Annual General Meeting approval of financial statements and 2025-26 Board
Rotary Club of Ladner held its Annual General Meeting on December 10th. Financial statements and a recommended budget were approved along with the board of directors for 2025-26, effective July 1, 2025. Immediate Past President Brian Coe, seen here, was elected President for 2025-26.
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Two international awards and a regional award to Ladner Rotary for serving our community and world
The most significant performance recognition the 1.4-million-member Rotary International can award to one of its 35,000 clubs is the Rotary Citation. Rotary Club of Ladner received an international Citation for 2023-24 by achieving its goals, including sustainable projects serving needs of our community and world, giving to top-rated The Rotary Foundation, and building awareness of Rotary in the community, thanks to members, local residents and the Delta Optimist. Ladner Rotary also received international recognition for its donations in 2023-24 to the global campaign to End Polio Now, which Rotary initiated in 1986 and since joined by foundations, world health organizations and governments to rid the world of 99% of life time crippling and sometimes deadly disease. Thanks to Rotarians who have donated and in part to generous sponsors and local Delta residents. |
The Magic of Rotary comes from members here and around the world
Rotary District 5040 Governor Drew Antrobus made his annual visit to Rotary Club of Ladner on December 3, 2024. Drew’s wife, fellow Richmond Sunset Rotarian and this year’s District Learning Facilitator, Judy Smith, joined Drew. He spoke about this year's theme, The Magic of Rotary, and that it's the individual members who are the magicians who provide service where needed and make things happen, at home and in the world. |
Rotary lights up hospital for Christmas
Colourful lights provide a little seasonal cheer to the patients, visitors, care professionals and staff at Delta Hospital, lit up for the Christmas season. Five Ladner Rotary members and two members of the Rotary-sponsored Interact Club at Delta Secondary School put up the lights and decor at the main entrance plus the Healing Garden in the hospital's courtyard -- opened in 2008 by the Delta Hospital Foundation, in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Ladner and Tsawwassen -- and at the entrance to Mountain View Manor, home to over 90 residents. -- photos by Peter Roaf & Brian Coe
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Mental health, grief, depression, chronic pain are just some areas where Ladner agency, Alongside You, supports those in need
Adults, children, youth, couples, and families who may feel something doesn’t feel right and not able to navigate many of the challenges they face in every day lives are among those who take advantages of the services of Ladner-based Alongside You. Common issues they bring to counselling sessions include depression, anxiety, addictions, chronic pain, grief and loss, sexual dysfunction, obsessive compulsive disorder and post traumatic stress disorder. |
Delta Community Foundation serves charities and non-profits of Delta
Founded by the Rotary Club of Ladner in 1986 and now an independent community organization, the Delta Community Foundation serves as Delta's charity for charities. It provides funds for community initiatives, charities and non-profit organizations in mental health, education, arts, culture & heritage, children & youth, environment, food security, Indigenous initiatives, neighborhoods, seniors and more.
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Ladner Rotary supports expanding Access to Health Care for Women and Newborns
Last year there were over 86,000 visits by patients from all over the province to BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre on Oak Street in Vancouver: almost 6,000 for births; 4,000 for gynaecological surgical cases; 2,700 for obstetric surgical cases. BC Women's Health Foundation (BCWHF) supports the Hospital and the Women’s Health Research Institute towards making meaningful changes in women’s health in BC and beyond. Rotary Club of Ladner has donated $1,000 to this important cause for all of us in our community. |
Remembering the sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom
Those who have fallen in wars of the past century and so far in this one were honoured and remembered at the cenotaph in Ladner's Memorial Park on November 11, 2024 for Remembrance Day service following a parade of military and civilian groups, as were those who were wounded in battle, with physical and mental afflictions and those who have fallen at their own hand on returning home from war fronts overseas. Lest we forget.
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Proceeds from Shred A Thon support food for those in need and youth club
Many thanks to local residents and business managers for participating in a Rotary Club of Ladner Shred A Thon on October 5th to support those in need with food and the high school club it sponsors at Delta Secondary with the $2,900 in net proceeds. |
The Rotary Foundation a positive force in our communities and our world
Charity Navigator rates 225,000 charities and ranks The Rotary Foundation among those at the highest level as it transforms Rotary members' gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty. |
"𝑰 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑴𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇!": latest kids book posted along 1 km Story Walk trail in Ladner
Exuberant rhymes and wild illustrations celebrate self-acceptance and self-love, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves—inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here's a little girl who knows what really matters. "𝑰 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑴𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇!"by Karen Beaumont (Author), David Catrow (Illustrator) is the latest book featured on the Rotary Club of Ladner Story Walk, a 1 km stretch of the Millenium Trail in Ladner. StoryWalk is a great place to take children and grandchildren for a walk this Fall and year round. It starts next to Neilson Grove Elementary School, 5500 Admiral Boulevard, off River Road, in the Ladner community of Delta, BC. Thank you to Delta Community Literacy Committee, who curate the books and are partners with the City of Delta and Rotary Club of Ladner to make this project a success. -- photos by Chris Offer |
Flagship of Global Container Terminals at Deltaport
Global Container Terminals (GCT) is the largest majority Canadian-owned terminal operator. It serves the world’s leading ocean carriers and shipping lines. It is a major tenant of the Vancouver Port Authority, the largest port in Canada, at Deltaport in Delta, BC -- the first semi-automated rail facility in the world. |
Trees and shrubs to mark Ladner Rotary 65th Anniversary now growing at Westham Island Park
The small City of Delta park on Westham Island in Ladner, former land of the local farming community school, has been busy in recent time, with local families and families visiting the farm outlets and Reifel Bird Sanctuary. The park now has new trees and shrubs sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ladner, to mark its 65th Anniversary, and by Global Container Terminals.
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At centre of Ladner, Arthur Drive kept tidy
A two-kilometre stretch of Arthur Drive, from its start at the main intersection with Ladner Trunk Road in the centre of Ladner, is cleaned up ahead of winter thanks to a team of Rotary Club of Ladner members in maintaining the club's commitment under the City of Delta's Adopt A Street program. -- photos by Chris Offer
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A Ride to Care For Cancer Patients
Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society is a not-for-profit organization providing complimentary transportation for Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley residents battling cancer. To date, the Society has made 166,649 patient trips over 4,636,178 kilometres, engaging 476 volunteer drivers over 255,977 hours. More drivers are needed for this important cause. |
Cybercrime update from Delta Police
Scams, extortion, fraud, identity theft, malware, ransomware and phishing are all around us in our online digital world. Cybercrime is a crime where a cyber element -- such as computers, tablets or smart phones -- has a substantial role in the commission of a crime. For instance, criminals will use malicious software ("malware") to illegally access computer systems, will use hacking to steal sensitive data such as personal information such as passwords and banking information, denial of service attacks to disrupt online services. These crimes happen in Delta and in communities across the country and around the world. Delta Police Constable Dustin Classen, of the Cyber Crime Division, gave an update on "Cyber Crime" to Ladner Rotary members on October 8, 2024. |
Proceeds from shredding for food for students on weekends and Rotary Interact Club at DSS
Thanks to local Delta residents, Rotary Club of Ladner held a successful Shred A Thon fundraiser on October 5, 2024, sponsored by Ladner-based companies, Ideal Door Ltd. and Millenium Pacific. The estimated net proceeds of over $2,500 will support the Rotary-sponsored food pantry for students of families in need at Delta Secondary School, over weekends, and for the Rotary-sponsored Interact Club at the school.
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Night at the races returns as a Ladner Rotary event
Ladner Rotarians and friends attended a Ted Townsend Night at the Races event, with standard bred horse harness racing, returning an annual event of many years long ago in the club. at Fraser Downs track in Cloverdale. The evening included an extensive buffet dinner and view of the racetrack on a beautiful fall evening. A spot of fun betting for some was included on horses such as Oscar the Grouch, Ara You Crazy, Urnotworthymytime, Whiplash Smile and OutlawGrandeTorino.
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Ladner Rotary member of 60 years saluted for service to club and community
With heartfelt thanks and congratulations from today's members and those over the past six decades, and from a grateful community, Rotary Club of Ladner salutes Dr. Arthur Birk, after 60 years as our longest serving member. The club presented a Paul Harris Fellow Award to Arthur as somebody who has met high professional and personal standards -- set forth by Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary International in 1905 -- for his extraordinary service above self. Past District 5040 Governor Chris Offer pins Arthur with his Paul Harris Fellow Award. |
Ladner Rotary sponsored E-bike chargers extend range of travel around town on most E-bikes and E-scooters
Two e-bike charging stations sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ladner and installed by the City of Delta, as part of its recently completed Stokes and Cullis Plaza meeting place for residents and visitors at the centre of Ladner, on the corner of Elliot and 47A Avene, has seen increasing use. Darren Hansen prepares his E-bike for charging. -- Chris Offer photo Also part of Ladner Rotary's $25,000 contribution to the City's new plaza were large wooden benches to make up the seating area. |
Membership advice from Florida Rotary leader
Joe Roth, a former jeweler and long-time resident of South Florida, is Membership Chair and a Past District Governor for Rotary District 6990 in Florida, one of the fastest-growing Districts in terms of community projects and initiatives. A Rotary member for 25 years, Joe has served as president of the Upper Keys Rotary Club. Joe spoke to Rotary Club of Ladner members about membership on September 24, 2024.
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International Peace Day, September 21: time to recognize the value of Rotary's international Peace Fellowships
For 22 years Rotary International has sponsored post-graduate education of more than 1,700 people in peace building and conflict resolution in 140 countries. These Rotary Peace Fellows have founded their own organizations or serve as leaders in governments, nongovernmental agencies, education and research institutions, peacekeeping and law enforcement agencies, media and the arts, and international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank. |
October 5th Ladner Rotary Shred A Thon to support
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Rotary commits funds to polio outbreak response in Gaza
The ongoing crisis in Gaza has led to a reduced level of routine immunization in the region. The crisis also poses a significant challenge to fully implementing disease surveillance and vaccination campaigns. It is estimated that 650,000 children need to be vaccinated. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers there to be a high risk for the spread of this polio strain within Gaza and internationally, particularly given the current situation's impact on public health services. Rotary will continue to work with its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and other agencies as vaccination efforts unfold. Read More
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Health and education in remote villages of Laos continues to improve with Rotary support
Lack of hygiene is perhaps the most serious issue facing rural villagers in Laos, from lack of education and access to clean water. Contaminated water throughout rural areas is the common cause of diarrhea plus short term and long-term sickness along with other crippling diseases which demand a major portion of villagers' meagre average income of $2,150 per year to be spent on healthcare. Adopt A Village in Laos (AAVIL) is a Not-For-Profit Canadian Registered Organization, incorporated in 2010. Its primary purpose is to raise financial support for clean water and education. Water projects bring permanent water into villages, hygiene training with water filter distribution and hygienic toilets. Education includes the construction of schools/classrooms where none exist or where current schools are simply not adequate for learning plus sponsorship of poor children who would not be able to go to school without help. |
Brewery tour prior to major festival in Ladner
David Harris, along with his sons Joseph and John, broke land on Crescent Island in the late 1800s. More than a century later, four local farm families have come together to form Barnside Brewing Co., on 60th Avenue in Ladner, a "farm-based" brewery, producing unfiltered craft beer using local farm-grown ingredients. Rotary Club of Ladner members toured the Barnside brewery on September 3rd. Rotary members will be managing the vehicle parking at the Barnside Harvest Festival, September 13 to 15, 2024 at Paterson Park in Ladner |
Our Rotary experience depends on our fellowship with other members
All of us in the Rotary Club of Ladner need to take an active role in attracting and keeping new members. It is not just the role of a few members who advise us. It is the responsibility of all of us.
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Telehealth boomed during COVID and now is here to stay in family practice
For some health problems, a phone call or video call with a doctor or nurse can save you time and money. This is called virtual care, telemedicine or telehealth. Many hospitals and clinics offer virtual care as another way for you to see a doctor. Using a computer, phone, or other device doctor or nurse can ask you questions. They may even be able to check your blood pressure, pulse, and other body functions through special tools connected to your computer. You might also get a virtual physical examination, if you have the right connection.
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International Rotary Citation to Ladner Rotary
The international Rotary Citation is the most significant award a Rotary club can achieve in recognition of its year of achievement for demonstrating a commitment to achieve its goals, in serving needs of its community and our world. The Rotary Club of Ladner receives the Rotary Citation for 2023-24, as presented to club President 2023-24 Brian Coe (right) by Rotary Past District 5040 Governor Chris Offer.
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Bird species heading for extinction
Since 1970 almost three billion birds have gone from North America alone. More and more species of birds are at risk of extinction. The number of bird species listed as Critically Endangered has reached an all-time high with 1 in 8 species threatened with extinction. With a focus on birds, Vancouver Avian Research Centre aims to nurture nature’s recovery through scientific data, action-driven education and conservation tools to encourage change in individuals, educational institutions and policymakers. Founder of the Centre Carol Matthews looks forward to an enduring and thriving future for birds through action taken by individuals to protect the natural world in the places where they live, work and study. |
Fortis BC''s Tilbury LNG plant update
Fortis BC's Community Relations Manager for the LNG project in Tilbury Industrial Estate in Delta Joanne Hunton-Sehdev presented an update on development of the facility. |
Paul Harris Fellow +7 Award to President David Rushton
Rotary Club of Ladner President David Rushton received a Paul Harris Fellow Award +7 for multiple contributions of US$1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. Recipients are members and other leaders who meet high professional and personal standards set forth by Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary International for extraordinary service above self.
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New member's career from earth's lowest to its highest points
From the earth’s bottom to its highest point -- ocean seabed cabling, nuclear submarine simulators, land based military equipment, aerospace flight simulators to developing space-craft – the career of Peter Edwards, who just joined the Rotary Club of Ladner, has spanned a wide range of telecommunications and technology in the United Kingdom and many years in Canada.
