With 2018 coming to its end, the Rotaractors of District 5040 had and have a whole bunch of exciting events coming up that we would like to share with and invite you to. Let’s start with an event a bit further in the future, even though we know how time flies (especially when you’re on a schedule as busy as a Rotarian). Please mark your calendars: The Rotaract District 5040 Installation Dinner will take place on May 11. We would be delighted to have you join us for this special night! Further details will be announced shortly.
A couple of weeks ago several members of our District joined the BIG WEST in Portland, a conference mainly organized and attended by Rotaractors from the western coast of North America. With a focus on leadership training and fellowship development, the conference was a huge success. This is of particular interest for District 5040, since BIG WEST 2019 will take place in Vancouver!
 
On a club level, Rotaract District 5040 has been and will be busy as usual in these last weeks of the year:
 
The Vancouver Young Professionals had a meeting on Dec. 3rd, with a presentation by MLA Spencer. On Dec. 7th they will have they will join the Vancouver Shoebox Project, buying and wrapping gifts, which will be donated to a women’s shelter. Last but not least, the Young Professionals will participate in their volunteering at the Salvation Army. With such a great effort and schedule, it is not surprising that YP continues to attract a lot of new faces to Rotaract. Great job guys!
 
Meanwhile, our Yaletown Rotaractors had a successful hat, gloves and scarf drive. The collected items will be donated to a women’s shelter in the next couple of days. Another current and fun promising project is the combined Shakespeare insults with cookie sales, which will take place before and during exam week. Just like their YP colleagues, the Yaletown Rotaractors are volunteering at the Salvation Army on a monthly basis.
 
Our fellows from New Westminster will have a blanket and coat drive in cooperation with Holy Trinity Cathedral. Especially men’s coats and blankets are needed, if you are interested in donating to this great cause, please contact the New Westminster Club (email: rotaract.nw@gmail.com). Your help is greatly appreciated!
 
The Rotaract Club of Richmond is on the finish line to completing their Cultural Exchange Project with a Brazilian Rotaract Club. They also continue their monthly volunteering at the food bank and the cat’s shelter. Every six weeks, they will continuously drop off collected clothing to the Downtown Eastside’s women’s shelter.
 
The Rotaractors of Burnaby had a great Halloween themed Community Dinner, including a costume contest at the end of October. They also attended an TWECS eyeglass sorting session, together with many fellow Rotarians. As an annual tradition, they helped to set up the Christmas Trees for the Deer Lake Park Rotarians’ Festival of Lights at Brentwood Mall.
 
Attention, the Cookie Bake Sale returns this year, after being a big success in 2017! Make sure to order some delicious cookies, delivered to you before Christmas! Please contact info@burnabyrotaract.org if you are interested!
 
The UBC Rotaractors served approximately 80 people at a coffee house on the Downtown Eastside last month. They also teamed up with a Brazilian Rotaract Club to set up an English Language project via email. A potential service trip to Ghana is in the planning as well.
 
And last but definitely not least: the Rotaractors of Prince George have been supporting the Big Brothers & Big Sisters fundraiser by wrapping gifts for their cause. They also prepared and handed out 300 care and wellness packages at UNBC. The Club also continues its strong engagement with Shelterbox.
 
From all Rotaractors to Rotarians, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas time and hope to see you on various occasions!