Every day, as People of Action, we get things done through fellowship and make friends in the process. Fellowship is our way of life in our shared Service Above Self.

 

One of the ways we expand our Rotary friendships is through the Rotary Fellowships, which unite members who share a vocation or have mutual interests in the same field. They empower their members to pursue their passions and connect with new friends in Rotary from all over the world. One might go so far as to say they advance world understanding and peace, but their main purpose is for Rotarians to simply have fun and enhance their experience in Rotary.

 

While most Rotarians join Fellowships to connect with their international professional counterparts, to find an outlet for hobbies, and to meet new friends, the unique service opportunities these groups offer keep their members especially active and engaged in Rotary.

 

Gourmets, is such a Fellowship which was started in our District by Wilbur Walrond, in the Ladner club. Marathon running, wine, whiskey, scuba diving, bird watching, lawyers, nurses, police, chess, Esperanto, recreational vehicles, singles, stockbrokers, venture capitalists, and yoga are among the wide range of interests found in the 78 Rotary Fellowships at https://tinyurl.com/y8hz9m7z.

 

I find it very timely that this month of Rotary Fellowship and building friendship follows right after we have hosted the Friendship Exchange from the Philippines. Nine Rotarians from District 3810 in Manila arrived into Vancouver May 21st and for 9 days they were hosted and treated to fellowship, projects and building friendships with our RFE committee and Rotary clubs. I was fortunate to join them at the Vancouver Fraserview Club meeting as well as Rotary World Help to load a container destined for their District. A very special event as they were able to help in the loading and will help in the offloading when the container reaches the Philippines. So Rotary Friendship Exchange is another very powerful way for us to expand our Rotary knowledge, travel and build lasting friendships through Service.

 

So, what else were we up to in May? Well, I must say after the conference Doug and I took a day of rest….or two….we also want to Thank everyone who attended and supported this event as we had an awesome time!!

 

We would also like to Congratulate again the Clubs that were recognized for their achievements in Membership and Public Relations. 

 

As well as the Governor Award recipients; Nancy Eidsvik and Tanya Hall, and all of the amazing People of Action award recipients.

 

The Outstanding Rotarian of the Year from the Richmond Rotary Club- Dean Hsiesh and the Outstanding Rotary Club of the year – Vancouver Fraserview. 

 

President Ellen Hsu accepted the banner on behalf of the Vancouver Fraserview Club at the District Conference at Sun Peaks. Doug and I then had the privilege of attending their club meeting May 23rd to recreate the occasion and present the banner to the club members. RIPVP Dean and Rhino, and the District 3810 Rotarians were also in attendance. To add to their already many achievements this year, Dean and I also inducted 3 new members! 

 

May10th we attended the Rotaract Installation. A great celebration of their year. Attendance by Rotarians was good. I would encourage all of you to attend this annual function. 

 

 

Thomas Miller was awarded the Unsung Hero Award. The Rotaractor of the Year, also known as the Bill Richwa Award, was awarded to Talisa Dennis of Young Professionals Rotaract Club of Vancouver.  And the New Westminster Rotaract Club received The Project of the Year award for their project, Guardians of the Galaxy. Well done everyone!!

 

On the subject of Rotaract, many of you will have heard that the Council of Legislation elevated the status of Rotaract clubs.  The change broadens the definition of membership in Rotary International to include Rotaract clubs. The change is intended to increase the support that Rotaract clubs receive from RI and to enhance their ability to serve.

 

“We need to be an inspiration to our young partners, so they will continue doing the great service that they do,” said RI President Barry Rassin when he presented the measure. “This sends a strong message that they are truly our partners in service.”

 

In many ways, the Rotaract experience will not change. Rotary clubs will still charter and sponsor Rotaract clubs. Rotaract clubs will still have their own standard constitution and their own unique club experience. 

 

Other COL news is that a formal request for recognition of a Rotary Act of Kindness Day is in process. PDG Ken Wilson has reached out to all clubs for their support. 

 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to PDG Ken Wilson who is our Council of Legislation Representative, to learn more about the process as this is how changes happen in Rotary, from the ground up, from the clubs. I encourage you all to be informed. Council on Legislation

 

Mother’s Day found Doug and I in Squamish attending the 4 Sea to Sky Rotary Club’s presentation to the Sea to Sky Hospice Foundation of a check for $100K. This will go towards the new 4 bed hospice servicing the Sea to Sky area and one of the rooms will be named the Rotary Room.

