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2020 District 5040 Conference

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2021 District Conference

May 20 - 23, 2021

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In Memoriam Rotary District 5040 2019-20

Posted by Peter Roaf on May 28, 2020

The In Memoriam presentation on the page below -- Read More -- would have been presented at the 2020 Vision Conference for District 5040 at the end of April. It is presented here for information of our District members. Thank you to Past District Governor Gordon Dalgleish and sponsor, Kearney Funeral Services, for this tribute to members and some partners who passed away in the past year of 2019-20.

Squamish Rotarians leave their Hearts on the Trails.

Posted by Brian Finley on May 15, 2020

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.

Now watch Rotary Hearts: the Video.

Hear the 2020 Vision Conference Speakers Series and plan for the Roskars Awards

Posted by Peter Roaf on May 06, 2020

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.

Help Rotary Help the Kids at Annual Hoop-a-thon

Each year Vancouver Rotary Clubs and Rotaractors have joined with you to raise funds at our Strathcona Rotary Youth Leadership Hoop-A-Thon. Thanks to you we have raised more than $365,000 for the kids since 2006.

We can’t hold an event this year, but we are still planning to help the kids.

Because of the generosity of Rotarians, our Clubs, a Rotary District Grant, along with a major contribution by the Hoop-Law Tournament - and corporate donors, we have already raised more than $38,000. If you can add to this with a small donation, thank you. If not, we understand. All money raised will be awarded for scholarships, youth leadership training and the Strathcona Basketball Program.

To make a donation go to our Charitable Impact page.

You will receive an instant tax receipt.

To read more about our Strathcona Rotary Youth Leadership Project, watch our Hoops-At-Home Video featuring Global BC’s Chris Gailus and Yvonne Schalle.

End Polio campaign recognized as Vancouver buildings light up

photo by Christen & Kyle Downie

Vancouver Rotary contributes to COVID-19 emergency funding

The Rotary Club of Vancouver is providing emergency funding to Vancouver elementary schools and organizations in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

The club donated $20,000 to the Adopt-a-School program, adopting two Vancouver schools, Norquay Elementary and Britannia Community Elementary. Funds will be used to provide food to families and assist those who don’t have computers or access to the internet so students can participate in online learning.

Vancouver Rotary also gave $10,000 to The Door is Open, an organization that provides daily meals to people in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

Read the complete story in the Vancouver Sun.

Downtown Vancouver lights up for Rotary and End Polio

Vancouver City Hall, BC Place Stadium and Telus Science World will light up in blue or gold this Sunday, April 26, 2020 to salute Rotary and its fight to rid the world of polio.

Members of Rotary District 5040 were to have participated in a march along the Vancouver harbourfront that morning to raise awareness and funds for the global campaign Rotary launched 35 years ago when there were 350,000 cases of polio in 122 countries per year. The march was cancelled in keeping with health advisories related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Register now at the Early Bird Rate for the 2021 District Conference

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.

Rotary International President 2020-21 starts off the District's Our Year Ahead webinar series

"Rotary Opens Opportunities" is the theme for 2020-21 and our incoming Rotary International President Holger Knaack speaks about it and then District leaders present and discuss with participants Rotary’s Change Model in the first of the Our Year Ahead 2020-21 webinars.

All members of District 5040, incoming club officers, committee members, new Rotarians, even potential members can take advantage of the Our Year Ahead 2020-21 sessions from the comfort of home or office at no cost of COVID-19 exposure, and of time for travel or expense. The Spring sessions, normally presented in five different centres over two full days, will now be offered as six webinars over the coming weeks.

COVID-19 related ban leads to District Conference cancellation

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.

Rotary District 5040 monitoring coronavirus outbreak

This message is on behalf of District Governor Bala Naidoo.

District 5040 is being vigilant and closely monitoring the global outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in conjunction with Rotary International, the World Health Organization, the BC Centre for Disease Control and the provincial health authorities.

At this time, District 5040 events and programs including RYLA South (Gibsons), the 2020 Vision District Conference (Vancouver), RYLA North (Prince George) and RYLA Lakelse (Terrace) are going ahead as scheduled until further notice. However, the trip by Kenya’s Vocation Training Team that was scheduled to visit our district in April is in the process of being cancelled or postponed.

Festive, tasty, fun, Filipino dining for those attending the 2020 Vision Conference next month

World famous Adobo -- chicken meat marinated in briny mixture of spices, vinegar and soy sauce, slowly browned and simmered in its marinade – is one of the tasty dishes featured at the Filipino dinner which is an option at the Rotary District 5040 2020 Vision Conference April 24 to 26, 2020 in Vancouver.

Increase your Rotary experience, boost club performance at Spring learning sessions

Not only can you learn about Rotary’s Change Plan, the thinking behind new Rotary International theme, and much more, you have the valuable opportunity to network with members from other clubs and build teamwork among your fellow club members and leaders at “Our Year Ahead 2020-21” sessions throughout the District this Spring.

Vision: blindness to graduation

When Rumana Monzur’s ex-husband blinded her while trying to kill her in June 2011 her life turned into an obstacle course. Along with blindness came many hardships and challenges. She kept tripping, stumbling and falling down. But as she struggled to get up each time, she learned that adversity is the best university! To graduate from it, you need hope, courage, personal participation and transformation. Rumana Monzur will be speaking at the 2020 Vision Conference of Rotary District 5040, April 24 to 26, 2020, at the Pinnacle Harbourfront Hotel in Vancouver.

Erhu to play in background while dining Chinese option at the 2020 Vision Conference April 24 to 25

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.

Leadership Training a Success

Congratulations to eleven Rotarians from District 5040 who completed Rotary Leadership Institute Part 3 on February 15, 2020 in Richmond.

Top notch Italian dining for those attending the 2020 Vision Conference in April

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.

Global Citizenship at 2020 Vision Conference of Rotary 5040

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.

The New Rotary-Toastmasters Alliance for one unlimited future

Toastmasters helps people find their voice through training in communication and leadership. 1st Vice President of Toastmasters International Margaret Page will speak at the 2020 Vision Conference of Rotary District 5040 about the new strategic alliance between Toastmasters and Rotary International which promises to unlock the great potential of members in both organizations and the world of service.

Rotary and Toastmasters are Teaming Up.

Posted by Brian Finley on Jan 07, 2020

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.

For more information click HERE.

Things To Do in Vancouver before or after the April 24-26, 2020 District Conference

Posted on Dec 09, 2019

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

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.

Nominating Committee selects John Berry for 2022/23 District Governor

The Rotary District 5040 Nominating Committee has completed the interview process for the District Governor position for the 2022-2023 Rotary year. The committee has selected John Berry from the Rotary Club of New Westminster.

As per our policy, we now enter into a 14-day period in which any challenges by candidates must be sent to current District Governor Bala Naidoo no later than Dec. 1, 2019. Bala can be reached at bala.naidoo@investorsgroup.com

John Berry’s biography

John Berry has been a member of the New Westminster Rotary Club since 1987, where he's served three times as Club President.

He's been active in many avenues of service in Rotary at club and District levels, Especially in youth programs and supporting The Rotary Foundation.

His career included 40 years in the federal public service, mostly as a BC Regional Director in Agriculture. His volunteer experience outside Rotary is also extensive; he's current President of Baseball BC and Chair of Burnaby District Youth Soccer Association and has been on the board of a hospital foundation.

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.

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.

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.