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I Love Delta
The essence of our community and why it deserves our love and appreciation was the theme when Past Rotary District 5040 Governor Chris Offer gave the invocation at a meeting of his fellow Rotary Club of Ladner members on July 23, 2024. Communities, he said, are the places where we live, work, and build our lives. Our community is not just a geographic location, he said: "It is a living, breathing entity made up of the people, traditions, and values that shape our everyday experiences. Loving Delta means recognizing its unique qualities and cherishing the connections we share with our neighbors." |
Ladner Rotary loses long time member Dr. John Yee
Long time Ladner Rotary member and contributor to our community, retired dentist Dr. John Yee, 83, passed away on July 12, 2024 at Windermere Care Centre in Vancouver, BC. The Rotary Club of Ladner expresses its condolences to John's wife Margaret of 57 years, who has been a long time friend of the club, and to daughters Deborah (Will) and Laurie (Simon), grandchildren Braedan and Victoria, and half-sister Mei Lun (Jing Chung). |
Are There Things Money Shouldn't Be able to Buy?
Dr. Avis Glaze presented an invocation at the July 16, 2024 Rotary Club of Ladner member meeting. Professor Michael Sandal, an American Rhodes Scholar, who teaches political philosophy at Harvard, gave a lecture at The Oxford Union - a prestigious student debating society at The University of Oxford, known as an independent forum for unrestricted debate. He is masterful in his use of what is described as the Socratic Method which involves rigorous dialogue between teacher and student, designed to foster critical thinking, by posing thought-provoking questions. The discussion question of the day was: Are There Things Money Shouldn't Be Able To Buy?
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Seniors' Summer BBQ at McKee House in Ladner
65 seniors enjoyed a BBQ dinner and dance on a warm summer evening at McKee Seniors Recreation Centre in Ladner on July 13, 2024. Rotary Club of Ladner supplied most of the food and 17 volunteers to cook and serve. Dancing to decades ago classics kept the line dancers hopping.
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Singapore Rotary Convention 2024 and Indonesia trip
Seasoned attenders of Rotary International Conventions, Past District 5040 Governors and Ladner Rotarians, Chris and Penny Offer, presented on their experience at this year's convention May 25 to 29 in Singapore followed by their personal side trip to Indonesia. -- photos by Chris and Penny Offer
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Financial Advisor looks back on career and Rotary
Ladner Rotarian and Financial Advisor Denis Denischuk, Tsawwassen Branch Manager of Raymond James Ltd., spoke to Ladner Rotary members about his 48-year career, and original membership in Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon followed by 28 years of Rotary membership where he was based, in Kamloops, Brentwood Bay/Sidney on Vancouver Island, and Ladner/Delta since 1996. |
Flags raised in community for Canada Day
Ladner Rotarians John Thomas and Ulf Ottho, with Brian Smith, were among the club members raising a Canadian flag on the property of each subscribing Ladner resident around the week of Canada Day on July 1st as a fundraiser for community service projects. The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen has been planting flags in that community as well. photo by Brian Smith
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Design not just how it looks and feels, it's how it works
From small renovations to new custom homes the residential and commercial design projects of Ladner-based Sarah Gallop Design Inc. span a wide range of styles and locations throughout Canada, USA and Asia. With its understanding of the construction and design industry SGDI ensures clients have all the knowledge to start a project without regret and finish with pride. While the firm has been featured in multiple industry publications and recognized with many awards since Sarah Gallop founded it in 2009, Sarah's passion lies in educating people on what interior designers actually do. |
Ladner revitalization plans for community comments
The City of Delta is moving forward on plans to revitalize Ladner Village and the community is invited to get involved. There are seven big projects which will advance over the next few years. Local residents are asked for their ideas on the projects now at letstalk.delta.ca/Ladner-Village as the City prepares to move these planning recommendations forward.
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Business Expo first year success
Over 45 vendors and exhibitors, including Rotary Club of Ladner, participated in the Ladner Business Association's Business Expo on June 8th at Harris Barn in Ladner, served by food trucks and Barnside beer. Most exhibitors were local businesses, but included the offices of MLA Ian Paton and MP Hon, Carla Qualtrough. |
Former Ladner Rotary exchange student now supports marginalized children and people in the slums of Rio
Rotary Club of Ladner Exchange Student to Japan in 1981-82, Lianna Walden, daughter of club Past President, Chester Walden, who just passed away in March of this year, and sibling of a brother and sister who were both Rotary Exchange Students, lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With her husband, musician, producer and social entrepreneur Fernando Shacka, she founded TROPA (Tropa da Solidariedade), a non-profit organization that brings quality of life to children, families and people in vulnerable situations in Rio de Janeiro. TROPA provides access to food, education, art, and connections.
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Moving the forward with Rotary's Action Plan
Speaking to the many thousands of Rotary members from around the world, attending the Rotary International Convention in Singapore, May 25 to 29, 2024, John Hewko, Rotary International General Secretary and CEO, said the 2023-24 Rotary year brought a number of firsts. "India celebrated its first decade of being polio-free. We opened our first Rotary Peace Center in the Middle East. And the first ever Rotaract-sponsored global grants were awarded. These accomplishments are just examples of our collective efforts to increase our impact, expand our reach, provide a memorable membership experience, and adapt to a changing world." As Rotary’s general secretary, he said that he was proud of all that we’ve accomplished this year. We’ll continue to build and grow the world’s premier membership organization, dedicated to connections, communities, and positive change in reference to the four priorities of Rotary International's Action Plan. |
Pharmacist's role keep expanding
Former paramedic and volunteer firefighter, pharmacist Paul Gibbons, owner of The Medicine Shoppe in Tsawwassen, who is a local marine lifeboat volunteer, works In a changing world where the roles of both pharmacists and pharmacies are evolving rapidly. |
Ladner Rotary joins Jungle Jamboree parade for May Days
"Jungle Jamboree" was the theme of the parade at the 128th annual Ladner May Days 2024 on May 26th. Rotary Club of Ladner got into the community spirit and participated on a rainy Sunday morning, coming away with 3rd Place ribbon in the School and Club Category. Despite the rain many hundreds of people crowded the sidewalks along the parade route and enjoyed the annual event through the centre of Ladner.
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Engaging youth as leaders in service above self in our community
Rotary Club of Ladner sponsors the Interact Club at Delta Secondary School. Interact members provide hands-on service projects, make international connections, develop leadership skills and have fun. Ten years ago there were 15 members in our Interact club. Now there are over 100. We thank the current teacher leader, Carla Day, and Delta Secondary School for making Interact such a success. Our Interact Club is one of 23 Interact clubs in Rotary District 5040. It is one among almost 15,000 in 145 countries, with membership of 343,000. |
Dinner to install Rotary Club of Ladner President and Board 2024-25
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Rotary Foundation creates fund to support urgent flood relief efforts in Brazil
The Rotary Foundation created the Brazil Flood Response Fund in response to devastating flooding in the country's southern region, affecting more than 1.45 million people. The fund will support disaster response grants for member-led projects that provide relief supplies to people in the state of Rio Grande do Sul who have been displaced from their homes, or lack power and access to clean water. |
Rotary: a gateway to living long and well
Blue Zones are thriving communities with a high concentration of people between the ages of 90 and 100. The concept of Blue Zones has been popularized recently in Dan Buettner’s series of books and a Netflix special based on his research into the secrets of living longer. Haresh L. Ramchandani, past district governor, member of the Rotary Club of L.I.F.E., Jamaica, and a member of the RI Membership Growth Committee says that he became aware of Buettner’s research and began studying it, He says he was struck by how several of the commonalities of these Blue Zones overlapped with Rotary’s core values and that perhaps Rotary membership is a gateway to living a long and fulfilling life. |
Past Rotary International President Jennifer Jones on polio visit experience, endowment milestone
Rotary International President 2022-23 Jennifer Jones, now Rotary Foundation Trustee 2023-27, believes in the power of storytelling to move the world forward. Here is her story, as part of her presentation at Pacific North West PETS (Presidents Elect Training Seminar) in Seattle in February 2024, about her first hand experience with a polio vaccination team of women visiting a home in an impoverished community of Pakistan during her year as President. She also finishes with Rotary's determination to achieve a milestone in building The Rotary Foundation's endowment fund to $2.25 billion -- which supports many of Rotary's projects worldwide -- likely to be reached in time for the international convention next year in Calgary.
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Guide and Service Dog operations expanding to meet demand in Western Canada
Ladner-based BC & Alberta Guide Dogs (BCAGD), in Delta, BC, founded with support from Rotary Club of Ladner to serve those who are blind and visually impaired, and which now also supports the growing need for companion dogs for children with Autism and for Veterans and First Responders with an Operational Stress Injury, such as PTSD, receives phone calls daily from people seeing a Guide or Service Dog. The current wait lists for professionally trained dogs is three years and demand continues to grow. In response BCAGD has announced plans to develop a new state-of-the-art Breeding & Training Centre. As the first of its kind in Western Canada, the new Centre will immediately increase the availability of Guide and Service Dogs across British Columbia & Alberta, doubling the number of people served. |
"Ignite the Light" is artists, performers supporting mental health and vulnerable youth
Mariel Anderson, having earlier started her own event production company which brought many fundraising events to Vancouver, BC, recognized the staggering number of people, who not only struggle with mental health but also those who lose their battles with it across Canada, could not be ignored any longer. Small acts change the world. Mariel realized that a community of people who are able to unite and take small actions towards creating positive impact in their own communities is powerful. Seeing the complete parallel between the passion for community and spirit of giving back -- with a focus on support of mental health and vulnerable youth -- Mariel and her team created a nonprofit foundation focused on 'communities supporting communities', showcasing local talent from a variety of artists. |
Tour of huge Ladner tomato greenhouse for Ladner Rotary members
Ladner Rotary member Shirvan Bakhtiyari founded Millennium Pacific Greenhouses Ltd in 1999. The Ladner-based company has became one of the leading tomato growers in British Columbia. It is a family-run modern hydroponic greenhouse. The wide range of tomatoes are grown from certified non-genetically modified seed (NON-GMO), in a carefully controlled environment with optimal temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide. The company has expanded with construction of a new 15-acre greenhouse in Tehachapi, California. There are plans to expand the facility in Ladner. Ladner Rotary members toured the local greenhouses on April 23, 2024. |
Literacy is a tool everyone needs
The literacy skills of almost half of British Columbians aged 16 to 65 may make it difficult for them to understand newspapers, follow instruction manuals, read health information, fill out a tax return, read a rental agreement or use a library catalogue, according to Decoda Literacy Solutions, B.C.’s provincial literacy organization. Delta Community Literacy Committee works with libraries, schools and other organizations to help children and adults alike improve their literacy skills. The Storywalk for children in Ladner, managed by Rotary Club of Ladner, is part of the Committee’s program, similar to similar Storywalks in North Delta and Tsawwassen |
Huge opportunity for clubs to recommend Rotary Peace Scholarship candidates from their communities
Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of Rotary’s peace centers. The Rotary Foundation partners with premier universities to offer master's degrees and professional development certificates in disciplines related to peace and development. This opportunity is available to people living and working in our communities of BC, through our clubs in Rotary District 5040, from Greater Vancouver up the coast to Prince Rupert, and through other clubs and Districts in the province. Clubs and districts have the power to shape the next generation of peace leaders both by recruiting and recommending peace fellows, and by keeping them engaged during and after their fellowships. |
Waterford and Wexford seniors' residential living in Tsawwassen
Andie Bakehouse, Community & Residency Coordinator, spoke to Ladner Rotary members about The Wexford and The Waterford residences in Tsawwassen and planning advice related to seniors' residential living.
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Delta native and Washington resident returns to Ladner Rotary
Ty Morris, who spent his early years in Ladner, Tsawwassen and Richmond, and now many years a resident in Washington State, has returned as a member of the Rotary Club of Ladner. He spoke about his life and career to club members on March 26th. |
Honour House and Honour Ranch for those on the front line for our country and communities
Since 2011 Honour House has been a refuge, a “home away from home” for members of our Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans, Emergency Services Personnel and their families to stay, completely free of charge, when they travel to receive medical care and treatment in the Metro Vancouver area. These brave individuals, along with their families, sacrifice so much on a daily basis to protect our freedom and our everyday way of life. Honour House provides the opportunity to show them that their community cares and how much all that they do for us is appreciated. It costs $10,000 per year to provide each room at Honour House. To date, donations to Honour House have funded over 14,000 nights of accommodation for those needing this support with thanks to the more than 500 volunteers who make this service possible.
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A tribute to Brian Mulroney
Ladner Rotarian Brian Smith, second left, at the 1991 opening of the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo by former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney, right. Brian paid tribute to Mr. Mulroney on his passing this past week. |
Thai visitors for youth exchange conference drop in at Ladner Rotary
North American Youth Exchange Network (NAYEN) is an association representing 167 Rotary Districts in Canada, Mexico, and the United States involved in Rotary Youth Exchange throughout the world. The Exchange creates transformative exchange experiences that promote cultural understanding, foster global citizenship, and build a more peaceful world. The 2024 Nayen Annual Conference is being held March 7 to 9 at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre in Vancouver. Having arrived in Vancouver after a 13-hour flight from Thailand on the morning of March 5th, three members of Rotary District 3330 -- representing the 353 clubs in Thailand -- who are attending the NAYEN conference, dropped in for lunch at the Rotary Club of Ladner's mid-day meeting with District Governor Designate Dean Hsieh and heard about Rotary Club of Tsawwassen's support of, and visit to, Project Amigo in Mexico. The visitors presented a District 3330 banner to Ladner Rotary as a thank you for their visit.
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Rotary - What is Your Story?
