Stories

Classroom in a Box: access to world knowledge with no internet in Kenya

Posted on Mar 28, 2023

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".

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.

Pedestrian safety and road safety view from ICBC

Posted on Mar 21, 2023

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

Posted on Mar 14, 2023

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

Posted on Mar 08, 2023

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.

Counselling is a conversation about you and your goals

Posted on Mar 07, 2023

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 Day

Posted on Mar 07, 2023

Arthur Drive cleaned up for Spring

Posted on Mar 04, 2023

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.

Seniors Gymnastics Program, high school Interact Club to benefit from April 1st Shred A Thon

Posted on Mar 03, 2023

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

Posted on Mar 01, 2023

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.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion is belonging

Posted on Feb 28, 2023

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.

Where kids are first - Delta Gymnastics

Posted on Feb 21, 2023

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.

Auxiliary supports hospital's treatment, care and comfort of patients

Posted on Feb 07, 2023

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

Posted on Feb 06, 2023

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

Posted on Feb 01, 2023

Chief, Chancellor, Dr. Kim Baird has left her mark on Tsawwassen and the province

Posted on Jan 31, 2023

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

Posted on Jan 24, 2023

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

Posted on Jan 17, 2023

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

Posted on Jan 03, 2023

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

Posted on Dec 20, 2022

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

Posted on Dec 17, 2022

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.

Exercise is the best medicine

Posted on Dec 13, 2022

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

Posted on Dec 10, 2022

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.

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

Posted on Dec 06, 2022

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.

Fundraising success thanks to Delta community and Ladner Rotary members' generosity recognized

Posted on Dec 06, 2022

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.

Christmas decor brightens life at Delta Hospital, Manor and Hospice

Posted on Nov 24, 2022

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

Local business needs workers & shop local -- Delta Chamber of Commerce

Posted on Nov 22, 2022

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

Posted on Nov 15, 2022

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.

Ukrainians served Canada in WWI, but many were also sent to camps

Posted on Nov 08, 2022

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

Posted on Nov 05, 2022

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

Flags go up for community projects to mark Remembrance Day

Posted on Nov 05, 2022

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.

Rotarians in business can develop a Generosity Purpose

Posted on Nov 05, 2022

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

Posted on Nov 01, 2022

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.

Funds from Shred A Thon support school food program

Posted on Oct 27, 2022

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.

Despite lung transplants and kidnapping, Ladner Rotarian keeps going on positive attitude

Posted on Oct 25, 2022

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

Posted on Oct 18, 2022

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

Posted on Oct 15, 2022

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.

Notaries provide many legal services, when parties are in agreement

Posted on Oct 11, 2022

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.

Almost $1.3 million from BC Rotarians will provide aid and development to people and communities in need, here and worldwide

Posted on Oct 08, 2022

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.

2020-21 Rotary International President visits StoryWalk in Ladner and tours Vancouver

Posted on Oct 08, 2022

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

Posted on Oct 04, 2022

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

National recognition for District 5040's top Foundation giving

Posted on Oct 04, 2022

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

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation September 30th

Posted on Sep 27, 2022

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.

Rotary District Governor visits Ladner Rotary

Posted on Sep 20, 2022

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

Posted on Sep 13, 2022

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

Posted on Sep 06, 2022

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

Posted on Aug 30, 2022

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.

District Governor 2024-25 visits club

Posted on Aug 30, 2022

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.

Education shapes hearts as well as minds

Posted on Aug 26, 2022

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'."

Fortis BC Liquefied Natural Gas plant expansion advancing in Delta

Posted on Aug 23, 2022

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.

Delta Police constable joins Ladner Rotary

Posted on Aug 23, 2022

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.

Rotary's global Health Care Worker Appreciation Week Aug 21 - 27

Posted by Peter Roaf on Aug 22, 2022

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.

Delta Rotary clubs golf tournament

Posted on Aug 18, 2022

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

Posted on Aug 14, 2022

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

Active life giving to Delta community for new member

Posted on Aug 09, 2022

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

Posted on Aug 04, 2022

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

Posted on Aug 02, 2022

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

Posted on Jul 31, 2022

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

Posted on Jul 19, 2022

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.

Delta Secondary grads receive Ladner Rotary scholarships

Posted on Jul 14, 2022

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.

