of war—it is the presence of justice, equality, and opportunity. Through our collective efforts, we have the power to create meaningful change, bringing people together and transforming communities.
This month, we continue to celebrate The Magic of Rotary and the extraordinary way our organization unites people from diverse backgrounds to embody greater cause. We also recognize the strength found in Empowering Through Unity when we work together with a shared vision, the impact we create is immeasurable.
Global News, February 8, 2025: A Vancouver based non-profit has returned from a successful medical mission overseas, thanks in part to donations from local organizations -- including the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunrise. But as Julia Foy reports, changes south of the border are putting more pressure on local international aid organizations.
Ray Wang, principal of RW Digital, a dynamic and growing, community minded digital marketing agency based in Metro Vancouver, stepped up early on to become our first Silver sponsor of the 2025 District Conference.
Thousands of men and women fighting on the front lines in Ukraine, many civilians injured from bombings in the war with Russia and those needing routine medical care after some facilities have been destroyed, are benefitting from used medical equipment and supplies and equipment shipped to the country through Rotary Districts 5040 and 5050 shared Rotary World Help (RWH) network with sponsorship by the Rotary Club of Vancouver Arbutus and a District 5040 grant.
Initiated by the Rotary Club of Williams Lake, the new $90,000 Community Fitness Park in Williams Lake is a user friendly, multi-station, outdoor exercise center with equipment that can be used by all generations. The facility is built alongside an existing playground, frequented by children and their families, and close to the Williams Lake Seniors' Activity Centre, promoting social interaction between all age groups.
The Government of Canada reached a major milestone in its support of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) -- started by Rotary International in 1986 -- with a $151 million contribution to the Initiative in September 2024 . This contribution brings the total funding by the Canadian Government, contributed over time to the campaign, to $1 billion. The GPEI’s aim is to immunize 370 million children a year against polio.
As we reflect on 2024 and our Rotary journey, we are reminded of the theme that guides us: The Magic of Rotary. This magic isn’t found in spells or illusions—it lies in the incredible power we have to transform lives and create lasting change. Nowhere is this more evident than in our work in Disease Prevention and Treatment, one of Rotary’s key areas of focus. Imagine a world where children no longer suffer from preventable diseases, where every family has access to clean water and basic healthcare, and where communities thrive because health is no longer a barrier to success. Rotary is making this vision a reality.
Is the Rotary of today the right one for tomorrow? Are the experiments happening in the Rotary World and the changes that are inevitable going to meet the needs of Rotarians?
Dean, her husband Rhino and their 3 children emigrated to Canada from South Africa during the 1980s. Dean grew up in Zambia and after marrying Rhino lived in Malawi, Namibia and South Africa. At present she is a member of the Rotary Club of Langley Central in District 5050.
Dean has served on many District and Zone committees before being appointed to Rotary International senior positions. As a former Rotary International Vice President and Rotary International Director Dean has great insight into Rotary and the possibilities for the future. However, her best experience is leading teams of Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors to Africa and seeing how this volunteer experience changes their lives.
As November unfolds, we embrace Rotary Foundation Month, a time to celebrate and reflect on the cornerstone of Rotary International—our Rotary Foundation. Here in District 5040, we see the power of our collective efforts brought to life and The Magic of Rotary truly comes alive. Through the Rotary Foundation, we are Empowering Through Unity, driving meaningful change across communities both locally and globally.
For decades, the Rotary Foundation has been the force that enables District 5040 to thrive as agents of change. Whether addressing local challenges or contributing to global efforts, the Foundation empowers us to act decisively and compassionately.
For the 12,000 residents of Terrace and area, including 2,000 children, and visitors to the community, the 150-acre Ferry Island park and campground, close to the city centre, provides a year-round play and recreation area -- trail network, off-leash dog area and artisanal features -- and during the summer half of the year, affordable accommodation often for music and sports events.
Rotary Clubs of Terrace and of Terrace Skeena Valley created a playground on Ferry Island over 20 years ago. The playground's original equipment was showing its age so the City wanted to update and expand it. On top of City of Terrace's $28,700 funding for the $40,000 playground upgrade Rotary Club of Terrace contributed $7,581.00 plus a Rotary District 5040 Grant of $3,800.
Assistant Governor and District Strategic & Action Planning Chair, Rotarian Ron Shaw of the Rotary Club of Lionsgate North Vancouver, is now confirmed as District Governor Nominee Designate to serve as District Governor in 2027-2028.
Polio (poliomyelitis) is a paralyzing and potentially deadly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of 5. The virus spreads from person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can then attack the nervous system. Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 35 years. Our goal of ridding the world of this disease is closer than ever.
On World Polio Day, October 24th, a group of Rotarians and friends of various ages participated in the annual Walk for Polio, starting at City Hall, where Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and Vancouver Councillors Lisa Dominato, Lenny Zhou and Pete Fry, presented the City's Proclamation in support of the worldwide day to mark the success, but journey ahead, in ridding the world of polio. -- photos by Ken Choy, Rotaract Club of Richmond
Rotary International President 2023-24, R. Gordon R. McInally, a member of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, Lothian, Scotland, says, "As we reflect on an extraordinary year, I am so proud and inspired by how our clubs found innovative ways to connect with their members, communities, and the world.
Gordon said to Rotary District Governors, including our 2023-24 District 5040 Governor Shirley-Pat Gale, "During the 2023-2024 Rotary year, under your leadership, the clubs in your district worked to increase their membership, contribute to The Rotary Foundation, serve their communities, participate in Rotary programs, improve their public image, and so much more. As a result, at least half of the Rotary clubs in your district earned the 2023-2024 Rotary Citation."
Achievements and activities of some of our clubs in Rotary District 5040 in the past 30 days or so. Star Fish Pack and Backpack Buddies weekend food programs, shown here, are back in action at various Rotary clubs in the District at the start of the new school year for students from families in need.
In Pender Harbour the Serendipity Child Care Society is the only daycare program within a 20km radius to serve working families. The Society, run by volunteers and paid early childhood education workers, provides a daycare and social growth and development program for 15 to 20 toddlers and infants and their families. Its fundraising aims to keep daycare affordable and self-sustaining.
The Rotary Club of Pender Harbour Madeira Park purchased $3,150 in equipment the Society needed, with support of a $1,050 District Grant from The Rotary Foundation. The equipment included run bikes, tricycles, helmets, outside and inside water tables, play kitchen, sun/rain sandbox protection and educational toys.
The City of Delta recently completed the $650,000 Stokes and Cullis Plaza as a resident and visitor meeting place and rest area in the centre of Ladner Village. The plaza is part of the Ladner Village Community Plan. It emerged from recommendations made by the Ladner Village Renewal Advisory Committee in 2020. The new plaza includes oversized planters to act as a visual anchor to welcome visitors and provide wooden seating with coloured light poles illuminated in the evening.
In keeping with Rotary’s Area of Focus to Protect the Environment, the Rotary Club of Ladner contributed $25,000 to the project for the installation of two E-bike charging stations, included in the City's plan. The club also sponsored a large wooden bench seating area at the entrance to the plaza. This Rotary contribution included a District Grant of $8,288 from The Rotary Foundation.
The 260 inmates of the men's prison in Arua, 475 km north-west of Kampala, Uganda, no longer have to sleep on the floor. For the past year they have been able to sleep on mattresses with covers, providing a more dignified stay while at the prison. When inmates are treated more humanely, it has a measured impact on recidivism. It's felt that providing more humane living conditions while incarcerated can help ensure a better reintegration into society upon their release. This not only has a direct impact on the quality of life for those in the facility, but can then have ripple effects into the broader community.
With the cooperation of the Uganda Prisons Service, Rotary Club of New Westminster provided $10,095 for 300 Rotary branded mattresses and blankets, along with 2 spray pumps and pesticides. Included in that funding was a $3,365 Rotary District 5040 Grant from The Rotary Foundation.
Among the diabetic patients of Thanyaburi Hospital, in Pathum Thani, Thailand, as many as 100 who have experienced complications from diabetic retinopathy may now have a better chance of avoiding blindness thanks to a new $35,112 Fundus Camera provided through a Global Grant from The Rotary Foundation. Fundus photography involves photographing the rear of the eye known as the fundus.
For its 8280 diabetes patients the Hospital did not have the equipment to examine them for complications of diabetic retinopathy. Patients have had to wait several months to get this test done or not have it done at all. Those who managed to be referred to Pathumthani Hospital for the examination, 28 km away, there was the challenge of transportation and additional expenses that they could not afford as a barrier to timely treatment before progress of the disease progress.
The ongoing crisis in Gaza has contributed to reduced routine immunization rates. It has increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, including polio. The crisis also poses a significant challenge to fully implementing disease surveillance and vaccination campaigns.
The recent detection of variant poliovirus type-2 isolates in environmental samples and the confirmation of a 10-month-old child who has contracted polio in Gaza is a stark reminder that as long as polio exists anywhere, it is a threat everywhere.
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers there to be a high risk for the spread of this polio strain within Gaza and internationally, particularly given the current situation's impact on public health services. Rotary will continue to work with its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and other agencies as vaccination efforts unfold. It is estimated that 650,000 need to be vaccinated.
In the past seven years rural and remote communities have come under greatest and increasing threat from wildfires in British Columbia. There is a need for locally based, designed, and manufactured firefighting equipment to serve and protect.
Working with a local company the collaborative group, of Disaster Aid Canada (DAC), the Rotary Club of Steveston, through its Charitable Society, (RCSRCS) and Siska First Nation, near Lytton, has designed and built a prototype “Fire Trailer” to address this need for wildfire fighting equipment.
Achievements and activities of some of our clubs in Rotary District 5040 in June, July and August 2024. Shown here is the Slow Ride Cycle through the Pemberton area at one's own pace to visit farms and purchase local produce, crafts and more.
On Bowen Island the community now has a $30,000 12 ft x 40 ft poly tunnel style greenhouse for its Grafton Commons community gardens thanks to the Rotary Club of Bowen Island with support of a $4,000 District Grant from The Rotary Foundation.
The Grafton Commons, managed by the Bowen Island Food Resilience Society (BIFS) in the agricultural land reserve, now has the greenhouse to help the Society grow plants year round not only to promote greater local food resilience but to help with education in regenerative agriculture and gardening for adults, seniors and school age children.
The memory of District 5040 Governor 2020-21 Dave Hamilton, who passed away while serving as Governor in 2021, lives on with the awarding of the Dave Hamilton Service Above Self Bursary to the first recipient, Alice Pu, of Tsawwassen.
The new bursary is offered annually to young people planning a post-secondary career in the Rotary Family throughout communities in Rotary District 5040, from Greater Vancouver up the coast to Prince Rupert. It was fitting that Alice, as the first recipient among a number of talented nominees, happens to live in Tsawwassen because Dave Hamilton was a member of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen. The bursary of $1,000 supports a graduating student who takes post-secondary education at an academic institution or trade school. The Delta Community Foundation administers the endowment which generates the annual funding for the bursary.
The residents of New Westminster and beyond now have access to The Habitat at Queen’s Park as the City of New Westminster transitions the area from the former petting farm space of many years into a naturalized space supporting biodiversity as well as outdoor programming and activities throughout the year. The wetland area will include water and fauna of an indigenous nature and allow for interpretive study and discussion of First Nations links to the land in Queens Park.
With $30,000 funding from the Rotary Club of New Westminster and $10,000 through a District Grant from The Rotary Foundation, the Club has worked with the City on the $40,000 project to construct timber walkways around the area to provide wheelchair access for disabled people and others with mobility issues, including the elderly, mothers with strollers and others in the community. -- photos by Gabor Gasztonyi
In 1951, the Rotary Club of Ottawa established its annual "Adventure in Citizenship" Program in which over 150 senior high school students from across Canada spend four days in Ottawa experiencing tours, lectures, discussions and social events designed to enhance their understanding and appreciation of Canadian citizenship. From May 26 to 29, 2024, Shawn Toor, of Ladner, was among students aged 16-18 years from communities in District 5040 and the rest of Canada who are leaders in their community and reflect the broad spectrum of religious and cultural communities that comprise Canadian society. On August 6th Shawn visited members of the Rotary Club of Ladner, which sponsored his trip, to share his experience and thank the club.
The 46th annual Vancouver Pride Parade -- the oldest pride parade in Canada -- attracted hundreds of thousands of people to downtown Vancouver on Sunday, August 4th to celebrate and support the LGBTQ2+ community. A team of 12 mainly young adults participated as a Rotary contingent marching with the City of Vancouver entry. The parade ran from Davie and Denman Streets, through the West End on Beach Avenue and Pacific Street and ended at a festival in the vacant land east of B.C. Place. -- photo courtesy of CBC
As the new Rotary year begins in District 5040, we usher in the Rotary theme of "The Magic of Rotary." This theme centers on engagement and Empowering Through Unity.
The Rotary Vision Statement encapsulates the start to the new year perfectly: "Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves."
When we break that down, it means that together, people create change, which equates to empowering through unity. You, the members of District 5040, are the magic. You are the magicians, through your projects, your work, and your contributions to Rotary, both locally and globally.
[photo of DG Drew Antrobus, wife and Rotarian Judy Smith, and Sherlock]
The three Prince George Rotary clubs held the community's first Hoop-A-Thon on June 8th at the Jumpstart Multi Sport Court. In collaboration with the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) Timberwolves basketball team, and sponsored by Canadian Tire, this Hoop-A-Thon was a basketball free-throw challenge. Players sink as many free-throws possible in one minute. Pledges and donations are gathered and all funds stay in the local community. -- photos by Chuck Nisbett, Prince George Citizen; video by Ron Davis
Speaking to the many thousands of Rotary members from around the world, attending the Rotary International Convention in Singapore, May 25 to 29, 2024, John Hewko, Rotary International General Secretary and CEO, said the 2023-24 Rotary year brought a number of firsts.
John said, "India celebrated its first decade of being polio-free. We opened our first Rotary Peace Center in the Middle East. And the first ever Rotaract-sponsored global grants were awarded. These accomplishments are just examples of our collective efforts to increase our impact, expand our reach, provide a memorable membership experience, and adapt to a changing world."
Speaking to the Convention, Rotary International President 2023-24 Gordon McInally said of Rotary, "...our common humanity and our shared desire to build a more peaceful and compassionate world, especially in the times of greatest peril. World peace is a perilous, difficult journey, and we are experiencing some trying moments right now."
As an outcome of the collaborative effort among Rotary members from the Skeena Valley and Prince Rupert, demonstrating strong community and inter-club relationships in the Rotary network Rotary Club of Kitimat has inducted five new members. This growth in membership helps restore the Kitimat club’s ability to serve the community as it has done over many years. It also demonstrates the collective commitment to Rotary's mission of humanitarian service and ethical leadership and active participation from the community and neighbouring clubs. District Governor Shirley-Pat Gale, who inducted the new members on May 21st, expressed her enthusiasm and congratulations to the new members, emphasizing the importance of Rotary's role in community service and global peace-building.
The 2,500 residents of Pender Harbour now have a place to mount plaques for family and friends who have been cremated. The platform for the plaques is a slab of basalt stone in Forest View Cemetery. The Rotary Club of Pender Harbour Madeira Park contributed $2,000 to the project and a District Grant from The Rotary Foundation provided an additional $987 for purchase of the stone plus a memorial bench and pots for flowers.
The Rotary Foundation created the Brazil Flood Response Fund in response to devastating flooding in the country's southern region, affecting more than 1.45 million people. The fund will support disaster response grants for member-led projects that provide relief supplies to people in the state of Rio Grande do Sul who have been displaced from their homes, or lack power and access to clean water.
Loaders and excavators are at work on renovations of the Supertrak BMX Club in Prince George's Carrie Jane Gray Park to widen the corners and build up the hills to make it a faster ride thanks to $100,000 which the Rotary Club of Prince George Downtown and the Prince George Community Foundation contributed. The donation will cover the entire cost of redeveloping the track by early June to better enable the club to host provincial and national events in Prince George. -- story courtesy of the Prince George Citizen story by Ted Clarke
Rotary International President 2022-23 Jennifer Jones, now Rotary Foundation Trustee 2023-27, believes in the power of storytelling to move the world forward. Here is her story, as part of her presentation at Pacific North West PETS (Presidents Elect Training Seminar) in Seattle in February 2024, about her first hand experience with a polio vaccination team of women visiting a home in an impoverished community of Pakistan during her year as President. She also finishes with Rotary's determination to achieve a milestone in building The Rotary Foundation's endowment fund to $2.25 billion -- which supports many of Rotary's projects worldwide -- likely to be reached in time for the international convention next year in Calgary.
Many Burnaby elementary children do not have proper footwear for the winter months. The lack of boots during the winter months can affect a child's health and result in poor attendance at school if a student cannot walk to school in poor, wet weather with proper footwear.
The $6,000 Boots for Kids program initiated by the Rotary Club of Burnaby Deer Lake provided new boots and socks to 255 needy children at eight elementary schools in Burnaby in with support of a $2,000 District Grant from The Rotary Foundation.
In the April 25,2024 Global TV segment, "This is BC", the feature, "Volunteers help patients worldwide" focused on Rotary World Help sponsored and managed by Rotary clubs in BC. Rotary World Help is a non profit organization aimed at collecting and distributing medical equipment and supplies, dental, optical, education & sports equipment and disaster relief supplies to international recipients in need. It is a non-religious, non-political charity run by local Rotary clubs.
The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival March 29 to April 25, 2024 is an annual event that celebrates the cherry blossom season. Sakura Days Japan Fair on April 13 & 14, which is part of the Festival, showcased Japanese food and cultural activities from Japanese food, sake, performances such as the Japanese tea ceremony, taiko drumming, theatre and games. Representatives of Rotary District 5040 participated in the Sakura Days Japan Fair over the two days.
The new Dave Hamilton Service Above Self Bursary will make it possible for students to reach for the stars and pursue their dreams after high school. This $1,000 bursary will be available to any high school graduate who is part of the Rotary family in one of our communities served by the 48 Rotary clubs of District 5040, from Greater Vancouver up the coast to Prince Rupert. This Bursary was established by Dave Hamilton, who passed away during his term as District 5040 Governor in 2020-21, and made possible by donations from Dave's home club in Tsawwassen and many Rotarians throughout the District and administered by Tanya Hall of the Sunshine Coast - Sechelt club, with District Governor Shirley-Pat Gale. Applications for the first year of this Bursary are due by May 15, 2024.
Happy Spring!!! As the sun begins to shine and the flowers bloom I hope this message finds all you members well throughout our District.
Congratulations to all the 2023-2024 Presidents for your leadership and inspiration you have provided your clubs. The service and fellowship this has fostered has been such a joy to witness. At this point in our Rotary year - 99 percent of club visits are done BUT I would love to come and attend any spring events, service activities, or even membership or fellowship opportunities as my schedule allows. We have less than three months left in our term together - please please reach out if there is anything I or the D5040 Team can do to support and strengthen your club!!
Achievements and activities of some of our clubs in Rotary District 5040 in February and March 2024.
NOTE: Because of ClubRunner limits on size of posted text the following report is a series of images rather than text to reduce size-- photo courtesy of The Northern View newspaper, Prince Rupert
The Write to Read Project BC is an equal partnership between participating Indigenous communities, Rotarians, and volunteers with a range of diverse skills represented on the Write to Read Team. W2R-BC is a literacy equity project started by two friends, former BC Lieutenant Governor Hon. Steven Point and Past District 5040 Governor Bob Blacker, It works with rural and remote Frist Nations communities across British Columbia to build library learning centres.
W2R-BC partnerships bring together people who have an interest in participating in increasing literacy through equitable access to literacy materials for rural, isolated or under-served Indigenous communities. The collaboration creates relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities through shared power, and builds on a foundation of honesty, trust, and equitable respect in the larger pursuit of social justice and reconciliation through truth-telling and action.
What drives you? What is your passion? What do you bring to the world? video (2:34) -- courtesy of Rotary Club of Silverdale, WA. Any Rotary club can use this video for its website and any communications using the link of embed code.
For the 250 students at Pemberton Secondary School, who participate in outdoor learning, sails to provide shade for those learning spaces have come as welcome relief in hot weather common in spring and early summer.
The school’s Parent Advisory Committee led the $12,694 project. It had the shade sails – to withstand wind and weather year-round – installed in 2021 over the outdoor classroom/gathering space which the School District had constructed in 2020. In the midst of COVID this project to support outdoor learning became a priority.
Rotary supported 30% of the project, including $2,500 from the Rotary Club of Pemberton and $1,250 from a Rotary District Grant. A gaming grant and community sponsorship provided another 30%.
Jackson Wenesayo, of Yambio, South Sudan and now a Rotary Peace Fellow, in Peacebuilding & Conflict Transformation studies at Makerere University, in Kampala, Uganda, has expressed his gratitude to District 5040 for reviewing and endorsing his 2024 Rotary Peace Fellowship application. His appreciation was sent to the Rotary committee representing the three Prince George Rotary Clubs, Prince George Rotaract Club and Quesnel Rotary Club for their recommendation and then to the required District review panel who endorsed his application to compete at the final world level review where he was approved as a successful recipient. -- photo: Jackson Wenesayo, with Makerere University Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe
Of the youth and their families living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, Strathcona and Grandview-Woodlands communities 95% are refugees or recent immigrants, Indigenous and racial minority families. With average household income in at least two of these communities estimated to be in the $20,000s, many live in low-income housing. Boys often come from single-parent household incomes that fall below the poverty line. These communities experience the highest crime and violent crime statistics outside of the Downtown Core district.
For instance, in December 2020 a 19-year-old living in one of the three communities, who had “aged out” of the ‘after school’ and basketball programs, died from violent conflict and criminal activity. Just four months later a 15-year old died for the same reason. Other young people in the area have been involved in, or impacted by, these kinds of events. Criminology experts, police officials and political leaders all agree that the flow of young people into the gang lifestyle must stop.
To address this serious concern, the Rotary Club of Vancouver Sunrise has led the establishment of a $70,745 [or $58,500?] youth leadership, life skills and mentorship program with support of a $5,000 contribution from Rotary Club of Vancouver and a Rotary District 5040 Grant of $8,000 from The Rotary Foundation.
Sea to Sky Community Services Society (SSCS) helps thousands of children, youth and adults through more than 40 community services and programs in BC’s Sea to Sky corridor, from Squamish up to Pemberton.
In 2019, the Society consulted with community members, including youth, to consider a new centre for youth, as an integrated, inclusive, non-judgmental space for young people, providing them access to a variety of supports.
In 2020, the Society received partial funding to replace a dilapidated (condemned) Youth Resource Centre with a new youth centre – the $2.2 million, 5,000 sq ft Foundry Sea to Sky -- where young people aged 12-24 can access mental health, primary care, substance use intervention, peer support, and social services, all under one roof.
Canada’s ambassador to Japan, who started life in Kamloops and Penticton, began his career journey as a Rotary exchange student. Ian McKay’s career path has run like a superhighway through some of the world’s most important cities: New York, London, Tokyo. It has led him to the highest reaches of finance, politics, and global diplomacy, culminating in his current role as Canada’s ambassador to Japan.
When asked the secret of his success, McKay credits his foresight in learning Japanese, his keen interest in finance, and his understanding that high-level negotiations often work best away from boardrooms and summits. But the underlying answer is simpler. “It all started with Rotary,” he says — and later adds: “I can’t overstate that the critical part of that whole journey was Rotary." -- photo: Ambassador McKay with Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in September 2023 at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Indonesia.
On International Women's Day, March 8th, Rotary International celebrates all our dynamic, people of action who are women leading us in service above self here at home and around the world.
Hundreds of dog owners in Terrace finally have a safe site for exercising and socialising their dogs in a dedicated park. Not only had the City of Terrace received multiple requests for an off leash dog park, RC Terrace had also heard from the community about this need. Dog owners who do not have a fenced yard now have a place where they can let their dogs exercise and interact with other dogs. Dogs benefit from socialising with other dogs and the owners also benefit from interacting with other owners. This first dog park in Terrace opened in 2022, thanks to $31,000 in funding from the Rotary Club of Terrace, and a $10,000.00 Rotary District Grant, plus services provided by the City of Terrace.
Happy New Year! 2024 has started with a bang - winter has now arrived! Winter is the time to recharge, to share stories and plan for the next seasonal rounds! It is also a time to not only dive into preparing to complete steps towards club goals for 2023-2024, but to help the team which will transition and keep the action going.
Another 40 foot shipping container loaded with educational books , computers and hospital equipment is now on its way to Ukraine thanks to the team at Rotary World Help which gathered all the contents from various sources and the Rotarians who showed up on January 6, 2024 at the RWH warehouse in Coquitlam to do the loading.
