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2020 District 5040 Conference

Apr 24 - 26, 2020 Vancouver BC.
More information on Conference Site

City of Vancouver Proclaims Oct 24, 2019 as World Polio Day.

Posted by Brian Finley on Oct 18, 2019

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.

Fighting poverty through better sight at 2020 Vision Conference of Rotary 5040

Posted on Oct 12, 2019

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.

What a view! What a deal! Book low priced Vancouver hotel room for 2020 Vision Conference next April

Posted on Sep 24, 2019

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.

Polio NID Campaigns - India - January 2020

Posted by Brian Finley on Sep 14, 2019

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.

Third World eyeglasses collection building for 2020 Vision Conference

Posted on Sep 12, 2019

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.

2022 - 23 District 5040 District Governor Nominations are open!

Posted on Aug 28, 2019

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.

Bahamas Hurricane Relief

Hola! Dine Mexican at the 2020 Vision Conference next April

Posted by Peter Roaf on Sep 11, 2019

Authentic Mexican Food on Vancouver's waterfront is one of four dine out options for those attending the 2020 Vision Conference of Rotary District 5040. On the evening of April 24, 2020 renowned Mexican Chef Arturo, owner of “Arturo’s to go,” will serve a dinner buffet, with chicken, beef, pork as well as vegetarian options.

24th Pot of Gold Golf Tournament a great success

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.

Rotary District 5040 Governor visits Prince George

Posted by Andrea Johnson on Aug 23, 2019

Prince George, B.C., August 23, 2019 — The Rotary International District 5040 Governor representing 55 clubs and 1,384 Rotarians in B.C. is visiting Prince George and neighbouring northern B.C. communities this week in an effort to grow the volunteer service organization.

District Governor Bala Naidoo, a member of the Rotary Club of Burnaby – Metrotown is being hosted by Prince George’s four Rotary clubs (Rotary Club of Prince George, Rotary Club of Prince George – Yellowhead, the Rotary Club of Prince George – Nechako and the Prince George Rotaract Club).

“We are in a period of rapid change where an organization that started in 1905 needs to become relevant to our next generation,” says Naidoo. “We have accomplished a lot to integrate youth from high schools and 19 – 30 year-olds, university and young professionals to join us to ensure a succession plan for the organization."

Cathedral Thinking to inspire us at 2020 Vision Conference of Rotary 5040

Posted on Jul 30, 2019

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.

Rotary Friendship Exchange now June 2020

Posted on Jul 23, 2019

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.

South Asian flair at Installation of District Governor

Posted by Peter Roaf on Jun 22, 2019

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

International peacebuilding recognition of local Rotarian

Posted by Peter Roaf on Jun 22, 2019

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.

Posted on Jun 19, 2019

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.

Value of volunteer time among clubs along BC west coast
estimated to be $1.5 million, and worldwide over $1b

Posted by Peter Roaf on Jun 12, 2019

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

Rotary Walk to End Polio 2019

Posted by Brian Finley on May 26, 2019

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.

Public Image Award 2019 winning entry

Posted on May 30, 2019

At the Rotary District 5040 conference in Sun Peaks, May 3 to 5, 2019, among the awards presented was the first Public Image Award. Three members of the District Public Image and Public Relations Committee reviewed the entries and recommended a winner. To review the winning entry by way of some sort of general guideline for developing your club's Public Image and Public Relations program, please click here.

Russia in August for Rotary Friendship Exchange - apply by June 15

Posted on May 27, 2019

Join the Rotary Friendship Exchange to Russia August 19 to September 2, 2019. A group of 10 to 12 people from our Rotary District 5040 will visit fellow members in Rotary District 2223. But hurry. Deadline to apply is June 15, 2019. Partners, family friends welcome. Visas are required.

Past District Governor Don Evans passes away

Posted on May 21, 2019

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.

Sea to Sky Rotary clubs donate $100,000 to new Community Hospice.

Posted on May 12, 2019

On Sunday May 12th, the four Rotary Clubs in the Sea to Sky corridor, Squamish, Whistler, Whistler Millennium and Pemberton, presented a cheque for $100,000 to the Squamish Hospice Society,

The funds will be used for a Rotary Room in the new Sea to Sky Community Hospice facilit

BC teachers train teachers in rural Kenya

Posted by Peter Roaf on Apr 13, 2019

Kenya is in the process of changing its educational curriculum to emphasize 21st Century Learning Skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication (4 C’s) and digital literacy. BC Rotary clubs have stepped in to share knowledge through a team of educators it sent there for two weeks in Spring Break.