2022-23 President Jennifer Jones is eager to advance Rotary’s narrative

Posted on Jul 10, 2022

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.

Food distribution manager joins Ladner Rotary

Posted on Jul 05, 2022

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.

Dimentia and home care

Posted on Jul 05, 2022

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.

Welcome 2022-23 President & Board and Rotarian of the Year

Posted on Jun 28, 2022

"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.

Thousands inspired by Rotary International CEO

Posted on Jun 15, 2022

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.

'Discovering' Delta at learning centre

Posted on Jun 14, 2022

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

Posted on Jun 07, 2022

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.

Neighbours helping neighbours near and far May Days parade

Posted on May 29, 2022

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.

More than meets the eye in daily TV news

Posted on May 24, 2022

Nick Logan explains how a story is selected for the Global TV news and what goes into the production of the story.

Brighter Futures for those needing a hand up

Posted on May 17, 2022

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

Posted on May 17, 2022

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.

New story for May along Ladner StoryWalk trail

Posted on May 15, 2022

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

Black education producing leaders in Canada

Posted on May 10, 2022

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.

Trades important to Canada's future

Posted on May 03, 2022

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.

Ladner Rotarian to chair international Rotary Peace Centers Committee

Posted on Apr 30, 2022

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.

Children and Youth with development needs served at REACH

Posted on Apr 26, 2022

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.

Long time Ladner Rotarian Tom Siba passes away

Posted on Apr 25, 2022

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

Posted on Apr 19, 2022

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.

Raise a Flag for our community in 2022

Posted on Apr 14, 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

Posted on Apr 05, 2022

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.

US$7 million humanitarian relief to date for Ukraine through Rotary

Posted by Peter Roaf on Apr 05, 2022

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.

Delta residents help people in need with Shred A Thon

Posted by Peter Roaf on Apr 02, 2022

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

Service above self for fellow member recognized

Posted on Mar 29, 2022

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."

Ladner Rotarian speaking at the World Education Summit

Posted on Mar 22, 2022

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.

Connecting People with the Ocean

Posted on Mar 22, 2022

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

Posted by Peter Roaf on Mar 17, 2022

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

Posted by Peter Roaf on Mar 15, 2022

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.

Rotary on the move and on the ground for Ukraine

Posted on Mar 09, 2022

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.

She, Him, Ze, Hir/Zir: gender pronouns

Posted on Mar 08, 2022

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.

Paul Harris Fellow +4 award to Guillermo Bustos

Posted on Mar 08, 2022

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.

Quilt finds its way back home to Leo

Posted on Mar 08, 2022

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.

Ladner Rotarian Dr. Avis Glaze to speak at world education summit

Posted by Peter Roaf on Mar 04, 2022

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 Stoppers

Posted on Mar 01, 2022

People 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.

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

Posted by Peter Roaf on Feb 22, 2022

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

Posted on Feb 22, 2022

A family's journey, from incarceration (1942 -1949) and beyond

Posted by Peter Roaf on Feb 15, 2022

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 beyond

Posted by Peter Roaf on Feb 15, 2022

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.

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.

Honour your past, embrace the present, forge your future: Black History Month

Posted by Peter Roaf on Feb 08, 2022

Equality 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.

Stories year round outdoors

Posted on Jan 24, 2022

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

Posted by Peter Roaf on Jan 09, 2022

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.

Rotary aims to leave no girl behind

Posted on Dec 28, 2021

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

Ladner Rotarians sing for Christmas supper

Posted on Dec 14, 2021

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

Paul Harris Fellow Awards to Rotarian and business woman, counsellor

Posted on Dec 14, 2021

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

Posted on Dec 13, 2021

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

Posted on Dec 11, 2021

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

Posted on Nov 29, 2021

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

ICBC in the Community

Posted on Nov 23, 2021

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

Posted on Nov 22, 2021

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

Remembrance Day salute with flags displayed in community

Posted on Nov 06, 2021

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

Posted by Peter Roaf on Oct 30, 2021

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

Posted on Oct 19, 2021

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.

Food hampers from Shred A Thon for a brighter Christmas

Posted by Peter Roaf on Oct 15, 2021

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

Posted by Peter Roaf on Oct 12, 2021

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

Posted on Oct 11, 2021

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.

Ladner Village revitalization

Posted by Peter Roaf on Oct 05, 2021

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.