On November 25th Rotarians packed a similar container for Laoang Northern Samar in the Philippines, thanks to the receiving Rotary Club of Catarman Northern Samar. The Consul General for the Philippines, Arlene Magno, officiated at the sealing of that container once loaded. The Rotary Club of Richmond Sunrise, along with clubs of Langley and Langley Central sponsored the shipment. -- photos by Elena Egala
The Vancouver Young Professionals Rotaract Club has captured its achievements and activities over the past six months with a three-page newsletter. The newsletter features the club's various causes in an appealing, visual way, with future events also displayed boldly. It's a good role model for all of us to learn from our younger members.
Happy Holidays to you ALL - the season of snow, roaring fires, and festive fun is upon us!
In the past month of whirlwind club visits I witnessed first hand even more amazing work of our Rotary District 5040 family as we make our communities and world a more joyous place for all. It was so lovely to have District Executive Administrator Nancy Eidsvik with me for many of these adventures.
On Bowen Island we saw the most beautiful outdoor learning space and gardens the club has helped the community build. Dragon Club produced a brilliant video as an inspirational way to remind our communities and potential members of "why Rotary!" You can view the video on the District's home page.
After the wildfire which destroyed the Town of Lytton in July 2021, including its commercial district and 70 homes, Rotary Club of Steveston organized a relief fund for that community through its foundation. Donations came from that club, a number of other clubs and individuals in this Rotary District and across Canada. Three members of the Siska Indian Band, in the Lytton area, visited the Steveston club on November 14th to thank the club and all those who contributed to the relief fund.
Donations can still be made to the Ukraine and Pakistan Disaster Response Funds until December 31st. These funds must be spent by June 30th, 2024. As District Foundation Chair PDG Lorne Calder says, "Warm clothing, medical equipment coming through a Rotary World Help container from our District and area soon, school supplies and basic needs are needed more than ever."
The Rotary Peace Garden project, which Rotary International President 2022-23 Jennifer Jones launched at Garden City Park in Richmond last year is one of the causes supported by the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunset's 22nd Annual Winter Wonderland at Richmond City Hall on display throughout December. Proceeds from the project, launched on December 2nd, are expected to reach $50,000 or more and will support Rotary sponsored Interact clubs at Hugh Boyd and Steveston-London Secondary schools, scholarships at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Richmond Christmas Fund and The Rotary Foundation, plus an endowment fund which focuses on one of Rotary's seven Areas of Focus, maternal and child health.
Ambassador of the Philippines Her Excellency Maria Andrelita Austria receives a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow Award in Ottawa from Rotary District 5040 Governor Shirley-Pat Chamberlain and Assistant Governor Mary Anne Velayo. Paul Harris Fellow Award honourees are individuals who meet high professional and personal standards set forth by Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary International for extraordinary service above self.
Winter coats and boots for kids, a valley trail viewing platform, an off leash dog park, seniors’ outdoor fitness stations, lower income family kids sponsored for summer camp, young musicians to participate in a youth orchestra are the kinds of projects made possible with proceeds from a Rotary fundraising event.
Members of Rotary District 5040 -- the 48 Rotary clubs from Vancouver up the coast to Prince Rupert -- many throughout the Lower Mainland raised net proceeds of $29,000 at a dinner on November 18, 2023. The funds will all go to the The Rotary Foundation, among the highest ranked international foundations over the past 15 years.
The Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra is a professional orchestral preparation program for young musicians. Rotary Club of Vancouver Centennial, with a District Grant from The Rotary Foundation, has funded a music scholarship and bursary program to support some youth to attend Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra.
In the tourism paradise of Bali, Indonesia and surrounding islands there is a lot of poverty and hardship. Children with cleft lip and palate live deprived of normal lives and struggle with impaired speech. Many of these children are hidden by their families, not allowed to go to school or participate in community activities. Because they are not able to eat and drink properly unless helped undernourishment as children leads to health issues. Rotary Club of Vancouver has participated in two Global Grants from The Rotary Foundation to provide surgery for the many affected children.
Fellow District 5040 members, I hope you are all well and enjoying the changing season as the leaves change.
It has been an absolute pleasure to visit clubs and see the amazing work of our Rotary Family. The many hundreds of kilometres on the road and multiple ferry rides have all been worth it on feeling the joy and true inspiration I experienced in reaching my various destinations, to hear the "brags" about our District and about the Interactors raising funds to support girls' education in Bangladesh, and installing eight new members in a single club and five in another.
Camp Potlatch is run by the Boys and Girls Club South Coast BC on 133 acres of wilderness along the shores of Howe Sound. Thousands of children have visited Camp Potlatch over the past 70 years. Rotary Club of Lionsgate in North Vancouver, with support of a Rotary District Grant, sponsors under privileged children to attend Camp Potlatch in summer
Armours Beach in Gibsons is a public recreation area and meeting place for families and friends of all ages. The swimming and picnic area is active throughout the spring, summer and fall. Rotary Club of Gibsons led a project to renovate the Armours Beach facility, at the north end of the Gibsons Beach Walk which starts at the Gibsons Marina, 1.2 km to the south.
Today 20 million people, who might have been paralyzed by polio, are walking. Another 1.5 million people, who would have died from polio, are alive. So far, the global effort to eradicate polio has saved more than $27 billion in health care costs. Another $14 billion is expected to be saved by 2050. -- photos by Michael Cowhig, Rotary Club of Vancouver Arbutus
1 in 10 girls in Sub-Saharan Africa misses 20% of school during their menstrual cycle. Many girls starting to menstruate drop out of school altogether. Lack of affordable menstruation products, facilities and education are among the reasons for this barrier to education. Myths and taboos around menstruation in some societies and communities are further barriers.
Working with the Rotary Club of Kampala Nsambya, in Uganda, the Global Grant was, "Girls Helping Girls Stay in School" Rotary Club of West Vancouver Sunrise plus clubs of Vancouver, Pender Harbour, Whistler Millennium, Williams Lake Daybreak, Kitimat, and Squamish received a Rotary Global Grant.
As the dawn broke over Stan Clarke Park in Squamish on Saturday, a jolly band of Rotary Pumpkineers joined Squamish BIA members and a crew from Sea to Sky Couriers to create the Pumpkin Patch in the Park.
500 pumpkins were spread around the park, tents were erected, games were set up, and the BBQ was lit.
All was ready for 10am when the kids and adults arrived, many in costume, to select their pumpkin(s) by donation, have faces painted, dance to the music, go on the trick-or-treat adventure, have photos taken, do some Halloween crafts and play the games. And for the hungry, the hot dog crew was busy cooking and serving up the Rotary Dog-in-a-Bun. The proceeds will be going to the Squamish Welcome Centre and the Rotary Club of Squamish’s Oceanfront Playground fund.
Greetings and congratulations on completing the first seasonal round of the 2023-2024 Rotary year! As your District Governor, I had the honour of starting my club visits in September in the Northwest, Cariboo and Prince George where my heart was filled with amazing stories of service, resilience, and ingenuity!! From lunches with Elders, to amazing community gardens, to a one of a kind rock climbing wall, to community auctions, to fall fairs, and heart felt Paul Harris awarding and inductions of new members in our Rotary family. So grateful for ALL you ALL do to create hope in the world.
For World Polio Day on October 24th, Rotarians, Rotaracts, Interacts, family and friends join Vancouver and area Rotary Clubs for the 2nd Annual World Polio Day Walk, starting 4:30 pm at the North Entrance of Vancouver City Hall. As part of that event the City of Vancouver will present Rotary a World Polio Proclamation.
At 5:00 pm the walk will make its way to Science World where the exterior lights on the dome will turn red to honour our global campaign to end polio. Join us in celebrating the end of this horrible disease!
Bring your “End Polio" T-Shirts or your red shirts, good walking shoes, banners, noise makers, and your loud voices!
Local community service and global humanitarian relief which the Rotary clubs of Richmond and South Delta have been providing for decades is now enhanced with new “hybrid” meeting technology thanks to $33,500 in funding from the Government of Canada. The funding will help the six clubs purchase OWL 3 hybrid meeting units to enable members to meet in person and involve speakers or other members online with a projector and screen at a meeting venue. Because the Richmond Community Foundation was able to add to the original grant of $18,500, the local clubs have loaned out 10 more OWL 3 units to clubs in other parts of the Rotary District in Greater Vancouver and BC coast and interior. An OWL unit connects to a laptop and a large projection screen so groups can meet with other groups in meetings or engage with a single guest speaker from afar.
The International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) is observed around the world each year on 21 September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.
A long-established universal website that serves all involved in Peace Day, beginning annually with the 100-day Countdown, celebrates a milestone: the 20th Anniversary of the UN Resolution on the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. A/RES/53/243 B. Let us all create Peace Day every day!
Rotary Club of Vancouver is hosting a fireside chat with KEN SIM, CITY OF VANCOUVER MAYOR on Tuesday September 19, 2023
This event is open to everyone -- Rotarians from all clubs of course, friends, relatives, colleagues. No limits however we need numbers by Sunday September 17th to ensure we have enough seating.
Please spread the word to your networks. Forward this email on, OR share this link:
KinVillage in the Delta, BC community of Tsawwassen, which provides older adults life in a community of health, housing and wellness programs is beginning a new phase of development. A significant part of the development's $56.6 million Phase One, which includes 103,000 sq ft for 152 independent living suites, is a new $5 million expanded 5,000 sq ft Day Program for 11 to 35 older adults a day. In turn, the Day Program will provide respite for caregivers of those seniors.
The charitable society at the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen has committed $200,000 over 10 years to development of that Older Adults Day Care, making that the largest donation in the club's history. -- report courtesy in part of the Delta Optimist
1600 lbs of Canada Grade AAA beef slow roasted on a rotisserie, over a bed of alder, garnished with 275 lbs of fried onions, produced over 2600 beef-in-a-bun sandwiches which Squamish Rotary members and friends served on August 5th & 6th 2023 at the Rotary Beef BBQ 2023 as part of the Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival. -- photos by Brian Finley
Thank you and congratulations to all of our generous members who have made donations large and small to The Rotary Foundation and for high performance recognized through international Rotary Citations, to make Rotary District 5040 a leader in giving and service among Districts across Canada.
The Rotary Pot of Gold Charity Golf Tournament this year has resulted in $40,000+ raised, and over $665,000 since the first tournament! The proceeds are shared with Royal City Rotary, Rotary Club of New Westminster, Salvation Army and Purpose School, to fund programs for youth in our community including RYLA, Adventure programs, bursaries, and Youth Exchange. Thank you to all who contributed to this event in its 27th year!
A group of Rotarians, Rotaracts, Vancouver Young Professionals, and Interacts from Rotary District 5040 participated in Vancouver's largest ever Pride Parade on August 6, 2023.
Rotarians from over 120 clubs are collaborating to bring water and food security to 16+ marginalized rural communities in South Africa. Through the 1000 Survival Garden Kits Project, over 7700 beneficiaries have benefited from the delivery of hippo water rollers and farming tools to increase the water supply and create homestead food gardens. Rotary's dedication to community service and goodwill provides personal, family, and community impact.
“Peace is the soil in which hope grows” -- Rotary International President 2023-24 Gordon McInally
Happy Rotary New Year! Together in 2023-2024 we will collectively strive to create hope in the world.
Hope is an energy that illuminates. According to positive psychologist Charles Snyder’s theory hopeful thinkers achieve more and are healthier. Hopeful thinking (and in my experience hope based action) is made up of 3 things: goals, pathways, and agency.
Thinking in a goal orientated way, finding different ways to achieve those goals, and believing that you can instigate change all create hope. Hope is not simply a happy feeling – hope is the energy of humanity that enables us to not just survive but thrive. Hope is our belief that we can change the future for the better and it one of the biggest determinants of success.
When water comes instantly from the turn of a tap -- hot or cold -- little attention is given to the 1 billion+ people who are not so well served. We've all seen photos of women half way around the world carrying 40-pound buckets of water on their heads. We likely dismiss our discomfort over their discomfort with thoughts and comments such as, "It's part of their culture and a woman's traditional role." As if they had a choice!
A woman's journey into this 'traditional role' begins with young girls who dream of a more empowering future. Here's a story.
“If you don’t know how to read, you don’t know how to do anything,” said Naomi White, librarian for her village of Lax Kw’alaams, north of Prince Rupert, on receiving 14 pallets of books and library furniture so that about 150 school-age children in her small village would get the chance to enhance their literacy through the Rotary-initiated Write2Read program throughout BC. Literacy, she said, is the key to more First Nations people advancing into higher education and holding down jobs in the trades, businesses and professions.
“We’re just so remote here. Now we’re better able to foster the love of learning. And to pass on that reading is power. The more you know the better of you are,” said White, describing how many young people in the village are keen to learn about the larger world through the library.
The 34 Grade 10 and 11 students from Kitimat and Terrace who participated in Rotary’s Adventures in Health Care in early May visited health care professionals at Coast Mountain College, University of Northern BC and Northern Health in Terrace. The enthusiastic students took part in hands-on demonstrations of medical procedures, sociology, community health and diagnostics, prompting many questions and discussion. -- photo courtesy of Terrace Standard
The house was full at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery museum in Richmond's Steveston community on the evening of June 24 2023 for the installation of Shirley-Pat Chamberlain as Rotary District 5040 Governor along with her team of District leaders as they set a course for serving our 48 Rotary clubs, as well as Rotaract clubs (young professionals) and Interact clubs (at high schools) and all our members throughout our communities in 2023-24.
In his address to the 14,000 Rotary members and guests at the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, Australia on May 29th, Rotary International’s General Secretary and CEO John Hewko said:
“Building peace is more than just ending war. It’s also about taking on the challenges of food insecurity, the climate crisis, civil unrest, and toxic polarization. These are huge challenges. But this is a not a moment for despair. Rather, this is Rotary’s moment to step up and take action. Because this is what we do. We are practitioners of peace, and this gives us an opportunity to fulfill our historic role — one that has been built through our decades-long investments in peace. Because today, peace is an imperative. And that imperative begins with us because we have the means to wage peace as aggressively as nations can wage war.”
Rotary International’s General Secretary and CEO optimistic, despite global conflict, massive migration, and natural disasters because Rotary is a peace builder
Welcoming the 14,000 Rotary members and guests to the Rotary International “Imagine What’s Next” Convention in Melbourne, Australia on May 28th, the first female president of Rotary since its founding in 1905, Jennifer Jones, a Canadian, said:
“When I began this journey as the first woman to lead Rotary, I discovered that something much bigger was happening: people suddenly felt seen for the first time — people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, Rotary members from all walks of life who felt our organization had just done something not just different and historic, but essential and exciting. The world is hungry for a new style of leadership, one that is empathetic, open, and eager to learn from everyone who participates in the act of change.”
This point at the end of our Rotary year gives us a chance to complete personal, club and district goals that may need just a little final push! Clubs are completing and recording their success in achieving their goals and I’m sure we’ll again have a splendid roster of clubs receiving the international Rotary Citation. The Citation recognizes the achievements of our clubs, engagement of our members, relevance to our communities and our welcoming style as part of the culture of Rotary. Our District has a relatively high level of Rotary Citations received in recent years.
Our District’s Foundation giving has been generous again this year, and I know we still have some folks who will donate before year end. One area where we have lagged a little, however, is Polio Plus.
Women in Tanzania face a great challenge to get justice when they suffer abuse or when left widowed left to bring up a young family. Violence against women is common in Tanzanian society with 40% being forced to marry before the age of 18 years. Of these women, 44% will experience both sexual and physical abuse in their marriage, enabled when 60% of women, themselves, believe spousal violence is acceptable and even a demonstration of a husband’s love.
While Tanzanian Law does recognise the rights of women to inherit or receive financial or property provision when abused or widowed, most women tend to be unaware of their rights and how to access their entitlement. The not-for-profit, “Inherit Your Rights” (IYR) has formed to help women with access to what they are entitled. The Rotary Club of Richmond Sunrise is helping sponsor part of that program
At the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, Australia last month, says Immediate Past District Governor Lorne Calder, with wife and fellow Rotarian Sue, “We cheered, clapped, danced, cried and laughed throughout the convention as we heard many personal stories of tragedy, disasters, strife that were turned around thanks to the encouragement or support of Rotary or Rotarians.”
Lorne adds, “As Canadian Rotarians we can be extremely proud of Jennifer Jones’s leadership and the impact that she has had as the President of Rotary International over the 2022/2023 Rotary year! It was a thrill for me and Sue, and fellow Canadians, as achievements in this Rotary year were recognized and Jennifer’s role in all that at the convention.”
Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience.
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 .
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.
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.
Rotary promotes the value of, and commitment to, Youth Service
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 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.
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
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.
Saving the almost 6 million children under five from death
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Paul Harris Fellow Award points matched by District in February
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.
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.
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.
Happy New Year! 2024 has started with a bang - winter has now arrived! Winter is the time to recharge, to share stories and plan for the next seasonal rounds! It is also a time to not only dive into preparing to complete steps towards club goals for 2023-2024, but to help the team which will transition and keep the action going.
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 Year of the Rabbit, in the Lunar Calendar is coming. Right now it is time to get together to do something extraordinary and make a difference in our world, starting with donations of items to the online auction as part of the Lower Mainland District Foundation Dinner and Richmond Rotary Lunar New Year Gala on February 4, 2023. We need all Rotarians to participate and donate items for On-Line Auction. Each club is asked to please donate one item to the Rotary Club of Richmond which is hosting the event by January 14th.
With the theme of "Serving with Imagination and Hope'', the Rotary entry, in the 135th annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California on January 2, 2023. won the 2023 Princess Award for most outstanding floral presentation among entries 35 feet and under in length.
Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have renewed their longstanding partnership to end polio. The renewal agreement includes a joint commitment of up to $450 million to support the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
"We’ve made tremendous progress, but the world is facing multiple pandemics, and vaccine hesitancy is on the rise," says Ian Riseley, trustee chair of The Rotary Foundation. "Partnering with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation helps us ensure that children in polio-affected countries get the lifesaving vaccines they need."
Best wishes to everyone for a Happy Christmas season! And as we celebrate what is both a secular and a Christian observance in our society, let’s remember and respect the many other religions that also celebrate special occasions at this time of year. It is wonderful to see so many of our clubs engage with their communities as they celebrate holiday events. We’ve had an active month in Rotary! Here are some highlights.
Rotary members and supporters took action on World Polio Day, October 24, 2022, to raise awareness and funds toward eradicating polio.
More than 4,200 Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact clubs in 118 countries registered their participation in World Polio Day.
Donors contributed more than US$740,000 online, which meant a total — with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s 2-to-1 match — of more than $2.2 million raised.
Social media efforts tied to World Polio Day reached 31 million people, compared to 17 million in 2021.
Once again, Rotary’s members and supporters united to show tremendous support in the fight against polio.
Rotary Club of Richmond Sunset member Magdalen R Leung, as a member of the Health Major Gifts Initiative Advisers committee, says, "Through my participation in global grants from The Rotary Foundation, I have seen how the lives of 600 children in China have been changed for the better in the past ten years. I have been involved in four global grants to support Gift of Life in Shanghai, China. These grants, ranging from $150,000 to $200,000, have provided life-changing heart surgery to children as young as three months old, with most of the children ages five or six."
Inclusion of First Peoples’ content in schools builds student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy and mutual respect. In Delta, British Columbia, the School District commissioned “Wave Warrior”, an ocean-going 39-foot fibreglass Journey Canoe, to help students learn more about the canoe culture and connect them with Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
Delta students and staff can use the canoe on day trips throughout the paddling season. The School District's Indigenous Education Department has also been developing a mentorship program, Paddling Together, for students in grades 5 to 12. The program will inspire positive identity of urban Indigenous students, help develop leaders, and bridge relationships throughout the community.
Several members have stepped forward to help serve all our clubs in District 5040, but there are still some opportunities to serve, learn, and build relationships with other Rotary members across the district and beyond. Please join the team.
For her hard work and success in making a contribution to Wheelchairs for Fiji, Kitimat resident, 11-year-old Avaya Borgens, is among the youngest people to ever receive a prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award from a Rotary club.
Every day three people in Fiji on average lose a limb, many of those their legs. After those suffering from such a life-changing loss, a wheelchair means freedom from immobilization and burden on family and friends and access to productive, fulfilling lives. Rotary clubs in the District's Northwest have been raising funds in recent years for Wheelchairs for Fiji to supply wheelchairs to the South Pacific nation of almost 900,000 population.
The aim of this monthly bulletin is to give a community update on activities and achievements of all of us through our clubs in District 5040. At Rotary Clubs of Kitimat, Sechelt and Vancouver we are all in this together. Please let me know how we might make this collection of news briefs and announcements better fit your needs.
Since 1951 Xwemélch’stn Etsimxwawtxw Capilano Littlest Ones School has brought together Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, parents, community residents, and school staff for the education of now 131 children in a community school in the Norgate area of North Vancouver. In 1996 it was designated as a "community school" under the auspices of the North Vancouver School District.
The "Littlest Ones School", as it is known, is in the Squamish First Nation which is the first urban First Nation to receive support from Rotary's Write to Read (W2R) program. W2R focuses on literacy, learning and life in Indigenous communities, through libraries and learning centres, bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous citizens in order to break down social barriers, to build bridges across cultures, and to re-establish positive relationships. The Rotary Club of West Vancouver Sunrise was the leader in facilitating this funding support.
A convoy of nearly 40 ambulances wound its way from Slovakia, around mountains and through roadblocks, military checkpoints, and torrential rain to arrive in Kyiv, bringing the critically needed vehicles to Ukrainian government officials. This is just one way Rotary is responding to the crisis in Ukraine.
The US$600,000 initiative was the first joint project between Rotary and Ukraine Friends, which agreed in July to collaborate to provide resources, organize logistics, and distribute funds for high-impact projects that help Ukrainians affected by the war with Russia. Each organization donated US$300,000 to get the ambulances, and Rotary districts in Ukraine and Slovakia coordinated the delivery. Rotary's funding came from a Rotary Foundation disaster response grant. -- article by Ryan Hyland; photo by Chantal Mistral
Past District Governor David Kirk passed away October 22, 2022. Greatly respected as a kind and gentle man and Rotarian, David served our District as Governor in 2000 – 2001. David was part of the Rotary Club of New Westminster for 40 years, where he served as President in 1990 – 1991. He was a professional engineer, where his accomplishments were recognized with a life membership in the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia, and with the honour of a Fellowship with Engineers Canada. David is survived by his wife Sheila, herself a Rotarian, and their family.
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot," Dr. Suess says, "nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” We have so many talented members who could help District 5040 fulfill its mission to support and strengthen the clubs we serve.
If you are looking for the opportunity to serve, to learn, and to build relationships with other Rotary members across the district and beyond – check out the options.
CDN$1,710 is going to The Rotary Foundation for the End Polio Now campaign thanks to 12 members of the Interact Club at Rockridge Secondary School in West Vancouver who ran the annual “Pumpkins for Polio” fundraiser on October 22, 2022. Typically on a weekend close to Hallowe'en, the event, run by the high school Interact club, which Rotary Club of West Vancouver Sunrise sponsors, sold the pumpkins for $5 per pumpkin or donations greater than that for Interact sales of $855. The Rotary Club matched the sales to reach the campaign total of $1,710. Each pumpkin had an “End Polio Now” sticker and was complete with a flyer about the campaign.
Past District 5040 Governor and former District Foundation Chair Del Paterson, of RC New Westminster, and wife Roxanne were among 35 members welcomed to the Arch Klumph Society at Rotary International Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois on October 22, 2022. In thanking each and every honoree for empowering Rotary to help others, Rotary General Secretary and CEO, John Hewko, says, "We reflected on each other's personal stories and how impact is amplified when one puts Service Above Self. I'm honored to know these 36 philanthropic leaders and to celebrate their contributions."
Vancouver Rotary clubs held Vancouver’s first World Polio Day Walk on October 24, 2022, starting with the Proclamation at City Hall followed by the walk from Vancouver City Hall to Science World. -- photos by Michael Cowhig
The District 5040 Nomination Committee has recommended District Learning and Development Team Chair and former Assistant Governor Jan Gisborne, of the Rotary Club of Powell River, as District Governor Nominee Designate to serve as District 5040 Governor in the 2025-26 Rotary year. A 14-day appeal period begins October 17th and runs until October 30th.
Many of the 116 seniors who participated at no cost on September 7, 2022 in Quesnel Rotary's annual Expedition to Barkerville, the gold mining heritage town dating back to 1862 -- the largest living-history museum in western North America -- have been long-time supporters of local Rotary fundraisers. This expedition has become an annual tradition since 1962. In fact, other than the past two years on interruption because of the pandemic, it is the longest continuous service project in Rotary District 5040.