What drives you? What is your passion? What do you bring to the world? video (2:34) -- courtesy of Rotary Club of Silverdale, WA |
Rotary leaders saluted on International Women's Day
On International Women's Day, March 8th, Rotary Club of Ladner and Rotary International celebrate all our dynamic, people of action who are women leading us in service above self here at home and around the world.
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Vision for Delta and its three communities, of Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Delta
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Media literacy, news literacy needed for our democracy and in our schools
International education consultant and Ladner Rotarian Dr. Avis Glaze gave the following invocation at the February 20, 2024 meeting of the Rotary Club of Ladner. Recently, with all that is happening around us, I have been preoccupied the issue of media literacy in general and news literacy in particular. This highlights the importance of teaching critical and analytical skills in our schools. |
Tsawwassen Anglican rector has led a "Rotary-like" life of service above self
Rector of St. Davids Anglican Church in Tsawwassen, Rev. Simbarashe (Simba) Basvi, spoke, as a new member, to fellow Rotary Club of Ladner members about his life and occupation. Simba has been serving the St. David's parish for two years. He and his wife, Mebbo, have three children.
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Educator Roy Sakata returns to the club
Roy Sakata, a former teacher, vice principal, school principal in Prince Rupert and Richmond, and Principal and Member of the Economic Development Committee of the Gitxsan Community of Gitsegukla, has returned as a member of Ladner Rotary. President Brian Coe presents Roy with his Rotary pin. |
Strong Towns speaks up for financially strong, resilient development to replace the suburban experiment
Strong Towns is a nonprofit media advocacy organization that analyzes the failures of the post-war North American development pattern and gives the citizens of towns and cities the knowledge and tools to start making their communities better places to live and work. As every city, town, and neighborhood pursues growth, development, and prosperity Strong Towns recommends its approach. |
Longest serving member receives Rotary award
Paul Harris Fellows honourees are individuals who meet high professional and personal standards set forth by Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary International. Honourees may have contributed more than US $1000 to The Rotary Foundation or may be recognized with this award by their club for extraordinary service above self. Dr. Arthur Birk received a Paul Harris Award +2
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Kirkland House a landmark of Ladner heritage
In 1910 William Kirkland commissioned Ladner architect J.B. Elliot to build him a large Edwardian-style home on the family farm. Construction on what would be named ‘Hawthorne Grove’ began in that year and was completed in the fall of 1911. The pioneer Kirkland family was prominent in the political and social life of Delta and resided in the house until the late 1940s. In 1949, Claire Haynes purchased the home and farmed the 280 acres until the mid-1950s. Then followed a series of house renters and the farm buildings were abandoned. -- stock photos courtesy of Delta Optimist and Kirkland House Foundation
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McKee House lunch and tour field trip
Ladner Rotary members took a field trip to McKee Seniors Recreation Centre in Ladner on January 16, 2023 for lunch and a tour. The Centre for those 50+ years of age is operated in partnership with the City of Delta and the volunteers of the McKee House Seniors' Society. President of the Society, Mae Quon-Forsythe, spoke to club members and led a tour of the facility, with its large hall, multipurpose/activity space, meeting rooms, snooker room, lounge with fireplace and cafeteria.
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Delta Quilters support various causes with their craft
The Boundary Bay Quilters’ Guild encourages its 90 members in their love of quilting through workshops, demonstrations, guest speakers and small groups. It inspires creativity, learning and friendships among members and provides outreach where help is needed in the community.
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Vocational Service a theme in January
January is a time when Rotary recognizes the purpose and value of "vocational service". As one of Rotary's five Avenues of Service, Vocational Service calls on every Rotarian to work with integrity and contribute their expertise to the problems and needs of society. By including men and women from diverse professions and backgrounds, Rotary recognizes the importance of all skills and occupations. |
Hampers for 29 local families at Christmas from Delta Secondary School
To help 29 Delta families in need enjoy the festive season students at Delta Secondary School held their annual 20 Days of Giving Campaign from November 20 until December 15 to purchase $11,000 of food items, pet food, toiletries, gift cards and cash donations for Christmas food hampers purchased. Members of the Ladner Rotary-sponsored Interact Club at the school also collected donations at Save On Foods in Ladner on December 5th. -- main photo and story courtesy of the Delta Optimist. |
St. David's Church Tsawwassen rector joins Ladner Rotary
Rev. Simbarashe (Simba) Basvi, rector for St. Davids Anglican Church in Tsawwassen, has joined the Rotary Club of Ladner. Simba was inducted as a new member at the Ladner Rotary Christmas dinner on December 19th. Simba has been serving the St. David's parish for two years with his wife, Mebbo. They have three children. He is in the process of applying for permanent residency status. President Brian Coe presents the Rotary pin. -- photos by Chris Offer
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Christmas cheer for special needs adults and families
50 members of the South Delta Weekend Family and Peer Support Group for special needs adults and Rotarians celebrated Christmas with the 19th annual dinner hosted by Ladner Rotary. The eagerly anticipated dinner always gives a lift to those who can find the festive season somewhat lonely. Santa Claus was on hand to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and hand out gifts. Mitch Drew entertained throughout dinner singing some favourite Christmas songs. -- photos by Chris Offer |
Producer of Ladner's Barnside Havest Festival talks about his showbiz career
Ladner resident John Donnelly counts among the latest concerts and community events he has produced the Barnside Harvest Festival in Ladner’s Paterson Park in September. The Rotary Club of Ladner provided parking services over the three-day event. John recalled the many types of events he has organized over the years and the challenges and rewards which accompanied them. |
Ukraine will receive medical equipment shipped by local Rotary clubs
About 30 Rotarians and friends from Metro Vancouver loaded a shipping container with $250,000 of used medical equipment bound for Ukraine through the local multi-club system, Rotary World Help at warehouse on Riverview Lands, the site of the former Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam, BC.
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Delta Hospital Christmas lights bring Rotary cheer
The Delta Hospital is now lit up for the Christmas season. Colourful lights provide a little seasonal cheer to the patients, visitors, care professionals and staff, who may need it most in our community. Six Ladner Rotary members and three friends of Rotary put up the lights and decor at the main entrance plus the Healing Garden in the hospital's courtyard -- opened in 2008 by the Delta Hospital Foundation, in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Ladner and Tsawwassen -- and at the entrance to Mountain View Manor home to over 90 residents. -- photos by Patricia Sibley & Peter Roaf
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Delta's charity for charities
Delta Community Foundation is a charitable organization which the Rotary Club of Ladner incorporated in 1986 under the Societies Act of British Columbia. It has been the only charity that has given to all other charities in Delta for more than 35 years, through administering community donations, endowments, and community involvement by addressing local needs. It is now an independent foundation for the community.
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Foundation Dinner brings future project grants to our clubs and communities
Ladner Rotary Splash Park, part of the new plaza at the corner of Ladner Trunk Road and Elliott (shown here), winter coats and boots for kids, a valley trail viewing platform, an off leash dog park, seniors’ outdoor fitness stations, lower income family kids sponsored for summer camp, young musicians to participate in a youth orchestra are the kinds of projects made possible with proceeds from a recent Rotary fundraising event. Members of Rotary District 5040 -- Ladner Rotary and 47 other clubs from Vancouver up the coast to Prince Rupert -- many throughout the Lower Mainland raised net proceeds of $23,000 at a dinner on November 18, 2023. The funds will all go to the The Rotary Foundation, among the highest ranked international foundations over the past 15 years. |
The Rotary Foundation does good in the world with endowments and major donations
Endowment/Major Gifts Adviser for The Rotary Foundation in Canada, Carol Tichelman, spoke to Ladner Rotary members on November 7th about endowments and major gifts and their value here at home and in communities around the world.
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District Governor speaks on meaning of membership and recognizes club and members
Rotary District 5040 Governor Shirley-Pat Chamberlain talked about the meaning of membership in Rotary and recognized the club and some of its members on her annual visit to the Ladner Rotary on October 31, 2023.
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Raise a Flag around Remembrance Day for our community
Join hundreds of your neighbours to show our Community Spirit! Rotary Clubs of Ladner and Tsawwassen will Raise a Flag on your front lawn for a week to commemorate Remembrance Day. For just $40 you will be supporting local community literacy programs, food security, special events at Easter and Christmas and you will be helping to build new community amenities such as a Fitness Park in Tsawwassen and new public space in Ladner Village. CLICK HERE TO ORDER: LADNER RESIDENTS OR TSAWWASSEN RESIDENTS |
Delta School District Indigenous Cultural Enhancement leader loves working with kids
At Delta School District building intercultural understanding, empathy and mutual respect is considered vital to education. The School District starts its school assemblies, presentations, district and Board meetings, and public events with a Land Acknowledgment: "We recognize that the Delta School District is situated on the ancestral and unceded lands of the Tsawwassen and Musqueam First Nations and all Hun’qumi’num speaking people who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial." More recently a Monday Morning Welcome and Acknowledgement of the Territory comes to 30 classes of more than 700 students and teachers in the schools over Zoom to start the week in a good way. Nathan Wilson is the Indigenous Cultural Enhancement Facilitator for the Delta School District
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World Polio Day Oct 24th is a time to celebrate, reflect and continue to act
World Polio Day, October 24th, is a time to celebrate the huge achievement of the global campaign to rid the world of polio, which Rotary started in the Philippines 38 years ago. Back then more than 350,000 children in 120 countries were paralyzed by polio every year. Today, Rotary and its partners have reduced the incidence of polio by 99.9%. Today 20 million people, who might have been paralyzed by polio, are walking. Another 1.5 million people, who would have died from polio, are alive.
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Rotary Club of Ladner Board of Directors 53 years ago
Over many decades, through achievement and turmoil near and far, and in our ever more rapidly changing world, Rotary members have continued to provide service above self to our community here and communities from afar. Yet we have all come a long way in our demographics and how we look and work together. Here is a June 1970 photo of business and community leaders on the board of Rotary Club of Ladner, the only club in Delta at the time and which eventually founded the Rotary Clubs of Tsawwassen and North Delta. They are part of the proud heritage of Ladner Rotary which has been celebrating its 65th Anniversary. Photo courtesy of Arthur Birk and Ulf Ottho.
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Trees in Ladner and town centre plaza supported by Shred A Thon
12 Ladner Rotary members and six members of the Rotary-sponsored Interact Club at Delta Secondary School raised almost $1,900 net for a planned tree planting in Ladner and features at the new Westham Plaza -- officially opening soon in the centre of Ladner -- thanks to local residents and business owners who dropped by on October 14, 2023 to the Ladner Rotary Shred A Thon, behind Eastlink on Ladner Trunk Road.
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Facelift for gazebo garden in Ernie Burnett Park
The gazebo in Ernie Burnett Park is now cleaned up and brought back bright and shiny thanks to the City of Delta and a team of nine Ladner Rotary members and "Friends of Rotary" volunteers from the community who turned out on October 13, 2023 to help the City horticulturalist and team replant and refurbish the surrounding garden. The gazebo was built to commemorate the life of Betty Burnett -- wife of former Delta Mayor and Ladner Rotary member Ernie Burnett -- who passed away in December 1989. Betty was also mother of Ladner Rotarian Jim Burnett. -- photos courtesy of Richard Pasco, Digital Content Coordinator, City of Delta
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Artificial Intelligence -- so many applications
Simran Walia, Senior Product Manager, in Data and Analytics at lululemon presented to Ladner Rotary on Artificial Intelligence on October 10, 2023. -- Image courtesy of Mike MacKenzie |
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Laser and Body Studio in Tsawwassen celebrates four years
GLO Laser & Body Studio, in Tsawwassen, which provides medical aesthetics, Venus laser and bodysculpting, traditional Chinese medicine and Accupuncture, is celebrating its fourth year in business. Chantelle Savage presented the benefits of Red Light Therapy and other services of the Studio, founded by a born and raised Tsawwassen resident, Lauren Barber.
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Arthur Drive cleaned up for Fall
10 Ladner Rotarians turned out on September 23rd to clean up for Fall a stretch of Arthur Drive, over two kilometers from Ladner Trunk Road.