Rotary International Citation for Ladner Rotary

Posted on Sep 28, 2021

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.

Indigenous Education in Delta

Posted by Peter Roaf on Sep 28, 2021

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 illness

Posted by Peter Roaf on Sep 21, 2021

Psychiatric 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.

Sport, Success and contributing to your community

Posted by Peter Roaf on Aug 31, 2021

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

Posted on Aug 28, 2021

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

Special needs picnic in the park

Posted by Peter Roaf on Aug 15, 2021

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

Posted on Aug 10, 2021

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.

StoryWalk trail gets a new story for August

Posted by Peter Roaf on Aug 08, 2021

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

Rotary International President new nominee 2023-24 former guest of Ladner Rotary

Posted by Peter Roaf on Aug 06, 2021

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

Posted by Peter Roaf on Aug 03, 2021

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."

Funding relief going to Lytton fire evacuees

Posted by Peter Roaf on Jul 27, 2021

Dozens 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.

Paul Harris Fellow Award to Shirvan Bakhtiyari

Posted on Jul 27, 2021

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

Posted on Jul 27, 2021

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.

Rotary serving to change lives in Delta -- new board

Posted by Peter Roaf on Jul 10, 2021

With the global theme for 2021-22, “Serve to Change Lives,” Rotary Club of Ladner installed its new president, Denis Denischuk, and board of directors at a virtual ceremony on June 29, 2021, officiated by the 2021-22 Rotary District 5040 Governor for 50 of the Rotary clubs in BC, Lorne Calder, of the Rotary Club of Prince George. Ladner Rotary, now in its 64th year, will continue to build on projects for the community, such as the StoryWalk trail of reading stations for young children, the pantry for high school students who need nutritious food over weekends, events for special needs adults and the Ladner Rotary Splash Park.

Video review of productive Ladner Rotary year in 2020-21

Posted by Peter Roaf on Jul 01, 2021

Video review of the challenging, yet productive, 2020-21 year of Ladner Rotary during the pandemic, from community and international service projects to guest speakers from near and far.

We're listening as we Raise A Flag

Posted by Peter Roaf on Jun 30, 2021

Rotary's Raise A Flag program in South Delta has coincided with a period of national mourning with the discovery of remains of children from the Tk’emlùps te Secwèpemc First Nation in unmarked graves at the residential school in Kamloops, and more recently in Saskatchewan.

Planning and development of the Raise A Flag program, by the Rotary Clubs of Ladner and Tsawwassen, began months ago to provide a means for local residents and businesses to demonstrate national pride on special occasions, and raise funds for projects which contribute to our communities where there is need.

Ladner Rotary board installed for 2021-22

Posted on Jun 29, 2021

Denis Denischuk became the 64th President of the Rotary Club of Ladner at the Installation ceremony on June 29, 2021 as Rotary 5040 District Governor Elect Lorne Calder swore him in as well as the board of directors for 2021-22, effective July 1, 2021.

Ladner Rotarian of the Year

Posted on Jun 29, 2021

Rotarian of the Year

The Rotary Club of Ladner's Rotarian of the Year 2020-21 is Richard Shantz. Congratulations and thanks to Richard, who received a Paul Harris Fellow +7 Award pin, for:
• member Satisfaction for Fundraising was rated in a recent survey at 77% (up from 59% in 2020);
• Pumpkins for Polio fundraiser in October achieved, with matching grant, a total of US$2,580 which will save 857 children from the lifetime crippling disease of polio, even death;
• Shred-A-Thon fundraisers in Fall and Spring raised $8,000 for 50 needy Delta families at Christmas, StoryWalk for thousands of children and families, and a food pantry for needy high school students;
• flagpole rentals can lead to $12,000 to fund future community projects.

Ladner Rotary's glorious golfers

Posted on Jun 24, 2021

Team Ladner Rotary foursome played in the June 24th Delta Chamber of Commerce annual golf tournament at Tsawwassen Golf Club: Ulf Ottho; Richard Shantz; Brian Smith; John Thomas. Ulf won the award for coming closest to the "tooth", an award undoubtedly sponsored by a dentist or dental supply company.

Europe and Africa a major part of Rotary's global operations

Posted on Jun 22, 2021

Almost 300,000 members of Rotary, out of the total 1.2 million worldwide, in almost 9,000 clubs throughout 114 countries, are served by the Europe Africa Rotary office in Zürich, Switzerland. The office was been operating there since 1925, the earliest office after the headquarters in the Chicago area's Evanston, Illinois, which opened in 1911.