More great Rotary Foundation news this month! At our recent Zone meetings in Toronto, our Past District Governor (and current Foundation Chair) Lorne Calder, was presented with three awards for 2021 – 22. We were first in our zone for EREY giving (Every Rotarian Every Year, where Rotarians give at least $25 US to the annual fund – share), with 65.6% of Rotarians doing that. We were also first in new donors, at 253. Finally, we were second, and received an honourable mention award, for per-capita giving to the Annual Fund, at $388.93.
As communities in BC become stronger through facilities and services, often with a focus on those in need, through the work of Rotary clubs, funds for those projects often come from The Rotary Foundation. Communities around the world, where there is so often a desperate need for people just to survive, The Rotary Foundation provides funds to fight disease, help mothers and children survive, provide disaster relief, and improve lives often through our Rotary clubs worldwide.
To support any and all of those causes, The Rotary Foundation is receiving US $1,292,288 from generous Rotary members, and some others, in British Columbia’s Rotary District 5040 with some from Rotary District 5050. Announcement of this gift came at District 5040’s Million Dollar Dinner on October 8, 2022 at Quilchena Golf Club in Richmond.
At one of three Rotary StoryWalk trails in Delta, sponsored by Rotary Clubs of Ladner, North Delta and Tsawwassen, Rotary International President 2020-21 Holger Knaack, visiting from his home in Northern Germany, volunteered to help with changing the monthly children's storybook featured at 21 stations along a one-kilometre StoryWalk trail in Ladner on October 8, 2022. Holger was in town as special speaker at Rotary District 5040's Million Dollar Dinner that evening. After joining the work party, he toured some of the sights of Vancouver.
Our Rotary District 5040 is working on collaboration with District 7815, of clubs in Atlantic Canada, and Disaster Aid Canada to explore ways our members can help the Maritimes with relief where it is needed from the devastating impact of Hurricane Fiona. Past District Governor Lorne Calder and the District Foundation Committee will advise members as soon as they know how we can best assist.
District working on help for East Coast communities
Environmental clean up authorities in the Ukraine are working on cleaning up rivers and lakes throughout the war-torn country so residents can access clean water with the help of a Rigid Inflatable boat and 11 underwater diving suits provided by our Rotary District 5040 and Districts 5030 in Seattle and Area and 5060 in the Okanagan area of BC and part of Washington State through a multi-District disaster response fund. Our generous District 5040 has supported relief in the Ukraine with more than CDN $300,000 donated to the Disaster Response Fund, Shelter Box, Red Cross and Disaster Aid Canada. Our Rotarians donated US $136,000 US to the Disaster Response Fund and over CDN $70,000 to Shelter Box among the contributions to date.
Rotary Zone 28, comprising the 20 Districts, 1,049 clubs and 33,640 members across Canada, has awarded our District 5040 with three Foundation awards thanks to the generosity of our members, and some non-members, at Zone’s 28 and 32 Learning to Lead Conference in Toronto September 21 to 24, 2022.
As the annual District Governor club visits begin, Pat and I have been delighted to meet with clubs and Rotarians throughout our large District and have the in-person exchange that is Rotary at its finest. We especially look forward to hearing more about what clubs are accomplishing.
When the pandemic came to Squamish in March 2020, the local food bank could no longer have residents visit the facility in person due to COVID protocols, and had to transition to home delivery of food hampers. Rotary Club of Squamish contacted the food bank and volunteered to help. In April 2020, Rotarians began delivering hampers in the community every Tuesday and Friday. They continue long after the pandemic food bank "emergency".
In the 1600s, when the Europeans first explored Africa, they were met by men brandishing spears and women carrying buckets of water on their heads. It's now 2022 and the men carry cell phones and laptops, but the women are still carrying buckets of water on their heads. To liberate women to some extent in these communities where this practice continues, the hippo water roller was developed. The innovative hippo water roller provides a simple solution to this global problem. Basically, the hippo roller is a re-invented wheelbarrow designed to transport 90-liters of water by placing the water inside its “wheel.” This simple design allows an arduous chore to be done easier, faster, and more efficiently. Luke Vorstermans, of the Rotary Club of Gibsons, helped his club launch the “Help Us Roll 1000 Hippos” campaign that quickly rolled out across Canada and the USA.
More than two years into COVID-19, many people are feeling “pandemic fatigue”. Around the globe, more than 555 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported, according to the World Health Organization. Health care workers have continuously dedicated their time, energy, and skills to ensure our safety, often putting their own health at risk to do so, paying the price of their own physical and mental health amidst unrelenting demand and staff shortages. Rotary saluted the courage and commitment of our health care workers who have given up so much to treat those who have become ill and contain this disease.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer, as we recharge our batteries and get started on another great year in Rotary! Pat and I have really been enjoying the start to the year, meeting more of you at a variety of events, and of course looking forward to our District Governor visits to each Rotary and Rotaract club in the fall.
Having already broken our own record in District 5040 for Foundation giving in the past Rotary year for reaching US$1 million, as I reported last month, late endowments not included in that total has now taken us well over US$1.5 million US. Among the 500 Districts throughout the world, our District is one of the smaller ones, yet we ranked 30th in Foundation giving. That's a major achievement to celebrate. It indicates that many people in our District have regarded The Rotary Foundation as their charity of choice. Thank you so many of you for your generosity, donations big or small, in this year with its own special needs in our communities and our world.
One-third of all food produced in the world is lost or wasted every year. Food is a significant portion of the organic waste which amounts to 40% of material sent to our landfills. As this material decomposes it generates a significant level of greenhouse gasses which contributes to climate change. When food is lost or wasted so are the resources that are required to grow, manufacture and distribute it. Some of that food is now being rescued and given to families and individuals in need. Tsawwassen Rotarians, as people of action, have established with partners, Delta Food Runners, which is helping to provide fresh produce to Delta organizations who are able to get it into the hands of those in need in the community.
Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anybody at any time. The heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. Moments count. To help save lives on Bowen Island the people of action in the Rotary club there have worked with authorities and neighbourhoods to install 25 automated external defibrillators or AEDs so far at key locations around the island. An AED is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm.
Prince Rupert Rotary exchange student in 2016-17, from Denmark, Oliver Bjorling, and his family made Prince Rupert the first stop on their North American vacation.
Exchange student returns to Prince Rupert for visit
District Grants allow Rotary and Rotaract clubs to identify, plan, and fund worthy projects in their own communities or internationally. Grants can fund improvements such as kitchen equipment for a food pantry, assistance for after-school programs, a defibrillator for a community centre, or renovations to an accessible playground.
Before Russia invaded Ukraine earlier this year there were 2,789 buildings in the village of Moshchun. After Russian artillery shelling there were 789 still standing. Left behind were 1,597 craters from shells. With the participation of Rotary clubs of the world, in partnership with Ukrainian state, the rebuilding of Moshchun has the aim of developing a symbol of happy, independent, modern Ukraine.
Search and rescue operations are on the rise. As more and more people take to the trails and ski runs of Vancouver's North Shore mountains, the demand on North Shore Rescue, most recently at 130 calls a year, has steadily increased since its founding in 1965. North Shore Rescue is a community-based search and rescue team of 40 volunteers with skills in search and rescue operations in mountain, canyon and urban settings to provide a life-saving service to the public, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In support of North Shore Rescue, the Rotary Club of West Vancouver Sunrise held its 11th Annual Rotary Ride for Rescue on June 11th, 2022. The event is a fundraising road and mountain bike ride up West Vancouver’s Cypress Mountain which involved 90, Rotarians and other volunteers as bike riders or organizers. It included a pancake breakfast and prizes after the ride at the British Pacific Properties Cypress village on Cypress mountain. -- photos by Tania Ryan
Based on a donor screening process, one in every two people is able to give blood, but only 1 in 81 people actually give blood. This lack of blood donors regularly leads to a significant shortage of blood when compared with the demand for blood from hospitals in their ongoing treatment of patients.
Even when the blood inventory is good in the healthcare system some hospitals are forced to cancel elective procedures, such as heart and cancer surgeries, for lack of some components in the blood, such as platelets, which have a very short shelf life, and of rare blood types. Of course, there is a constant demand for blood in treating trauma patients in accidents and providing regular transfusions for cancer patients.
The Rotary Club of West Vancouver Sunrise joined Canadian Blood Services in the "Partners for Life Program." Soon afterwards the COVID pandemic hit. This meant that donations could only be made at the two CBS locations on Oak Street and Dunsmuir Street in Vancouver.
A new Rotary year has started. With that comes this monthly roundup of news for our Rotary District 5040 members. We kept it brief.
But looking back on the accomplishments of our District in the past year, under the capable leadership of District Governor Lorne Calder, our Foundation giving, which he now leads as committee chair, the District set several new highs, including total giving, which exceeded $1 million for the first time. Congratulations to all of you throughout the District.
Jennifer Jones, Rotary International’s first female president, is the perfect leader to spread the word about the good Rotary does in the world, and inspire its members to keep going.
Eight leaders in Richmond received Rotary International’s prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award at a special awards evening on June 15th, hosted jointly by four Rotary clubs in the community.
A fire truck, two ambulances, medical equipment and supplies and equipment have been arriving as relief in parts of war-torn Ukraine thanks to the Rotary group of clubs and Districts in which our District 5040 Governor Lorne Calder has represented us. Lorne reports that the group's next step is to acquire a hard bottom boat and some diving equipment to take out bombs, shells and debris out of their rivers and lakes so people in destroyed communities can access fresh water. The access to fresh water becoming more and more critical.
Over 500 students from Strathcona Elementary School marched through their Vancouver community on June 15, 2022 as the school's first annual Pride Parade led by members of the EarlyAct program, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Vancouver Sunrise.
Rotary International CEO & General Secretary John Hewko inspires many thousands through his speech at Rotary's June 2022 international convention in Houston, Texas -- the first after two years.
Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta meets with Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta to discuss plans to provide free heart surgeries and other Rotary initiatives
Several new Canadian families from Syria and Ukraine were among those in Squamish who were delighted to take home 40 refurbished bikes, among the 80 donated, in the Recycle Bicycle program re-launched on June 4, 2022. 20 volunteers from the Rotary Club of Squamish and Squamish Helping Hands came out to collect, repair, and distribute bikes to kids and families in Squamish through a Kids Bike Drive.
We're back! For the first time in two years members of Rotary District 5040 came together in person for our District Conference in Prince George May 20 - 22, 2022 at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre.
Thanks to the generosity of Rotary donors in Canada, who have contributed CDN$1 million so far, and around the world, more than US$15 million, to the Rotary Foundation Disaster Response Fund for Ukraine, the funds have been helping provide people with essential items such as water, food, shelter, medicine, and clothing.
Hundreds of inner-city kids at risk in East Vancouver will once again benefit from the estimated $50,000 raised for Grade 12 post-secondary scholarships and youth leadership development programs thanks to the 2022 Rotary Hoop-A-Thon on April 23rd.
The Garibaldi Volunteer Fire Department, in the Squamish area, can buy a reconnaissance drone with a thermal imaging camera, to search less accessible places for wildfire assessment, hotspots, and to locate warm bodies, thanks to a $6,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Squamish presented on April 25, 2022 at Black Tusk Village.
As of July 1st, 2022 the new international Chair of the Rotary Peace Centers Committee, which every year selects the Rotary Peace Fellows for the 50 Master's Degree or 80 Professional Certificate programs in peace and conflict resolution at seven universities throughout the world, is Past District 5040 Governor Chris Offer.
So far generous Rotarians and clubs in District 5040 have generated $100,000 for the Ukraine Disaster Response Fund. As of April 18, 2022 Rotary's global total had reached $9.5 million. The funds will support locally-led relief efforts underway by Rotary clubs in Ukraine and neighboring countries. More information about this crisis and Rotary's response.
Rotary's support for people of Ukraine nearing $10 million
Uppsala University, Sweden's oldest university (founded 1477), has just accepted University of Victoria BA graduate in political science, Vanessa Lanteigne, to its Master of Arts program in peace and conflict resolution.
The crisis in Ukraine is having devastating consequences on civilians as families flee their homes. According to the United Nations, more than 2 million people, most of them women and children, have sought refuge in neighboring countries and across Europe, while about 1 million more people have been displaced within Ukraine. Rotary and Rotaract (young professionals) clubs in Europe and around the world have taken swift action and are working with members nearby to provide food, water, medical equipment, and shelter for refugees.
A Celebration of LIfe for District Public Image Chair Andrea Johnson, of the Rotary Club of Prince George Nechako, will be held on March 26th at 10:30 am at the University of Northern British Columbia, where she worked as a Communication Officer. The service will take place in the Canfor Theatre and directional signage will be in place to help you locate the theatre. If you are unable to attend in person, we are pleased that we can offer you the opportunity to attend virtually. https://unbc.zoom.us/j/62813385550.... Following the service, a reception will be held at the Twisted Cork, 1157 5th Ave.
Since 2016 the Vancouver Police Department's Use of Force instruction for new recruits has included judo which Rotary Peace Fellow Constable Bryan Nykon has been providing as instructor. Having completed his Rotary-funded Master's degree program at the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom in 2011, through a Rotary Peace Fellowship, Bryan has been instrumental in bringing conflict resolution principles into police training. He has been developing and implementing use of force training for all VPD officers.
To provide relief for the people of Ukraine and refugees from there to neighbouring countries, The Rotary Foundation's disaster response fund is supporting Rotary districts and clubs in Poland and other countries adjacent to Ukraine for immediate assistance of refugees. So far Rotary has raised $1.1 million and counting to support clubs responding to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Donations can be made to Ukraine relief funds and Rotarians can make a personal donation, and receive a Canadian tax receipt and Paul Harris Fellow credit through The Rotary Foundation fund.
As Rotary International CEO John Hewko reports, "Two of the most difficult aspects during a humanitarian crisis are communication and coordination around supplies. I’m proud to share that Rotaract Europe (young professionals and university students in Rotary) has accomplished both. Within 48 hours, its Supplies Team, consisting of 60 members from across ten countries, developed a matching tool that quickly links demand for goods on site with the supplies inventory."
Ukrainian refugees are shown boarding a minivan, sponsored by Rotary District 2231 in Poland, for transport to a safe location in Poland.
It is with a very heavy heart that I am writing to inform you that our fellow Rotarian and dear friend, Andrea Johnson, has died. There are not a lot of details at this point, she was sick and suffering from her asthma this past week and when calls went unanswerred, a wellness check was requested of the RCMP and regrettably they confirmed that Andrea had passed.
Family from Alberta are on route, I am sure that Andrea will be taken home to her beloved Alberta. Any service will be at a later date. Should you feel so inclined, donations to the Rotary Foundation would be appropriate and encouraged.
Rotary and Andrea's Rotary family meant the world to her and brought her joy, and we were blessed with her service to our club, community, District, PNWPETS and Rotary. Today as we mourn her passing, take a moment to remember her infectious laugh and beautiful smile and perhaps raise a glass of red wine to toast her memory. She will be sorely missed but I know that she would want us all to move forward and follow her lead of service. She was a champion of peace and today we must console ourselves knowing that she will rest in peace knowing we will carry on. She will be annoyed at missing the Olympics, World Championship Curling and the second half of the hockey season. Enjoy them for her.
Lorne Calder, District Governor
District 5040
Thanks to Gina Rawson for this article. It was perfect.
The babies have stopped dying. That is one stark impact over the past 12 years of Adopt-A-Village Laos (AAVIL), which Rotary Club of Ladner and some of its members have supported since 2014, along with RC Coquitlam Sunrise and various Rotary clubs in Ontario where the program began.
Each year in Rotary Districts around the world, Rotary International Policy requires we choose a Rotarian to serve as District Governor. approx. 2.5 years from now.
It is indeed my honor, as this year's Nominating Committee Chair, to extend this invitation to you and your club to submit a nomination for the position of District Governor 2024-2025 for District 5040. Please seriously consider this request and note it is time sensitive.
More information may be found on this Role Description and Election Guidelines but please "Read more" for the official Request for Nominations and for much more information.
Darcy Long District Governor 2018-2019 Rotary District 5040
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a top priority for Rotary International as well as District 5040. It underscores our core values as a foundation for how members interact with each other and their communities. Rotary was based on Diversity in 1905 and has grown globally on that foundation. Yet, our Rotary clubs can learn more and do more to support that commitment to DEI as our communities and our world transform around us. We want to welcome more people with diverse abilities and from diverse backgrounds, as people of action, in our cause of service above self.
As you are aware, the village of Lytton was devasted by wildfire, leaving many people homeless and taking refuge in nearby cities.
The initial call for help from Write to Read Team member Sue, Past President of the Rotary Club of Merritt Sunrise, set this initial Immediate Needs Initiative into motion and the Rotary BC Wildfire Relief Team – Write to Read Project BC was formed. When our Rotary Family asks for help, the answer is always – how can we serve? And in the Write to Read family it is then –let’s get’ter done!
We are continuing to request donations for the purchase of gift cards be made via the Rotary Club of Steveston-Richmond Charitable Society (RCoSRCS) as the 1000 plus evacuees from Lytton will have ongoing immediate needs while the mid- and long-term plans are put into place.
Read more for additional information and how you can help.
We would like to have a list of projects that would qualify to be presented at the District Conference when the Committee confirms we will have sessions to present Club's Projects.
Does your Club project fall into ONE of these categories? If so we would like to feature it at the 2022 District Conference.
If so, please send a brief summary of your project and how it exemplifies one of the 7 Areas of Focus and also send a few photos to support the project. Please send it to Nancy Eidsvik before July 5, 2021.
If you have any questions. please contact Nancy Eidsvik at nancy@eidsvik.ca
Lorne Calder, District 5040 DGE
Does your Club project fall into ONE of these categories?
The Rotary Club of Mountainview was named District Club of the Year and John Bathurst of the Rotary Club of Vancouver was named Rotarian of the Year. at the conference held virtually on June 4th and 5th.
Nine Rotarians were also recognized for their service and dedication with 2021 Don Evans People of Action Awards. In addition four were awarded District Governor Awards. Membership awards were presented to those clubs that had significant membership growth. For more detail click here.
While watching the Rotary Club of Prince Rupert Centennial video you may have noticed the Odd Eidsvik Park sign. Nancy Eidsvik has graciously provided much more information about her husband Odd Eidsvik - Mr. Prince Rupert. Odd was a strong supporter of his community and Rotary Club. Definitely a person of action. Thanks Nancy!
WANTED for District Conference 2021: Photos from “Rotary family” album.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, do you or you club have a photo that tells the story of “Rotary Family?" Rotarians at work and play in your community making a difference?
The District Conference Committee is looking to pull together several hundred photos to use in support of this year’s Virtual Conference theme of “Rotary Family.”
Simplest way to share your photo is to pick one or two (no larger than 4MB each) and email them to kevine@telus.net.
Dr. "Bowtie" Todd Jenkins currently serves as the Senior Diversity, Inclusion, and Innovation Leader in Corporate America at a Fortune 400 company and as a Global Inclusion Trainer, Strategist, and Speaker with Bowtie Leadership, Inc. As a consultant, he has worked with several companies such as Walmart, Google, Facebook, American Airlines, Deloitte, etc., oil and gas companies, small and large non-profits, and entrepreneurs.
He'll deliver the keynote speech at the 2021 District Conference on Friday, June 4 as we celebrate the Rotary Family, June 4 and 5 in a live, virtual event. Register now for the 2021 District Conference for $79!
Dr. Jenkins is a proud Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow from the Rotary Club of Fayetteville, Arkansas; he has served as the former Rotaract Advisor, Interact Sponsor, RYLA presenter, Youth Services Chair, two terms on Club Board of Directors, and graduated from his District and Zone Leadership Academy. Dr. Jenkins is currently one of the youngest Youth Exchange District Chairs in Rotary International.
Judith Diment has held many senior positions in marketing and communications including Head of PR for the National History Museum, London.
A dedicated Rotarian, Diment has worked as an advocate for polio eradication for more than 20 years. She is currently the Coordinator of Rotary International Polio Eradication Task Force and a member of Rotary International Polio Plus Committee (IPCC).
She will join us online at the 2021 District Conference on Saturday, June 5.
Register now for the Conference for $79/person in this exciting, live virtual event.
Ladner Rotarian and Past District Governor Chris Offer appears in the January 2021 edition of the international Rotary Magazine. He has also been appointed to the Board of Directors of The Rotary Foundation Canada.
Have you ever wanted to improve your skills as a facilitator or mediator?
Could you deal better with conflict in your club business or personal life?
Are you adjusting well to the strains of online communication and Zoom fatigue?
Would you like to learn new ways to shift your views of conflict; learn advanced listening and facilitation skills; and take part in a facilitated ‘Peace Conversation’ on cross-cultural communication?
If you answered positively to any of the above questions, Rotary 5040 is offering a free, comprehensive training program in collaboration with Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI) that may just be right for you!
On a cold Saturday morning in early November, the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen, BC Canada in District 5040 were ready to do their Polio Plus Drive Thru Flu Shots.
50 cars 102 flu shots
Over $7000 raised for polio plus
Finally seeing people face to face - partially!
Great winter fun event
With a COVID plan in place and socially distanced jobs to do, everyone masked up and got going. Rotary member Edwin Lee, a local pharmacist supported by his wife Vicki, a pharmacist, gave 102 flu shots. The Rotarians, family and friends received their flu shots without ever getting out of the car.
COVID-19 has forced everyone to think beyond the norm, including planning for 2021 Rotary District 5040 Conference.
Rotary District 5040 Innovation…
We will maintain the Rotary energy found when we all gather at our in-person conferences with the added benefit of making the 2021 Conference easy to attend and accessible for every Rotarian in the District!
The new dates are now Friday June 4 and Saturday, June 5, 2021 and will be a combination of virtual and in-person gatherings at pod sites (following all provincial safety COVID-19 guidelines.)
The conference will be hosted and broadcast from the Terrace Hub with the maximum number of people allowed to gather in person according to Provincial Health Officer guidelines and is subject to change.
From One Conference in Terrace to… Six Integrated Mini-Conferences throughout the District
The Rotary District 5040 Nominating Committee has completed the interview process and the challenge period has now ended. Consequently the Committee is proud to announce that for the Shirley-Pat Chamberlain from the Rotary Club of Steveston is the District Governor for the 2023-2024 Rotary year.
Congratulations Shirley Pat and we look forward to working with you.
On the 75th anniversary of the United Nations (UN), Canada is celebrating our nation's role as a founding member and a contributor to world peace with its 2020 $1 circulation coin.
Canada was one of 51 countries which founded the United Nations in October 1945. As one of the most “international” organizations in the world of the day, Rotary played an active role in the drafting of the United Nations Charter in 1945 in San Francisco.
The RC of Ladner had an excellent presentation on PolioPlus and our campaign to eradicate polio by Mike McGovern, Chair of Rotary’s International PolioPlus Committee. We can see the end of our journey.
We thank our District Conference 2021 Sponsors for our conference. Without your support it would simply not be possible to have our conference. Your support is much much appreciated.
Silver
VIP
VIP
We welcome our sponsors from our 2020 District Conference who carried over their generosity to the 2021 Conference.
It is that time of year. We are searching out enthusiastic and dedicated Rotarians to apply for the position of District Governor (DG) for the year 2023-24. Have a look around your club for someone who might be interested and qualified to serve as District Governor.
Perhaps you are the one!
The role of DG is demanding but the rewards are incredibly unique and fulfilling. More information may be found on this Role Description and Election Guidelines but please "Read more" for the official Request for Nominations and for much more information.
Every Tuesday and Friday for the past 4 months during the pandemic, members of the Rotary Club of Squamish have been delivering Food Bank hampers to families in our community.
Hamper deliveries have now ended as the Food Bank transitions to the new Under One Roof facility at 3rd Avenue and Main in downtown Squamish. The Food Bank will operate in "THE MARKET" on the ground floor starting on September 1st.
A huge THANK YOU to all the volunteers who signed up and helped out. The Food Bank and Helping Hands are truly grateful.
The 2021 Conference Committee is building a list of informative and exciting speakers. Check below for individuals who will widen your horizon and provide more insight into your Rotary family.
Among them so far are Family and ER physician Dr. Paul Dhillon; Métis Canadian Cultural Mediator, Rotary Positive Peace Activator Lorelei Higgins; multi-talented and award-winning actor Neal McDonough; and mediator, architect and entrepreneur Scott R. Martin.
The Rotary Foundation Trustees and Rotary International Board of Directors have both unanimously approved adding a new area of focus: Supporting the Environment.
