DG Gord Welcome message

The Rotary Year 2009 - 2010 sees our District enter a year of immense pride for all members of District 5040. It makes the theme announced by RI President John Kenny all the more significant - as the future of this district has been in the hands of so many dedicated Rotarians over the years.

We move into a year that will see Rotary in Canada celebrating 100 years of service, when I hope many of us can gather in Montreal for the International Convention in June 2010. A year where we will welcome people from countries around the world to join in the excitement of celebrating the skills and achievements of our Olympic athletes at the Olympic venues in Vancouver, Whistler and Richmond. A year where we will start to change the face of the Rotary Foundation and move towards becoming a pilot District for The Future Vision in 2010-2011. A Year where we will move further towards our goal of Polio Eradication in the world - thanks in part to the generosity of our D5040 members.

Not least, it will be a year where we all have to re-examine our lives, our hopes and our future - the world is changing. Nowhere is that change more significant than in our B.C. economies and our environment. On the other hand, this is just the time when we need a strong, vibrant, dependable organization like Rotary. One thing that will not change is the commitment of all Rotarians to their communities at home and abroad. More then ever before, Rotary International must be there for those that desperately need - and rely upon - our help. We have had an enviable record of giving and growth in D5040 over the past few years. In 2009 - 2010 we must continue that growth in all our endeavors. As John Kenny said in his acceptance speech "Rotarians will not stand idly by!" I know members in this District do not, and will not, stand idly by.

We will continue the work many clubs have already embarked upon - bringing water to the thirsty; literacy to those deprived of just a simple book to read; medical help to the sick and disadvantaged; peace and humanitarian assistance to those ravaged by war, abuse and disaster.. so many ways in which we can make a difference with our willing hands. I urge you to look for these opportunities in your own community and also enter into projects that have significance in the developing world. Nobody Does It Better than Rotary!

I look forward to meeting all of you as I travel the length and breadth of our District; I know I will find willing hands in every single club; I know that you will not stand idly by - but you will be there for those who need you.

Yours in Rotary Service,
Gordon Dalglish, District Governor 2009 - 2010