Interact rocks, at Delta Secondary

Posted on Jun 15, 2021

The President of the 40-member Interact Club at Delta Secondary School in Ladner, which is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ladner, and her fellow club member, presented a summary of their highly productive year despite pandemic restrictions.

Final flagpoles prep work party

Posted on Jun 13, 2021

Flag stands needed metal cutting and power grinding as the final phase of prep before distribution of the first round of Canadian flags on poles, out of three rounds this year, to those renting them in the Ladner area as a demonstration of national pride. Flagpoles at residences and businesses can be rented for one week around Canada Day, Labour Day and Remembrance Day for $60 each flag, on all three occasions, to support local community projects in the coming months. For more information. -- photos by Mike Storey

Delta Police Challenges and Opportunities

Posted on Jun 01, 2021

Delta's recently appointed Deputy Chief Constable Michelle Davey spoke to Ladner Rotary about the challenges and opportunities for policing in Delta. Deputy Chief Davey came from Vancouver Police Department where she served for 24 years. Latterly she was responsible for support services in the department’s investigations division. She is a recognized expert in mental health issues and has built innovative partnerships to help ensure those experiencing mental health challenges are not criminalized.

Getting ready to raise flags on national days

Posted on May 30, 2021

A Ladner Rotary work party attached 200 flags of Canada to 10-foot aluminum poles and prepared them for delivery to homes and businesses of people throughout Ladner subscribing to the Raise a Flag program for $60 to have them erected and removed for a week around Canada Day, Labour Day and Remembrance Day in displays of national pride. Proceeds from the program will support community service projects, along with the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen. -- photos by Chris and Penny Offer

Rotary celebrates Ladner May Days 125th Anniversary

Posted on May 29, 2021

To celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Ladner Pioneer May Days on May 29, 2021, Ladner Rotary entered the virtual parade then gathered for a virtual barbeque social to view the virtual parade and have some fun with a quiz about the Ladner and Delta community.

One of BC's two LNG facilities in Tilbury industrial park

Posted on May 18, 2021

FortisBC is the owner and operator of the only two Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities in British Columbia. One is at Tilbury industrial park in Delta, where the company has run part of its operations since 1971. These facilities have a variety of special features designed for the safe handling of LNG—including sophisticated monitoring, control and alarm systems. Regular maintenance and upgrading of equipment, operator training, safety equipment and continuous process monitoring ensure safe operation.

Raise a Flag for our community

Posted on May 12, 2021

Services to make our community of Ladner and Delta and better place to live will benefit when local residents and businesses celebrate with 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 three holidays in 2021.

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, Remembrance Day, and Labour Day as a display of community and national pride for a donation of $60 for the season. Then they will remove the flags.

Service far above self...of self...with organ transplant donation

Posted on May 11, 2021

Freddie Marsh became a living kidney donor to his friend, Anna Maria, in 2015. Freddie is now an advocate for organ donation. He volunteers his time at BC Transplant to share his story. He spoke to the club with Tina from BC Transplant.

Youth service above self

Posted on May 03, 2021

Rotary is committed in many ways to not only developing, but learning from, our next generation of leaders. We help younger leaders build leadership skills, expand education and learn the value of service. In serving our youth, Rotarians of all ages learn so much from them.

Rotary Club of Ladner sponsors the Interact Club – stands for “International + Action” -- at Delta Secondary School, in Ladner, for young people ages 12-18. From a small group of members at the start of the school year, the club grew quickly to upwards of 30 or more, despite the pandemic restrictions.