Supporting the environment becomes Rotary's seventh area of focus, which are categories of service activities supported by the Rotary Foundation and global grants. It joins:
On June 17th the Rotary Club of New Westminster - Royal City presented a Paul Harris fellowship award to Dr, Bonny Henry BC's provincial health Officer.
As mentioned during the presentation ceremony: When Dr. Henry first spoke the words, Be kind, Be calm, Be safe she showed compassion for what the people of BC would be dealing with in Covid 19. She inspired us with her gentleness and her calm voice of reason reassured us that we were going to get through this together.
Dr. Henry's experience includes an effort as part of the WHO/UNICEF polio eradication program in Pakistan. Definitely inline with Rotary’s mission to eradicate polio from the world. Her work to establish the Canada Pandemic Influenza Plan, which contains recommendations for health-related activities during the spread of a virus has directly and positively impacted the course of this pandemic
Dr Henry was selected to receive this recognition because her work exemplifies the humanitarian objectives of The Rotary Foundation. A very worthy recipient of the Paul Harris fellowship award and Rotary District 5040 thanks the Rotary Club of new Westminster - Royal City club for recognizing Dr. Henry on behalf of all Rotarians.
More information is available on this New Westminster Record article. Click the Read More for a Zoom meeting video of the presentation.
Click to download ------------------------ we are so excited that you have chosen to become a part of our Rotary family and your initial attraction to our activities can grow deeper and more meaningful. The Rotary organization has a long and amazing history . We are continuously innovating and becoming relevant to our changing environment and looking forward to your Leadership and advice as we craft our vision. We invite you to provide feedback as you learn more about the amazing work we do in our 6 Areas of focus; fellowship; fun; and Leadership Development opportunities.
You are strongly encouraged to consult with your mentor ; join a committee so that you always remain engaged. There is a great deal to learn about this very large organization and we want you to regularly learn about the areas that could be of particular interest to you so it becomes mutually satisfying to you. We encourage you to involve your family and friends in all our activities as well. We have several Conferences and Learning & Developments days so that we increase your Rotary knowledge and engagement.
We are very flexible in our approach and want your regular feedback on what we can change/ alter/ improve as an organization. ------------------, networking ; fellowship and getting engaged in the Leadership of our club is available as you see fit .you are welcome to attend any local and/or International Rotary club which is an interesting and exciting way to meet new friends and experience other cultures .
You will learn about our guiding principles ; vision; and our four way test which embody our culture and is a guiding light in our activities. ---------------------------------, you have been invited to join us in this journey and want to help you identify your passion and area of interest. We believe that you are a great fit to our club and want to welcome you to The R C of ------------------------.
Fellow Rotarians, please welcome ----------------------------- to our family and please come forward to congratulate ---------------- !
Pin Presentation using social distancing techniques
-------------------------- the role of President is the highest honor one can attain at the club level and you have earned the trust of your Board and club members to provide Leadership to the RC of --------------- .It is a real privilege afforded to you , and this also will qualify you to move onto important District Leadership positions; The Assistant Governor role ; and eventually the District Governor role as the only Officer of Rotary International within your District. The members of your club rely on you to inspire them ; motivate them; engage them; have fun and fellowship so that your members look forward to attending your meetings regularly.
You have and will continue to receive world class Leadership development opportunities for you and your Team .I would encourage you and your Team to participate in the appropriate RI and District Learning and Development opportunities; District & International Conferences so that your club and its members stay relevant and serve your local and International communities. Your Leadership and Inspirational ability is going to dictate the future of this already amazing club .
I ------------------------, swear that I will execute the office of President of the RC of ---------------------------, and that I will to the best of my ability support and assist my Assistant Governor; the District Leadership Team and Rotary International and that I will uphold the constitution and bylaws of this club.
---------------we wish you an amazing and memorable --------------year and promise to assist and support you in whatever it takes to make this one of the best years of your life ! Fellow Rotarians , please welcome your Leader for the --------------year , ----------------------- !
Installation of Rotary Club Officers & Directors
The Leadership Team of a Rotary club creates the shared club Vision ; supports the District & Rotary Vision so that the Organization is fully integrated to make our world a better place. We will rely on you to tell us –how to best support you and your members so that we are driving value to you that will enable you to meet or exceed your goals for the coming year ! Your fellow Rotarians have elected each of you to your respective positions because they trust and believe in your Leadership and abilities.
Will you fulfill the responsibilities of your office to the best of your ability and in accordance with the constitution and bylaws of this club ( we will ).
I hereby declare the new Officers and Directors installed and give each you and President --------------the authority to govern and lead the RC of ----------------------------.
To all our outgoing Officers & Directors -----we thank you for your contribution and efforts and want you to know that your continued mentorship ; engagement; and serving your District in a position that interests you is extremely important and strongly encouraged !
Fellow Rotarians, please come forward and congratulate your -----------------------President and his/her Leadership Team !
Three years ago the Rotary Club of Squamish introduced a new community Valentines event to Squamish – Rotary Hearts; a Celebration of Love. Now these Hearts have a new lease on life. Rotarians have been busy refurbishing them with new messages of hope, encouragement and thanks. Over 50 hearts have all found new homes along some popular local trails:- Estuary/Swan Trail, Smoke Bluffs, Jack's Trail, Golf Course/Spawning Channels, Ray Peters Trail, and Loggers Creek Nature Trail. We hope those in Squamish will enjoy your walk or ride and take joy from the messages of inspiration.
We are very sad to have to inform you that PDG Mary Watson passed away last week. Mary started her Rotary career as soon as women were allowed to join in 1989, by being welcomed into the Burnaby Metrotown club. Later she joined the Vancouver Arbutus club and latterly the Tsawwassen club.
Mary, together with her husband Sandy, spent many of these years serving at District level – including as District Treasurer and as Youth Exchange chair. Many of us will remember Mary as a strong and vibrant leader and passionate about the youth who were going or coming to their unforgettable year of exchange. As an early woman Rotarian, she was a mentor to many of the women of Rotary that joined and followed her. In 2003 – 2004 she took that position to the next level and as first woman District 5040 Governor, paving the way for the many who have followed her over the years.
All members in our District now have the opportunity, through Zoom, to experience the inspiration and learn from the shared knowledge and wisdom of some of the leading speakers who were scheduled to speak at the cancelled 2020 Vision Conference in Vancouver in April.
The 2020 Vision Speakers Series will include five speakers, as scheduled below, including District Governor Bala Naidoo.
The 2021 District Conference is shaping up to be a great and unique program for our members. Check out the conference site for the latest information.
It's not too early to register for next year's 2021 District conference. Until August 31, 2020 there is a special early bird rate of $325 + GST. Register now and to lock in your reduced rate.
Register now at the Early Bird Rate for the 2021 District Conference
All Rotary District 5040 members, we hope everyone is staying safe and keeping healthy. You have a unique opportunity regarding Rotary District 5040’s 2021 Rotary Family Conference in Terrace from May 20th to 23rd. If you are registered for the now cancelled 2020 Vision Conference, please see the update below.
Stay safe,
Bala Naidoo Rotary District 5040 Governor
Tom Smith
Chair, 2020 Vision Conference
Take advantage now of EARLY BIRD RATE for 2021 conference (if not already registered for 2020)
The 2021 District Conference is shaping up to be a great program for our members.
If you did not register for the 2020 Vision Rotary District Conference and would like to register for the 2021 conference you can do so for the early bird rate of $299 +GST until April 26, 2020. This early bird rate would have been offered to you at this year’s conference.
Watch the Rotary Family District 5040 Conference 2021 video
1. If you are registered for the now cancelled 2020 Vision Conferenceand you want to attend the 2021 Rotary Family Conference, just email Mike Storey and you will be registered for the Rotary Family District Conference in Terrace. If you already paid $299.00 + GST you’re done because that is the early bird price for the 2021 conference.
2. If you are registered for the 2020 Conference and you paid more than $299.00 + GST AND you want to attend the Rotary Family Conference in Terrace email Mike Storey and he will roll it over for you and refund you the difference.
3. If you are registered for the 2020 Conference and you DO NOT want to attend the Rotary Family Conference in Terrace email Mike Story and he will arrange a full refund for you. Please advise us if your mailing address is different than that listed in Clubrunner so we can mail your refund cheque to the correct address.
Also, if you are registered for the 2020 Conference and had a room booked at the Pinnacle Harbourfront Hotel you should have received a room booking cancellation notice by email from the Hotel. If you did not receive an email with your cancellation please phone them at (604) 689-9211 to cancel your room.
Thank you to 2020 Conference Team and Sponsors
No group is more disappointed in the cancellation of this year’s conference than the 2020 Vision Conference Committee – members listed below -- which has been working for all of us over the past year and a half to bring you what promised to be an outstanding program of vision.
We thank very much our conference sponsors for this year, who helped us get there, as listed below.
Thank you as well for their support over time and their cooperation in full refunds to the Pinnacle Harbourfront Hotel Vancouver, which is recommended for your next downtown Vancouver stay. Of course, we had to cancel various entertainers and services and thank them for their cooperation in refunding deposits.
2020 Vision Conference Team - thank you
District Governor Bala Naidoo, 2020 Conference Chair Tom Smith, Leslie Abramson, David Anderson, Kevin Beatty, John Charbonneau, Peter Clarke, Blake Cowan, Gordon Dalglish, Carina Dietz, Nancy Eidsvik, Kevin Evans, Franco Gallo, Joy Jones, Samantha Kwong, Rick Lewall, Matthew Lynam, Ken Martin, Terry Miller, Frank Peabody, Sarah/Thomas Reppchen, Peter Roaf, Lynda Rocha, Mike Storey, Sam Thiara
2020 Vision Sponsors - thank you
Options for all Rotary District 5040 members with cancellation of conference and looking to 2021
Our District’s 2020 Vision Conference in Vancouver April 24 – 26 was expected to attract upwards of 350 registrations. With great regret District leaders have cancelled the District Conference in response to BC Health Minister Adrian Dix’s announcement on March 12 that the provincial government has banned all events with more than 250 people to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including sporting events, upcoming concerts and all religious gatherings.
From Hong Kong to Vancouver, the chef and sous chef of Victoria Chinese Restaurant bring a wide range of Chinese dishes made with high quality, fresh ingredients to those who choose this option while attending the 2020 Vision Conference of Rotary District 5040.
Meticulously crafted, home-style Italian dining is in store for those who choose this option while attending the 2020 Vision Conference of Rotary District 5040. C|Prime Restaurant Executive Chef Bruce Woods says every dish is prepared in house with locally sourced and curated ingredients after countless hours of ensuring ingredients are of superior quality.
What is Global Citizenship? What does it mean to be a Global Citizen? First year International Relations student at the University of British Columbia, Sameer Esmail, brings his wealth of experience through Rotary and other global service agencies to explore these definitions and understand why the world needs more global citizens. Sameer will speak about the need for young people to immerse themselves in the global environment, at the Rotary District 5040 2020 Vision Conference, April 24 to 26, 2020, at the Pinnacle Harbourfront Hotel in Vancouver.
Toastmasters and Rotary partner to help members with personal development and make a difference in their communities.
Rotary International and Toastmasters International have formed an alliance and are working together to provide members of both organisations with more opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Members of both Toastmasters and Rotary will enhance their skills, broaden their networks and increase their positive impact in communities through the new collaboration.
Vine & Hops: Urban Wine & Distillery Tour is just one of the organized tours available before or after the 2020 Vision Conference for Rotary District 5040 in Vancouver, April 24 - 26, 2020. It's an all inclusive day of fun offering a customized, behind the scenes guided tour, of some of the funkiest venues in Vancouver. These off the beaten track locations will be sure to tantalize your taste buds as you learn about the distillery and wine making process. $109 per person + up
Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart welcomed representatives from Vancouver Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact clubs, and District 5040 on Friday Oct 18th.
He read out and then presented the Proclamation naming October 24th as World Polio Day in the City of Vancouver.
Vancouver City hall will be illuminated in red for the day.
Rotary has been at the forefront of the global polio eradication campaign for 40 years. Worldwide polio cases have dropped from 1000 per day to less than 100 per year and we are getting close to eliminating this disease forever.
Photo: Mayor Kennedy Stewart presents the formal proclamation to District Governor Bala Naidoo and District End Polio Chair Brian Finley.
Over 100,000 of the world’s poor have been given opportunities for education and better health for themselves and their families thorough improved eyesight. That's the achievement of Third World Eye Care Society (TWECS), a Vancouver-based, International Charity of eye doctors and opticians who travel to developing countries to provide thorough eye exams and prescription eyeglasses. Filipino Canadian activist and humanitarian Dr. Marina Roma-March, who founded TWECS, has pursued a mission of alleviating the burden of poverty by helping people see better. She will be speaking at the 2020 Vision Conference of Rotary District 5040 in Vancouver April 24-26, 2020.
Just steps from the best of downtown Vancouver and two blocks from the city’s famous Seawall, the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront -- venue for the 2020 Vision Conference April 24 to 26, 2020, of Rotary District 5040 -- has it all at a great price.
If you have always wanted to participate in a Polio NID campaign, this may be your last chance. There are two opportunities coming up in early 2020.
The Rotary Club of Agra Taj Mahal is conducting a Polio Campaign on January 3-5 2020. If you are interested in joining this campaign and also visiting Agra, other cities and some Rotary projects please refer to the Event poster HERE, and/or contact secretary@agratajmahalrotary.org.
Howard Tours is organising a trip to India January 10 to 21, 2020. This trip includes the Polio NID on Jan 19-20, visits to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Rotary projects. More information HERE, or email Jolene Bortz jbortz@howardtours.net.
note: Howard Tours is owned by Brad Howard, past Rotary Director and has led dozens of Polio trips.
Rotary Club of Ladner President Elect Diana Cabott received 55 donated eyeglasses in the collection box for the District's 2020 Vision Conference next April 2020. Rotary District 5040 Past District Governor Sonia Baron made the contribution after collecting over the summer. This contribution will help build a collection being assembled for the Third World Eyecare Society, a Rotary supported project based in Burnaby, by the time of the District's 2020 Vision Conference, April 24 to 26, 2020 in Vancouver.
Third World eyeglasses collection building for 2020 Vision Conference
The 24th Annual Pot of Gold Charity Golf Tournament, jointly organized by the Royal City Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of New Westminster, was another great success. Under ideal golfing conditions at Mayfair Lakes Golf Club in Richmond, 120 golfers teed off in a Texas Scramble format to compete for team and individual prizes, followed by a delicious buffet and live and silent auctions.
It is that time of year where we are searching out enthusiastic and dedicated Rotarians to apply for the position of District Governor (DG) for the year 2022-23. Have a look around your club for someone who might be interested and qualified to serve as District Governor.
Perhaps you are the one! The role of DG is demanding but the rewards are incredibly unique and fulfilling.
More information about the role may be found on this role description.
We should all be involved in unfinished work. That’s Cathedral Thinking. Those who anticipate the long term ramifications of what they do today, and who put in place a vision for success, are often called "Cathedral Thinkers". Former CEO of Tourism Vancouver, which launched the successful bid to bring the 2010 Winter Olympic Games to Vancouver and Whistler, Rick Antonson, will be speaking to us on this visionary approach to how we lead our lives, at the 2020 Vision Conference of Rotary District 5040, April 24 to 26, 2020, at the Pinnacle Harbourfront Hotel in Vancouver.
The Rotary Friendship Exchange to Russia has been postponed to June 14 to 28, 2020 to accommodate more members who could not make arrangements in time for this summer. A group of 10 to 12 people from our Rotary District 5040 will visit fellow members in Rotary District 2223. Partners, family friends welcome. Visas are required.
Meet and Greet our new 2019-20 Rotary International President Mark Maloney at a reception on Saturday, August 17, 2019, 4 to 6 pm, at Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Spruce building, 12666 72 Avenue in Surrey, BC. Rotarians and their families are encouraged to come and meet Mark. Tickets are CDN$25 and children under 12 are free. Register here.
Mark is in town to speak the following day at the 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner of Canadian Eyesight Global (see separate website post for more information)..
At a gala "Bollywood Night" which attracted about 150 Rotarians, family and friends, former Vice President of Rotary International and Past District 5040 Governor Dean Rohrs installed Bala Naidoo as Rotary District 5040 Governor for 2019-20. Bala's family and many friends and colleagues were on hand to share in the festivities. It was a joyous occasion of ceremony, dining, entertainment and dancing. The evening program started with a memorial tribute to Past District Governor Don Evans who recently passed away. -- photographs by Past District Governor Ken Wilson
With its international "Citation for Meritorious Service", The Rotary Foundation has recognized Gloria Staudt, of the Rotary Club of New Westminster Royal City, for her contribution to the cause of peace and conflict resolution as chair of the Rotary District 5040 Peace Fellow Selection Committee over the past nine years.
One way Rotary District 5040 makes a valuable contribution to peace and conflict resolution in our world -- one of Rotary's six primary areas of focus -- is through recommending candidates every year for Peace Fellowship scholarships in 50 Master's degree programs and 50 Certificate programs at six universities around the world. The annual funding for this US$9 million program comes from the international Rotary Foundation.
Rotary Club of Vancouver Hearing Foundation has committed to raise $6 million, and St. Paul’s Foundation another $6 million, to support a hearing and balance centre at Vancouver's new St. Paul’s Hosptial, expected to open in 2026. This funding will have a transformative impact on care for British Columbians with hearing loss and balance disorders. By fostering innovation and collaboration, and accelerating the development of permanent solutions for hearing loss, the new centre will offer the very best in care and hearing advancements in Canada.
From sponsoring water parks for children and their families, developing an outdoor fitness course, providing food for children of low income families, to running a bathtub race, cleaning up a street, opening First Nations learning centres, shipping medical equipment to communities in other countries or supplying clean water in Southeast Asia where there is need, the 50 Rotary clubs in Greater Vancouver up the coast to Prince Rupert generated more than 68,500 volunteer hours of service among their 1,500 members in the past year.
According to calculations in a special Value of Rotary Volunteering report by Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Civil Society Studies, the monetary value of that time devoted to local, regional and international projects is $1,514,250 in 2017-18 (based on a conservative rate of US$18 per hour). The total time for the 50 clubs over the past five years has been 160,200 hours for an estimated value of $3,604,500.
An annual soapbox derby is just one of many community service projects sponsored by the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen
On a beautiful sunny morning, over 120 Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, and friends gathered at the River Market on the New Westminster quayside for this year's Walk to End Polio.. The event was held to raise awareness about Rotary's goal to eradicate polio and to raise funds to help finish the task.. We were joined by Rotarians from the Philippines who are visiting on a Rotary Friendship Exchange. Numbers are not finalised, but close to $10,000 will have been raised from donations, sponsorship, and sales of End Polio shirts.
Our very dear friend to many in our Rotary District 5040, Past District Governor Don Evans, has suddenly passed away. While travelling in South America, with Deb and Deb's brother Mike, Don suffered a massive coronary yesterday. I know that I can speak for all of us, that we, our District and the Rotary World have lost a monumental force.
2019 Rotary Peace Fellowship Recipient, Bronwyn Manley, of Australia, recommended by a panel from our Rotary District 5040, was accepted by the University of North Carolina (UNC), her first choice, one of six universities around the world offering Rotary sponsored peacebuilding Master's degree or professional development certificate programs. The other universities are in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Japan, Australia and Thailand.
Come celebrate a Bollywood Night of fellowship, food and fun June 22, with your Rotary family, friends and guests, for the installation of our Rotary District 5040 District Leadership Team 2019-20.
Hold a foodbank drive Encourage someone Volunteer Pick up litter
Write a thank you note Bake cookies for a homeless shelter Help someone with their groceries
Please join Rotarians & Friends When: April 19 – 21, 2019 Where: Local Communities How: Carry out any act of kindness - use your imagination Record: Let us know about your act of kindness using our facebook page
Rotarians the deadline is getting close. During this weekend's, yes March 9th, Foundation Dinner Cultures of Rotary Foundation Dinner your contribution of $500U.S. to the Rotary Foundation will be matched with 500 points from the District. Note that contributions to the Annual Funds - Share are the only contributions eligible for the District match. Perhaps it's your chance to earn that Paul Harris fellow. If you are not attending the dinner you may send your contribution to Del Paterson. Contributions must be received by March 11.
Contribute $500US and receive Paul Harris Fellow matching points from the District!
The 2018/2019 Rotary Theme is "Be the Inspiration" and that theme is depicted in this year's Rotary theme logo. At first glance the logo looks very simple but there is a lot of meaning packed into a small area. Under the "Did you know" category here is much more detailed explanation of what the logo really means.. Interesting stuff!
District 3810 of the Philippines by a team of 12 District 5040 members on a Rotary Friendship Exchange is starting in Manila. The team will assist the Caring Hearts Dentistry Society, a group of dentists, hygienists, and volunteers from Richmond by distributing food and dental/hygiene kits on three occasions. Several dental offices in Squamish, including Rotarians, Drs. Laurie and Lino Vanzella, donated toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental supplies.
To benefit youth projects in New Westminster, such as Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Adventure Programs, Youth Exchange and school hot lunch programs Rotary Clubs of Royal City and New Westminster are hosting the 24th Annual Pot of Gold Charity Golf Tournament on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at Mayfair Lakes Golf Club in Richmond. Also benefitting from the proceeds of the tournament are the Salvation Army (New Westminster) and Lower Mainland Purpose Society, an alternative education facility for students experiencing challenges in the regular school system.
Conference attendees will be jumping to the jazz-inspired blues funk and soul stylings of renowned BC recording artists The Bradley/McGillivray Blues Band on Saturday night May 5th in Sun Peaks, BC. Check out a sample of their infectious sound.
The evening's theme is Caribbean - ties will be cut on sight!
Razia Jan – “Empowering women and girls in Afghanistan” District 5040 Conference 2019; Saturday, May 4th at 10:40 a.m.
Born in Afghanistan, Razia Jan is the founder of Razia's Ray of Hope Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and children in Afghanistan through community-based education.
She was nominated as a Top 10 CNN Hero of 2012 for her work on the Zabuli Education Center, a school that she founded in rural Afghanistan that provides a free education to about 350 girls.
Rotary clubs in General Santos, the southernmost city in the Philippines on the island of Mindanao, will be receiving medical and dental equipment, plus books and student desks for needy communities in the region, thanks to Rotary World Help, based in Metro Vancouver. -- photos by Peter Roaf and Drew Antrobus
Join the many Rotarians in District 5040 who have made commitments to improving and enriching lives around the globe by creating your personal legacy with The Rotary Foundation.
Planning is well underway for the Rotary Positive Peace Workshops in Colombia in 2019. District 5040 is a co-sponsor of the workshops with Districts 5420 Utah and District 4281 Colombia.
In partnership with Kenya Connect, District 5040 is sending 8 BC teachers to Kenya in March 2019!
Thanks to the generous support from or District Rotary Clubs we have half of the USD$19,000 needed to support the project, We thank them sincerely. But we now need a final push to reach the target required by The Rotary Foundation (TRF).
With 2018 coming to its end, the Rotaractors of District 5040 had and have a whole bunch of exciting events coming up that we would like to share with and invite you to. Let’s start with an event a bit further in the future, even though we know how time flies (especially when you’re on a schedule as busy as a Rotarian). Please mark your calendars: The Rotaract District 5040 Installation Dinner will take place on May 11. We would be delighted to have you join us for this special night! Further details will be announced shortly.
Of the 538 Districts worldwide in Rotary, our Rotary District 5040 is one of only nine which is not only among the 260 actively engaged in the Rotary Friendship Exchange program but has a full web presence to support it.
A Past President of the Rotary Club of Prince George, former Assistant Governor, former District 5040 Trainer and Rotarian of the Year (1997 and 2011), Lorne Calder, CMA, has been appointed Rotary District 5040 Governor for 2021-2022. Calder has been the Chief Finance & Risk Officer for Integris Credit Union in Prince George since 2014. Prior to that he served Integris predecessor, Prince George Savings, as Chief Financial Officer for 22 years.
A 25-year Rotary member with Prince George Rotary, he has served on many boards and committees for numerous other Prince George organizations, including Initiatives Prince George, the Prince George Film Commission, and the Prince George Hospice Society. In 1999-2000 he served as President of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce (1999/2000) and then on the board of the BC Chamber of Commerce. The District nominating committee has selected Lorne and his name will be reported to Rotary International on December 2, following the 14-day challenge period. November 18 - December 1, 2018.
The newly renovated medical centre in the fishing village of Panglao, on the island of Panglao, Bohol, the Philippines, will receive used medical equipment such as hospital beds, side tables, medicine carts, wheelchairs, emergency beds and cribs for children in a shipping container organized and loaded on November 17, 2018 by Rotary members in Districts 5040 and 5050 in the Greater Vancouver area.