 

We even had the opportunity to attend one of our own club events and one which is probably the biggest “feel good” one we do. The Sunshine Coast Club’s Dad and Me dance on the 14th of May in Sechelt. It is always heartwarming to see the little girls and their “dates”, dads, brothers, uncles, all dressed up like they are attending a fairy-tale ball.

 

May 18th was the celebration of the 400th container loading with Rotary World Help and it was shipped to Kiev and sponsored by the Vancouver Rotary Club, the same destination and sponsor as the very first container in 1993. That first container load of medical equipment went to the children’s hospital in Kiev which was treating children effected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Over the years the onetime project has developed into a multi District program which is sanctioned by Rotary International. Operating as Rotary World Help Network its members are Rotary Clubs and if your club is interested in becoming more involved check them out at www.rotaryworldhelp.com 

 

Many milestones have been reached over the years, in 2012 the estimated value of goods shipped surpassed the 100 million dollar mark. Many Rotarians from both District 5040 and 5050 were in attendance as the lock was put on container number 400. There were a few speeches then a wonderful lunch and a great looking cake. It was truly a great day.

 

There were a couple training events in May. One was the Learning and Development Committee meeting in Richmond. Chair Penny Offer led the meeting which held great discussions on the continued development of training materials including webinars and other programs to help the membership in their leadership and Rotary knowledge development. If you are interested in becoming part of this team, reach out to your Assistant Governor or the Learning and Development committee members to learn how. We held the second President’s Forum webinar in May and this appears to be a well received format of continued collaboration with Club Presidents, the District Trainer and District Governor. Look for more opportunities, covering many different topics, as this L&D committee continues in it’s development.

 

Part of the President’s Forum was discussions on how to have a strong finish to our year of Being the Inspiration. I would ask all of you to take stock of your goals and give a last push to achieve them. Make that donation to the Foundation, get engaged with your club committee and complete your goals, work with your current club board and incoming board to keep the momentum up on your ongoing projects and club goals, work together for all of your club’s successes. Create that magic and Inspire the changes in your community and beyond that will make a difference. Be People of Action. Thank You!

 

As I write this newsletter, I am preparing for the Polio Walk in New Westminster on the 26th. At the Quay. This is a great multi club event, including Rotaract Clubs. The Philippine Friendship Exchange Team will also be participating. This is so very special because of the connection the Polio Program has with The Philippines. If not for a Filipino Club and District deciding to do a project to inoculate in their own communities to protect their children against Polio, and the success of that project….the world may well look quite different. As it is, Rotary expanded the project, expanded the dream and we made our promise to the Children of the World to give them a world free of the threat of polio. We will continue the fight through events like this and we will keep our promise! 

 

As you read this Doug and I will be attending the Rotary International Convention in Hamburg. We’re looking forward to meeting up with fellow District 5040 members at the District dinner on Sat June 1st. DGN Dave Hamilton arranged for us to enjoy some German hospitality together. There are over 50 Rotarians from D5040 attending the Convention this year. 

 

This is an annual event that you can plan well in advance for as the next several years have been decided as far as locations and dates. June 6-10, 2020  Honolulu, Hawaii -  June 12-16, 2021 Taipei, Taiwan-  June 4-8, 2022  Houston, Texas. If you haven’t attended a Rotary International Convention I would highly recommend it. The energy of being with over 25,000 family members is hard to explain – an unforgettable experience. And the networking and project ideas…oh my.

 

Doug and I return home June 17th to begin the last part of this incredible District Governor journey. 

 

There are leadership training sessions set up for June 22/23 as well as the Installation event on June 22nd.

 

Thank you for honoring us with this experience. It truly has been life changing. The opportunity to visit all the clubs and meet all the People of Action that make up our District has been a gift. One that we will always cherish.

 

Thank you all for your contributions to your clubs, to the district, to the world. I am so proud to be a Rotarian and count my hands in with yours as we continue our Service Above Self and

 

Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change- across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

 

Darcy and Doug