District Governor Dave Hamilton's life celebrated

Posted on Apr 28, 2021

A small gathering of family, Rotarians and colleagues gathered in person to celebrate the life of District 5040 Governor Dave Hamilton, who passed away recently. The service was livestreamed and it was recorded. The service was a fitting tribute to a 30-year member of Rotary, who gave so much of himself in Service Above Self, to Rotary, the community and the lives of so many. Here are just a few comments at the service about Dave:

"inspired us, left a lasting legacy"

"didn't stop going"

"never complained"

"knew everybody in the community"

"was a servant of the community"

Delta Chamber advocates to relieve traffic congestion

Posted on Apr 27, 2021

Traffic congestion has been an ongoing challenge for businesses and residents in Delta over many years. Businesses are struggling with the realities of unreliable travel times and are reluctant to develop to meet full potential. The best case scenario for replacement of the George Massey Tunnel is 7 to 8 years, but only once the provincial government finally has made a decision. The Delta Chamber of Commerce sees the need to engage with industry, government, and other stakeholders, particularly Translink and BC Transit, to help develop a comprehensive public transit service plan for Industrial Lands and Business Parks. The Chamber has developed a new Transportation Policy, which Chair of the Delta Chamber of Commerce, Rotarian Yvonne Anderson, presented to Ladner Rotary on April 27, 2021.

Waving flags for District conference

Posted on Apr 24, 2021

Rotarians from Ladner and Tsawwassen clubs lined 34b Avenue off Arthur Drive in Ladner by their cars, with flags of nations to wave for a video at the June 4-5 2021 virtual District 5040 Conference, in place of the normal part of the opening ceremony which would include international exchange students as flag bearers from around the world.

Captain Cook Rediscovered

Posted on Apr 20, 2021

Captain Cook Rediscovered is the latest book by David Nicandri. It is the first modern study to frame Captain James Cook’s career from a North American perspective, recognizing that Cook sailed more miles in the high latitudes of all of the world’s oceans than in the tropical zone. The book focuses on Cook's voyages in seas and on lands usually neglected. The most famous protege of this world renowned explorer was Captain George Vancouver.

Rotary International incoming President on priorities for 2021-22

Posted on Apr 15, 2021

Rotary needs to grow more and do more with bigger, better and bolder projects, according to Rotary International President for 2021-22, Shekhar Mehta, of the Rotary Club of Calcutta-Mahanagar, West Bengal, India. President Elect Shekhar spoke to 61 members of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen on April 15 and Rotarians visiting from nearby clubs and from as far away as India and the Philippines.

Mehta says Rotary needs to become more contemporary and adaptable by focusing on partnerships with governments and corporations, expanding partnerships with organizations that specialize in Rotary’s areas of focus, and investing in technology.

By the end of his term as President, on June 30th, 2022, he hopes Rotary will have grown from its steady position of 1.2 million members to 1.3 million. Each member can aim to bring a new member to Rotary in the next 15 months and that can make the difference.

Plant-based lifestyle business a growing success story

A plant-based lifestyle is far more than just a diet. The goal of West Vancouver-based PlantX is to educate the masses on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle and eliminate the barriers to entry for all. As PlantX co-founder, Sean Dollinger, describes the lifestyle on his company website, "It’s a way to be closer to nature, to each other, and work toward a kinder and cruelty-free future for everyone."

Soccer cleats and books on their way to children in the Philippines

Posted on Apr 10, 2021

A collection of soccer cleats and books for children in the Philippines, which members of the Rotary-sponsored Interact Club at Delta Secondary School collected in recent months, are now on their way by shipping container along with used medical and dental equipment for services in some communities. One Ladner Rotary member and six Interact members joined other Rotarians to load the container at a warehouse in Coquitlam on April 10. 2021. Ladner Rotary has provided $1,500 as one of the clubs sponsoring shipment of the container.

Children’s reading trail, food for high school students in need
supported by shredding

Children can read a story over the course of a trail of reading stations scheduled to open by this summer in Ladner. Some students at Delta Secondary School and their families, who need a hand up, will continue to receive food over weekends from a food pantry program. These two services to the community are being provided by Rotary Club of Ladner thanks to proceeds from a paper shredding fundraiser it organized on April 10th.

The South Delta residents and business people who showed up in 130 vehicles over four hours with boxes and bags of confidential and other documents to the shredding site behind the Delta TV/Eastlink building on Ladner Trunk Road, made the event a success with about $3,000 raised for the two community service projects.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion -- values for us all

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are values which Rotary International Board Director and DEI Taskforce Chair Valarie Wafer has not only spoken about passionately over many years, but has practiced in our own business. In 2021-22 Valarie, who will become Vice President of Rotary's 1.2 million member global network, says DEI aren't just the right values to practice, they are good for business. She will be serving on the RI board with fellow Ontario Rotarian Jennifer James, who in 2022 becomes the first female president in 117 years of Rotary International, considered the world's original service club. Valerie spoke to the Rotary Club of Ladner on April 6, 2021.

