A typical residential consumer of water in Canada uses over 340 litres per person per day. That’s roughly twice as much per person as in other industrialized countries (other than the United States and Australia). Those of us fortunate to be living in this country of ours may take our supply of fresh water for granted, and the sanitation facilities which come with our high standard of living. But we, as Rotarians, also share the view that access to clean water and sanitation is a human right. That’s why it is one of Rotary’s six areas of focus. 

 

Thanks to Rotary, over 23 million people have gained access to safe water and 21 million people access to sanitation and hygiene. Our aim is to extend that right to people worldwide by 2030.

 

People, especially children, lead healthier and more successful lives when they have access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. Children in poor health, when deprived of that access, miss education and impact their entire families of healthier lifestyles. Women and girls are often deprived and put at risk because they are constantly required to travel great distances to bring potable water back to their communities. 

 

Rotarians here in our District and worldwide not only deliver access to cleaner water, they continue with their commitment to strengthen the ability of small, remote communities to develop, fund, and maintain sustainable water and sanitation systems. Hippo Rollers and Adopt-A-Village in Laos are just two of the many projects of clubs in our District which lead or support these kinds of projects all over the world.

 

Rotary also supports programs that enhance communities’ awareness of the benefits of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. When children learn about disease transmission and practice good hygiene, they not only miss school less, they take those lessons home to their families, multiplying the impact of our efforts. Our educational support also extends to career-minded professionals’ studies related to water and sanitation.
Better health leads to better education, and education to better health. Together, there is also a direct link to reduced conflict and more peaceful living.

 

 

Congratulations to Conference Chair John Anderson and his organizing team for the great Presidential Peacebuilding Conference held February 9-11, 2018 in Vancouver. Over 800 attended the event, which saw a full day of powerful presentations and workshops, great fellowship, and a number of hands on projects that contributed to environmental sustainability and peace. It was a pleasure to have Rotary International president Ian Riseley and Juliet with us for the entire weekend.

 

 

Rotary’s overarching focus on Peace and Conflict Prevention and Resolution is offered through 6 Rotary Peace Centres in 7 universities as Masters programs and Professional Certificate programs.  Annually, The Rotary Foundation offers up to 100 fellowships to eligible and qualified candidates.  Our Foundation dollars are well spent in these programs.  There are currently over 1,100 graduates working in over 100 countries as peace builders and change agents. Listening to the Rotary Peace Fellows share what they are currently doing at the recent RI Presidential Conference on Environmental Sustainability and Peace was an inspiration.  It  reminds us of the amazing Rotary Peace Fellowship opportunities available.

 

Do 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 builders and change agents?  It’s time for clubs to look for and screen potential candidates to participate in this amazing Rotary opportunity, at no financial cost to your club.

 

For more information including description of the programs and eligibility criteria, go to

 

 

While their application timeline on the website is May 31st to the district, this means potential candidates are to a apply to your club well in advance for you to screen for qualifications and eligibility. If acceptable by your club, then you are to instruct to submit their application online, by May 31st, to the district for district endorsement.

 

As a resource to support Rotarians and the program, the Rotary Peace Centers' staff has organized a webinar for Tues March 6th from 8am-8:30am. Go to register at

 

 

Direct any Rotarian questions on our district's process to Chair, Gloria Staudt at gloria@peaksuccesscoaching.com. 

 

 

February 3, 2018 saw the District 5040 Leadership team get together to review and update the District Strategic Plan. The updated plan is now available for everyone to see, click here to download.

 

Another exciting day of work was done by our Youth Committee, as the committee members got together with chair PDG Lyn Stroshin and worked to develop a new strategic plan for the committee. It can be found in the Youth section of the District website or click here to download. Committee members noted that it was a fun and valuable day of planning and building together for the future of our great youth programs.

 

 

Don't forget that our new Rotary 5040 Business Networking website is up and running. Visit the site at rotary5040.business and create your own business listing. Doing business with other Rotarians is one of the foundations of Rotary and this website makes it easy to search Rotarians who provide products and services in various sectors throughout our communities in District 5040.

 

 

We have the Rotary International Convention right here in Canada this year - a great opportunity for all of us in District 5040. We have 85 currently registered from District 5040 clubs, and we are looking forward to a great time - but there is still room for more!