Also in the container, sponsored by Rotary World Help, which is supported by many Rotary clubs in this region, and, in this case, by the Rotary Club of Coquitlam Sunrise, are dental chairs, dental equipment and supplies, plus computers and books. The Rotary Club of Panglao is administering distribution of the equipment and supplies when the container arrives at its destination in the coming weeks. -- photos by Drew Antrobus
Congratulations to District 5040 Governor-Elect Bala and Vasi Naidoo for their induction into The Rotary Foundation's Arch Klumph Society at Rotary Headquarters in Evanston, IL. RI President Barry Rassin and Trustee Chair & Past RI President Ron Burton presented the prestigious recognition.
The Interact Club of King George Secondary had a World Polio Day celebration on October 25th . Pictured are the Interactors and the Teacher Sponsors with the Mayor's City of Vancouver Proclamation for World Polio Day.. These students had a bake sale and raised funds for PolioPlus.
To mark October 24th World Polio Day, Rotary Club of Ladner has helped spare 9,800 children half way around the world from the crippling disease of polio by generating $7,761 raised from the sale of 100 pumpkins yesterday and an auction among members last week then matched 2:1.
Rotarians attending the BC Lions vs Edmonton Eskimos Rotary End Polio Night on October 19 generated $380 for PolioPlus and the interest of the BC Lions in repeating such an event next year.
Developing the skills and knowledge of Rotarians improves the effectiveness of clubs and our District 5040 in supporting Rotary’s goals and commitment to build communities and improve lives across the world.
To enhance leadership and improve performance which rewards us all at the end of the day, our Rotary District 5040 is taking learning and development to a new level in District 5040 with a District training committee, called “District Learning and Development Committee” to oversee training in the district and plan and conduct education and training events for all Rotarians.
Rotary District 5040 is one of two international partners for a Rotary Foundation Global Grant project to support peace in Columbia. This is a legacy from the Presidential Peacebuilding conference held in Vancouver in February 2018.
The project will allow Rotarians to use their strength as conveners and community leaders to bring diverse groups of young people together. The goal is to forge relationships and provide a platform for dialog for with various peacebuilding groups. Signing the Colombian peace agreement put an end to one of the world’s longest armed conflicts, and marked the beginning of a process to build lasting, sustainable peace. Rotary can help shape this process by leveraging its networks and engaging key stakeholders to identify ways build peace at the local level.
Rotarians have been investigating the late January early February 2019 Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) to the Philippines and are preparing to sign up. There is the option of a two week visit, or three week visit. 2019 will be a special centennial year for Rotary in the Philippines so RFE travellers could experience some special celebrations.
With summer coming to an end, the Rotaractors of District 5040 were very busy and had a lot of fun during the annual PACE roundtrip. For those who don’t know PACE stands for the Pacific Canadian Experience.
The Rotaract Club of Burnaby hosts the event, along with the Rotaract Clubs of Victoria, Richmond and the Vancouver Young Professionals, at the end of August every year. We select six international Rotaractors to come and experience the beauty that is the Lower Mainland of British Columbia!
With 1,442 members on July 1, 2017 Rotary District 5040 grew by a net 29 new members to 1,471 by July 1, 2018. On behalf of the District, 2017-18 Governor Don Evans received recognition at the Rotary Zone conference in Montreal over the past weekend for the highest net gain in membership in Zone 24 West (Western Canada). Congratulations to all our 51 clubs, District board, Assistant Governors and membership committee.
At the Zone 24-32 Conference in Montreal, September 21st, PDG Don Evans, on behalf of D5040, received recognition for our contribution to PolioPlus during 2017-18. Highest total giving and highest per member giving in Zone 24W. Certificates below....
You can help increase awareness about Rotary's commitment to END POLIO by requesting your local Town or City Council to proclaim October 24th 2018 to be World Polio Day in your community. A sample Proclamation template can be found HERE..
A very successful RLI (Rotary Leadership Institute) Part 1 course was held in Burnaby on Saturday, September 8, 2018. Twenty-two Rotarians completed the course. The day focused on dialogue, exchanging ideas and discussion on topics that included leadership, Rotary beyond the club, The Rotary Foundation, ethics and vocational service, engaging club members and service projects.
Join a team of 10 on Rotary District 5040’s Friendship Exchange heading to the Philippines January 28 to February 17, 2019. Learn more about the Rotary Friendship Exchange and send in your application. For more information:
The Rotaractors of District 5040 experienced exciting days during this year’s edition of PACE. For those of you who have not heard of it yet: PACE stands for Pacific Canada Experience. Six Rotaractors from all over the world are given the opportunity to experience the Canadian Pacific Coast during summer, hosted and guided by local Rotarians and Rotaractors. Highlights of the trip include the visit of Victoria and Whistler, as well as several of the most popular hikes in our District.
As president of the Rotary Club of Vancouver, I invite fellow Rotarians to our club's new signature event coming up on Halloween Saturday October 27, 2018 -- The Red Carpet Ball "A Night at Studio 54". Proceeds will support Rotary's excellent youth programs and the Ray-Cam Cooperative Community Centre's mentorship program for at risk youth on the Downtown Eastside. We are bringing in DJ Robbie Leslie, one of the original Studio 54 DJs, to be our music maestro. He plays events worldwide and also hosts the weekly Studio 54 program on SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Put on your boogie shoes and come on down to the 54! tickets at www.redcarpetball.ca
On Sunday, August 12th during the Squamish Street Market, 2000 rubber ducks came out of the chute of a Cardinal Concrete truck into a pool. Five lucky ducks were then plucked from the pool by blindfolded "duck-grabbers". The 1st prize was $10,000 cash.
This was the finale of a fundraiser by the Rotary Club of Squamish in support of the new Sea to Sky Community Hospice.. The event raised $30,000 for the new facility which is planned to open in spring 2019. The four-room Hospice will be located between Hilltop House and Squamish General Hospital and will welcome Sea to Sky Corridor residents from all backgrounds, faiths, and income levels.
For more information and photos please click HERE..
Rotary Club of Squamish raises $30,000 for Community Hospice
Children in India show their pinky fingers painted purple for a few days to indicate that they have received oral polio vaccination. Billions of children's lives around the world have been saved or spared the crippling, lifetime burden of polio since Rotary took the lead over 30 years ago in ridding the world of polio. We are almost there, but it will still take a massive effort of professional expertise and volunteer time and an estimated US$1.5 billion more to reach that goal. Rotary District 5040 Past District Governors, Chris Offer and Penny Offer, who are members of the Ladner club, explain the scope of the global campaign and their involvement in it.
With the start of a new Rotary/Rotaract year, the new executives of Rotaract District 5040 stepped into their new positions. The District BBQ, held on July 14th, gave Rotarians and Rotaractors a great opportunity to mingle and connect.
At the upcoming first Rotaract District Committee Meeting a strategic planning session will be held to select this year’s District Project, as well as dates for socials and opportunities for collaborations between the individual Clubs.
Currently most Rotaractors in District 5040 are focusing on the preparations for this year’s PACE trip, which is only a couple of weeks away. Starting on August 24th, 6 Rotaractors from around the world will have the chance to experience the Canadian Pacific Coast, hosted by our District and Rotaractors in District 5020 for the Victoria portion of the trip. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all Rotarians for their support of PACE through hosting our guests, as well as financial funding. We are looking forward to see you at the PACE Welcome and/or Goodbye BBQ! Further information regarding the events and how to RSVP will be sent out to you soon.
PDG Don who is the chair of the nominating committee, will send a message out with appropriate forms etc. What I am responsible for is to have the pertinent sections of the bylaws in both the newsletter and posted on the website which are:
During Spring Break 2019, in partnership with Kenya Connect, the Rotary Vocational Training Team (VTT) will visit schools in Kenya’s Kyaithani and Lower Yatta regions to become familiar with the educational environment and student needs in rural Kenya. It will work with local teachers and school principals to explore new ways of presenting material using computer and Internet technology.
The Selection Committee led by PDG Don Evans has completed their interviews of all applicants for the position of Leader for the VTT. PDG John Anderson has been chosen to lead the team to Kenya in March 2019 and work with the Kenyan team when they come to BC in April 2019.
Since 1979 Rotary has been at the forefront of the campaign to eliminate polio from the world forever. In 1985, Rotary launched its PolioPlus program, the first initiative to tackle global polio eradication through the mass vaccination of children. Rotary has contributed more than $1.7 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunize more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries. In addition, Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by donor governments to contribute more than $7.5 billion to the effort.. Since 1988, Rotary and our partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative have seen the number of cases drop from 350,000 per year in 122 countries, to just 22 cases in 2 countries in 2017.
While June tends to be a slower month at the club level it was a busy one at the district and international levels. We had Rotaractors present at the Peacing it Together Conference in Squamish, the Rotaract District Dinner in Vancouver, the RI Convention in Toronto, and RYLA North America in Washington DC.
Prince George Rotaractor, Simran Jawanda had this to say about the Peacing it Together Conference: "Attending District Conference provided me with the opportunity to connect with fellow Rotaractors and Rotarians in the District, to learn more about Rotary, and to be inspired. It was a key event in my growth as a Rotaractor!"
If you want to hear about our District 5040 Rotaractors experiences at the RI Convention and RYLA North America you will have to wait for next month's newsletter. Don't want to wait? Invite one of them to speak at your Rotary club meeting!
A Special Thank You - The 2017-2018 Rotary Year has been an exceptional experience for both of us. While final year end results are still being tallied, we know that the year has been a strong one for both Rotary and the clubs in our District. The appreciation for all of this goes out to all of you - it is each and every Rotarian in our (now) 51 Rotary Clubs that make things happen, that make a difference in our communities throughout the year. It is also each and every one of you that have made this Rotary year so special for both of us.
Thank you for your commitment and hard work, and thank you for making us so welcome through the year. We will stay connected as we now move on to our Past Governor roles, but we both look forward to seeing you again in your home communities in the future. THANK YOU for Making a Difference.
Tristan Miura, 16, has travelled to the cloud forest of Honduras to study wildlife for two weeks. He has worked with children in the Dominican Republic for a week. Even after those global adventures, he says, “I didn't expect to have learned more about myself and those around me from a single speaker than I have in 13 years of schooling,” about his experience at four days of Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp on Easter Weekend 2018 at Camp Elphinstone near Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast.
Over 12 years ago hundreds of trees were removed from Rainbow Park in Prince George because of the Mountain Pine beetle epidemic, but members of the three Rotary clubs in Prince George have joined forces to replant the Park.
There is still time to register and we would love to see you there!
Registration Location: The registration check in desk will be inside main entry of CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre, West Coast Railway Heritage Park
Registration Hours: Thursday: 5:30 PM to 7 PM | Friday: 7:30 AM to 9:15 AM & 2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Pre-Conference Socials: Thursday 5 PM – 7 PM: No host bar-Club Car open at West Coast Railway Heritage Park, Squamish
Thursday 6 PM: Join the golfers on the patio Thursday afternoon at the Squamish Valley Golf & Country Club, 2458 Mamquam Road, Squamish, a la carte drinks/food.
Several hundred Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, and friends assembled at the River Market on New Westminster Quay for the 5th annual Rotary Walk to End Polio. This event is sponsored and organised by the clubs of Burnaby, New Westminster, Vancouver Cambie & Vancouver Mountainview.
This year's event has so far raised over C$9,000 for PolioPlus which will be tripled after matching by the Gates Foundation.
Congratulations to Gabor Gasztonyi and the committee for making this year's event so successful.
It's BACK! Join the Rotary Club of New Westminster Royal City on May 27th, for the second annual Rotary Century Ride presented by Caps Bicycles! 100% of the $26.50 entry will be going to support both the eradication of polio as well as build a library for New Westminster's own Purpose Secondary School in an effort to help raise literacy.
Now you may be wondering why such an arbitrary entry fee?? That is the original donation that started Rotary International over 100 YEARS AGO!
Those attending the District 5040 Conference will have a special opportunity to pick up some great strawberries. The Rotary Club of Squamish, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Abbotsford - Sumas, is holding aStrawberry Sale.
Turns out that Rotary has some great Fraser Valley connections to some of the best locally grown strawberries. There is nothing added - no sugar, no water, no preservatives. Just yummy sliced strawberriesThey are washed, hulled and sliced then put into the pails. Ready to be enjoyed right away or frozen for use during the year. Proceeds will go towards a global grant to provide fistula clinics in Kenya.
The Government of Canada has just signed a generous pledge of CDN $100 million to help eradicate polio in Afghanistan as well as in the two other endemic countries, Nigeria and Pakistan, and to continue to protect many polio-free countries. Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, had announced the pledge at the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta last June.
In addition to previous donations of CDN $ 650 million, this most recent funding consists of CDN $ 30 million to WHO and UNICEF to support programme activities in Afghanistan, and Can$ 70 million of flexible funding that can be used to support vaccination campaigns, rapid outbreak response, poliovirus surveillance and other critical eradication strategies and activities to reach every last child worldwide with a safe vaccine.
Rotarians and friends of Rotary, as the march towards complete erradication of polio continues around the world, please play a part and join the 5th annual Rotary Walk to End Polio in New Westminster on Sunday, May 27th at 9 am.
It is a busy time for the Rotaractors of District 5040. With the upcoming celebration of Rotaract’s 50th Anniversary, and many events and projects, there are a lot of opportunities to get involved!
We are looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible on May 12th, when we will celebrate 50 years of Rotaract at Firefighters Public House in Burnaby. A fun schedule with interesting speakers, a silent auction, music, food, and the chance to get to know each other has been set up. Get your ticket now!
Time is running out to get your ticket for the hottest event in town. The Rotaract 50th Anniversary Celebration is quickly approaching and you don't want to miss it!
Why: Celebrating 50 years of Rotaractors doing good in the world in partnership with Rotary!
Cost: $65
Tickets are only on sale until May 6th at 11:59pm. Get yours now!
Busy or out of town that day?
You can still help by contributing a silent auction item. All proceeds from the event will going to the End Polio campaign! Please contact drr@rotaract5040.org if you have an item to donate.
Ever wonder what makes an Interactor inspired, a Rotaractor rejoice, a Youth Exchanger engage, or a Rotarian rejuvenate? Then you won’t want to miss this fast-paced, interactive session. Interested Rotarians will take a 9 minute journey to Quest University for a one-hour group exchange comprised of multi-generations from our Rotary family. Carefully selected questions will be asked, designed to help us learn more about each other and what makes us tick in our Rotary world.
On Thursday May 31st start your Rotary experience with other Rotarians and attend RLI, or have some Rotary fun and play golf at the Squamish Golf Club, or maybe a guided tour of Britannia Mines or ride the Squamish Gondola to the top of the Chief!
Expand your network of dedicated Rotarians and friends; grow your business make connections.
Be inspired by the many outstanding speakers lined up for our plenary sessions who have been specifically chosen to appeal to young, old or in between!
Show off your Rotary clubs projects at our poster event and project booths.
Celebrate the "Rotarian of the year"! Could it be you?
Celebrate the "Rotary Club of the Year"! Could it be your club this year?
"We hope to see all Rotarians at our District Conference May 31st to June 3rd in Squamish at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park"
We are very pleased to present Nancy Hughes, a 2009 Rotary Service Above Self Award winner (one of only 100 presented worldwide) for StoveTeam International. Nancy's Plenary will be at 2PM on Friday June 1st.
In 2003 she met Irma, a young woman whose hands had been burned shut after falling into an open cooking fire. Wanting to help, she transformed a small Rotary club project into an effective international charity that has helped develop local factories to produce life-saving, fuel-efficient cookstoves in the developing world.
In remote villages of Laos, considered the most bombed country in history, where a third of the population was killed during the the Laotian Civil War or Secret War (1953–75), lack of access to clean water is both a health problem and a barrier to education for many children. Faced with its 2016 population of 1,133 expected to triple in five years, the village of Ban Xiengda, in the Luang Prabang Province of northern Laos, had one cement block toilet with no running water. A new system to deliver water to the village was needed.
As club secretary, you help your club run well. Watch its trends to identify what works well and what doesn’t, and share this information with club and district leaders.
This online session will discuss the main roles and responsibilities of the Club Secretary, key Rotary websites, membership, club administration, finances, club records and changes to Rotary policies and procedures from the 2016 Council on Legislation.
Next sessions – PARTS 1 & 3 THURSDAY, MAY 31 ~ 10 AM Westcoast Railway Heritage Park
Site of the 2018 District Conference
The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a three part series of fast-paced, interactive, one-day courses offered to refine a Rotarian's leadership skills and increase their base of knowledge in Rotary. Courses are fun, topical, interactive and geared toward busy business, professional and community leaders who want to be more effective leaders in their vocation and Rotary club and more knowledgeable Rotarians.
The lives of an estimated 11,460,000 women, men and children around the world have been improved in some way over the past 20 years since Rotary World Help started shipping containers of badly needed medical, dental and educational equipment and supplies from the Greater Vancouver area to now over 60 countries.
Rotary World Help, of clubs in Rotary Districts 5040 and 5050, has shipped to date 382 53-foot containers for an estimated replacement value of almost $134 million.
The Royal City Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of New Westminster invite you to participate in the 23rd Annual Pot of Gold Charity Golf Tournament on July 17th at Mayfair Lakes Golf Club. Over the past 22 years, this event has raised almost $500,000 for local charities. Over $33,000 was raised from last year’s tournament alone. There are four hole in one prizes valued at $25,000 or more! Go to www.rotarypotofgoldgolf.com to learn more and register.
Registration is only $195 per golfer: includes golf, cart, lunch, buffet dinner, prizes, contests, & photos with BC Lions Felions.
Since the Government of Colombia and the Marxist led Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, reached a peace agreement in 2016, after a war of 52 years that left 200,000 dead and 5 million displaced. The challenge since then has been the building of a lasting, sustainable peace. Rotary District 5040 is taking action to help build that peace by investing $20,000 to become a partner in a $100,000 Positive Peace Workshop for Colombian Youth. Rotary District 5040 clubs will join clubs throughout Colombia to sponsor the Positive Peace Workshop built on pilot workshops previously held in Uganda (2016) and Mexico (2017).
The fire department in 100 Mile House plans to purchase some needed equipment, such as portable water pumps, through a share of funds which Rotary District 5040 has donated to the Rotary Club there. The District’s Wildfire Relief Fund, launched during the devastating wildfire season last year through the Rotary Club of Squamish Foundation, eventually raised $68,000. The Fund was divided among four clubs in communities hardest hit by the fires. Clubs in our District and individuals donated to the relief fund, but some support came from Ft. McMurray, Alberta and Ontario.
"Facebook, social media basics and the buttons you haven't clicked...yet" was the topic of the third of three in a series of Rotary District 5040 Public Image and Public Relations webinars, presented by President Elect of the Rotoract Club of Vancouver Thomas Miller on March 20, 2018. It was the third for the District Training Committee's new GoToWebinar system. Thomas provided some advice for those who are new to Facebook and social media for their clubs, with some content provided by Rotary Club of Burnaby President Elect Sammy Li.
"You've been named Club Web Master? Now what? " was the topic of the second in a series of Rotary District 5040 Public Image and Public Relations webinars, presented by District Webmaster Murray Wood on March 6, 2018. It was the second for the District Training Committee's new GoToWebinar system. Murray provided some advice for those who are new to websites for communications.
We are excited to have Mitty Chang bring his youthful enthusiasm to your District Conference.
Mitty has spoken at three international conferences and several district conferences on topics such as Rotary's future survival, Managing Change and attracting young people to Rotary - every one in the Rotary family needs to hear him!
He is a must see if you are connecting with up and coming Rotarians.
He is Chair-Elect of Rotary International's Rotaract-Interact Committee.
Rotary District 5040 presented its first webinar using the new GoToWebinar system on February 27, 2018. Club and District leaders participated in the session by the Public Image and Public Relations Committee, “Clubs, plan to communicate for results”, and sponsored by the District’s new Training Committee.
Please ask your friends, family (including children and grandchildren, cousins, uncles and aunts) to this family Barbeque event. Everyone is welcome. This promises to be a highlight of the conference.
Do you, members of your club or people in your community know someone who has a passion for more peace in our world and is committed through their vocation to make a difference as a peace builder and change agent? Find and nominate a Rotary Peace Fellow candidate from your community.
Feb 22-25 was the 2018 edition of the Pacific NW President Elect Training Seminar (PETS). This is the event where we work with our Presidents Elect to make their Rotary Year 2018/19 the best.
Announcing keynotes speaker BRIGADIER-GENERAL R.R.E. MACKENZIE, OMM, CD, CHIEF OF STAFF ARMY RESERVE. Brigadier General Mackenzie will share some stories of leading the Canadian Peacekeepng forces in Afghanistan!
Doctors will now be able to detect early breast cancer more accurately among low income women in Manila, The Philippines, instead of through hand detection, thanks to five used ultrasound machines now making their way in a shipping container to the Rotary Club of Manila San Miguel.
2017 saw significant progress in our campaign to eradicate polio from the world forever. We saw the fewest cases in history caused by the wild polio virus, Only 22 cases were confirmed worldwide in only two countries - Pakistan with 8, and Afghanistan with 14. 2018 will be a critical year for the polio eradication programme, and we will be strengthening efforts to reach all the vulnerable children and to find the places that the polio virus still lurks in the environment.
Polio Eradication remains Rotary's number one humanitarian priority, You can read the latest Polio Newsletter HERE.
Posted by Hank Sartin Photos by Monika Lozinska on Feb 01, 2018
Rotary International President-elect Barry Rassin laid out his vision for the future of the organization on Sunday, calling on leaders to work for a sustainable future and to inspire Rotarians and the community at large. Rassin, a member of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, unveiled the 2018-19 presidential theme, Be the Inspiration, to incoming district governors at Rotary’s International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA.
The Rotaractors of District 5040 headed into 2018 with a busy schedule, and exciting news on many levels! We are proud to announce, that the redesigned Rotaract5040.org website has gone live! There are a few more updates in the works, specifically regarding PACE and its application process. Information about the RYLA sponsorship for Rotaractors and past-RYLArians has been distributed. We are very excited for the opportunity! Continuing reading to read Club updates and exiting events you do not want to miss.
Positive reputation is essential for retaining members, recruiting new ones and attracting sponsors. Measurable, results-oriented communication is at the core of effective leadership. Learn more about it, for yourself and for your club. In response to needs identified by club leaders and by District members, Rotary District 5040 presents three Public Image/Public Relations webinars to provide support to all club members as well as board and committee volunteers in leading their clubs to a high level of trust and reputation among our members and within our communities. Watch for the event announcements coming soon.
Donate blood and join the movement today. In honour of Bob Jones. Bo knew how to give, let's keep up his tradition by giving blood. Click to view a list of clinics in Richmond for February and March.
Have you ever wondered how Rotary became involved with polio eradication in the first place? This high-quality, full-length documentary film tells the story of how a small group of visionary Rotary leaders dared to set a breathtaking goal of eradicating polio for all of the children of the world. In doing so, they laid the groundwork for the single most successful public health coalition in history.
Join the Rotary Club of Richmond to celebrate a year of good health, good fortune and happiness! 2018 is the Year of Dog. Lion Dance: Vancouver City Police Department Lion Dance Team will be performing!!!Program: Chinese Banquet, Entertainment, Silent Auction, Photo Booth, Chinese Calligraphy, Lucky Draw, Games, Raffle and Prizes. Tickets: $98 ($108 after Dec 31, 2017) / $980 per table of 10 ($1,080 after Dec 31, 2017) $40 tax receipt available upon request.
Once again, in this spectacular year of 2017, Rotary District 5040 has shown its outstanding generosity to The Rotary Foundation so gifts to our communities here in BC or somewhere in the world can continue. With the global generosity of Rotary members, through The Rotary Foundation, peacebuilding is reducing conflict, diseases are being fought, clean water and sanitation is being provided, mothers and children are receiving care, education is being delivered, and women are being supported in business. The latest contribution was more than $30,000 US raised through the November 18 annual District 5040 Foundation dinner. Pictured here are President of the Rotary Club of Vancouver, Phil Webber, and Foundation Dinner Chair, Min Kuang.
Conflict and violence displace millions of people each year. Half of those killed in conflict are children, and 90 percent are civilians. Often conflict starts and continues over long periods in competition for dwindling resources and as environmental changes force people to migrate. The 1.2 million members of Rotary International, in 35,000 clubs around the world, refuse to accept conflict as a way of life. On February 10, 2018, in Vancouver, BC, Rotary is holding the first of its six presidential peacebuilding conferences around the world on the theme of environmental sustainability and peace..