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Rotary volunteers at 3-day music festival in Ladner
The Barnside Harvest Festival of live music September 15 to 17, 2023, at Paterson Park in Ladner, featuring a variety of bands, parade and activities with dogs, a harvest of locally grown food, Delta Firefighters Charity BBQ, a wide variety of appetizing food trucks and kids' activities in the Family Farm Zone, was possible in part because of Ladner Rotary volunteers who managed the vehicle access and parking. |
International Educator and Ladner Rotarian Dr. Avis Glaze 7 over 70 Award
Congratulations to Rotary Club of Ladner member Dr. Avis Glaze as one of the 7 Over 70 Awards recipients at a gala dinner sponsored by Kin Village in Delta BC on September 16, 2023. Avis has made a significant contribution to the education of children across Canada and in other countries. All the recipients of the award have made our community a better place. The event raised significant funds for Kin Village’s building plans and expansion of their day program for seniors. |
School Food Pantry and Club, new Westham Square and planting 65 trees to benefit from Shred A Thon Oct 14
To support the Ladner Rotary sponsored Interact Club and the Food Pantry both at Delta Secondary School, Ladner Rotary's donation to support the new Westham Square in the centre of Ladner and donation to support the planting of 65 trees at Westham Island Park, the Rotary Club of Ladner is holding its Fall Shred-A-Thon on Saturday, October 14, 2023, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, at 5300 Ladner Trunk Road, behind Eastlink (Delta Cable). Any individual, company or organization can bring their old tax returns, credit card bills, business records, bank statements, and personal information documents so a shredding company can safely and securely shred the paper on the spot. A donation of $15 per banker’s box of paper will go entirely to support the three programs in community service. |
MP visits her former Ladner Rotary club members
It was old home week when South Surrey White Rock Member of Parliament Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay returned to her former Rotary Club of Ladner for a visit on August 15th. Before her election in the South Surrey White Rock riding, Kerry-Lynne had served as MP for the Delta Richmond East riding in the Stephen Harper government, as Parliamentary Secretary to Justice, Associate Minister of Defence then as Minister of National Revenue. Between political gigs, she was active in Ladner Rotary, including a term as President. She is now the Conservative Party's Chief Opposition Whip, the first woman to hold that office, among various parliamentary duties. |
Adults with special needs and caregivers treated to annual summer picnic
Thirty special needs adults and their family or guardians, in the South Delta Family Peer Support Group, enjoyed a sunny and breezy picnic on August 13th -- an annual event which Rotary Club of Ladner sponsors for the group every August with 10 Rotarians as hosts. The Rotary club held the event in Rotary Park, on the grass and beside the large pond and fountain next to Delta City Hall in Ladner. Games, such as horseshoes, following the lunch. |
The Rotary Foundation Major Donor Level One award to Ladner Rotarian
In recognition of his total donations to The Rotary Foundation having reached US$10,000, Ladner Rotarian and District 5040 Assistant Governor for the Richmond and Delta Area Peter Roaf was awarded a Rotary Major Donor Level One Award. |
Return of the Delta native as member
Delta native and former Montreal Alouette football player, Ty Morris, a long-time Rotarian, has returned as a member of Ladner Rotary. Ty is a former high school teacher in Washington State who lives with his wife, Anne, in Pt. Roberts, WA. He had to drop his membership in Ladner Rotary during cross-border COVID restrictions, but has returned. He is welcomed back by President Brian Coe and Past District Governor Chris Offer. |
Ladner student's Ottawa Adventure in Citizenship experience
Former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, former Prime Minister Joe Clark and former national leader of the NDP Ed Broadbent are among the thousands of high school students since 1951 who have participated in the annual "Adventure in Citizenship" Program, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ottawa. Every year, Rotary clubs across Canada sponsor 150 senior high school students to spend four days in Ottawa experiencing tours, lectures, discussions and social events designed to enhance their understanding and appreciation of Canadian citizenship. Rotary Club of Ladner sponsored Alex Price, a recent graduate of Delta Secondary School, to participate in the Program from May 14 to 17, 2023. Alex presented to Ladner Rotary members on his participation in the Program, which he described as the "best experience of my life."
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Bringing members and community to serve and enjoy online
“Trello” is an online workspace for teams. “Meetup” is a global platform that helps introduce people to new people as well as organizations. Together these two systems expand our capacity to perform beyond the scope of ClubRunner, which continues to be valuable for administration and communication.
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Rolling Hippos lead to 1000 Survival Garden Kits in rural South African communities
Rotarians from over 120 clubs are collaborating to bring water and food security to 16+ marginalized rural communities in South Africa. Through the 1000 Survival Garden Kits Project, over 7700 beneficiaries have benefited from the delivery of hippo water rollers and farming tools to increase the water supply and create homestead food gardens. Rotary's dedication to community service and goodwill provides personal, family, and community impact.
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Young Rotary exchange student from France about to depart with Ladner exchange partner
Jeanelle Guideau, of Saverne, France, has been visiting the Morrisey family, of Ladner, in recent weeks as part of a Rotary, short-term youth exchange. Rotary youth exchanges are organized by Rotary clubs which send and host students ages 15 to 19 for travel abroad for cultural exchanges, short term up to two months or long term up to most of a full year. Learning and lifelong friendships develop among the exchange students. While here, Jeanelle has toured with Patrick Morrisey and family, including daughter Claire, parts of BC and attended events. Now Jeanelle and Claire are about to depart for the second half of the exchange, with Claire visiting the Guideau family in Saverne for a few weeks. Patrick, Claire and Jeanelle spoke to Ladner Rotary members about this part of the exchange. Photo shows a house in the centre of Saverne, France, built in 1605; from the Office De Tourisme et Du Commerce Du Pays De Saverne
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52nd Street summer bbq social
Ladner Rotary members enjoyed a social bbq on the sunny patio of the Coast Tsawwassen Inn on July 11th along 56th Street in Tsawwassen, known as "South Ladner". Even Tom Smith, shown here, along with Rick Lewall, of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen, joined lunch in the sun. photos by Penny Offer
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Digital technologies for small, medium businesses boosted through fund
The Canada Digital Adoption Program is a $4 billion initiative launched by the Canadian government in 2021. The goal is to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Canada to become more competitive by adopting digital technologies. Many smaller businesses across the country fell behind during COVID. They need to adopt new digital technologies to meet their customers' needs and stay competitive. Supporting a digital economy will help Canadian companies grow and create more jobs and will be crucial to Canada's long-term competitiveness. |
Ladner Rotary scholarships for Delta Secondary grads
At the Delta Secondary School Scholarship and Bursary Night combined with the school's Valedictory Ceremony on June 27, 2023, 75 graduates received 117 scholarships and bursaries valued at $112,500. Rotary Club of Ladner presented two scholarships, as one of 52 local organizations and individual donors presenting a total of 92 scholarships valued at $81,250 to the grads of 2023.
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BC has sidestepped Giant Hornet so far
Apiculture is the management and study of honeybees and their key role in the production of most fruit and forage crops. Honeybees and other pollinators are vital to the agricultural crops grown in Delta and throughout the province. Provincial Apiculturist Paul van Westendorp, a fellow Rotarian in the Tsawwassen club, spoke about the Asian Giant Hornet, the world's largest hornet with a body length of up to 5 cm. It is an invasive hazard because it feeds on other insects, including honeybees, and can destroy a honeybee colony. Some giant hornets have been sighted in this region in recent years.
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Create Hope in the World
Rotary International President in 2023-24, Gordon McInally, of Scotland, calls for Rotary to "Create Hope in the World" as the theme for the coming year, by working for peace and mental wellbeing. He urges members to engage in tough conversations and earn the trust that’s necessary to realize these values. Ladner Rotary President 2023-24 Brian Coe (left) receives the theme banner from incoming Assistant Governor for Richmond and Delta and fellow club member, Peter Roaf.
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Rotary International’s General Secretary and CEO optimistic, despite global upheavals because Rotary is a peace builder
In his address to the 14,000 Rotary members and guests at the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, Australia on May 29th, Rotary International’s General Secretary and CEO John Hewko said: “Building peace is more than just ending war. It’s also about taking on the challenges of food insecurity, the climate crisis, civil unrest, and toxic polarization. These are huge challenges. But this is a not a moment for despair. Rather, this is Rotary’s moment to step up and take action. Because this is what we do. We are practitioners of peace, and this gives us an opportunity to fulfill our historic role — one that has been built through our decades-long investments in peace. Because today, peace is an imperative. And that imperative begins with us because we have the means to wage peace as aggressively as nations can wage war.” |
Cops for Cancer has raised $52 million for kids with cancer since 1997
Cops for Cancer began in 1997 with one police officer who wanted to make a difference. Ever since, it’s grown into a collective effort across Canada and become one of the largest fundraising events of childhood cancer research in the country. As a partnership between first responders and the Canadian Cancer Society, Cops for Cancer has raised nearly $52 million to increase survival rates and support children living with cancer and their families so no child has to face cancer alone. |
Rotary recognizes young achievers at Delta Youth Awards
Over 30 young people throughout Delta who have contributed to our community and world without seeking personal reward or accolades received recognition at the annual Delta Youth Awards on June 12, 2023 at Genesis Theatre, Delta Secondary School, in Ladner. The award recipients were recognized for having demonstrated compassion and empathy, shown inner strength and reached out with a helping hand demonstrated that they are exemplary global citizens. The Rotary Clubs of Ladner, North Delta and Tsawwassen sponsor the annual event. |
Rotary Club of Ladner President and Board 2023-24
Brian Coe became the 66th President of the Rotary Club of Ladner at the club's Installation Dinner and the club's 65th Anniversary celebration on June 13, 2023. The club's 2023-24 Board of Directors was sworn in at the same event, effective July 1st.
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President & Board 2023-24, Rotarian of the Year
"Create Hope in the World" is the 2023-24 theme throughout Rotary International, the world's original service club since 1905. The Rotary Club of Ladner welcomes its new president and board of directors, effective July 1, 2023, and presents its Rotarian of the Year Award. -- photos by Chris Offer
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From death threats to hugs: a school district transformed
Susan LaRosa was the Director of Education (or Superintendent of Schools) for 15 ½ years in the York Region Catholic District School Board - a medium sized board north of Toronto in York Region, Ontario. She certainly had to manage rapid growth: in her District, 36 new schools were built during her tenure. She shared a few strategies she employed with her leadership team to move the District from "death threats to hugs ". |
From Bees, Beer, Comedy to Railroads, Music, Magic, Rotary Fellowships form global communities Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience. |
Canada prominent at opening of Rotary world conference in Melbourne
Past District Governors and Ladner Rotarians Chris and Penny Offer are two among tens of thousands of Rotary members from all over the world at the Rotary world conference just underway in Melbourne, Australia where Canada has featured prominently with international President, Jennifer Jones, a Canadian and first female in the role in 119 years, and husband, taking the stage to welcome the assembly. -- photos by Penny Offer
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Rotary's Areas of Focus featured at Ladner's May Days paradeThe longest-running festival in Delta, since 1896, Ladner Pioneer May Days featured a community parade on May 28th, in which Rotary Club of Ladner was one of 61 entries. optional video link |
Ladner Rotary contributes to Ladner Village plaza now under construction
Stokes and Cullis Plaza is under construction at the entrance to Ladner Village. The project involves infrastructure and electrical upgrades to support new landscaping, seating, and lighting, including the construction of a new beacon sign for the village. Construction began on March 16 and final completion is expected for some time in August. The plaza will become a meeting place at the centre of the community. Rotary Club of Ladner is contributing $25,000 towards the project for the installation of two e-bike charging stations and a large timber drifter bench. These two contributions will encourage visitors to explore Ladner Village in an easy, sustainable manner, while also providing a social space within the Plaza. Funding for this contribution comes mainly from the Ladner Rotary, but also from The Rotary Foundation through District 5040 of 49 clubs in the region. Photo of an e-bike charging station. |
New development at Delta Hospital with community support through Foundation
Pursuing its mission to fund and promote outstanding healthcare at the Delta Hospital Campus of Care and in the community of Delta, since 1988, the Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation has raised close to $63 million for state-of-the-art equipment, capital projects, building improvements, and ongoing education for staff. Through the Foundation the community can support new development planned for the Hospital.
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Nominate young leaders for Delta Youth Awards
The Rotary Clubs of Ladner, North Delta and Tsawwassen are seeking candidates for this year's Delta Youth Awards. BY MAY 29th please nominate young people from your family, friends and neighbours. We want to recognize the service and achievements of over 30 young people throughout Delta who have contributed to our community and world without seeking personal reward or accolades. |
KinVillage campaign to support day program for seniors as part of major expansion
Older adults live life fully in a community of health, housing and wellness programs at KinVillage in Tsawwassen. Now KinVillage is beginning a new phase of development, to not only expand and improve housing and care options for seniors living onsite, but expand the Day Program for Older Adults from 11 to 35 older adults a day and, in turn, provide respite for caregivers of those seniors. |
General Motors backs Vancouver company mining lithium for electric vehicles
Since the early 1990s much work has been done on high-power, rechargeable lithium storage batteries for electric vehicles and for power storage. Smaller rechargeable lithium batteries are extensively used for cell phones, cameras, and other electronic devices. -- photo by H.Kashioka |
Rotary promotes the value of, and commitment to, Youth Service Every year, over 350,000 young leaders participate in Rotary’s youth programs across Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), and Rotary Youth Exchange. Rotary’s Youth Service Month is an opportunity to promote our young leaders’ local and global impacts and the Rotary and Rotaract clubs that make these programs possible. |
Egypt, Jordan, Israel travel experience for Ladner Rotarians
The experiences of travel through Egypt, Jordan and Israel in March were shared by Ladner Rotarians and Rotary District 5040 Past District Governors Chris and Penny Offer on May 2, 2023.
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Burns Bog heritage site, Delta
A group of citizens concerned with the protection of Burns Bog, in Delta, formed the Burns Bog Conservation Society in 1988. Over time this group has helped to save Burns Bog from various development proposals. In 2004, over 5,000 acres of Burns Bog was purchased by the City of Delta, Metro Vancouver, the Province of BC, and the Federal Government. This land was set aside as an ecological conservancy, limiting public access to these lands. The Burns Bog Conservation Society now holds education and stewardship events solely in the Delta Nature Reserve, where the public is able to join our hardworking staff. ---photo by Ruth Hartnup
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Sustainable farming and wildlife habitat in Delta
Over 3,500 acres of farmland and wildlife habitat on the lower Fraser River delta has been preserved through co-operative land stewardship of Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust and local farmers. A group of local farmers and conservationists, with an interest in conserving agricultural and wildlife resources in Delta, founded the Trust in 1993. The Trust believes that the preservation and sustainability of farmland as a source of food as well as a valued wildlife habitat starts with a commitment to environmentally sound and economically viable agricultural practices. |
Saving the almost 6 million children under five from death An estimated 5.9 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, inadequate health care, and poor sanitation — all of which can be prevented.Rotary makes high-quality health care available to vulnerable mothers and children so they can live longer and grow stronger. We expand access to quality care, so mothers and children everywhere can have the same opportunities for a healthy future. Rotary provides education, immunizations, birth kits, and mobile health clinics. Women are taught how to prevent mother-to-infant HIV transmission, how to breast-feed, and how to protect themselves and their children from disease. |
Classroom in a Box: access to world knowledge with no internet in Kenya
North Delta Rotarian and now retired school teacher, Bonnie Sutherland, on starting the first of many visits to Africa with her late husband, Don, 30 years ago, saw the great need for teachers and students in remote areas of Kenya. They recognized that remote, rural schools often had limited access to books, paper and writing materials, and suffered from intermittent power and no internet access. After earlier efforts to provide not only education materials, but failed attempts to supply equipment for digital learning, a Rotary team developed the African Ruggedized Education System (ARES), a "classroom in a box".
