Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith and Judie visited District 5040 as the keynote speaker for the Annual Foundation Dinner in the Vancouver area. Definitely a highlight of my Governor's year.
The visit started with a quick stop in Steveston to view the Rotary summer banners along the main street of the City. This was the Rotary Club of Steveston's plan to promote Rotary's continuing presence in the Community for the past 15 years. Accompanying President Ray were Club President Peter Mitchell, PDG Bob Blacker, Rtn Bob Jones, PP's Albert Wong and Wilbur Walrond, DG Penny and PDG Chris Offer.
Followed quickly with a visit to the Salvation Army Rotary Hospice House and a tour by Rotarian Major Margaret Evans. President Ray was accompanied by DG Penny Offer, PDG Chris Offer, Richmond Rotary Club President Mahase, and Richmond Rotarians Tony and Chuck.
The dinner brought 365 Rotarians and guests together from 4 districts to hear President Ray, celebrate our Rotary Foundation and recognize generous donors. DG Wayne Wiebe District 5050 presented President Ray with a soccer ball with donations of $107,000 to the Foundation.
Six Rotary couples were presented with Major Donor recognition by President Ray.
Two District 5040 Rotarians were recognized for their service to the Rotary Foundation - Magdalen Leung of the Richmond Sunset Club received the Rotary Foundation Meritorious Service Award and Jan Gisborne of the Powell River Club, the Service Award for a Polio-Free World. Congratulations to both award recipients.
A very special visit with President Ray and Judie who enjoyed meeting many Rotarians.
I had the opportunity on Saturday, October 23 to spend time with the members of the RC of Vancouver Arbutus rolling pennies for polio at Vancouver’s Arbutus shopping mall. The club members asked the community to bring in the jars, bags and boxes of coins and drop them off with the club members. The community responded not just with pennies but lots of nickels, dimes, loonies and toonies as well.