Children and families will soon enjoy outdoor reading trail

Posted on Apr 05, 2021

The StoryWalk outdoor reading trail for children and families is in production for Ladner with the aim of opening early this summer. StoryWalk is a collaborative project throughout Delta among the Delta Child and Youth Committee, Delta Literacy Outreach, City of Delta and the three Rotary clubs in Delta.

Millions under age 5, mothers giving birth, die -- Rotary acts

Posted on Apr 01, 2021

Almost six million children under the age of five die every year because of malnutrition, inadequate health care, and poor sanitation. As people of action, Rotarians have been working with authorities in various countries to prevent those deaths. They have also been working on reducing maternal deaths by 30% through family planning and ultimately empowering women.

Poverty and hunger can be alleviated if mothers are empowered and healthy, and in turn, their families. Thanks to the Rotary Foundation, communities receive the help and training they need to take control of their own maternal and infant health care.

Leaders in Ladner Rotary featured in national journal

Posted on Mar 31, 2021

Ladner Rotarians Chris and Penny Offer are featured in the April 2021 issue of Rotary Canada magazine. Both are Past District 5040 Governors and have held, and continue to hold, national and international leadership positions in Rotary.

Sad farewell to our District 5040 Director

Posted on Mar 30, 2021

Rest in Peace

Dave Hamilton,

our District 5040 Governor.

Thank you, Dave,

for your legacy

from service above self to

Rotary and our community

over many years.

Ladner Rotary hitting targets with their goals

Posted on Mar 30, 2021

Members of the Rotary Club of Ladner are people of action. They engage in service above self to make our community a better place......and our world. Members spoke up in a survey last Spring. The club has acted on those priorities, despite the pandemic. Here are some highlights.

People who make our community and our world a better place

Posted on Mar 23, 2021

Lynn Cameron and Graham Witcher are two members of Rotary Club of Ladner who have seen much of the world and bring their life's experience, sense of humour and commitment as people of action to service above self. They, like our fellow members, make Rotary such a positive experience of friendship in working with other members in fellowship.

Youth get a better chance in Delta Police community program

Posted on Mar 16, 2021

For the past 15 years, Constable Mike Grandia has been a member of Delta police where he is assigned to the Youth Services Team working with "high risk" youth. In recent years Constable Grandia has been a leader in the youth program developed with Tsawwassen First Nation where he was the Delta Police liaison officer and where he continues to work with youth. Now his team is working on implementing a similar program for urban setting in local communities.

April 10th Shred-A-Thon to make outdoor reading fun and provide food for students

Posted on Mar 10, 2021

StoryWalk® is a way for children to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. It is one of the projects to be supported by proceeds from the Ladner Rotary Shred-A-Thon fundraiser on Saturday, April 10th. Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to wooden platforms on wooden posts, which are installed along an outdoor trail. As children stroll down the trail with their families and friends they are directed to the next pages in the story at the next station. The Delta Child and Youth Committee is working with the Rotary Club of Ladner on a StoryWalk for Ladner, and one each with the two other Rotary clubs in Delta and the City of Delta, for an expected launch possibly this summer.

The Shred-A-Thon will also support a program to feed families of high school students in need on weekends just started at Delta Secondary School in Ladner. Rotary Club of Ladner is sponsoring a School Grocery Pantry to provide students of families in need with nutritious food to take home for wholesome meals to help their learning at school. Save-On-Foods in Ladner is providing the food at “food bank prices”.

The Fraser

Posted on Mar 09, 2021

The Fraser River is the 11th largest river in Canada. In their new coffee-table book, "The Fraser, River of Life and Legend," Carol and Rick Blacklaws raise the profile of its rugged and wild beauty, capturing over 20 years of exploring the river and some of its life and history, from the Cariboo region to the Strait of Georgia. The Blackwells -- whose son became a river guide, and who named his own son Fraser -- wanted to recognize the Fraser as a rich resource for most of us in the province, because, in many places, it is only accessible on backroads or river rafts by those who work on the river.