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Rotarian of the Year banner handed in
Rotary District 5040 Executive Administrator Nancy Eidsvik receives the District banner for Rotarian of the Year held from 2021-22 recipient Peter Roaf (right), saddened along with Past President Denis Denischuk, as they hand it back in preparation for presentation to this year's recipient.
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Pedestrian safety and road safety view from ICBC
Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) Road Safety Coordinator, Karon Trendaman, talked about pedestrian safety, road safety and insurance coverage in a presentation to the Rotary Club of Ladner on March 22, 2023. |
Delta South MLA Ian Paton on serving Delta and BC in agriculture
Member of the BC Legislative Assembly for Delta South Ian Paton, first elected in 2017 and again in 2020, serves as Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food. He has also served as a Member of the Select Standing Committees on Health and Agriculture, Fish and Food. He spoke to Ladner Rotary on March 14, 2023. -- photo courtesy Alaska Highway News |
Global and local Rotary leaders saluted on International Women's Day
It is a special year in Rotary worldwide, on International Women's Day, March 8th with the first female President of Rotary International in its 117 year history: Jennifer Jones. She is also a Canadian -- an extra source of pride for all of us. Not only worldwide, but here in our District 5040 of 49 clubs, we have a number of women as our leaders.
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Counselling is a conversation about you and your goals
Ladner-based Alongside You provides a team of counsellors which works with individuals, children, adolescents, couples, and families and are able to help navigate many of the challenges that people face in every day life. Sometimes people come to counselling simply because “something doesn’t feel right,” in their life. Some of the many common issues people bring to counselling sessions include depression, anxiety, addictions, chronic pain, grief and loss, sexual dysfunction, obsessive compulsive disorder and post traumatic stress disorder. |
Global and local Rotary leaders saluted on International Women's DayIt is a special year in Rotary worldwide, on International Women's Day, March 8th with the first female President of Rotary International in its 117 year history: Jennifer Jones. She is also a Canadian -- an extra source of pride for all of us. Not only worldwide, but here in our District 5040 of 49 clubs, we have a number of women as our leaders.
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Arthur Drive cleaned up for Spring
From Ladner Trunk Road, a section of Arthur Drive in Ladner is now tidied up for Spring, thanks to a team of 10 club members who picked up bags of winter trash.
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Seniors Gymnastics Program, high school Interact Club to benefit from April 1st Shred A Thon
To support the growth and value of the Delta Gymnastics Seniors’ Program for the entire community and the service above self of the 113 members in the Ladner Rotary sponsored Interact Club at Delta Secondary School the Rotary Club of Ladner is holding its Spring Shred-A-Thon on Saturday, April 1, 2023, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, at 5300 Ladner Trunk Road, behind Eastlink (Delta Cable). Any individual, company or organization can bring their old tax returns, credit card bills, business records, bank statements, and personal information documents so a shredding company can safely and securely shred the paper on the spot. A donation of $15 per banker’s box of paper will go entirely to support the programs for seniors’ wellness and youth achievement in community service. |
Clean water, sanitation, hygiene for a healthy environment, productive life When people have access to clean water and sanitation, waterborne diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families. Rotary’s people of action mobilize resources, form partnerships, and invest in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change. March is Water Sanitation and Hygiene month throughout Rotary world.
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Diversity Equity and Inclusion is belonging
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is becoming a way of life for clubs throughout Rotary. It's our sustainable future and, for some, our present as we plan and act to create a safe place for so many different people to thrive and belong as they engage in service above self, for our community and our world. Rotary District 5040 DEI Committee Chair Ardath Paxton Mann presented background and a Code of Conduct for DEI in Rotary. She was joined by fellow Committee member, Ladner Rotarian Peter Roaf, for part of the presentation.
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Where kids are first - Delta Gymnastics
Delta Gymnastics Society considers itself one of Canada’s top gymnastics clubs because of the way it treats each of its gymnasts, at every level. With the slogan, "Where Kids Are First," Delta Gymnastics doesn't just build athletes, it builds people.
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Auxiliary supports hospital's treatment, care and comfort of patients
Over the years the Delta Hospital Auxiliary Society has generated many millions of dollars to support purchase of expensive equipment for the Delta Hospital. The Auxiliary has provided that valuable support through four businesses: Thriftshop in Ladner; Courtyard Café; Dogwood Gift Shop; Lifeline. |
Deadly earthquake in Turkey, Syria: Rotary partner, Shelterbox, preparing to respond
A devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake ravaged southern Turkey and northern Syria on February 6, 2023. Over 2300 people have lost their lives, and this number is expected to increase exponentially. A second major earthquake and over 100 aftershocks have also been reported. Turkey's President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday's disaster was the worst the country had seen since 1939, when the Erzincan earthquake in eastern Turkey killed nearly 33,000 people. |
Peace & Conflict Prevention/Resolution - a Rotary global focus |
Chief, Chancellor, Dr. Kim Baird has left her mark on Tsawwassen and the province
Chief Kim Baird is Chancellor for Kwantlen Polytechnic University. She was the elected Chief of the Tsawwassen First Nation for six terms, from 1999-2012 and was the first woman in BC history, who was not an MLA, to address the BC Legislature on October 15, 2007 when the BC Treaty Legislation process was initiated. She is seen here with Melinda and Laura Cassidy at the Simon Fraser University convocation when Kim received her honourary PhD. |
Delta Police body cams, youth, drug & firearms detection
When a person was poised to jump off the Alex Fraser Bridge on January 23rd, one of the first Delta Police Department members on the scene, trying to talk him out of his suicide intent, had a body cam which streamed to a fellow officer, who specializes in negotiating in volatile situations and was en route in a vehicle and who advised his colleague what to say and do until he arrived on the scene. That was one example of the value of a body cam. Delta Police Department is the first police force in BC to use body cams. Delta Police Chief Constable Neil Dubord and seven police officers, including a sniffer dog, were on hand the next day to present some of the ways the Delta Police Department serves the community. |
Paintings capture ships and ports then and now
Delta resident John Horton was the first artist appointed to the Canadian Forces Artist's Programme (CFAP) in 2002 and was sent to join our Navy in the Arabian Gulf (Persian Gulf) aboard HMCS Algonquin. In earlier years John had served in the Royal Navy in the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific Oceans. This experience contributed to his knowledge in recording scenes of our Navy in action today. |
"Imagine" Rotary theme float wins trophy at Tournament of Roses Parade
With the theme of "Serving with Imagination and Hope'', the Rotary entry, in the 135th annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California on January 2, 2023. won the 2023 Princess Award for most outstanding floral presentation among entries 35 feet and under in length. |
Ladner Rotarians and friends plough through snow for Christmas lunch
Despite the heavy snowfall on December 20, 2022, President "Papá Noel" Guillermo Bustos welcomed 30 of the planned 40 Ladner Rotarians and partners or friends, managed to gather for a cheerful Christmas lunch at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn, which treated all to a delicious meal, with some fun seasonal music and friendship. -- photos by Penny Offer |
A brighter Christmas for some families receiving food hampers
Over 600 families in apartments of multiple storey buildings or those in the basements of single family homes throughout Delta received a Christmas hand up to celebrate the festive season with two boxes of food each delivered on December 17, 2022 through the Deltassist annual Christmas Hampers program. Returning after a two-year pandemic haitus -- when food gift cards were distributed instead of food -- the 30+-year-old Christmas Hampers program once again benefitted from the generosity of Delta residents through food drives at schools and community organizations then the pick up, organization and distribution of over 1,500 boxes of food by various community agencies, including the Rotary Club of Ladner. Mike Storey delivers one of two boxes of food to the door of a Delta resident as Jim Burnett looks on.
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Exercise is the best medicine
Live Well Exercise Clinic South Delta in Tsawwassen area uses exercise, lifestyle and nutrition counselling and healthy habit formation to give clients the information and support they need to become more active and make lasting changes in health and lifestyle. The trained exercise physiologists work with clients no matter the age, stage or shape -- not just the young, fit and glamorous -- in a culture of comfort, acceptance, care and kindness. |
Christmas Dinner for special needs adults and families, friends
The Weekend Family & Peer Support Group in South Delta, for special needs adults, their families and caregivers, were hosted for the 18th annual Christmas Dinner on December 10, 2022 at the Ladner Community Centre by the Rotary Club of Ladner. 21 Ladner Rotarians and friends prepared days in advance and on the day of the event to serve the traditional Christmas dinner to a group of 50 guests, with entertainment and gift giving sponsored by the Group.
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Paul Harris Fellow +5 Award to Walt Hayward
Paul Harris Fellow honourees are individuals who meet high professional and personal standards set forth by Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary International. Honourees may have contributed more than US $1000 to The Rotary Foundation or may be recognized with this award by their club for extraordinary service above self. This is the sixth time Walt Hayward has received this award, at the Ladner Rotary Annual General Meeting on December 6, 2022. |
Ladner Rotary recognized for End Polio support
For its support of the global campaign to rid the world of polio, started by Rotary in 1986, the Rotary Club of Ladner received a certificate from Rotary International for over US$1,200 donated by the club and individual members in 2021-22. Immediate Past District 5040 Governor Lorne Calder presented the certificate at the club's annual general meeting on December 6, 2022.
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Fundraising success thanks to Delta community and Ladner Rotary members' generosity recognized
Food for school students and families needing a hand up, planting of trees in Ladner, supporting medical and dental equipment to regions of countries in need are some of the causes supported in 2021-22 by the generosity of Delta residents in supporting fundraising events as well as that of club members in raising a total of CDN$133,000 in 2021-22. Our Rotary District 5040 of 48 clubs recognized this achievement and that of almost CDN$25,000 for The Rotary Foundation's Annual Program Fund and End Polio causes.
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Christmas decor brightens life at Delta Hospital, Manor and Hospice
Patients in acute care beds, outpatients, residents in long term care residents, staff, auxiliary volunteers and visitors in the "community" of the Delta Hospital and Mountain View Manor and those at Irene Thomas Hospice next door are getting a lift from the Christmas lights and decorations now brightening up the main entrance, in the Healing Garden at the hospital's central courtyard and inside and outside the extended care residence. Thanks to a team of 16 Rotary Club of Ladner members, including a team from Pure Sunfarms, took the morning of November 23 for this community service project. -- photos by Chris Offer and Peter Roaf
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Local business needs workers & shop local -- Delta Chamber of Commerce
Recruiting & retaining appropriately skilled workers is the top concern of businesses in Delta, according to Jill McKnight, Executive Director of the Delta Chamber of Commerce. Speaking at Ladner Rotary on November 22, 2022, Jill also advised: for every $10 you spend locally $6.10 recirculates in our community. For instance, Delta's 730+ retail businesses employ more than 18,300 people, and businesses pay 46% of the property taxes that fund services in our city. |
So many lives more productive, happier with guide and service dogs
BC and Alberta Guide Dogs is a non-profit charitable society, based in Ladner, which breeds, raises and professionally trains Guide Dogs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, Autism Support Dogs, for children 3 to 10 years and their families, and Service Dogs for veterans, first responders and RCMP members suffering from Operational Stress Injury or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, all at no cost to the client. Each fully trained guide dog or service dog enables each client to live a fulfilling and productive life.
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Ukrainians served Canada in WWI, but many were also sent to camps
 Among the 600,000 who served in the Canadian military during World War I, several thousand were Ukranian immigrants or of Ukrainian heritage. Among those were the grandfather of Wayne Gretzky and grandfather of Delta military historian Peter Broznitsky, seen here at the war memorial cenotaph in Ladner. At the outset of war in August 1914, however, the Canadian government quickly enacted the federal War Measures Act (WMA). The Act’s sweeping powers permitted the government to suspend or limit civil liberties in the interest of Canada’s protection, including the right to incarcerate “enemy aliens” including many Ukrainian immigrants and those of Ukrainian heritage. |
40 ambulances to Ukraine from Rotary partnership
A convoy of nearly 40 ambulances wound its way from Slovakia, around mountains and through roadblocks, military checkpoints, and torrential rain to arrive in Kyiv, bringing the critically needed vehicles to Ukrainian government officials. Rotary is responding to the crisis in Ukraine. The US$600,000 initiative was the first joint project between Rotary and Ukraine Friends, which agreed in July to collaborate to provide resources, organize logistics, and distribute funds for high-impact projects that help Ukrainians affected by the war with Russia. Each organization donated US$300,000 to get the ambulances, and Rotary districts in Ukraine and Slovakia coordinated the delivery. Rotary's funding came from a Rotary Foundation disaster response grant. Read More
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Flags go up for community projects to mark Remembrance Day
Canada flags to honour Remembrance Day for a week have gone up around the Ladner community thanks to 10 Rotarians who erected them. The project jointly administered with Tsawwassen Rotary in that community, provides homeowners and business owners the opportunity to recognize around Remembrance Day on November 11th the past sacrifices of those killed and wounded in world wars. Revenue from the flags rented now and around Canada Day will go towards community service projects such as a hand up with food for those families in need and planting of trees in the Ladner area.