On November 19th, we held a successful Rotaract District 5040 Training Day at the Burnaby Neighborhood House. 40 Rotaractors and Rotarians gathered for a day of learning, sharing, and fun! Our day included inspiring speeches from District Rotaract Chair (DRC) Joan Posivy and DG Don Evans; a team-building challenge making stools out of only newspaper and masking tape; an "Ask a Rotarian" panel; breakout sessions on projects, membership, marketing & PR, and club positions; and also a presentation on all the opportunities available via Rotaract and Rotary!
"Peace" is the theme of the 2018 District Conference.
Peace may be the most important topic of our time.
Come to the2018 Rotary District Conference where we will be "Peacing it Together" with speakers like Eduardo da Costa, who is a Rotary Peace Scholar and Global Peace Index Ambassador.
We have our first graduating class from Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) in some time. Thirteen Rotarians finished Part 3 on November 25 and received their final Certificate.
There was also a full class of 19 for Part 1 who can't wait for March 3 so they can take Part 2, followed by Part 3 on April 7. Look for registration information to be posted shortly.
The District 5040 Nominating Committee, led by Past District Governor Lyn Stroshin, has selected Dave Hamilton of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen as the next District 5040 Governor Designate. Dave was selected from a slate of several outstanding candidates to lead our District forward in the 2020 – 2021 Rotary year.
It's now official! Dave Hamilton is the District 5040 Governor Designate. Please join me in congratulating Dave, and in thanking all those who let their name stand for this position.
Dave Hamilton selected as District 5040 Governor Designate
Following the membership workshop held Dec 9th, 2017 many of you who attended asked for a copy of the presentation. And for those of you that did not attend we have posted the presentation and the workbook. We got a lot of positive feedback regarding the “take aways” the attendees received. Membership is Rotary International’s #1 internal priority. .
District 5040 is one of 20 Districts that have been chosen for a membership questionnaire. A short questionnaire sent to all of your district’s club presidents and club membership chairs will allow them to self-report whether they need help, and if so, what they need help with. Their responses will produce a downloadable report for their club with strategies, tools, and ideas to address their indicated needs.
An enthusiastic and engaged group of Rotarians completed Part 2 of the Rotary Leadership Institute. DG Don Evans welcomed the class and thanked them for what they are doing for Rotary and their community.
Our Rotaract clubs are always happy to assist Rotary clubs with their projects. In October, the Vancouver Young Professionals Rotaract Club helped the Rotary Club of Vancouver with the Oktoberfest fundraiser for youth programs. The Yaletown Rotaract Club participated in the Rotary Club of Vancouver Yaletown's Bowling for Kenya fundraiser supporting their Water Harvesting Project. The Prince George Rotaract Club assisted the Rotary Club of Prince George - Downtown with their Big Blue Ball event that supports men's health and local prostate cancer programs.
Thank you to the newest members of the Arch Klumph Society.
Congratulations and thank you Vasi and Bala Naidoo who are the newest District 5040 members of the Arch Klumph Society. Your generosity and commitment to Rotary is outstanding
Little Free Library, a community free book exchange system of mini-libraries at four locations, is an Education and Literacy project of Rotary in Delta’s community of Tsawwassen developed with students at South Delta Secondary School. This take-a-book-leave-a-book system to and from the book shelters is aimed at enhancing literacy and learning in Delta for not just students, but all residents.
To raise funds for the 49th and newest club in Rotary District 5040, the largely Filipino Rotary Club of Vancouver Mountainview, for Rotary's global campaign to End Polio Now and for the Rotary Club of Ladner's campaign with other clubs to fund a $45,000 water delivery project over 6.5 kms in the remote village of Ban Xiengdu in Northern Laos, 120 Rotarians, family and friends participated in "A Taste of the Philippines" dinner on October 14, 2017 in Richmond, BC.
With the success of the outdoor fitness circuit at one of its parks, the City of Burnaby, BC had planned long term to install a similar circuit at the popular Fraser River Foreshore Park. Along came Burnaby Rotarians – people in action – to help make it happen for the estimated 63,000 residents who use the park at least once a month.
On Labour Day, tears of joy flowed long and heavy as we said goodbye to our 6 International Rotaractors who came to visit at the end of August to experience the beauty and people of British Columbia for PACE. During their visit, they experienced everything from skating (who knew Fijians were so good on ice!), to biking, hiking, museum tours, historical walks, dragon boating, kayaking, and of course, poutine!
We would love your participation and presence in joining District Governor Don Evans at our very special District Foundation dinner celebrating the start of The Rotary Foundation 's Second Century!
Date: November 18, 2017
Locations: Terminal City Club, 837 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1B6 Tickets: $100 + tax (includes 3 course dinner & wine, dessert, prize and live show)
JOIN US IN BRIGHTENING LIVES THIS WINTER - Join communities all over the country this fall and winter and get together to brighten lives by attending a fundraising dinner. Come and help us celebrate ShelterBox Heroes, recognize Donors and launch two exciting new programs : Shine For ShelterBox and ShelterBox Gift Campaign
DATE: Sat, 4 November 2017 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT LOCATION Hollyburn Country Club 950 Cross Creek Road West Vancouver, BC V7S 2S5
It is that time of year where we are searching out enthusiastic and dedicated Rotarians to apply for the position of District Governor (DG) for the year 2020-21. Have a look around your club for someone who might be interested and qualified to serve as District Governor. Perhaps you are the one! The role of DG is demanding but the rewards are incredibly unique and fulfilling. More information about the role may be found on this job description.
It is that time of year where we are searching out enthusiastic and dedicated Rotarians to apply for the position of District Governor (DG). This time for the year 2021-22. Have a look around your club for someone who might be interested and qualified to serve as District Governor. Perhaps you are the one! The role of DG is demanding but the rewards are incredibly unique and fulfilling. More information about the role may be found on this role description.
District 5040 is proud to relay the announcement that Barry Rassin, of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2018-19. He will be declared the president-elect on 1 September if no challenging candidates have been suggested.
I joined Rotary in 1978, when I was relatively young and had just started my accounting practice. My reason for doing so was because I thought that it would be good for my business to be associated with the movers and shakers of my community. But it didn’t take long for Juliet and me to realize that Rotary offered us so much more. Yes, Rotary provided us with ways to make friends and help build a business. But it also became the best way I know of to make a difference in our communities, both local and globally.
Want to find out more about Rotary and hone your leadership skills at the same time? If your answer is yes we have the courses for you. Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI).
We have scheduled Part I, II and III sessions for this spring.
Thanks Richmond Businessman Paul Hui for his generous donation of his warehouse inventory to The Rotary Club of Richmond. Quality Rattan and Wicker furniture is available 70% to 80% off. Proceeds go B.C. Wildfire Relief and other Rotary projects. More Info
At the Yellowhead Rotary meeting on July 27, 2017 two representatives (Shamitha Aravind and Sarah Ash) of the College Heights Interact Club presented their their BC wildfire relief fund raising initiative which raised close to $3000 over 3 days. This is a great example of "Rotary Youth in Action". They presented a letter detailing their efforts to both the Prince George Yellowhead Rotary Club President Dave Wilbur, which is included, keep reading.
The Rotary flags in front of Rotary International World Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois, USA, and Rotary offices around the world fly at half-staff this week as friends and colleagues mourn President-elect Sam F. Owori, who died on 13 July from complications after surgery.
David Suzuki will be a keynote speaker at the Rotary Presidential conference in Vancouver February 9 – 11, 2018. He is an award-winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster. He is renowned for his radio and television programs that explain the complexities of the natural sciences in a compelling, easily understood way. Dr. Suzuki is a geneticist. He graduated from Amherst College (Massachusetts) in 1958 with an Honours BA in Biology, followed by a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Chicago in 1961. His eight-part BBC/PBS series, The Secret of Life, was praised internationally, as was his five part series The Brain for the Discovery Channel.
To the many of you who have been wanting to offer help for the victims of the wildfires currently burning in the Cariboo region of the British Columbia, thank you for your care and concern. District 5040 is pleased to let you know that the Rotary BC Wildfire Recovery Fund is now open and collecting funds that will be made available to Rotary clubs in the affected areas. Contributions to the fund are now being accepted. Once the situation with the fires has ended, a team will work with the clubs to allocate funds to the Rotary clubs in the affected areas to assist with recovery and rebuild projects in their communities. Continue reading for full details.
To the many of you who have been wanting to offer help for the victims of the wildfires currently burning in the Cariboo region of the Province, thank you for your care and concern. It is our intent to have a District wide coordinated response available to Rotarians throughout BC and Alberta.
First keynote speakers at Rotary Presidential Conference announced. Linda Low, a Rotary Peace Fellow at Duke University and Dr. Jonathan Patz, Director of the Global Health Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Rotary International President Ian Riseley invites you to the Rotary Presidential Conference on Environmental Sustainability & Peace, Vancouver, BC, Friday to Sunday February 9 – 11, 2018. Zones 24 and 25 will host the Presidential Conference on Environmental Sustainability and Peace—one of six international peacebuilding conferences planned for the 2017-2018 Rotary year. President Ian Riseley has made environmental sustainability a major focus for his year and we are honored that he has chosen Vancouver to hold the first Presidential Conference on this key area.
Don Evans has been active in Rotary for more than 31 years. He is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Vancouver (2002-2003) and has held many different positions with his club. He has been active with District 5040 in Strategic Planning, as a member of the District Foundation Committee and as a PETS Trainer. He was named Rotarian of the Year for 5040 in 2014 and is currently Governor for 2017-18. Don is a Paul Harris Society Member and a Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation. Both Don and Deb are also Bequest Society members.
District 5040 welcomes our newest club: Vancouver Mountainview!
Vancouver Mountainview meets on Thursdays at 6:15 PM at the Multicultural Helping House Society at 4802 Fraser Street. They currently have 26 members. Plans are being made for a Charter Dinner sometime in September and they are waiting for confirmation on a final date.
To all of the members of Vancouver Mountainview Welcome aboard .
President-elect Ian H.S. Riseley, a member of the Rotary Club of Sandringham, Victoria, Australia, unveiled the 2017-18 presidential theme, Rotary: Making a Difference, to incoming district governors at Rotary’s International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA.
When Arch Klumpf founded The Rotary Foundation 100 years ago and the first contribution of was $26.50 was made, the purpose of the Foundation then, and over many years to follow, was development of our local communities. Although we think on the grand, global scale about our Foundation, with pride that it is among the top rated in the world, development of our own communities still remains a primary focus.
Are you interested in participating at the District level.? Then we need you!!! We have a couple of open positions at the District level and we could really use your help!
The positions are for a 3 three year term. Why? In one word continuity. It helps us with our succession planning. A District 5040 strength.
At the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, global leaders and key donors affirmed their commitment to ending polio by pledging $1.2 billion over 3 years in new money for the fight.
The Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development, onstage with Bill Gates and other leaders, announced Canada is pledging C$100 million (US$75 million) towards polio eradication..
Act now! Rotary International Convention - Toronto June 23-27 2018
There are only 2 days left for the special early registration rate of $295 US. This is a very limited time offer which is only good until Wednesday June 14th. Use this link to access the registration page.
More information about the conference may be found on the conference web site.
You can also register a hotel from the same link. Given how quickly hotels book up for RI conventions you may want to consider booking now. Who knows you might find a great deal. Please let us know if you find one.
Please share this information – especially the early bird registration which is only good until this Wednesday, June 14.
Thirty-four young people who have helped without seeking personal reward or accolades throughout the Delta, BC community, who have demonstrated compassion and empathy for others, acted on a global level, and shown inner strength in overcoming adversity and setting an example for others were recognized at the at the ninth annual Delta Rotary Youth Awards on June 2, 2017. Past District Governor Penny Offer presented some of the awards on behalf of the Rotary Club of Ladner.
On May 28th 2017, Rotarians, Rotaractors, & Interactors gathered on the New Westminster Quay to walk 5K to raise funds and awareness for Rotary's campaign to eradicate polio from the world forever.
The attractive, new Squamish & Lil’wat Nations Community Centre, with a vista view of the mountains, was the venue for the Friday lunch. For the Hunter and Trappers BBQ, under cover outdoors, west coast cedar plank salmon with maple glaze, BBQ rubbed chicken and buffalo smokies were served, with wild mushroom and barley pilaf, fresh baked bannock and much more.
On Sunday May21st there is a great opportunity to support the Rotary Foundation. The Rotary Club of New Westminster Royal City is holding a cycling event to celebrate the Rotary Foundation's 100th birthday and to raise money for the foundation.
Throughout Rotary District 5040 clubs have hosted for an entire year Exchange Students from many parts of the world: Taiwan, Japan, Brazil, Germany, Denmark, France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Mexico and Canada.
On May 13th, the first District 5040 Young Professionals Summit was held at the SFU Harbourside campus. The event was an excellent opportunity for Young Professionals to meet, work together and develop relationships with others who will make a difference.
Rotary District 5040's Conference held May 4 to 7, 2017 certainly lived up to its theme, “Generations Serving Humanity,” as 300 people of all ages came together in Whistler, BC. The young and not-that-old learned from each other, cried and laughed as we reflected on Rotary’s tremendous contribution to our communities and our world in celebrating the 100th Anniversary of The Rotary Foundation. Below are some inspirational, thought-provoking highlights of the conference.
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. Women in the 20th century have achieved significant progress in the economically progressive areas of the world, but women and girls in non-developed countries have a much more difficult life and must accept their inferior social status and tend to fall into traditional roles. In April, Rotary worldwide has recognized this all so important bond of maternal and child health as one of our six areas of focus.
Join the Rotary Club of Richmond at the Gateway Theatre. A full stage show concert performed by Spencer and The Dream Continues. Enjoy a very entertaining evening and support the Rotary foundation. More information and tickets ...
As Rotary celebrates the 100th Anniversary of The Rotary Foundation, congratulations go to District 5040 Governor Lyn Stroshin and Alex Stroshin for their induction into The Rotary Foundation's Arch Klumph Society on April 12, 2017 at Rotary Headquarters in Evanston, IL. RI President John Germ (left) and Trustee Chair & Past RI President Kalyan Banerjee (right) presented the prestigious recognition.
On April 22, about 500 members of the Burnaby community will descend upon the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre for the 16th annual fundraiser presented by The Rotary Club of Burnaby Metrotown. The Rotary Wine, Food, and Music Festival is Burnaby’s premiere wine event. Guests are treated to a unique selection of local and international wines as well as a tantalizing assortment of casual and fine foods and live music.
You or your club can support a Fair Trade Community Development Project at the Tekera Resource Centre in Uganda by sponsoring some of the registration kits, or “swag bags”, at the conference.
Already registered? If so, please consider bringing with you to conference a donation of your, and your family's and friends', used eyeglasses and books for shipping overseas to those who need them.
Hunter Amenities is the latest sponsor of this year's conference. , The company is donating toiletries for our blessing bags (2,000 each shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, soap) in support of needy people and donating items to the registration bags. Check out other conference sponsors including our clubs. Become a personal sponsor.
Rotary Peace Fellow Sara Eftekhar to share her amazing, diverse career serving humanity as one of the most recent speakers confirmed for the District conference in Whistler May 4-7 .
The ever popular Rotary Youth Conference -- a chance to learn more about Rotary in a fun youthful environment -- is ready for registration. It runs from May 5 to 7, 2017 in conjunction with the Rotary District 5040 Conference in Whistler, BC.
Spring Learning and Development sessions are coming to your area. Read more to find dates and locations in your area for the Rotary - Year Ahead and Grant Managements seminars.
With the Rotary theme of Water & Sanitation in March here are five Rotary Foundation Global Grant Projects in keeping with that theme, approved and funded or ongoing in 2016-2017 by The Rotary Foundation and supported by District 5040.
Whistler becomes "The Big Easy” for our May 4-7 District 5040 Conference at the Saturday evening Mardi Gras gala. Unmasking for Mardi Gras, the conference committee takes a moment from its work together to give you an idea of what to expect throughout the conference. Read more to watch the video.
Learn from fellow Rotarians in hands on workshops, Thursday, May 4
Start your conference early with interactive workshops full of ideas and strategies to enhance the Rotary experience on Thursday May 4th in Whistler at the “Ski Cabin” at 2028 Rob Boyd Way.
Membership Mysteries: work together on the challenge of lack of club membership growth, solve the puzzle and leave with ideas and tools to engage and attract members.
Reputation and Club Communications: explore with others the essence and value of a strong brand and what clubs are doing to build the Rotary brand through Public Relations strategies and tools.
Rotary Uncovered - What Have I Joined?: join other Rotarians to learn what it takes to make Rotary relevant in today’s world and how you can contribute through service to your club and the world beyond.
Corralling ClubRunner: explore ClubRunner’s administrative facilities to make them work for your club, such as membership information, reports, mail service, club invoices, club directory, documents. Bulletins, RI website integration and attendance reporting.
Learn from fellow Rotarians in hands on workshops, Thursday, May 4
Find out more about the speakers and facilitators confirmed for our Rotary District 5040 Conference May 4 to 7, 2017 for keynote presentations and breakout session facilitators has been posted on the conference website. An impressive line up and more to come.
District Conference 2017 keynote speaker David Forward will release a new book on the Rotary Peace Centers at the RI Convention in Atlanta. District 5040 Rotarians attending the district conference in Whistler will have an opportunity for an early peek at this new book. David Forward is the author of books on the history of Rotary and The Rotary Foundation. He is an entertaining and engaging speaker. He is without question the most knowledgeable person on Rotary’s history. Don’t miss his presentation. Read more about David and the conference at www.celebraterotary.ca/speakers2.html
Sylvia Barton is our District’s first participant in the New Generations Exchange Program and this is the story of the journey she has embarked on with Rotary. Sylvie as she is known by those close to her, is a 3rd year student at SFU majoring in criminology with a minor in First Nations Studies. It has been edited in length but is her story.
Of the 60 million people displaced by armed conflict or persecution, 90% are civilians. Half of those civilians are children. That’s millions of reasons why Rotary is so engaged in service projects, fellowships and other Rotary-sponsored campaigns in pursuit of peace in our world.
When a Rotary club has a positive Public Image, brand or reputation, current members are motivated to participate in service above self, prospective members are eager to join and sponsors are willing to support service.
District Governor Lyn invites Rotarians to register for workshops planned for Thursday May 4th in Whistler in the Ski Cabin at 2028 Rob Boyd Way. The workshops are designed to expand your Rotary knowledge and build your commitment to Rotary and your club. They will be interactive and full of ideas and strategies to enhance your Rotary experience. What a great way to start this years District Conference in Whistler!
The Starfish Pack Backpack Program was created in response to teachers hearing the cry of their students. Teachers were heartbroken to hear their students were coming to class Monday morning hungry, reporting that they had not eaten over the weekend.
Rotary makes a difference! Last fall representatives from the Rotary Club of Williams Lake Daybreak club met with the principal of Chilcotin Road Elementary today to present the Starfish Pack program to his school.. An agreement was made and the program started as soon as parental agreements could be arranged.
Congratulations to DGE Don and Deb Evans who completed their Governor training with more than 500 Governors Elect from around the world in San Diego this past week. Photo with RI President Elect Ian and Juliet Riseley.
DGE Don and Deb are being congratulated by RI President Elect Ian and Juliet Riseley.
The group is standing in front of a banner with the 2017/18 Rotary theme: Rotary Making a Difference.
Rotary has a new online way to recommend changes to policy and rules. The Council on Resolutions is a separate governing body that will meet online every year. It will review resolutions sent by clubs and districts to the RI Board.
Celebrate the 100th year of our Foundation with a glass of Rotary Centennial Wine. St. Hubertus Estate Winery, based in Kelowna BC, has partnered with District 5040 to their award winning wines with a specially commissioned label to represent our 100th Anniversary of the Rotary Foundation.
To mark the 100th Anniversary of The Rotary Foundation, Rotary International President John Germ addressed the Rotary District 5040 & 5050 Million Dollar Dinner – which raised US$3.3 million -- on January 9, 2017, in Delta, BC.
Want to find out the latest news from Rotary? Here's a great opportunity to find out what's going on. Please join Zone 24-32 Rotary Director Dean Rohrs and Trustee Bryn Styles for a 'Welcome to a new year" update/webinar, scheduled for Jan 10, 2017 4:00 pm PST.
I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday season amongst family and friends . May the spirit of the season fill your heart the entire year. As we close out the year 2016 did you know that our Foundation has been named the world’s outstanding foundation for 2016-17. This is a huge accolade for the Rotary Foundation and for Rotarians!
Good luck with your clubs and your projects in the coming year.
Please check out the conference line up of speakers and come and be educated and entertained in Whistler in May. Registration goes up on January 16th, 2017 so please register NOW!
Happy New Year to you all. Alex and I and our family wish you and your family much joy and fulfillment in 2017. May we in Rotary nurture gifts of wisdom, compassion and justice in 2017.
As a Rotarian may the light of your presence and the warmth of your compassion greet all whom you meet.
May peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through.
Thank you for your enthusiasm, your creativity and your commitment to “doing good in the world.”
District Governor Lyn is honoured and delighted to announce that, now we officially have a new District Governor for the year 2019-2020: Bala Naidoo of the Rotary Club of Burnaby Metrotown is the District Governor Designate (DGD) for the 2019-2020 year.
The award honors organizations that show philanthropic commitment and leadership through financial support, innovation, encouragement of others, and involvement in public affairs. Some of the boldest names in American giving — Kellogg, Komen, and MacArthur, among others —are past honorees.
Santa and District Governor Lyn Stroshin talk up the chance to win two nights free at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Hotel for the May 4 to 7, 2017 Rotary District 5040 Conference.
If you're not yet registered at the lower conference rate you can do that now, or no later than December 24, 2016, to be eligible to win the hotel room contest. Click to view the video. Go to http://www.celebraterotary.ca/ to register now!
Eric Wang, President the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunset received this letter from the PM Justin Trudeau. The letter was for their Rotary Foundation Centennial Celebration held as part of the Winter Wonderland Celebrations at the Richmond City Hall.
District Governor Lyn is honoured and delighted to announce that, unofficially, we have a new District Governor for the year 2019-2020. The District 5040 District Governor Nominating team has chosen Bala Naidoo of the Rotary Club of Burnaby Metrotown.
District Governor Lyn, and the rest of us are really excited to let you know that District 5040's proposal for one of the 2017-18 Presidential Conferences has been approved.
The Rotary Foundation recently distributed 2015-2016 recognition banners to clubs were distinguished worldwide through their generous gifts in four different areas: Top Three Highest in Per Capita Annual Giving, 100% Foundation Giving Club, End Polio Now Certificate of Achievement.
Happy World Interact Week! We want to share exciting ways to celebrate and support Interact clubs. As a bonus, we’re sharing the big reveal of the 2016 Interact Video Awards themes! Here are just a few ways you can recognize World Interact Week:
Find out what two babies are saying in their unique language. In this translation, we discover they are discussing the District 5040 Conference 2017 in Whistler. Save $75 if your register before January 16, 2017. To register, links to hotel, and more details visit CelebrateRotary.ca
Here is a short Video invitation to The Rotary Foundation Million Dollar Dinner being hosted by District 5040 & 5050 on January 9, 2017. For more information, please visit: https://sway.com/33HP6HfAAmMyPPl4
There was excellent media coverage of RI President Elect Ian Riseley's visit to Prince George which highlighted all of the great work being done by Rotarians in the area. Clikc on these links to get all of the news: Prince George Citizen, 250 NEWS, and CKPG TV.
RI President Elect Ian Riseley's visit to Prince George
RI President Elect Ian Riseley and PDG Juliet Riseley were keynote speakers at the Exploring – The Rotary Foundation – Regional Seminar in Vancouver. They were joined by facilitators RRFC Betty Screpnek, RPIC Sean Hogan, E/MGA Chris Offer, A-RRFC Larry Stinson and Annual Giving Officer Chris Boyce. Rotarians from Districts 5010, 5020, 5040, 5050, 5060, 5370, 7040 and 9810 gathered at the Wosk Centre for Dialogue in Vancouver. Enthusiastic and passionate discussion, debate, agreement, disagreement, sharing and enthusiasm were the order of the day. Click to view photos from the Seminar.
$1,150 in proceeds to End Polio -- converted to $5,750 with matching grants -- came from tickets Rotary sold for the October 23rd Vancouver Giants hockey game at the annual Rotary on Ice event, led by the Tsawwassen and Ladner Rotary Clubs, with Rotoract Clubs and Interact Clubs in Delta and Vancouver, with help from District 5040 Governor Lyn Stroshin. The Boys & Girls Club received tickets worth almost $1,700 purchased by Rotarians and others so that 94 young people could attend the game at no cost. Finally, Rotarians of all ages sold tickets for a 50/50 lottery draw at the game with $2,520 going to Rotary's Rotoract and Interact clubs.
