Sunday, April 24, 2011

Easter Lunch in Richmond

On April 23 The RC of Richmond Sunset hosted more than 200 seniors from across the city at their annual Easter Lunch at the Marriott Hotel. The event has become very popular with a waiting list for tickets. I had the opportunity to speak to the seniors along with MLA and Rotarian John Yap. Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie played the piano while the seniors sang many old favourites.

Easter bonnets were the prizes for a number of quiz questions. Everyone had a great lunch and went away with a goodie bag full of treats.

Congratulations to President James Westmacott, Magdalen Leung and Michael Chiu and all the members of the club for this great community event.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Rotary WaterWorks project


 On Thursday, April 14th I had the pleasure to join members of the RC of Tsawwassen at the ground breaking of the Rotary WaterWorks project. I joined Delta Council representatives and Rotary club members at the ceremony.

The RC of Tsawwassen, in partnership with the Corporation of Delta, plans to build a children's water play area, wading pond, meandering stream with bridge and pathways to enhance the existing facilities at Diefenbaker Park in Tsawwassen at 56 St. and 1st Ave. This natural area will be one to be enjoyed by all ages, whilst reflecting on the history of the site and the effects of Rotary's worldwide commitment to clean water for all. The club hopes to complete this project in the summer of 2011.

The club has raised $200,000 in cash and donations in kind. Included is a $10,000 Rotary Foundation District Grant.

Their vision is to not only provide a wonderful new addition to Diefenbaker Park in the form of a stream and children's water play area, but also to incorporate aspects of Rotary and it's participation in World Water programs, particularly in third world countries, as an educational component of the project.

They intend to include a working model of a hand pump commonly found in underdeveloped nations and a working model of a BioSand water filter, invented in Calgary and used extensively throughout the third world by Rotary and other humanitarian organizations in order to provide clean filtered water to the people. Photos of women & children carrying water in plastic jerry cans will correspond to an actual jerry can attached to the display, enabling all to fill it and experience the heavy weight that people have to carry and walk long distances each day. Storyboards relating to these endeavours will be featured in the Rotary WaterWorks project. They plan to include some historical information about the park site as well, using photos from the Delta Museum & Archives which relate to the park components.

A week in the Cariboo

A week in the Cariboo and Prince George while PDG Chris was in South Sudan representing RI on a Polio Surveillance Team. 

Last week I had the opportunity to return to this area for a third visit and a second visit to several Rotary Clubs. At the Rotary Club of Williams Lake  I had the pleasure to induct a new member. The club has many activities on the go and is building club leadership. At the Rotary Club of Quesnel I presented a PHF to Linda Turner for her work on the newly released cookbook – Potluck Cookbook. It looks fabulous. I also presented a Major Donor crystal and pins to DGN Rebecca MacPherson and Ted Cryderman. 

During the weekend I was in Prince George to participate in the regional District Assembly on Saturday and the Future Vision Grant management Seminar on Sunday. But we also found some time to have fun. On the Friday evening Bob and Linda Hlina of the Rotary Club of Prince George hosted a delicious dinner and great evening of  friendship in their home for Rotary club leaders. And on Saturday evening their club held their annual Charter Night Lobster Dinner. Wonderful lobster flown in specially from eastern Canada! 

Before flying home on Tuesday I visited the Rotary Club of Quesnel Sunrise and a presentation on Operation Red Nose by Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Prince George Nechako. 

A wonderful Rotary week in the interior of Rotary District 5040. Thanks to everyone for their great Rotary hospitality.