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Rotarians in business can develop a Generosity Purpose
What injustice keeps you awake at night? What really bothers you and makes you say, "I want to do something about that"? What wrong do you see in society that you want to make right? Is it in your local community? Is it elsewhere in the world? What is the cause that you care deeply about? Connect your cash to a cause, your money to a movement, your profits to a purpose. That is what changes everything. That is the Generosity Purpose. What’s your Generosity Purpose? Is it helping abolish sex trafficking? Helping your city’s homeless population? Or is it more personal, like funding your children’s college tuition or paying for the piano lessons your granddaughter has always wanted to take? It’s not about you, but about someone or something that you believe can do more good and leave an impact on the world. After all, the Me Show will one day get canceled. The We Show always gets high ratings and airs longer. -- excerpt from "Good Money Revolution: How to Make More Money to Do More Good," by Derrick Kinney, Rotary Club of Arlington, Texas |
Ladner Rotarians tour container port in Delta
A group of Ladner Rotarians had the chance to tour the facilities of Global Container Terminals (GCT), at the Vancouver Port Authority's Deltaport in the Tsawwassen area on November 1, 2022. Marko Dekovic, GCT Vice President Public Affairs, led the tour by bus by the massive cranes for unloading ships and through the multiple stacks of containers ready for train or truck shipment, all part of a massive, complex, global network of shipping and transportation.
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Funds from Shred A Thon support school food program
From the proceeds of the Ladner Rotary Shred A Thon on October 15th, club President Guillermo Bustos (left) and Walt Hayward (right) presented $500 to Delta Secondary School in the form of 10 gift cards, each of $50 value, for the student in need food program, known as the youth work program, operated by three teachers, (l to r) Venetia Sylvester, Gillian Wallace and Dana Rowland.
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Despite lung transplants and kidnapping, Ladner Rotarian keeps going on positive attitude
Ladner Rotarian Alfredo Goco, business owner and retired financial management advisor, says faith and a positive attitude towards life has kept him going through some extraordinary challenges including a double lung transplant in the past two years. Another hurdle earlier in his life was being kidnapped for ransom in this native, The Philippines. He negotiated the ransom demand of 5 million pesos (today CDN$11,6387) down to 50,000 (CDN$1,163) and was freed. A second person kidnapped at the same time was executed by the kidnappers. |
TV news producer latest to join Ladner Rotary
City TV News producer Matt Graves, who recently joined Ladner Rotary, hails from Nova Scotia. He and his family have been living in the Ladner area since 2019, as we learned from his "getting to know you" classification speech to the club. |
Shred A Thon supports Ladner area food security and park tree planting
More families faced with the increased cost of living and relying on food banks will receive support through $2613 net proceeds from a Ladner Rotary Shred A Thon on October 15, 2022, along with trees to be funded for planting in Ladner's North 40 Park near Boundary Bay Airport. Despite competing with municipal election day local residents and business owners showed up on the property behind Eastlink (Delta Cable) on Ladner Trunk Road.
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Notaries provide many legal services, when parties are in agreement
Notaries’ Tradition of Trust goes back over 2000 years. Notaries laid down the Codex Hammurabi, the oldest evidence of documented law. Notaries were also employed by the Catholic Church to be the guiding light of civilization through the Dark Ages. Throughout centuries of upheaval, the Notary’s reputation for trustworthiness ensured that documents remained reliable. Today, Notaries do not get involved in litigation or argue cases before a judge. Their activities are restricted to non-contentious matters—those where the parties involved are in agreement.
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Almost $1.3 million from BC Rotarians will provide aid and development to people and communities in need, here and worldwide
As communities in BC become stronger through facilities and services, often with a focus on those in need, through the work of Rotary clubs, funds for those projects often come from The Rotary Foundation. Communities around the world, where there is so often a desperate need for people just to survive, The Rotary Foundation provides funds to fight disease, help mothers and children survive, provide disaster relief, and improve lives often through our Rotary clubs worldwide. To support any and all of those causes, The Rotary Foundation is receiving US $1,292,288 from generous Rotary members, and some others, in British Columbia’s Rotary District 5040 with some from Rotary District 5050. Announcement of this gift came at District 5040’s Million Dollar Dinner on October 8, 2022 at Quilchena Golf Club in Richmond.
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2020-21 Rotary International President visits StoryWalk in Ladner and tours Vancouver
At one of three Rotary StoryWalk trails in Delta, sponsored by Rotary Clubs of Ladner, North Delta and Tsawwassen, Rotary International President 2020-21 Holger Knaack, visiting from his home in Northern Germany, volunteered to help with changing the monthly children's storybook featured at 21 stations along a one-kilometre StoryWalk trail in Ladner on October 8, 2022. Holger was in town as special speaker at Rotary District 5040's Million Dollar Dinner that evening. After joining the work party, he toured some of the sights of Vancouver. The chair of the committee which organized the Million Dollar Dinner and Holger's visit was Ladner Rotarian and Past District 5040 Governor Chris Offer. |
Helping with access to clean water in Ukraine
Environmental clean up authorities in the Ukraine are working on cleaning up rivers and lakes throughout the war-torn country so residents can access clean water with the help of a Rigid Inflatable boat and 11 underwater diving suits provided by our Rotary District 5040 and Districts 5030 in Seattle and Area and 5060 in the Okanagan area of BC and part of Washington State through a multi-District disaster response fund. https://tinyurl.com/2y983zrc
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National recognition for District 5040's top Foundation giving
Rotary Zone 28, comprising the 20 Districts, 1,049 clubs and 33,640 members across Canada, has awarded our District 5040 with three Foundation awards thanks to the generosity of our members, and some non-members, at Zone’s 28 and 32 Learning to Lead Conference in Toronto September 21 to 24, 2022. https://tinyurl.com/bdhavy95
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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation September 30th
Of those children in Canada in the care of others than their parents, there are six times more than others in our society who are Indigenous. Action to educate the parents of Indigenous children and provide the resources needed to achieve effective change is among the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission chaired by Senator Murray Sinclair in 2015. Some of the funding recommended would cover the education of adults who were deprived of education long ago in their childhood. That education denied is one reason that among those in prison in Saskatchewan and Manitoba 70% are Indigenous people compared to 30% for all others. There are more than 600 First Nations in Canada and over 200 of those in BC. Canada marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, and along with it, Orange Shirt Day.
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Rotary District Governor visits Ladner Rotary
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and empowering girls at home and around the world are among the priorities of our current Rotary International President, Canadian Jennifer Jones, according to District 5040 Governor John Berry who visited the Rotary Club of Ladner with his wife, Pat, on September 20th. Assistant Governor for South Delta and Richmond, Dean Hsieh, also attended. One main theme of John's presentation was the importance and necessity for clubs and Rotarians to make choices in Rotary and in life because, “You can’t do everything.” |
Australian Rotary exchange student returns to Ladner almost 40 years later
39 years ago 17-year-old Mary Wooldridge spent a Grade 11 high school year as an exchange student from Australia with the Rotary Club of Ladner, staying with various families throughout her year. Today she returned to Ladner with her husband, Andrew, and son, Jamison, from their home in Melbourne, to start a tour of four centres in Canada and the United States. |
Casino and hotel planned to open this Fall
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment is nearing completion of the Cascades Casino and Delta Hotel in Delta, expected to open later this year. The new 160,000 sq. foot entertainment facility, on the property which was formerly the Delta Town and Country Inn, home of Rotary Club of Ladner for 40 years near the south end of the Massey Tunnel, will feature a gaming floor, entertainment centre and restaurants. Gateway projects that the facility will bring up to 600 new jobs and a $99.3 million investment to Delta economy. |
Delta Police new member introduces himself to club
A 15-year member of Delta Police Department, now heading the Ladner Community Policing Office, Constable Geoff Young, inducted as a new member just a week ago, told the club about his service in the Canadian Armed Forces, his passion for flying and eventual career in policing. He enjoys his community policing role, working with people of all ages, with a team of volunteers building to 100 by the year's end.
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District Governor 2024-25 visits club
District Governor Nominee Drew Antrobus, who will be District 5040 Governor in 2024-25, visited Ladner Rotary with his partner and fellow Rotarian Judy Smith, seen here with Ladner Rotary President Guillermo Bustos.
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Education shapes hearts as well as minds
Rotary Club of Ladner member, Dr. Avis Glaze, has visited various countries as international education consultant to school systems and governments, including Scotland on many occasions over the past six years as a member of the Scottish government’s International Council of Education Advisers. In an article for Tes Global, which works with 25,000 schools in more than 100 countries, Avis is quoted as saying that the strength of an education system is that it shapes hearts as well as minds. She says, "Attainment is important but 'so are the kind of citizens you are creating'."
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Fortis BC Liquefied Natural Gas plant expansion advancing in Delta
Fortis BC is moving closer to expanding its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant in Delta's Tilbury Industrial Park. Will Zylmans, Community Relations Officer for Fortis BC, presented an update to Ladner Rotary on August 23rd.
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Delta Police constable joins Ladner Rotary
The Delta Police constable now leading the Ladner Community Policing office, Geoff Young, became a member of Ladner Rotary on August 23rd. He replaces Ladner Rotarian of several years, Acting Sergeant Ken Kirk, who is now leading the Community Policing office in North Delta. Farewell to Ken and welcome to Geoff. Ladner Rotary President Guillermo Bustos applies the Rotary pin as part of the member induction ceremony.
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Rotary's global Health Care Worker Appreciation Week Aug 21 - 27
More than two years into COVID-19, many people are feeling “pandemic fatigue”. Around the globe, more than 555 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported, according to the World Health Organization. Health care workers have continuously dedicated their time, energy, and skills to ensure our safety, often putting their own health at risk to do so, paying the price of their own physical and mental health amidst unrelenting demand and staff shortages. Rotary saluted the courage and commitment of our health care workers who have given up so much to treat those who have become ill and contain this disease.
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Delta Rotary clubs golf tournament
Lowest score foursome at the annual Rotary Tri-Club Golf Day August 18th among 17 golfers from the three clubs in Delta, Ladner, North Delta and Tsawwassen: (l to r) Jako Krushinisky, Tsawwassen, Denis Denischuk, Ladner, Teresa Marshall, North Delta, and Jerome Vermeulen, Tsawwassen |
Special needs summer picnic bbq always popular
Ladner Rotarians hosted its annual special needs adults' picnic, with family and guardians in the South Delta Family Peer Support Group, at Rotary Park next to Delta City Hall on Sunday, August 14, 2022. The event included a bbq picnic lunch, games and socializing. Many members of the Group expressed their sincere appreciation to the club for the event which makes a difference in their lives. -- photos by Chris Offer
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Active life giving to Delta community for new member
Distribution and Warehouse Manager for the five Quest Food Exchange not-for-profit grocery market locations in Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby and North Vancouver, Brian Coe, a Ladner resident, who transferred to Ladner Rotary from Tsawwassen Rotary, earlier this year, gave his "classification" speech to our club on August 9, 2022. |
Rotary District Grants make community service possible
District Grants allow Rotary and Rotaract clubs to identify, plan, and fund worthy projects in their own communities or internationally. Grants can fund improvements such as kitchen equipment for a food pantry, assistance for after-school programs, a defibrillator for a community centre, or renovations to an accessible playground. |
Ladner Rotarian continues to influence education in Canada and overseas
Former school district superintendent in Ontario, now international education advisor to several nations, Dr. Avis Glaze described the start of her career in her native Jamaica and since in the field. As superintendent she desribed how she and others worked with the principals and staff of the 25 schools with the lowest academic results among their students and how the performance of those schools improved over time. She always says, "No child left behind." Avis just returned from further consultation with education leaders in Scotland and earlier this year spoke at a global, virtual conference of educators. |
Rotary-led Rebuilding of Ukraine village after Russian bombing
Before Russia invaded Ukraine earlier this year there were 2,789 buildings in the village of Moshchun. After Russian artillery shelling there were 789 still standing. Left behind were 1,597 craters from shells. With the participation of Rotary clubs of the world, in partnership with Ukrainian state, the rebuilding of Moshchun has the aim of developing a symbol of happy, independent, modern Ukraine. |
Looking for ways to improve relationships of police with First Nations
Armand La Barge is a former Rotarian who began his career with York Regional Police in 1973 and served as Chief of Police until his retirement. During his 37-year police career, he held multiple positions throughout the organization. He is known as a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion, an ardent defender of social justice and human rights, a hfe-long volunteer and community activist and someone committed to service on volunteer boards, community and faith-based organizations. He has been engaged in research around more effective ways for police authorities to develop less confrontational relationships with Indigenous People in Canada, including First Nations.
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Delta Secondary grads receive Ladner Rotary scholarships
Three of the 61 students graduating from Delta Secondary School received scholarships from the Rotary Club of Ladner. They were among those receiving 110 scholarships and bursaries valued at $97,665 at the School's Scholarship and Bursary Night and Valedictory Ceremony on June 28, 2022. Ladner Rotary was one of 55 local organizations and individual donors presenting 87 scholarships valued at $68,915 to the grads of 2022.
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2022-23 President Jennifer Jones is eager to advance Rotary’s narrative
Jennifer Jones, Rotary International’s first female president, is the perfect leader to spread the word about the good Rotary does in the world, and inspire its members to keep going.
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Dementia and home care
Dimentia comes in many forms, including Alzheimer's, and home care is part of the support which clients and their families can find in the community.
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Food distribution manager joins Ladner Rotary
Brian Coe, a Rotarian since 2004, is Distribution and Warehouse Manager for the five Quest Food Exchange not-for-profit grocery market locations in Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby and North Vancouver, has joined us from Tsawwassen Rotary. By bridging the gap between food banks and traditional grocery stores, Quest Food Exchange redirects at reduced cost good food, donated by local food partners from across British Columbia, that would otherwise end up in the landfill and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. |
Welcome 2022-23 President & Board and Rotarian of the Year
"Imagine Rotary" is the 2022-23 theme throughout Rotary International, the world's original service club since 1905, which finally inducts its first female president for the 1.4 member global network, Canadian Jennifer Jones. As Rotary opens itself to new opportunities, the Rotary Club of Ladner welcomes its new president and board of directors and a new member, and presents awards to two of its female members.
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Thousands inspired by Rotary International CEO
Rotary International CEO & General Secretary John Hewko inspires many thousands through his speech at Rotary's June 2022 international convention in Houston, Texas -- the first after two years.