Short video invitation to attend the Multi District Rotary Foundation Seminar on October 22, 2016 at the Wosk Centre in Vancouver. RI Present (2017-18) Ian Riseley is the keynote speaker.
Congratulations are in order! While at the 2016 Zone Institute in Winnipeg District Governor Elect Don Evans completed his District Governor training. Well done and it sounds like you are on the path to a wonderful year.
Alex, District Governor Lyn, District Governor Don and Deb are shown here just after DGE Don received his completion certificate at the Zone Institute.
The Rotary Club of Burnaby recently recognized 5 members for long and distinguished service above self. Talk about a group that's been there and done that. We congratulate the Rotary Club of Burnaby's newest Honorary members.
Those of you who follow DG Lyn's travels will know that she recently attended the 2016 Winnipeg Zone Institute. The theme of the institute was Rotary Rohrs for Human Rights. The special guest was Dr. Oscar Arias, recipient of the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize. There were many very special speakers including Rotary International President John Germ, Mpho Tutu (daughter of Desmond Tutu).
District 5040 was honoured by RI President John Germ for being the District with the largest contribution to Polio Plus in the 2015-16 Rotary year. PDG John Anderson accepted the award on behalf of our District at the Zone Institute in Winnipeg.
For more information about Rotary's campaign to eradicate polio forever, please click HERE.
District 5040 Recognised for PolioPlus Contributions
Each year in District 5040, RI Policy requires we choose a Rotarian to serve as District Governor approx. 2.5 years from now (Rotary Year 2019-20). The President of any Club in the District may submit the name of one of its members for consideration by the District Nominating Committee.
The Nominating Committee in District 5040 is made up of the District Governor Elect, the District Governor Nominee, the two immediate Past District Governors and one Assistant Governor who is a member of a club in District 5040. This year’s Committee is chaired by Immediate Past District Governor John Anderson.
Organizers are you interested in making your booth look really professional?
Members of the Rotary Club of Kitimat wanted to go to that next level too and were looking to showcase Rotary with pizzazz.. Based on a suggestion from Tom Smith, District Membership Chair, members of the Rotary Club of Kitimat borrowed a new display.
Vern Nielsen sits in a chair in Kelowna, British Columbia attached to a tube. A cocktail of chemicals winds its way through the tube and into Vern’s veins. This cocktail is just one of three such treatments that Vern must take every two weeks. The chemicals are searching out a particularly aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. The survival rate for this disease is about 2% within 12 months. Vern is in month five.
I didn’t hear about Vern in a medical journal. He wasn’t on the nightly news. His picture is not on my Facebook feed. Vern was standing in front of my Rotary club. As a district governor, Vern has spent the last two years preparing to motivate and guide the 60 clubs in Rotary District 5060, which covers parts of Washington State and British Columbia. Some might have thought he wasted those two years of preparing.
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The United Nations has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples. The theme for Peace day 2016 is Sustainability – Building Blocks for Peace. The 17 sustainability goals adopted by all 193 Member States of the United Nations aim to end poverty protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.
On September 8th, the Rotary Club of Squamish celebrated its 50th anniversary with a dinner at the Squamish Valley Golf Club. Our special guests were RI Director Dean Rohrs and Rhino, District Governor Lyn Stroshin and Alex, District Governor-elect Don Evans, MLA Jordan Sturdy, and Mayor Patricia Heintzman.
The Rotary Club of Richmond Sunrise celebrated the 100th Anniversary of The Rotary Foundation and the key role the Philippines played in eradicating the disease, at a dinner on September 1, in Richmond. A recent article in the Richmond News newspaper announced the event.
DIRECTIONS: Add 400 Rotarians & partners, add a hefty dollop of Rotaractors, Interactors, RYLA & YE students, stir in energetically sensational keynote speakers, blend in rousing entrainment, finally a hefty measure of fun. Mix vigorously and enjoy. For conference 2017 registration and details go to www.CelebrateRotary.ca.
You are invited to a Regional Rotary Foundation seminar at the Wosk Centre in Vancouver. With RI President Elect Ian Riseley as the keynote speaker. This is not an ordinary seminar. It is interactive using the unique resources at the Wosk Centre for Dialogue. You will fully participate. Register Now!
A group of 24 Rotary people from RYLA, Interact, Rotaract, Youth Exchange and others volunteered at a Youth Leadership camp in Guangzhou China at the beginning of August.
DG Lyn Stroshin and DGN Darcy Long, 2017 District conference chair announced that David Forward will be a keynote speaker at conference 2017 in Whistler. David is the author of the official history of The Rotary Foundation, “Doing Good in the World.”
Grades 8 to 10 students with a desire to make their schools and communities better places created and produced projects in “Service Above Self” and made new friends at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp on July 7 to 10, 2016. The 25 students attended the camp at Lakelse, south of Terrace, BC. The 3-day camp tought leadership and personal development skills, while instilling the Rotary ideal of high ethical standards. For more on RYLA >>click here>>
Students in Grades 8-10 enjoy July Rotary youth camp
June 25th turned into a beautiful Whistler day as DGE Lyn Stroshin was inducted as the 2016/17 Governor of District 5040 by RI Director Dean Rohrs. Over 70 Rotarians, family and friends gathered from far and wide to participate in the celebration hosted by the Rotary Club of Whistler Millennium and lead by PDG Gordon Daglish. Click here to view the photos on facebook.
May 15. 2016 was the Official Opening of the Rotary Pavilion at the Squamish Legacy Sports Park. The project was funded by the Rotary Club of Squamish, a District 5040 grant from the Rotary Foundation, and the Sea to Sky Nordics Club. Thank you to our partners, volunteers, and donors who helped make the vision a reality.
Rotary Pavilion at the Squamish Legacy Sports Park.
The Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation has established the “Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund” to assist in the rebuilding of that city following this tragic fire. The Charitable Foundation is now ready to accept donations, for which tax receipts will be issued. The Foundation will rely on an independent committee of Fort McMurray stakeholders (including the Rotary club and the municipality) for advice on disbursal of the funds.
This fund is being established after consultation with DGN Frank Reitz (resident of Fort McMurray) and Fort McMurray Rotary Club President Jeanette Bancarz.
Donations may be from individuals or corporations. Rotary clubs may wish to facilitate this process by collecting donations, and then forwarding either the individual cheques or a cheque drawn on the club’s account for the total amount, along with a list of the donors and their addresses and postal codes.
Please forward donations to:
Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation
c/o Rotary District 5370 Office
16030 – 104 Ave.. NW
Edmonton AB T5P 0S3
and annotate cheques “Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund”
If you wish to make a donation using Visa, MasterCard or American Express, you may do so by using the Canada Helps website and the Charitable Foundation’s link:
The Council on Legislation approved two key measures that will give clubs greater flexibility in their meetings and membership. Both were proposed by the RI Board of Directors and passed overwhelmingly after vigorous debate.
This video shows how one club presents Paul Harris Fellow recognition. The presentation uses slides to highlight the change in peoples lives that the gift to The Rotary Foundation made. By relating the Paul Harris Fellow recognition to the recipients of the aid the new Paul Harris Fellow and the audience understand the full impact of the gift. The video was created John Charbonneau, Rotary Club of Tsawwassen.
We have held this event for the past 31 years. It is a bike ride from Vancouver to Harrison Hot Springs Resort, a distance of 120km. It is held the second Sunday in July and this year falls on July 10th. The event is run to raise funds for the deaf and hard of hearing in British Columbia and we have raised over $2.8 million in our 31 years.
This picture is of Baljeet and Jaspreet Rakmo. Jaspreet has a cochlear implant and he has been doing very well adapting to the new technology.
Here is an exciting video message from DG John Anderson on the selection of two very high profile speakers to the line up for the District Conference 2016. Also one very well know Canadian entertainment icon. April 1 is the last day to register and receive a $25 discount. Details at www.CelebrateRotary.ca. The announcement of the keynote speakers will officially be made on April 1.
Congratulations to District Governor Nominee, Don Evans who received The Caring Canadian Award from His Excellency David Johnston, Governor General of Canada at the Chan Centre, UBC on Friday March 4th. The award recognizes individuals who volunteer their time to help others and to build a smarter and more caring nation. The award also highlights the fine example set by these volunteers, whose compassion and engagement are so much a part of our Canadian character. Accolades Don on this well deserved honour and thank you for the volunteer service you have given.
Here is the March issue of the District 5040 Conference News. Update on keynote speakers, Rotary Jeopardy coming to conference 2016, New Audain museum opens in Whistler, registration goes over goal of 300, just days left to save $25 on registration and Much More
Visitors learned about Rotary and a new water park for Ladner on Saturday Feb 27th at Port Metro Vancouver office in Trenant Park. The water park is one example of Rotary's many contributions to our community of Delta and region and to communities in need all around the world. It is the first time that the new Rotary event booth was on public display.
The February District 5040 Conference 2016 newsletter is online. Check out the savings on early registration, new keynote speaker, special tours of the Chateau Whistler, cooking classes and much, much more.
We are happy to announce that all three Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) sessions will be made available to Rotarians on Thursday, April 28th at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. This will be an opportunity for those who have never taken RLI training to start and for those who have partially completed the RLI courses to continue. The fee for each course is still only $85 and includes all of the pertinent course material, refreshments and Lunch.
To any who are planning to join us and attend the Rotary International Convention, we look forward to spending this exciting time with you. The Convention dates are May 28 through June 1, 2016.
Please let us know if you plan to attend.
We would like to know who from District 5040 will be in Seoul – we always get together and have some fun times at International Convention. To make sure you are on our list, just drop me an e-mail and we will build our group.
There are some tours available through Indus Travel in Richmond and details can be had through the Download section on the left of our home page – click the link to either open or download the details for the tour or tours in which you are interested. You can also call Maryalice Golinsky at Indus Travel, Direct Line: 1-778-773-9850 for more information.
DGE Lyn Stroshin and her husband Alex are attending the week long assembly for over 500 governors for the 2016-17 Rotary year. Lyn and Alex are seen here with Rotary International President-Elect, John F Germ and his wife, Judy. The President- Elect has just announced his theme for next year, Rotary Serving Humanity.
On Jan 8th, the Squamish Reporter published an article about the Rotary Club of Squamish. The article gives a brief history about the club, and highlights the club's plans for 2016, in both our local and international communities.
The Rotary Foundation received a $500,000.00 gift from the late Fred and Bette Cotton of Vancouver. The funds received on December 30, 2015, will support the Rotary International polio eradication campaign.
On behalf of all the Rotarians in Korea, I invite you to the 2016 Korea convention. We are all looking forward to welcoming you and making your trip our very special gift that goes far beyond your expectations.
The Rotary Club of Sunshine Coast Sechelt held a successful public event on Friday, December 4, 2015. Rotarians and the general public were invited to hear about Rotary’s work on polio eradication. Polio survivor Ramesh Ferris spoke the more than 150 people who attended the event.
Videos of all presentations and a report with text of presentations is now available for the very successful Rotary Day of Dialogue organized by District 5040 on November 21, 2015 at the Wosk Centre in Vancouver.
This is a video annual report from the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunset. The club works closely with the Interact clubs they sponsor. The club also uses Rotary Foundation district and global grants effectively. The video shows the wide range of projects the club and their Interact partners support.
This is the first in a series of videos from the Rotary Day of Dialogue, Vancouver on Nov. 21, 2015. Each video is 5 to 8 minutes. A video of each of the presentation will be posted every couple of days. Thanks to John Charbonneau who produced the video series.
Push-Ups, Push-Ups, Push-ups and more Push-Ups was the theme for our social night and dinner Nov 20, 2015. Our pre-dinner entertainment was a push-up challenge between 4 Rotarians. Although arms were weary, spirits were high, as each competitor was cheered on by onlookers.
The College Height Secondary School Interact Club, a junior division of the Yellowhead Rotary, has entered a full size tree into the Festival of Trees. This is Prince George's 100th anniversary and the Festival hopes to have 100 trees and we are a part of something really special.
Do you know a young person between the ages of 15-19 who would like to visit another part of the world this summer and immerse themselves in the culture? Then perhaps the Rotary STEP (Short Term Exchange Program) is for them.
STEP is a family to family exchange for Rotarian families and families recommended by Rotary clubs. Students from here typically stay with their host family for 3-5 weeks and then the two students will travel back together and spend 3-5 weeks together here.
Congratulations to District Governor Elect (GETS) Lyn and Alex Stroshin, Rotary Club of Whistler Millennium. DGE Lyn attended the Governor Elect Training Seminar in Providence, RI.
DG John Anderson and Conference Chair Rick Lewall have announced the first keynote speakers for conference 2016. Emmy award-winning journalist Penny LeGate, Ezra Teshome, District 5030 Seattle 2013-14 District Governor, and Julia Phelps, Rotary International Board of Directors for 2014-16 representing Zones 24-32.
Wondering what PETS is all about? Pacific Northwest PETS is one of the premier training opportunities for Rotary President Elects. Check this video out get a glimpse of what makes it so awesome. www.pnwpets.org
Rotary Pacific Northwest PETS--Why You Shouldn't Miss It!
On August 13,14,15, 2015-2016 Outbound Students, and their parents reconnected with each other and the Youth Exchange Committee, Rotex, (previously returned youth exchange students) and District Governor John and Claire Anderson under sunny skies at Rebound Orientation, located at Gavin Lake Forestry Camp, a beautiful setting in the Cariboo just east of Williams Lake.
At the District Conference last April, the Rotary Club of Gibsons put out a challenge to the other District Clubs to: Help Us Roll 1000 Hippos. Needless to say, our display booth garnered lots of attention!
Click on the link below to view the digital presentation of the Challenge. It gives the background to this simple innovation and also highlights the smiling faces of the women who were blessed with our club's action:
On August 13,14,15, 2015-2016 Outbound Students, and their parents reconnected with each other and the Youth Exchange Committee, Rotex, (previously returned youth exchange students) and District Governor John and Claire Anderson under sunny skies at Rebound Orientation, located at Gavin Lake Forestry Camp, a beautiful setting in the Cariboo just east of Williams Lake.
The Rotary Club of Squamish held their Annual Beef BBQ at the Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival. 1500 lbs of prime Alberta beef slow roasted over an alder fire. It been a tradition at the festival for over 50 years and always a favourite. Click to view the Rotary Beef BBQ photo album
Government of Canada Partners with Rotary Foundation Canada to Eradicate Polio Worldwide and Reduce Poverty in Developing Countries. During the next four years, the Government of Canada will contribute two dollars for every dollar raised by Rotary Foundation Canada in support of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s Endgame Strategy, to a maximum contribution of $12 million. The Government of Canada will also contribute up to $6 million to support Rotary Foundation Canada’s efforts to help advance maternal, newborn and child health, secure the future of children and youth, and increase sustainable economic growth in under-served communities in developing countries.
As the sun rose over the ranch of Rotarian Carman Hendry – one could feel the excitement of the Leaders and Rotarians waiting for 38 boys and girls to register for RYLA camp. Known as RYLA Lakelse this camp used to be held at a beautiful lake property owned by the Kinsmen. This property is currently in need of repair and not suitable for our RYLA camp. Instead of cancelling as we had to in 2013 we went ahead with plans at this beautiful ranch. So in 2014 and this year our camp took on a new life.
Following on from the announcement about Nigeria's important milestone, you may be interested in a publication currently on the endpolio.org website. Click on the image below to be taken to the document.
On 24 July, Nigeria passed one year with no new cases of wild poliovirus.
This is the longest the country has ever gone without a case of polio and a critical step on the path toward a polio-free Africa. We’ve come a long way since the bleak years when the virus reached its peak. It was only a decade ago that polio struck 12,631 people in Africa- three quarters of all cases in the world.
11 August will mark an even greater milestone: one year since the last case of polio in Africa. For Africa to be certified polio-free, all countries in the region, including Nigeria, must go two more years without a case of polio. To do this, all children in Nigeria must continue to receive the polio vaccine, including those in hard-to-reach and underserved areas.
The Rotaractors of District 5040 would like to invite everyone to this year's opening PACE BBQ. The first chance to meet this year's fantastic participants!
It’s a great privilege to address you as District Governor and welcome you all to the new Rotary year. Early July is an important time in the Rotary calendar. It is a time to look back at what we have achieved in the previous year and to thank those who have supported Rotary through service at the club and district level. It is also a time of renewal as we welcome our new leaders and learn of their plans for the year ahead.
Ravindran urges Rotary’s 1.2 million members to give the gifts of time, talent, and knowledge to improve lives in communities across the globe
EVANSTON, Ill., USA (25 June, 2015) — K.R. “Ravi” Ravindran, a business leader from Colombo, Sri Lanka, takes office on 1 July as the 105th president of Rotary International – a global network of 1.2 million volunteers dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges.
On April 18 and 19 District 5040 hosted Part 1 & 2 of the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) seminars in Prince George. Rotarians from clubs in Prince George, Burns Lake and Williams Lake participated in the training.
Planning for Rotaract's 2015 Roundtrip is underway!
Last year's PACERS, plus a New West Rotaractor (L to R: Kohey[japan], Anna[Germany], Manu[Argentina], Lulu[Mexico], Giorgia[Italy], and Melissa[New West])
District 5040 leadership team 2015-16 - Presidents Elect, Rotaract Presidents Elect and District leaders at Pacific Northwest PETS (Presidents Elect Training Seminar) Seattle
As part of National Immunization Day aimed at vaccinating over 172 million children under the age of 5 across India, Ladner Rotarians Chris and Penny Offer, both Past District Governors, joined a Rotary International team of volunteers from Canada, Switzerland, Australia and the United States to give Polio vaccinations in rural India in late February.
Delta, BC (February 2, 2015) 100 Acre Wood Family Day Care of North Delta won the 4th Annual Delta Rotary Business Ethics Award, as a model of ethical business practice, at a dinner and ceremony on Friday night.
RI President Gary Huang urged all Rotarians to Light up Rotary this year by participating in a Rotary Day- a fun informal event in the community to introduce the non-Rotary public to Rotary. On January 24th 2015 the Rotary Club of Burnaby Metrotown and the Burnaby Rotaract Club in District 5040 partnered with Canlan Burnaby 8 Rinks to offer a Rotary Free Public Skate.
Congratulations Hugh Boyd Interact. They have done our District 5040 proud. They have now won the Rotary International Video contest twice in the last three years and placed in the top five in the intervening year.
Here is a picture of the Whistler Millennium outbound student Caitlin Patersen. She left Whistler for a year in Denmark and ended up hobnobbing with the RI President, Gary Huang. This picture was in the Danish Rotarian.
Are you looking to make a significant impact on the world by promoting tolerance and cooperation? Rotary selects some of the world’s most dedicated and brightest professionals to receive fully funded fellowships to study at our Rotary Peace Centers. We have created a page on the District 5040 site with links to the resources and the application process. You can find it here.
Please note the District 5040 deadline for application is 10th April 2015.
Join us in promoting the 2016-17 Rotary Peace Fellowship!
Rotary District 5040 is conducting a search to fill the position of District Treasurer when Terry Miller, the current treasurer finishes his term in June. The position is a three-year term starting July 1st 2015. Among the treasurer’s duties he or she serves on the Board, is responsible for managing funds and reports on the finances of Rotary District 5040. The treasurer participates in budget development and works closely with the Governor and the Board to ensure the district meets its financial and reporting obligations to the District and to Rotary International.
Interested Rotarians who have financial qualifications/accounting and or experience as club treasurer are asked to contact John Anderson District Governor Elect for more information. John can be reached at johnlanderson@telus.net or by phone at 604 948 2944.
This short video, in a unique visual way invites you to join The Rotary Foundation – Bequest Society. The video explains how the Bequest Society supports Rotary’s humanitarian and peace goals. It also describes the recognition members of the society receive and the $1 billion goal for the Endowment Fund.
The District Nominations Committee has selected Don Evans, nominated by the Rotary Club of Vancouver of Vancouver, for District Governor to serve in 2017-18.
This nomination is pending any challenges submitted by clubs pursuant to Section 13.020 of the RI Manual of Procedure – Nominating Procedure for Governor.
I would like to congratulate all the nominees that were selected by their clubs and thank them for their commitment to serve our District as District Governor.
Ken Wilson
District Governor 2014 – 2015
District 5040
Sara Eftekhar has received word that she has been named as a 2015 Rotary Peace Fellow. Sara will pursue a Masters at the Rotary Peace Centre at the University of Bradford in the UK in the field of international studies, peace studies and conflict resolution. The one-year Fellowship covers fees, living and travel expenses and an applied field experience, in excess of $50,000 USD. Sara was chosen out of many candidates and is one of only four Canadians to receive this world-wide honour.
Sara’s passion for peace and social justice is born out of conflict. She and her family fled turmoil and persecution in Iran for a better life in Canada when Sara was 8. Sara’s volunteerism and leadership throughout her school years earned her the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, an Outstanding Youth Award from the Mayor of North Vancouver, the YWCA Vancouver’s Young Women of Distinction Award, and was the youngest to ever be named among the Top 25 Immigrants of Canada. Sara graduated from UBC with honours in Nursing.
At a time when it would be so easy for high school students to forget about the events of past World Wars, our South Delta Secondary School Interact students braced the wind, the rain and the cold to install the Remembrance Day Crosses at the entrance to Tsawwassen on Thursday after school.
South Delta Secondary School Interact Students Remember
The Conference Committee is pleased to offer a special one-day Registration for Interact and Rotaract clubs in District 5040. Note this offer only applies to these groups and is not offered to Rotarians. The full programme of events for the day can be found by following this link.
District Conference 2015 - One-Day Interact/Rotaract Registration
ShelterBox continues to develop new shelter solutions to meet the needs of communities affected by disasters.
In the five months following Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the Philippines in November 2013, more than 100 ShelterBox Response Team members delivered 7,000 tents, 10,000 solar lights, 870 water filtration systems, 2,300 mosquito nets, 445 tool kits and 30 SchoolBoxes.
Afghanistan Project Officially Ends - August 25, 2014
Rotary Canada's 2010/11 Centennial Project: Building A School in Afghanistan for up to 4,000 male and female students between Grades 1 (one) and 12 (twelve) was officially completed with the closing of the file by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development as of August 25, 2014.
If you remember this was Canada's Centennial Rotary Project where all clubs in Canada were asked to sent $250 to CRCID.
CRCID Closes File on Centennial Afghanistan School Project
Our 5th Annual Rotary on Ice is going to be on Saturday, October 18th at the Pacific Coliseum at 7:00 P.M.(you should arrive 6:30 P.M.) ---- the Giants are playing Prince George . This year we are holding the event on a Saturday night which means that out of town Rotarians can come enjoy this event and come for the weekend to visit friends and do other activities.
Please note that tickets can still be ordered until October 14th.
This year's 5040 Foundation Dinner takes place on November 22nd
Theme: Celebrate 1964 Italy / Italian
Sophia L______
"An offer you can't refuse" The Don
Prizes for for best dressed single/couple
6:30 Doors open
8:30 Live auction
LIVE:- Club sponsored Italian Baskets
SILENT:- Two tables
Costs $100.00 Tax receipts for food and donations
Guest of Honor PRIP Wilfred Wilkinson
Tickets, prizes donkavanaghinteriors@shaw.ca
Don at 604 929 8580
Italian Cultural Centre
3075 Slocan Street, Vancouver
On Saturday, September 21, 2014 a train the trainers seminar was held for new faculty for the Rotary Leadership Institute, Pacific Northwest Division. The seminar was for new Discussion Leaders for District 5040.
Capital for Kids Democracy in Action Youth Conference
Victoria, BC
October 26 – 28, 2014
Rotary Clubs of BC are partnering with the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development for a pilot project aimed at providing an educational experience for young British Columbians so they can better understand the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship, engage more actively in their civic duties as youth leaders in their communities, and encourage others to do the same.
Happy September! Time sure flies when we are having fun. Hope you all had a great summer and already gearing up for the rest of the Rotary year.
Thank you to all clubs who have been looking for eligible candidates for the wonderful opportunity of applying for a Rotary Peace Fellowship. If you haven't already started to make this one of your priorities, for consider doing so for no required financial cost to your club, just you passion.
This is an update and early reminder to start looking for eligible Rotary Peace Fellowship candidates for the program year which starts in 2016 with your endorsed candidates' applications needed by March 2015.