Building on the work of a previous Rotary District 5040 Foundation Grant, which provided computer labs to two schools in the Kitui region, south east of Nairobi, Kenyan teachers in the region reached out for support in implementing these new teaching methods, to help train teachers to teach with technology and implement 21Century Learning Skills in the classrooms of Wamunyu and the Kyaithani Cluster.

--story by PDG John Anderson

Medical and dental equipment arrives in grateful Northern Chile community

Posted by Peter Roaf on Apr 09, 2019

The 15,000 residents of Pozo Almonte, a small community in northern Chile, are most grateful for a shipping container load of 284 items of needed medical and dental equipment and supplies sent through Rotary World Help (RWH) in February. RWH is a non-religious, non-political charity run by 45 Rotary clubs mainly in Rotary Districts 5040 and 5050, throughout Metro Vancouver, up the coast to Powell River, Prince George and as far away as Summeride, PEI. The Rotary Club of Ladner was the lead sponsor of this shipment, the 395th shipped to 62 countries on five continents since RWH was founded in 1993.

Our District's recommended Peace Scholar from Australia accepted -- your club can nominate

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.

Friends made, dental clinics given, medical equipment delivered and lifetime experience on exchange to Philippines

Posted by Peter Roaf on Mar 18, 2019

For the nine Rotarians and two spouses from District 5040 who recently returned from a Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) to the Philippines, all said a highlight of their trip was the people. From January 27 to February 17, 2019, the Canadian RFE team found the Filipinos to be passionate, resilient, warm, loving, caring, kind, and generous to a fault. They love to take photos, sing, dance and karaoke, and love Rotary: they join to do good in the world and, in fellowship, Rotarians become their best friends. Members of the 11-person visiting team, most who did not know each other, developed on their journey not only lasting friendships with their hosts, but among themselves. -- story by Liz Scott, and photos by various

Healthier, more productive lives from clean water in Laos

Posted by Peter Roaf on Feb 26, 2019

Over time Adopt-A-Village has helped many thousands of people, mostly children, in small, remote villages of northern Laos, live healthier lives with access to clean water and, in turn, gain a valuable education to improve their lives. Providing water filters to these villages enables education support in that region, as the original aim of Adopt-A-Village, in a poor country still suffering the impact of the Vietnam War and struggling to look after its people.

For the past five years a team of Ladner Rotary members has joined Adopt-A-Village in Laos founder and Ontario Rotarian, Steve Rutledge, and several others from Canada, Italy and Denmark, to deliver the water filters and education supplies to the remote villages in Laos’s Luang Prabang province. -- story by Mike Storey, with Peter Roaf, and photos from Chris Offer, Mike Storey and multiple sources

Remote communities in northern Chile to receive medical and dental equipment

Posted by Peter Roaf on Feb 23, 2019

Needy communities in northern Chile will be receiving medical and dental equipment and supplies in the next month or so thanks to Rotary World Help in British Columbia.

Rotary clubs in Iquique, Chile, a city of 191,468 near the northern border with Peru and Bolivia, will be receiving a shipping container filled with the equipment and supplies for remote towns and villages in that part of the country. -- photos by Emmanuel at westwood computers and Peter Roaf

The Rotary Foundation – putting it to work for you

Posted on Feb 11, 2019

Rotary members contribute their skills, expertise, and resources to help solve some of the world’s toughest problems. From providing clean water to promoting peace worldwide, Rotary Foundation grants bring service project ideas to life, including those we lead in our own communities.

To learn more about The Rotary Foundation, which enables much of what we do in Rotary, members of our clubs in District 5040 are encouraged to attend “The Rotary Foundation – putting it to work for you” (formerly known as Grant Management Seminar).

Learn in fellowship about our shared year in 2019-20

Posted on Feb 11, 2019

Club leaders and members attending Our Year Ahead 2019-20 will be so much better prepared to serve in their assigned roles for the coming year as leaders of the club or service projects.

Participants from the same region share their experience and learn from themselves as well as District leaders about club administration, leadership and the bigger picture of Rotary.

Your Rotary Legacy – Doing Good in the World

Posted by Chris Offer on Jan 07, 2019

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.