Communities across District 5040 are proclaiming World Polio Day on October 24th to create awareness of Rotary and our campaign for a polio-free world.
So far the list includes:
The City of Richmond
The City of Vancouver
The City of North Vancouver
The District of North Vancouver
The District of Squamish
The Resort Municipality of Whistler
The City of Prince George
The City of New Westminster
The City of Powell River
The Municipality of West Vancouver (recognition*)
The City of Delta (recognition*)
* These councils do not issue proclamations but Rotary and World Polio Day were recognised during Council Meetings.
In the photo, Gregor Robertson, Mayor of the City of Vancouver, presents the Vancouver proclamation to D5040 Rotarians.
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). 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.
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.
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.
We have added some information about the hotel choices for the District Conference being held in Squamish in May 2014. You can view or download the information (it's in a PDF format) by visiting the Site Page or the Event Page. The site page is accessed from the graphic link on the right-hand column of the home page, or by clicking "All Aboard". The event page is accessed by clicking the District Conference 2014 link here or on the left-hand column of the home page.
Book your rooms early so as not to be disappointed.
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
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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!