The Rotary Club of Squamish once again put on the Rotary Beef BBQ at the Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival on Aug 3-4 2014. 1500 lbs of Canadian Prime Beef were roasted over an alder fire and served in Brioche bun sandwiches to the hungry crowd. This was the 57th annual Loggers Sports Show and the Squamish Rotary Club has been there from the beginning.
The District 7430 Friendship Exchange Team has completed their tour and returned home. The team was in District 5040 from June 12 to 24. They visited Metro Vancouver, Whistler and took a tour up the Duffy Lake Road and down the Fraser Canyon. The team was hosted in the homes of local Rotarians
The following is taken from a letter to the Richmond News:
On Sunday, May 25th, 2014, the Rotary Club of Richmond led a dynamic and passionate volunteer team and presented the 6th Annual SOS Children’s Village B.C. Run & Walk, held at the spectacular Richmond Olympic Oval Plaza. While pledges continue to come in and the total is not finalized, the amount raised by this event is looking to top $27,000.
The next Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) will be held from September 3 to 13, 2014. Fun loving Rotarians in District 7430, southeastern Pennsylvania, want to host you in this beautiful and historic part of the world. Find Allentown PA on your map and see how close it is to Philadelphia, Gettysburg, Atlantic City, Amish country and many more local places of interest. A bonus should be the start of the fabulous fall foliage.
These testimonials are from D-5040 Rotarians who traveled to D-7490 in Sept. 2011 or D-9930 in Feb. 2013.
Relaxing, Fun-filled, Educational – Means building personal relationships and understanding while enjoying the company of other Rotarians in new settings.
Best travel experience of our lives.
A wonderful opportunity to meet people and see their area as only the locals see it. Friendships are developed quickly and are long lasting.
Rotary Friendship Exchange is an opportunity to travel to a different part of the world, and be welcomed and hosted by the same warm hearted Rotarians you’ve known at home.
Great fellowship, interesting visits to important sites, reasonable costs, and memorable experiences.
The hospitality, generosity and the organization of RFE was amazing. It was great to see a new country with a local and I made so many international friends.
It’s the final day of our campaign, and we wish to thank you all for your support. A big shout-out to RYLA Champion MaryAnne Arcand, who worked tirelessly to make sure RYLA grew and that these opportunities will continue to be available to youth in our communities. You will be missed and celebrated!
Big thanks to DG Garry Shearer, Chris Offer, Tanya Hall, Ceilidh Millar, John Charbonneau, all of the RYLA staff and Rotarians across our District for making this possible. The funds raised on our end will be put back in to RYLA programming and registration to ensure attendance at RYLA isn’t inhibited by cost.
If you haven’t had a chance to donate, it’s not too late! The campaign ends at MIDNIGHT tonight, so don’t delay: www.kubaoms.com
Yours in Rotary,
Ross Birchall
Rotary Club of Prince George & RYLA District 5040
Kuba Oms & RYLA District 5040 Fundraising Campaign Ends at Midnight!
Our very own Ceilidh Millar interviewed musician Kuba Oms this past week on the pre-release fundraising campaign, his new album, Rotary and RYLA. The campaign runs until this TUESDAY, and 50% of proceeds will go back in to RYLA programs in our District: www.kubaoms.com
Check out the interview if you haven't already, and please share with your networks!
Thank you so much for your support!
Yours in Rotary,
Ross Birchall
Rotary Club of Prince George & RYLA
Kuba Oms & RYLA District 5040 Fundraising Campaign UPDATE
This is a CRCID and TRF grant project. With the new Government of Canada funding initiative for CRCID, there is URGENCY in us being able to raise another $20,000 of Canadian Rotary Club donations for the project because we MUST COMPLETE ALL PROJECT WORK before March 31, 2015 according to CRCID funding terms.
There is a video on YouTube that summarizes all our project work in Ndandini since 2007 and introduces this new CRCID/TRF project. You can view it by clicking on this "video link"
As you may have seen on several social media platforms, we are holding a special pre-release campaign for Kuba Oms' new album (entitled "ADHD"), where 50% of proceeds will be put back in to RYLA programming in our District. You may remember that last year, Kuba joined up with RYLA South to put on a Flash Mob at the Vancouver Art Gallery after camp in North Vancouver (see video below). He was so inspired by our program and the power of the youth involved that he has decided to put on this campaign until MARCH 25th, the physical release date of his new album.
Please visit www.kubaoms.com to pre-order your copy NOW - we are suggesting $15, but feel free to donate more (of course!), listen to some great music and support RYLA, all with one click of a button!
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the rest of the campaign and learn more about Kuba. Stay tuned to the YouTube channel for updates throughout the week and please share with all of your networks!
Yours in Rotary,
Ross Birchall
Rotary Club of Prince George & RYLA
Kuba Oms & RYLA District 5040 Fundraising Campaign
Here is the Prince George Yellowhead Rotary Club's latest video that we thought might interest you regarding Taste of India that refers to Rotary in great detail. It played recently, and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
Do you know a young person between the ages of 15 & 19 who would make a great Ambassador for Rotary and would love to spend the summer overseas? It’s not too late to apply and remember – there is NO COST to the club!!
“The World’s Greatest Meal to Help End Polio” is proving a big success all over the world. On the week commencing Rotary Day February 23, 2014 Rotarians and friends are celebrating with a meal.
A post on Facebook by Allan Berry provides some more details:
2014 is starting across Zones 24-32 with a little fun - the first Zone 24-32 photo contest. This is an opportunity for the Rotarians across District 5040 to boast with photos about the Rotary service projects and fellowship events they have held or will hold this Rotary year.
The District 5040 Nominating committee is pleased to announce that the committee has selected Lyn Stroshin, a member of the Rotary Club of Whistler Millennium as District Governor for 2016-17.
A big Congratulations to the Rotary Club of North Vancouver, especially Wendy Law who worked with Kian Sani (President) of Carson Graham in getting a new Interact Club up and running. They have a total of almost 30 members but unfortunately not all could attend.
D5040 Carson Graham Interact Club Charter Induction Ceremony
To the District 5040’s 2013-2014 Foundation Dinner.
You won’t want to miss this party as it is promising to be a fabulous evening full of good food, good friends and good fun! The dress code is dressy, but don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes! Rocking good music will be played by DJ - John Comeau. We promise you will hear Credence “Bad Moon Rising” and maybe even a little “Proud Mary” by request from our esteemed DG. You’ll also be given the opportunity to support the Foundation with a Raffle.
Registration is open now and you can register online by clicking on this button and logging on to the registration page.
I am pleased to report that today we completed Phase 1 of The Drive Community Garden. Members of the Rotary Clubs of Vancouver, Vancouver Quadra, and Vancouver Yaletown worked with Can You Dig It, Shifting Growth Garden Society, posAbilities, community members, and several sponsors (including Vancity) to prep the entire site and complete 79 movable garden beds.
The beginning of September marked the end of another successful Pacific Canada Experience (PACE) Roundtrip hosted by Rotaract 5040. This year’s five selected participants were from Brazil, Lebanon, New Zealand and two states in the United States of America – Wisconsin and North Carolina. We anticipated a sixth participant but unfortunately he was unable to make it. Needless to say, the international participants shared countless amusing cultural exchanges with their hosts and the local rotaractors.
Rotary District 5040 is home to six amazing Rotaract clubs: Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Squamish, UBC (Vancouver) and Yaletown.
Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young adults between the ages of 18 and 30. Rotaract clubs are either community or university based and sponsored by a local Rotary Club. There are over 9,000 clubs spread around the world with over 200,000 members. Rotary District 5040 is hoping to add to this number with interest in starting new Rotaract Clubs coming from Prince George and North/West Vancouver. If you know of any young adults in those areas that may be interested, please let us know.
The Rotary Club Arbutus Chapter has joined the partnership with our Social Pediatrics RICHER team by providing a generous donation of $7000 to support the “Off the Grill” Project at Brittania Teen Centre just off Commercial Drive in East Vancouver.
On Thursday, 6th June 2013, the next District Governor for District 5040 was duly inducted. Garry Shearer from the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen takes over from current DG Rebecca on July 1st and after the long road which started with his nomination, Garry is now set to take the reins and guide us through the Rotary Year 2013-2014.
The Rotary Club of Burns Lake is 60 years strong and we would like to invite you to come out and help us celebrate.
Date: Saturday June 8, 2013
Time: 5pm (if you are bringing a camper/trailer, please feel free to come out any time before 5pm to set up.)
Breakfast will be served Sunday morning.
Place: Burns Lake Omenica Ski Club House, Hwy 35 (3 km South of Burns Lake).
The Rotary Club of Terrace Skeena Valley is hosting Rick King on Saturday, May 4th, 2013. Mr. King is the past President of Rotary International (2001-2002) and is a vibrant and motivational speaker. This is his first trip to Northern B.C., though he has spoken in each of the United States and 120 other countries around the world.
The celebration of 100 Years of Rotary in BC is about to get underway - a week of fabulous activities for everyone. Watch for and participate in our many activities for a week you will never forget:
Monday, April 15 - tune in to CKNW AM 980 in Vancouver at 11:40AM for an interview with Rotarian Don Evans on the Bill Good Show
Tuesday, April 16 - Rotary International President Sakuji Tanaka will be in Vancouver, visits Hugh Boyd Secondary Interact Club for their award winning video, then speaks to the Vancouver Board of Trade at lunch time at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel. Crowd size looks like it will be 250, you can still get tickets at www.boardoftrade.com
Wednesday, April 17 - watch for a full four page supplement on 100 years of Rotary in BC and the centennial of the Rotary Club of Vancouver in the Vancouver Sun newspaper
Friday, April 19 - get on down to the Jack Poole Plaza at the Vancouver Convention Centre for a fabulous evening of celebration and entertainment. Bring friends and family, free admission for all, plaza opens at 5PM, cauldron lighting at 6:10PM
Saturday, April 20 - Rotary Showcase in the Vancouver Convention Centre, 12:00PM to 4:00PM, free admission
Saturday, April 20 - Centennial Gala at the Vancouver Convention Centre, 6:00PM to midnight - special guests Stephen Lewis (keynote address) and the Honourable Steven Point. Tickets still available, 400 guests expected.
Those of you with iPhones (and now Android phones) may be aware of an "App" that provides access to some of the aspects of your ClubRunner website on your mobile phone. You may also be aware of issues with the performance of the app. After communicating with ClubRunner support, they admitted that there are some problems, specifically with the operating system (iOS) on the iPhone. But they have a solution..
Dr. David Neima of the Rotary Club of New Westminster and Satwant Ginder of the Rotary Club of Burnaby are two people who have dedicated their skills and many hours of their time to make free eyesight screening possible for many people in our local communities. On March 10, 2013, David and Satwant were at it again in Surrey to help over 230 people.
The Rotary Club of Vancouver-Fraserview will be holding its Annual Gala Fundraiser in Support of Mental Health on March 9th at the Royal King Palace Banquet Hall, 366-8158 128th Street Surrey. Tickets are $75 for individuals and $600 for a table of 8. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
For more information regarding the Rotary Club of Vancouver-Fraseriew please visit their website by following this link.
Annual Gala Fundraiser in Support of Mental Health
This is to let you know that the arrangements with the Vancouver Board of Trade for the April 16, 2013 lunch with Rotary International president Sakuji Tanaka are now complete. Tables and individual seats for this event can now be purchased through the Vancouver Board of Trade at www.boardoftrade.com. Note that Rotarians and their guests from all Rotary Clubs can get the Board of Trade member rate for this event by using special promo code RCVP2.
This is a tremendous opportunity for Rotary to expand and raise its awareness in a key business community; we hope that you will come and bring friends as well.
Questions may be directed to Don Evans of the Rotary Club of Vancouver at 604-988-3435 or via e-mail.
We hope to see you there.
100 Years of Rotary in BC Update - Board of Trade Lunch
If you are planning to send a student to RYLA south in April, now is the time to register. You can find more details on the Event Page and from there you will see a link to the Registration Page If you have questions, please contact Tanya Hall.
The 100 Years Celebration Events Team is pleased to release plans for the 100 Years of Rotary in BC Celebration, planned for April 2013. Please visit the event page for the details.
100 Years of Rotary in BC - celebration events schedule
This year as part of the 50th Anniversary of interact, and to bring Interact to our District Conference and to support Interactors, District Governor Rebecca has established an Interact Essay Competition. The Rotary 4 Way Test is important to Rotarians and guides us in the way we lead our lives. The title of this year’s essay is:
"The Rotary 4-Way Test and what effect it can have on your life; how does, could or should the Rotary 4-Way test apply to your life?“
A recent study by PDG Chris Offer shows that Rotary clubs in B.C. raised $8.5 million for charitable endeavours in their communities and for international humanitarian work in 2012
In October 2012, Terrace Rotarians Art and Lesley Erasmus made their fourth trip to Ethiopia Africa to immunize children against polio and work on education and water projects.
A major opportunity to spread the message of Rotary in this area will occur on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 when Rotary International President Sakuji Tanaka visits. As part of the Celebration of 100 Years of Rotary in BC, President Tanaka will deliver a keynote address to the Vancouver Board of Trade.
More than 40 Rotaract club members attended a District 5040 seminar at UBC on November 17 to discuss strategies to build bigger, better and bolder clubs.
We are pleased to announce that Rotary International President, Sakuji Tanaka, will visit Vancouver during the centennial celebration week and deliver a keynote address at a lunch meeting on Tuesday, April 16, 2013. Meeting location and details are currently being worked out. This will be President Tanaka's second visit to British Columbia during his year as RI President!
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT TANAKA TO VISIT APRIL 16, 2013
... will be held on 1st December 2012 at Burnaby South Secondary School, 5455 Rumble Street Burnaby, BC V5J 2B7.
It is hosted by the Burnaby South Interact Club and presented by District 5040 Rotaract Clubs.
The Olympic Cauldron will be lit on the evening of Friday, April 19, 2013 as part of the special celebration of 100 years of Rotary in British Columbia. This exciting news now means that planning for an evening of public festivities will move forward as part of the centennial celebration next year. All Rotarians, friends of Rotary and the public will be invited to join this special evening of fun, music and profile for Rotary next spring. Watch the events listing for more details as plans develop for this exciting time.
OLYMPIC CAULDRON TO BE LIT TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF ROTARY IN BC
The Rotary Club of Burnaby’s “The Sound of Hope” is a project to build a self-sustaining trades and training centre for deaf and hard of hearing young adults in Catur, Bali.
I was told by many PDG’s that the club visits were the “icing on the cake,” the best part of your year as DG. I never imagined what an understatement this could be. As I start writing this month’s newsletter I am looking out my hotel room window at the beautiful mountains surrounding Smithers. I have now visited 10 of the 51 Rotary Clubs that make up District 5040 and have come to realize how each club and community is different yet so much alike.
The common thread is the consistent passion I see the Rotary clubs have for addressing the needs of their world and communities and how they create and implement service projects to carry this out.
Individuality is evident in that each community is different and that each clubs has its own personality, making each unique in its membership, fellowship and service. To learn more about the clubs and my visits with them click here.
I plan on giving away a “Rotarian of the Month” pin each month to one Rotarian in the district. I am asking each of you to send me the name of a Rotarian in your club who has done something that exemplifies to you what being a Rotarian is about.
Although it certainly can be, remember it is not always the person who has done the most work for Rotary that deserves recognition. One special act of kindness is worth recognition as well. Make your story short but let me know why you think this person deserves to be Rotarian of the month. They will receive a special pin as well as having their story written up in our monthly newsletter.
We will be listing all the names submitted and their story as well. I am hoping that we have at least one name from every club each month as I am sure that every one of you knows someone who should be recognized. The deadline for submission (to me directly) is the 20th of each month.
When I asked for nominations for Rotarian of the Month I knew that it would be a hard decision to make, but I did not realize how hard. All the Rotarians described below are excellent examples of what being a Rotarian is all about. Dedication to helping others, giving of their time and friendship and putting Service Above Self.
Do you or a member of your club wish to serve Rotary and our district as Governor in 2015-16? Nominations will be accepted starting September 1, 2012. Being governor is a very rewarding and demanding opportunity. The deadline for nominations is November 1, 2012.
Have you ever heard a Rotarian speak about their experience of participating in a polio eradication exercise, or a cleft lip/palate mission, or work on a matching grant? These trips have a profound effect upon the individual. If you ever have a chance to go on one, you should; it will change you forever.
On June 27, 2012, Anne Baker was installed as President 2012-13 of the Rotary Club of Powell River. Two Past Presidents and the current President of the Rotary Club of Burnaby Metrotown all flew to Powell River for this auspicious occasion. This reminds us that in March Anne tried to fly from Powell River to Seattle for PETS 2012 without a Passport!!
At a recent meeting, we presented one of the 2 PHFs, which we awarded this year, to Burns Lake's Mayor Luke Strimbold. At 21 years old, we believe that Luke is the second youngest mayor in all of Canada.
On June 28, 2012, during the installation luncheon of 2012-13 President and Club Executives of the Rotary Club of New Westminster, Michael Crean was presented with the Rotary International Service Above Self Award by DG Hans Doge. Michael Crean became only the 9th Rotarians in District 5040 to receive this distinguished honour in Rotary.
Michael Crean joins Irwin Stewart and George Sandwith as 3 Rotarians from the Rotary Club of NewWestminster to be honoured with the Service Above Self Award. Together, they represent 1/3 of therecipients from District 5040 to have ever been selected for this prestigious award. Congratulations, the Rotary Club of New Westminster!
Rotary Showcase, a new application, allows members of the Rotary family to post club or district service project information - including a description, photos, and video.
Lionsgate Rotary has discovered just how much it takes to move a whole library of books, not to mention the library itself, to a remote First Nations village on the B.C. coast. Read more
The Rotary Club of Vancouver and the Rotary Club of Vancouver Arbutus have prepared a joint press release about their recent literacy donations. Click the "more" link to see the release.
We would like to extend a very big Thank you from all of the members of The Rotary Club of Vancouver to Christopher Loat for organizing The Shelterbox Event, and to District Governor Hans for accepting our invitation and for giving strong support when thanking Tom Henderson last Wednesday, May 2nd 2012 at The Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver BC Canada.
Do you or a member of your club wish to serve Rotary and our district as Governor in 2016-17? Nominations will be accepted starting September 1, 2013. Being governor is a very rewarding and demanding opportunity. The deadline for nominations is November 1, 2013.
It is with great excitement that we announce the Rotaract District 5040’s third annual roundtrip, Pacific Canada Experience (PACE), will be held from August 23 to September 1, 2013.
Did you know March 11 to March 18 is Rotary International’s World Rotaract Week???
“Every year, Rotaractors and Rotarians around the world celebrate World Rotaract Week during the week of 13 March to commemorate the founding of the first club in 1968.
You are invited to participate and/or be a sponsor at the first Rotary Skates For The World event at the Richmond Olympic Oval. Raise Money - Have Fun - Win Prizes
It has now been almost a week since Hurricane Sandy attacked New Jersey and New York. Many clubs in our district have been asking how they can help. This letter gives an update and talks about some of the needs and ways clubs can help those devastated by Hurricane Sandy
The United Nations International Day of Peace, September 21st, 2012, is a memorable day for the Rotary Club of Kitimat. Kitimat is now an official Rotary Peace Community!
The month of September found Ted and me in many parts of our district. It is hard for me to believe that I am a quarter of the way through my year as District Governor. Each day I have had the opportunity to meet new Rotarians and to learn about the wonderful things they do in our communities and around the world.
Check out the new webpage and video on this joint Government House/Rotary Project. An initiative of His Honour Lt Governor Steven Point, Rotary Clubs of BC and the Government House Foundation Literacy Committee
The Write to Read Project finally went “public” on Tuesday October 2nd when highly acclaimed Vancouver Sun columnist Stephen Hume wrote a detailed explanation of the project on the editorial pages of the Vancouver Sun. This excellent outline of the project details all the many “partners” involved...
Each month we will be hearing from one of the Rotaract clubs in the District. Each club will take the opportunity to submit an article which highlights their club for the monthly District Newsletter. This month we are featuring the Rotaract Club of Richmond. This article was written by Aaron Chan, president of the Rotaract Club of Richmond
Adios! Arrivederci! Auf Wiedersehen! La revedere! Rotaractors and Rotarians of District 5040 recently bid “farewell” to its most recent international visitors (Mirela Buculeu from Romania; Frederico Purini Nardi from Brazil; Stefania Piccoli from Italy; Juliane Steinmann and Laura Tillmann from Germany). They were all participants of Rotaract District 5040’s second annual Pacific Canada Experience (PACE) roundtrip, a program which fosters global Rotaract ties and provides an authentic experience of Canada’s multiculturalism, while facilitating international friendships.
Not only is September the start of the new School year, it's also the start of the Rotary year for school-based Interact Clubs. This year is particularly special as it marks the 50th Anniversary of the the chartering of the very first Interact club, in St. Petersburg Florida in November 1962. We currently have 20 active Interact clubs within District 5040, with a goal of chartering at least 5 new Interact clubs this Rotary year.
Will your Club be a sponsor?
Hello, Farewell... Farewell to our 2011-12 Inbound students returning home after their Canadian experience. Farewell also to our 2012-13 Outbound students as they embark on their year in their adopted countries. Hello and welcome home to our 2011-12 Outbound students...and welcome, welcome, welcome to our thirteen Inbound students from Belgium (benvnuwe), Brazil (bem-vindo), France (bienvenue), Germany (willkommen), Italy (benvenuta), Spain (Bienvenido), The Netherlands (welkom) and Taiwan (歡迎光臨 “huānyíng guānglín”) who will be with us for a year.
The apartheid government of South Africa in the 1970s applied the Group Areas Act when it displaced and bulldozed an entire community of "Coloureds", as they were called (members of multiracial ethnic communities with ancestry from African, European, and Asian people), from Cape Town to the new community of Atlantis 40 km to the north. Atlantis now has 90,000 residents. Unemployment is high at 40% and suffers from lack of housing and a very high crime rate among its challenges. Many students arrive at their schools without having eaten any food in the morning or during the day.
As November unfolds, we embrace Rotary Foundation Month, a time to celebrate and reflect on the cornerstone of Rotary International—our Rotary Foundation. Here in District 5040, we see the power of our collective efforts brought to life and The Magic of Rotary truly comes alive. Through the Rotary Foundation, we are Empowering Through Unity, driving meaningful change across communities both locally and globally.
Among the diabetic patients of Thanyaburi Hospital, in Pathum Thani, Thailand, as many as 100 who have experienced complications from diabetic retinopathy may now have a better chance of avoiding blindness thanks to a new $35,112 Fundus Camera provided through a Global Grant from The Rotary Foundation. Fundus photography involves photographing the rear of the eye known as the fundus. 
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.
During the 
Do you have what it takes to become a dynamic leader and change not only yourself, but the world?
Rotarians the deadline is getting close. During this weekend's, yes March 9th, 
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Register before December 31st and SAVE.
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VS 
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Hunter Amenities is the latest sponsor of this year's conference. , The company is donating toiletries for our blessing bags (2,000 each shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, soap) in support of needy people and donating items to the registration bags. Check out other conference sponsors including our clubs. Become a personal sponsor.
Learn from fellow Rotarians in hands on workshops, Thursday, May 4
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We have held this event for the past 31 years. It is a bike ride from Vancouver to Harrison Hot Springs Resort, a distance of 120km. It is held the second Sunday in July and this year falls on July 10th. The event is run to raise funds for the deaf and hard of hearing in British Columbia and we have raised over $2.8 million in our 31 years.
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Sara Eftekhar has received word that she has been named as a 2015 Rotary Peace Fellow. Sara will pursue a Masters at the Rotary Peace Centre at the University of Bradford in the UK in the field of international studies, peace studies and conflict resolution. The one-year Fellowship covers fees, living and travel expenses and an applied field experience, in excess of $50,000 USD. Sara was chosen out of many candidates and is one of only four Canadians to receive this world-wide honour.
In the five months following Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the Philippines in November 2013, more than 100 ShelterBox Response Team members delivered 7,000 tents, 10,000 solar lights, 870 water filtration systems, 2,300 mosquito nets, 445 tool kits and 30 SchoolBoxes. 
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Over 200 are headed to the District Conference in Quesnel...and sunshine is on the schedule, even if some of it might be the liquid variety!
Not satisfied with having a single Day...Quesnel got a whole Week!
I was told by many PDG’s that the club visits were the “icing on the cake,” the best part of your year as DG. I never imagined what an understatement this could be. As I start writing this month’s newsletter I am looking out my hotel room window at the beautiful mountains surrounding Smithers. I have now visited 10 of the 51 Rotary Clubs that make up District 5040 and have come to realize how each club and community is different yet so much alike. 
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