They say time flies when you’re having fun though I can hardly believe this Rotary year is almost over. People keep asking me what I see as the highlight of my DG Year but I tell them that there was so much good happening and so many wonderful people that I could not begin to single out any one highlight.
Claire and I will never forget the kindness and hospitality shown to us as we travelled the province visiting clubs.
The opportunity to meet up with our exchange students at Gavin Lake, Sechelt and Squamish were special and we will always remember the wonderful time we had with the Burns Lake Club and all the campers on the Tweedsmuir Trek.
The Day of Dialogue has received its share of praise but its success is owed to the enthusiastic support of Rotarians from all over the district who came together to think and reflect on shared values and the advances we need to make to keep Rotary relevant in the years ahead.
The year had its share of celebrations and it was a treat to be part of the Quesnel Club’s 60th Anniversary, the Taste of India in Prince George, Burnaby’s Installation of our first Rotary Community Corps Group and the Foundation Dinners in Kitimat and the Lower Mainland where we raised over $15,000 for the Annual Fund.
Among our fondest memories will be the visits we made to the projects of the various Rotary Clubs and listening as you proudly told us how you use Foundation dollars to do good in your community. To my mind, places like Smithers, McKenzie, 100 Mile House, Powell River and Prince Rupert would not be anywhere near as rich without the many support projects Rotarians have provided over the years.
Then there was the District Conference in Whistler. What more do we need to say? With close to five hundred people from the entire Rotary Family coming together to Celebrate Rotary and have fun. It was a Blast!
There are so many people to thank for making this year so memorable. I am indebted to Board Members, the Governor Team and our Past District Governors for all their help and guidance. I have said
many times that vibrant clubs depend on good leadership and I want to thank this year’s World-Class Presidents and my able band of Assistant Governors for all you did. Your leadership, guidance, empathy, knowledge and experience came to the fore and our District is better for it. Thanks and praise also to those who chair our District committees and lead our youth programs through Interact, RYLA, Rotaract and Youth Exchange. I treasure the time spent with these programs and the inspiration they provide me as I contemplate the future of Rotary.
Perhaps now it is clearer to see why I have difficulty defining the one highlight of my year. It has been a wonderful experience and a privilege to serve the Rotarians of District 5040. Thank you all for your dedication and your support, but moreover, thank you for your friendship.
We Did It!
At the start of the year I set goals and now it’s time to see how we did.
Membership: We have done well in our retention rate of 93%. Rotary has increased membership worldwide by 26,000 this year while we have increased by 42 members. Let’s hope we can keep this positive trend going over the July 1 changeover. Make sure your membership information is up to date on the RI data base.
Foundation: With 83 Paul Harris Society Members, we surpassed our goal. We had 100% of clubs enter goals for the Annual Fund but fell short in meeting our targets in this area- room for growth! Our contributions to Polio were way over the top thanks to two generous donations. It was a great honor to present so many Paul Harris Society and Major Donor pins throughout the year.
Youth: We have right to be proud of our strong links with Roraract. Whistler and King George School Interact Clubs were chartered and we are ready to launch Early Act in the fall. We lead the field with our three RYLA programs and have met our goal for an increase in YEX students next year.
Communication: This is the 12th newsletter this year thanks to editor, Jeff Conatser, and we have renewed and revamped our website. Most clubs are using Rotary Club Central and many qualified for the Presidential Citation in its on-line format. Finally, we met and surpassed our goal to have 250
Rotarians register for the 2016 District Conference!!
My primary goal, however, was that we have fun and enjoy Rotary this year. On checking the data and reviewing the photos, I am pleased to report – Mission Accomplished- We Did It!
So what’s been Happening this Month?
From all accounts, the International Conference was a smashing success. 23 Rotarians from District 5040 joined the 45000 participants in Seoul, Korea and were treated to first class speakers, amazing entertainment and lots of Rotary friendship. Our District held a dinner in a local restaurant organized by DGN Don Evans and members from the RC of Vancouver Cambie, - our Korean Club.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen held its first annual Soap Box Derby on June 4th. What a great day! Local businesses and community service groups sponsored and built the cars, which were driven by kids from 9-12 years old. It was hard to tell who were having more fun, the young drivers or the dads and other racecar enthusiasts who were providing free advice. The day gave new meaning to the term “There was nothing stopping them!”
Our exchange students are nearing the end of their year. Happy memories and sad farewells have taken place all over the province. Sue and Jim Godey hosted a BBQ for all the students as they headed off on their BC Tour. This year’s group has been exceptional and the kindness of Rotarians will live on in their hearts for many years to come. Thank you for supporting Youth Exchange and helping to make the world a better place.