Clean water and sanitation essential worldwide

Posted on Mar 08, 2021

Residential consumers of water in Canada use over 340 litres per person per day. That’s roughly twice as much per person as in other industrialized countries, other than the United States and Australia. Those of us fortunate to be living in this country of ours, and this province, may take our supply of fresh water for granted, and the sanitation facilities which come with our high standard of living. In other, less fortunate places on Earth, water may be delivered to communities through expensive processes such as desalination or complex recycling. Water is a vital, and can be a scarce, resource.

Saluting women in Rotary and the world

Posted on Mar 05, 2021

Rotary Club of Ladner salutes women who are members in this club and among millions of Rotarians worldwide on International Women’s Day, on March 8 -- a day to join voices with people around the world around the message, “Women’s rights are human rights!” It is time to celebrate all women, in all their diversities. We embrace their facets and intersections of faith, race, ethnicity, gender or sexual identity, or disability. We celebrate those who came before us, those who stand beside us now, and those who will come after. It’s a time to celebrate the achievements of women, whether social, political, economic or cultural.

Bringing basic education and literacy to the world

Posted on Mar 02, 2021

Over 776 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17 percent of the world’s adult population. In 1985, Rotary declared basic literacy to be a pre-condition for the development of peace. Early literacy training is critical to the success of a child's later education. So Rotarians work worldwide with children, parents, and educators to encourage and build reading skills at an early age for the life and fulfillment of each child and their community, the avoidance of conflict and building of peace.

Wheelchairs given by sister Rotary club in Chile

Presidente Luis Seguel of Ladner Rotary's sister club, Rotary Club of Temuco Norte, in Temuco, Chile sends his greetings to our club along with those of his club. They shared a video clip with a report from TVN, the public national tv channel in Chile. President Seguel and some members of the club are shown donating wheelchairs needed in the community. This event, was done to highlight the 116 years of Rotary international, on February 23. As our honourary member in Santiago, Patricio Ramirez, says this presentation was, "An excellent way to show the citizens of this country the great social and community work done by Rotary International." Congratulations, Presidente Seguel and members of Temuco Norte Rotary.

Celebrating 116 years of Rotary International

Posted on Feb 23, 2021

Rotary Club of Ladner, one of 34,000 clubs in 200 countries and territories of 1.2 million members in Rotary International, celebrated the 116th Anniversary of now the world's oldest and second largest service organization on February 23, 2021. The date is known as World Peace and Understanding Day. Club members enjoyed a virtual tour of the Rotary International headquarters in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois.

Rotaract -- a dynamic, developing movement in the Rotary world

Posted on Feb 23, 2021

Rotaract is Rotary for young professionals and college/university students, aged 18 to 30+ years. There are 203,298 Rotaractors in 10,698 Rotaract clubs in 180 countries worldwide.

At the 2019 Rotary International Convention in Hamburg, then Rotary International President Barry Rassin presented Rotaract leader, Phoenix MacLaren, with the Rotary International Award of Honor for helping lead her District into increasing overall membership by 150%. Phoenix talks about Rotary on February 23, 2021, the 116th Anniversary of Rotary.

Making Arthur Drive clean again!

Posted on Feb 20, 2021

One of the biggest teams showed up for the periodic street clean up of Arthur Drive on February 20, 2021. Thank you to the 12 who picked up bags of anything from cigarette butts and candy wrappers to drinking cups and straws scattered along the sides of the road and under hedges along Arthur Drive, from its start at the intersection with Ladner Trunk Road along to 44th Avenue, under the City of Delta's Adopt-A-Street program. -- photos by Chris Offer and stock shot by Alamay

Grade 3 newcomers benefit from dictionaries

Posted on Feb 17, 2021

Rotary Club of Ladner collaborated with the North Delta Rotary Club which requested our assistance in delivering 180 free dictionaries to elementary students in South Delta. North Delta Rotary has managed this project in recent years through in-person visit to the schools, not possible because of pandemic restrictions.

The international Dictionary Project aims to assist school students in becoming good writers, active readers, creative thinkers, and resourceful learners by providing them with their own personal dictionary. Educators see third grade as the dividing line between learning to read and reading to learn, so the focus is on elementary school children in the third grade.

A Solution That Ends Malnutrition

Food Plant Solutions Rotarian Action Group (FPSRAG) is a dynamic project that focuses on addressing malnutrition, hunger and food security using readily available local food plants.

FPSRAG creates educational resources to help people, particularly women, understand the connection between plant selection and nutrition. It empowers them to grow a range of plants with differing seasonal requirements and maturities.