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'Discovering' Delta at learning centre
Ladner Rotarians and guests visited the Douglas J. Husband Discovery Centre, next to Delta City Hall, on June 14, 2022. Opened in May 2020, the Centre is an exhibit of our community’s past, present, and future. It features Delta’s storied history. |
Delta Optimist Publisher advises about clickbait
Delta Optimist Publisher Pierre Pelletier advised how some web services make money with "clickbait", luring web users to their sites with sensational stories or claims and make money in the process, in competition with mainstream news media which support our community with responsible journalism, essential to our democracy.
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Neighbours helping neighbours near and far May Days parade
In gratitude to our first responders and frontline workers who protect and serve our community, Rotary Club of Ladner and members of the Delta Secondary School Interact Club salute them. They enable us, in service above self, to also serve our community and communities in need around the world: neighbours helping neighbours in the parade at Ladner May Days, founded 1896.
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More than meets the eye in daily TV news
Nick Logan explains how a story is selected for the Global TV news and what goes into the production of the story.
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Brighter Futures for those needing a hand up
Education can offer life-changing opportunities. But every year, too many bright, driven students from disadvantaged backgrounds make the decision not to pursue post-secondary education because they can't afford it. Beedie Luminaries, created by the Beedie Construction Group family, is a scholarship program for students with potential who are facing financial adversity. Students who are smart, but constrained by circumstance. Students who are resilient and gritty. Students who are ready to make a positive change in their lives. The program supports Grade 12 students and single parents in pursuing further education. |
Club recognizes Walt Hayward for outstanding service to community
On behalf of the Ladner Rotary Splash Park Committee, Chair Irene Forcier, was pleased to recognize the valuable contribution to the project and, over the long term, to the club, Walt Hayward with his fifth international Paul Harris Fellow Award.
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New story for May along Ladner StoryWalk trail
The StoryWalk for children and families in Ladner, along part of the Millenium Trail, receives a change of story for May thanks to Ladner Rotarians John Thomas, Ulf Ottho and Guillermo Bustos, on behalf of the regular installers, Tammy Hansen and husband. -- photo by Lynn Cameron
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Black education producing leaders in Canada
The Lifelong Leadership Institute (LLI) is an educational organization that exists to inspire leadership and develop leaders, and dedicates its resources to advancing leadership competence and personal success among Canadian youth of Jamaican, Caribbean and Black heritage.
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Trades important to Canada's future
The Industry Training Authority (ITA) is building the trades careers in BC through a training and apprenticeship system that meets the needs of British Columbia’s economy. ITA works with employers, apprentices, industry, labour, training providers and government to issue credentials, supports apprenticeships, fund programs, set program standards and increase opportunities in the trades.
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Ladner Rotarian to chair international Rotary Peace Centers Committee
As of July 1st, 2022 the new international Chair of the Rotary Peace Centers Committee, which every year selects the Rotary Peace Fellows for the 50 Master's Degree or 80 Professional Certificate programs in peace and conflict resolution at seven universities throughout the world, is Past District 5040 Governor Chris Offer. Member of the Rotary Club of Ladner, Chris also serves on the board of The Rotary Foundation Canada.
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Children and Youth with development needs served at REACH
Since 1959 Reach Child and Youth Development Society has been providing programs and child development and therapy services to special needs children and their families in Delta, Surrey and Langley, B.C. Reach provides a variety of programs and services designed to meet the needs of children to ensure their optimum development. Ladner Rotary has had a long relationship with Ladner-based Reach, formerly at its location near Boundary Bay Airport, as one of the first sponsors of the $5.7 million Lois E. Jackson Kinsmen Centre for Children adjacent to Memorial Park, and as sponsors of the Ladner Rotary Splash Park next door, both partially or equally sponsored by the City of Delta.
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Long time Ladner Rotarian Tom Siba passes away
The Rotary Club of Ladner, where he served the community over 30 years including as club president, and the newspaper industry are mourning the loss of a respected newspaper man and community leader, Tom Siba, former Delta Optimist publisher. who died peacefully on April 22. He was 73-years-old. Siba's last few years has been impacted by Lewy Body Dementia. -- courtesy of the Delta Optimist |
Rotary global Ukraine relief fund nearing US$10 million
As of April 18, 2022 Rotary's global Disaster Response Fund for the Ukraine has reached $9.5 million. The funds will support locally-led relief efforts underway by Rotary clubs in Ukraine and neighboring countries. More information about this crisis and Rotary's response.
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Raise a Flag for our community in 2022
Local residents and businesses in South Delta can celebrate national pride in their neighbourhoods and on their street fronts with a flag of Canada planted on their front lawn for a week around each of two holidays in 2022. The fee will contribute to services to make our community of Ladner and Delta a better place to live, work and play. With a donation towards community service projects, the Rotary Clubs of Ladner and Tsawwassen will plant a Canadian flag, on a 10-foot pole, on your lawn or in your garden around Canada Day and Remembrance Day as a display of community and national pride for a donation of $60 for the season. Then they will remove the flags. |
Here2Help helps ensure your healthcare wishes
Here2Help supports patients and their care partners navigate the healthcare system through education and advocacy. It provides compassionate and personalized service to a wide variety of clients to achieve better health outcomes and direct healthcare when they cannot, much like one might do through others with power of attorney in legal and financial matters.
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US$7 million humanitarian relief to date for Ukraine through Rotary
Rotary International CEO John Hewko reports that, as of April 5, 2022, Rotary has raised over US$7 million to support clubs responding to the war in Ukraine, thanks to the many Rotary members and others for their generosity during this humanitarian crisis. Thank you to Delta residents and sponsors who supported our Ladner Rotary Shred A Thon on April 2, 2022 contributing to this cause.
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Delta residents help people in need with Shred A Thon
At home, people in our community less able to afford the rapidly rising cost of food for themselves and their families, and in Ukraine and nearby countries, millions of desperate residents and refugees struggling to survive, will benefit from the Rotary Club of Ladner's Spring Shred-A-Thon on Saturday, April 2, 2022. -- photos by Chris Offer
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Service above self for fellow member recognized
Long time Ladner Rotarian, Irene Forcier, who has been on extended leave for health reasons, recognizes the generous support of fellow club member, Avis Glaze, for her ongoing service above self, with a Paul Harris Fellow Award. Irene says, "Avis has for a very long time, gone the full length of the course, cheering me on and checking on me, in between cooking, shopping, driving and adding support that is critical to my healing in my very eventful life. I want her to proudly wear a Paul Harris fellow. Her service above self has made a world of difference to me and I am truly grateful."
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Ladner Rotarian speaking at the World Education Summit
On March 22, award-winning, revolutionary educator and Ladner Rotarian Avis Glaze was one of the speakers to estimated 50.000 educators from 87 countries, at a four-day virtual conference: her topic was how equity, social justice and empathy need to be embedded into the education system. The story appeared in the Delta Optimist.
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Connecting People with the Ocean
Plastic and other marine pollution is killing our ocean. It is estimated that 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris are floating in our oceans. One million sea birds and 100,000 marine mammals are killed by ocean plastic. Each year 500 billion plastic bags are used around the world. For most of us this damage is far away and invisible. Without a personal connection to our oceans, it’s difficult for us to feel inspired to save them. As famed French explorer, conservationist, filmmaker, scientist, Jacques Yves Cousteau, who studied the sea and all forms of life in water, once said, “People protect what they love.” Ocean Ambassadors Canada is turning our attention to the massive challenge of cleaning up our oceans and the possible solutions. |
Rotary’s network enables rapid humanitarian relief for Ukrainian refugees
The crisis in Ukraine is having devastating consequences on civilians as families flee their homes. According to the United Nations, more than 2 million people, most of them women and children, have sought refuge in neighboring countries and across Europe, while about 1 million more people have been displaced within Ukraine. Rotary and Rotaract clubs in Europe and around the world have taken swift action and are working with members nearby to provide food, water, medical equipment, and shelter for refugees. |
Incentive program for Grade 4 students in Mexico supported by Ladner Rotary
Three Grade 4 students from the same class in Suchitlan, a town of 4,836 in the State of Colima, Mexico, have received support with their homework and have access to computers at the Project Amigo funded Study Center with support from the Rotary Club of Ladner.
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Rotary on the move and on the ground for Ukraine
To provide relief for the people of Ukraine and refugees from there to neighbouring countries, Rotary Club of Ladner has donated CAN $2,000 through The Rotary Foundation's disaster response fund. So far Rotary has raised $1.1 million and counting to support clubs responding to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. This money will be used by Rotary districts and clubs in Poland and other countries adjacent to Ukraine for immediate assistance of refugees. Rotarians can make a personal donation, and receive a Canadian tax receipt and Paul Harris Fellow credit. As Rotary International CEO John Hewko reports, "Two of the most difficult aspects during a humanitarian crisis are communication and coordination around supplies. I’m proud to share that Rotaract Europe (young professionals and university students in Rotary) has accomplished both. Within 48 hours, its Supplies Team, consisting of 60 members from across ten countries, developed a matching tool that quickly links demand for goods on site with the supplies inventory." Ukrainian refugees are shown boarding a minivan, sponsored by Rotary District 2231 in Poland, for transport to a safe location in Poland.
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She, Him, Ze, Hir/Zir: gender pronouns
Personal gender pronouns or personal gender pronouns refer to the set of pronouns that an individual wants others to use in order to reflect that person's gender identity. In English, when declaring one's chosen pronouns, a person will often state the subject and object pronouns—for example, "he/him", "she/her", or "they/them"—although sometimes, the possessive pronouns are also stated. The pronouns chosen may include neopronouns such as "ze" and "zir". Ladner Rotarian Pania Lincoln gave on overview of using various pronouns people now use to identify their gender.
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Paul Harris Fellow +4 award to Guillermo Bustos
Paul Harris Fellow honourees are individuals who meet high professional and personal standards set forth by Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary International. Honourees may have contributed more than US $1000 to The Rotary Foundation or may be recognized with this award by their club for extraordinary service above self. This is the fifth time Guillermo Bustos has received this award.
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Quilt finds its way back home to Leo
Past District Governor Penny Offer (left) returns a quilt from the Vancouver General Hospital Lost and Found to Diana Cabott Nimsick on behalf of her husband, Past District Governor Leo Nimsick, whose name tag was on the quilt.
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Ladner Rotarian Dr. Avis Glaze to speak at world education summit
Around 50,000 people from over 87 countries are expected to attend the World Education Summit March 21st to 24th. One of the featured speakers is internationally recognized education consultant and leader Dr. Avis Glaze who is a Ladner Rotarian. The World Education Summit is described as the largest annual virtual gathering of the greatest minds in education, passionate teachers and brave leaders from every corner of the world. |
Power to speak up and stop crime anonymously -- Crime StoppersPeople can share information anonymously about criminal activity through Crime Stoppers, which is committed to engaging the public to reduce, prevent, and solve crime in our communities. Crime Stoppers delivers that anonymous information to the appropriate law enforcement agency, so that a crime – or potential crime – can be solved. Crime Stoppers chapters throughout BC to engage the public to share information anonymously about criminal activity. It is affiliated with the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association and Crime Stoppers International forming a global network to disrupt crime.
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Rotary International statement on Ukraine conflict
It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world. At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Continued military action against Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world. As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian forces, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve this conflict through dialogue. |
City of Delta Outlook 2022, Mayor George Harvie
Highlights of a presentation Delta Mayor George Harvie gave to Ladner Rotary on February 22, 2022, on the state and future look of the City, included:
• Delta is the second highest community in BC for immunization. • Throughout Canada Delta is in the top 50 best communities to live and the best in Metro Vancouver, according to the annual Maclean's magazine assessment. • A number of parks have been improved. • There is now or will be no fee for use of recreation centres for youth and for those 75 and older. • A final solution to the Fraser River crossing and replacement of the George Massie Tunnel is now expected for 2030. |
City of Delta Outlook 2022, Mayor George Harvie
Highlights of a presentation Delta Mayor George Harvie gave to Ladner Rotary on February 22, 2022, on the state and future look of the City, included:
• Delta is the second highest community in BC for immunization. • Throughout Canada Delta is in the top 50 best communities to live and the best in Metro Vancouver, according to the annual Maclean's magazine assessment. • A number of parks have been improved. • There is now or will be no fee for use of recreation centres for youth and for those 75 and older. • A final solution to the Fraser River crossing and replacement of the George Massie Tunnel is now expected for 2030. |
A family's journey, from incarceration (1942 -1949) and beyond
Mary Kitagawa is an educator and crusader for human rights who has helped dismantle society’s systems of racial apartheid and legalized discrimination, create a more inclusive and just world, and demonstrate it is never too late to make right a wrong. Kitagawa and her family were among the more than 22,000 Canadians of Japanese descent incarcerated during the Second World War. As a result of the injustices her family endured, she became an advocate for human rights, maintaining a sustained focus to raise the problem of injustice due to racism and intolerance. |
A family's journey, from incarceration (1942 -1949) and beyondMary Kitagawa is an educator and crusader for human rights who has helped dismantle society’s systems of racial apartheid and legalized discrimination, create a more inclusive and just world, and demonstrate it is never too late to make right a wrong. Kitagawa and her family were among the more than 22,000 Canadians of Japanese descent incarcerated during the Second World War. As a result of the injustices her family endured, she became an advocate for human rights, maintaining a sustained focus to raise the problem of injustice due to racism and intolerance. |
Peace advanced through The Rotary Foundation in Canada
The Rotary Foundation Canada reports that, in the past year, Canadian Rotarians have envisioned greater peace in the world through the creation of eight 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 valued at US$400,000. Half of the grant funding provided scholarship funding to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace as part of Rotary’s mission.
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Honour your past, embrace the present, forge your future: Black History MonthEquality means everybody gets a pair of shoes. Equity means they get shoes that fit. As Canadians celebrate Black History Month in February, the Member of Parliament, whose motion to establish the national celebration received unanimous approval in the House of Commons in 1995, The Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black woman to be elected as an MP also describes Diversity as everybody being invited to a dance. Inclusion, she says, means everybody gets an opportunity to dance. Dr. Augustine spoke to Ladner Rotary on February 8, 2022.
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Stories year round outdoors
On a recent sunny winter's day a local day care centre brought a group of children to the StoryWalk sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ladner. Along 1 km of the Millenium Trail in Ladner, starting at Neilson Grove Elementary School, 5500 Admiral Boulevard, the children took the trail with parents helping them read a two-page spread of a story book at each of 21 stations. The children were running, hopping, skipping, and singing between each story board as directed at each station. The stories along the trail are changed every month throughout the year, promoting reading literacy and physical literacy. StoryWalk is a collaborative project throughout Delta among the Rotary Club of Ladner and the two other Rotary clubs of North Delta and Tsawwassen, which have each sponsored their own StoryWalk, the Delta Child and Youth Committee, Delta Literacy Outreach and the City of Delta. -- photo Chris Offer |
Mother & Child Health, Basic Education a legacy of Michael Cruise
Our late friend, fellow club member and Past District 5040 Governor Michael Cruise, who passed away a year ago, bequeathed through his estate a significant donation to The Rotary Foundation Canada, in support of two of Rotary's seven areas of focus: Maternal and Child Health; Basic Education and Literacy. Thank you, Michael, with Beryl, for your forwarding thinking when you were with us, now and well into the future as your gift has a positive impact on so many young lives and their communities around the world.
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Rotary aims to leave no girl behind
Women continue to face economic hurdles, declining levels of political participation, and challenges in the workplace, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2021. And the COVID-19 pandemic is among the factors that have extended the amount of time that experts estimate it will take to close the gender gap. "There is no shortage of need, and the impact of even simple projects can be significant when the power of Rotary is focused on empowering girls," says Elizabeth Usovicz, Rotary International Director. |
Delta Hospital lights brighten up Christmas
Delta Hospital patients, long term care residents, hospital and medical staff, and visitors are being treated to some Christmas spirit with decorations in the hospital's central courtyard Healing Garden, a project originally sponsored in part by Ladner Rotary. A team of Rotary Club of Ladner members, including a crew from Pure Sunfarms, installed the lights and seasonal figures. -- photos by Patricia Sibley and Pania Lincoln
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Ladner Rotarians sing for Christmas supper
Ladner Rotarians and guests celebrated Christmas in fun company, with a delicious dinner and homegrown seasonal music and singalong at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn on December 14, 2021. Thanks to organizers, Ann Waldo and Avis Glaze, President Denis Denischuk and, after a late cancellation of the musician because of illness, musician Ulf Ottho, the 30 or so attending sang Christmas carols led by the choir of Arthur Birk, Patricia Sibley and Guillermo Bustos. -- video & photos by Chris Offer
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Paul Harris Fellow Awards to Rotarian and business woman, counsellor
Thanks to Rotarian Wilbur Walrond, Rose Chiron/Howitt, Managing Director at Delta-based Grand Bliss Developments LTD, has received an international Paul Harris Award through Ladner Rotary. Her company creates real estate investment opportunities, but she also supports people in reaching forgiveness when they have suffered from not being able to let go of something bad that happened to them for a bright, hopeful and less painful future. She receives her Paul Harris Award from Wilbur Walrond, presented by Rotary Past District 5040 Governor Chris Offer. Ladner Rotarian Richard Shantz received a Paul Harris Fellow Award +9, as his tenth for his generosity in donating to The Rotary Foundation over the years. Both awards were presented at the Ladner Rotary members and guests Christmas Dinner on December 14, 2021. |
Ladner Rotarian Peter Podovinikoff passes away
Peter Podovinikoff, Ladner Rotarian of 45 years, passed away on December 13, 2021 after a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer. He was 85. Peter joined the Rotary Club of Grand Forks, BC 56 years ago. He joined Ladner Rotary in 1976. In 2008-09 he served as club president. Over many years he was an active participant in community service projects for the club and was a generous supporter of The Rotary Foundation. |
Special needs adult volunteer awarded Paul Harris Fellow
For his 25 years of volunteering in support of the South Delta Family and Peer Support Group for special needs adults, Ladner Rotary honoured Allan Kiess with a Paul Harris Fellow Award. His mother, Viola Keiss, having founded the Group 25 years ago, now at age 91 gave a thank you/farewell speech as she prepares to retire, at the annual Christmas Dinner which Ladner Rotary hosted on December 11, 2021. Allan receives his Paul Harris pin and lanyard from Ladner Rotary President Denis Denischuk. |
Protect mangroves, Rotary urged at COP26 climate conference
Restoring mangroves, a crucial ecosystem that can mitigate the effects of climate change in coastal areas, was a key focus of a Rotary delegation exploring ways to overcome environmental challenges, at the 26th United Nations climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland, on November 10, 2021. -- story by Ryan Hyland
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ICBC in the Community
Road Safety programs, especially for pedestrian safety, Enhanced Road Assessment for seniors), and the new Enhanced Care Coverage insurance coverage were three highlights of a presentation to the Rotary Club of Ladner by the Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) on November 23, 2021. |
District Governor 2020-21 Dave Hamilton named Delta’s Citizen of the Year
Delta’s highest community honour was presented posthumously to Tsawwassen Rotarian and Rotary District 5040 Governor 2020-21 Dave Hamilton, one of its beloved community champions and business leaders at the 70th Annual Hats Off to Excellence Awards, sponsored by the Delta Chamber of Commerce. -- courtesy of Ian Jacques, the Delta Optimist
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Remembrance Day salute with flags displayed in community In a salute to Remembrance Day 2021, Ladner Rotarians Ulf Ottho and Jim Burnett raise a flag for a week on the lawn of a Ladner resident who has registered for this service to generate funds for local community services in Delta. Lest we forget. -- photo by Chris Offer |
Needy Delta families will enjoy Christmas a little more from Shred A Thon
Christmas will be a little brighter with food for festive season dinners among 40 Delta families who need a hand up thanks to the generosity of Delta residents. People from Ladner and area showed up in 75 vehicles for the Ladner Rotary Shred-A-Thon on October 30th. Proceeds of $4,000 from the event will go to Deltassist which organizes the annual "Christmas Hampers" program for 600 or more needy families which register each year. |
Articling law student joins Ladner Rotary
Steven Potter, law student articling with Delta Law Office, joined Ladner Rotary on October 19th. President of The Rotary Foundation Canada and former Vice President of Rotary International, Dean Rohrs, officiated at the induction ceremony.
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Food hampers from Shred A Thon for a brighter Christmas
At least 600 low income families throughout Delta, registered with Deltassist, will enjoy a happier Christmas thanks to proceeds from a confidential, secure paper Shred-A-Thon which Ladner Rotary is holding on Saturday, October 30, 2021, 10 am to 2 pm, behind Delta Cable/Eastlink offices at 5381 Ladner Trunk Road in Ladner. For decades Deltassist has distributed hundreds of Christmas food hampers to low income families and seniors in Delta with food collected through local schools and other organizations. Ladner Rotary is one of the community partners of Deltassist in not only funding the hampers, but delivering them through volunteer service of club members. |
Horseback riding competitor and former national para-equestrian coach
Langley based Andrea Taylor spoke to Ladner Rotary members about her international level equestrian experience and that of National Team Coach for Para-Equestrian Canada. Andrea is credited for guiding Canada's Para-Equestrian team to results at the 2007 World Championships and the 2008 Paralympic Games. Rider Lauren Barwick won individual gold and silver medals. She was awarded the Petro Canada Coaching Excellence Award in recognition of her coaching achievements at the 2008 Paralympic Games. |
Rotary fights disease
400 million people in the world can’t afford or do not have access to basic health care. Disease results in pain and poverty for millions worldwide. That’s why treating and preventing disease is so important to Rotary as one of its seven areas of focus.
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Ladner Village revitalization
Since the City of Delta (then the Municipality of Delta) drafted the Ladner Area Plan in 1998, the centre of Ladner Village has been under planning discussion. Now a specific plan is emerging. The City of Delta's Deputy Director of Community Planning and Development James Klukas presented an update of this planning to Ladner Rotary on October 5, 2021. Delta Councillor Dylan Kruger also spoke to the club.
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Rotary International Citation for Ladner Rotary
The international Rotary Citation is the most significant award a Rotary club can achieve. Rotary Club of Ladner has received its Rotary Citation for our performance in 2020-21 from Rotary International's President for that year, Holger Knaack.
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Indigenous Education in Delta
All students and Delta staff will benefit from a deeper understanding of Canada’s history of colonization and its influence on current relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people when they embark on a journey towards reconciliation. Diane Jubinville, Delta School District Vice-Principal, Indigenous Education Department, and Heide Wood, an Educator in the School District's Indigenous Education Department, spoke to Ladner Rotary members on September 28, 2021. |
Enhancing and empowering out of mental illnessPsychiatric Nurse Jason Procyshyn explains the value of psychosocial rehabilitation (psychiatric rehabilitation) and programs provided in promoting personal recovery, successful community integration and satisfactory quality of life for persons who have a mental illness or a mental health and/or substance use concern.
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Sport, Success and contributing to your community
Ladner resident, Michael Edgson, who is partially blind, is Canada’s most decorated Paralympian. He competed internationally as a swimmer in able bodied as well as para events. Having won 18 Gold and 3 Silver medals, and set 9 World Records during his career as a Paralympic Swimmer, he carried the Canadian flag during the closing ceremonies at the 1988 Paralympics in Seoul, South Korea. |
Flags raised for Labour Day
Labour Day is the second of three occasions in the year when Ladner and area residents and businesses Raise A Flag in support of community service projects. The Rotary Club of Ladner has been signing up people in our community who pay $60 per season for a flag of Canada on a 10-foot pole to be installed for a week on their front lawn or nearby. The other two occasions in the season are Canada Day and Remembrance Day. The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen has been providing this service to residents of that community. Thank you to all our subscribers and to our work party volunteers who install and remove the flags. photos by Chris Offer
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Special needs picnic in the park
About 40 special needs adults and their family or guardians, in the Family and Peer Support Group, came to Rotary Park, next to Delta City Hall, on August 15, 2021, to participate in the annual summer picnic which the Rotary Club of Ladner sponsors every year for the group. Members of the group as always were grateful for the chance to enjoy the outdoor event, with tasty food and games, which, they say, makes a difference in their lives. Ladner Rotary also sponsors a Christmas dinner for the group. Thank you to Mike and Kathy Storey and to Arthur and Geraldine Birk for organizing this event, along with 12 other Ladner Rotary volunteers. -- photos Chris Offer |
Conservative MP candidate speaks up ahead of anticipated election
Speaking to the Rotary Club of Ladner on August 10th, Conservative party candidate for Delta in the next federal election, Garry Shearer, talked about what he had learned about the community over the past three years.
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StoryWalk trail gets a new story for August
The StoryWalk reading and activity trail for children and families in Ladner gets a new story for August in the monthly exchange of stories. -- photos by Chris Offer
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Rotary International President new nominee 2023-24 former guest of Ladner Rotary
Guest of Ladner Rotary in February, Gordon McInally, a member of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, Lothian, Scotland, is nominated to become President of Rotary International for 2023-24. Gordon spoke to our club about Scotland. He lauded Rotary’s ability to adapt technologically during the COVID-19 pandemic -- an example being his speaking to our club from afar via Zoom -- saying the approach should continue and be combined with the best of our past practices as Rotary seeks to grow and increase engagement. He says, “We have learned there is a willingness within communities to care for one another, and we must ensure that we encourage people who have recently embraced the concept of volunteering to join us to allow them to continue giving service.” |
Police highlights in Delta
The death of an off duty corrections officer, who was recently shot in a North Delta shopping mall, has led to protocols developed by Delta Police with local retailers about what to do in the event of a similar incident to protect themselves and their customers. Ladner Rotarian, Acting Sergeant Ken Kirk, provided this update at our club meeting on August 3rd. The theft of catalytic converters, especially from larger vehicles, has been increasing, now even in daylight from the middle of shopping malls, he reported. A driver can have their catalytic converter etched with their identification, through Delta Police Department, and a bike rider, their bike registered, in case of theft. Stolen property has been returned through that kind of system. Delta Police continues to serve, and work with, Tsawwassen First Nation, as well as all of Delta. Volunteers' contributing to community policing had dropped off during the past year or so of pandemic restrictions, but will be picking up again this Fall. Once again, Delta residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for any threats to security and safety and report them to police: "No call too small."
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Funding relief going to Lytton fire evacueesDozens of families, among the more than 1,000 people suddenly forced to flee their homes in Lytton, BC when fire swept through most of the town on June 30th, so far have received from many Rotary members in this region $10,000 in gift cards plus $4,000 in fuel cards and supplies, as requested by leaders of the destroyed community. These funds are half of the total $28,000 in funds Rotary has raised to date for the BC Wild Fire Relief fund through the club in Steveston community of Richmond.
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Paul Harris Fellow Award to Shirvan Bakhtiyari
Paul Harris Fellow honourees are individuals who meet high professional and personal standards set forth by Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary International. Honourees may have contributed more than US $1000 to The Rotary Foundation or may be recognized with this award by their club for extraordinary service above self. After many months, Shirvan Bakhtiyari, of Millenium Pacific Greenhouses in Delta, received his Paul Harris Award on July 27, 2021. |
Pania Lincoln officially joins Ladner Rotary
After many months of active participation in Ladner Rotary projects, Pania Lincoln was finally sworn in as a new member, in person, on July 27, 2021. Welcome Pania.
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Rotary serving to change lives in Delta -- new board
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