Chinese New Year celebrated at dinner, not as usual

Posted on Feb 12, 2021

26 Ladner Rotarians and partners gathered over dinner, to celebrate the Lunar or Chinese New Year, as usual, or not.....via zoom. Gung Hey Fat Choy. Thank you, Chris Offer. Guillermo and Paulette read fortune cookie fortunes for some of us. We gave toasts as we start the Year of the Ox. The event included two breakout sessions in smaller groups.

Past Chair of the Delta Foundation receives Paul Harris Fellow Award

Posted on Feb 09, 2021

Former Chair of the Delta Foundation Noel Philippot received the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Rotary Club of Ladner, which founded the Foundation in 1986 for his service above self to the Delta community as board director and chair of the Delta Foundation over several years.

Tom Siba receives Paul Harris Fellow Award for outstanding service

Posted on Feb 09, 2021

Scotland Today

Posted on Feb 09, 2021

Dr. Gordon McInally Gordon, of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, Lothian, Scotland, spoke to Ladner Rotary on February 9, 2021 from his home in Scotland about “Scotland Today”. Gordon is the past president of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland and has served on the Rotary International board of directors.

Peace and conflict resolution in a war weary world

Conflict and violence displace millions of people each year. 90 percent of those killed in conflicts are civilians and half of those are children. Often conflict starts and continues over long periods in competition for dwindling resources and as environmental changes force people to migrate.

Volatile rainfall and temperature trends in many parts of the world have exerted significant pressure on available land, water and food resources leading to diminishing food stocks, inadequate water supply, mass migration and desertification.

Rotary aims to look beyond the temporary cessation of violence in many parts of the world. There is a need to identify over the longer term conditions that lead to conflict management and mutual cooperation among those who have previously been adversaries.

Peace Leaders recruited for international Rotary Peace Fellowship

While the world hopes for peace, Rotary International works to make it a reality by training the next generation of peace leaders.

The Rotary Club of Ladner, and the Rotary Clubs of Tsawwassen and North Delta, are now recruiting local, Delta candidates for the Rotary Peace Fellowship, a program that gives up to 130 fellows the opportunity to obtain professional development certificates or master’s degrees in Peace and Conflict Resolution from one of seven universities around the world.

“Today, there are still far too few mediators who are experienced practitioners in conflict resolution. There is an urgent need to produce another generation of people who can play a mediating role in the future,” said Professor Paul Rogers, University of Bradford, in the United Kingdom. “This program is the most significant development in graduate work in conflict resolution in decades.”

Caring for seafarers around the world

Posted on Feb 02, 2021

When the Mission to Seafarers began in the 1830s, at the port of Bristol, England, the goal was then, as it is today, "to care for the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of all seafarers and their families." Seafarers, who run the container ships and other cargo ships, bring us 90% of what we have in our typical households and lives. In doing that, they are isolated from their families and the rest of society spending many months at sea, sometimes 12 to 16 months and more.

The Mission to Seafarers is a ministry of 'presence' and 'hospitality' by leaders in different faiths visiting seafarers on their ship, listening and letting them know we care, by providing centres a 'home away from home' where they can go and relax, speak with family, watch TV, play pool, send money home, buy a snack or two. We provide transportation to take them to the centre or to the mall. The Mission also advocates for seafarers, keeping a watchful eye on conditions on board and helping them know their rights.

Two new members from greenhouse businesses

Posted on Jan 26, 2021

Dalell Amed, of Village Farms, came to this community from Mexico. Pania Lincoln, of Pure Sunfarms, came from New Zealand. They both give their classification presentations so we can learn more about them as our newer members.

Delta Hospital Christmas lights thank you

Posted on Jan 23, 2021

A team of Ladner Rotarians, with some from Pure Sunfarms, took down the outdoor Christmas lights and decorations at Delta Hospital on January 17th. The lights and decorations, installed in early December, were appreciated:

" Delta Hospital Auxiliary Society would like to send out an enormous thank you to the Rotary Club of Ladner for putting up the Christmas Lights at Delta Hospital this year. Delta Hospital Auxiliary Society would also like to thank Pure Sun Farms for donating not only their valuable time to help the Rotary Club in putting up the lights but for also donating new lights to the existing lights for Delta Hospital. The lights have definitely sparked the festive spirit in everyone at the hospital. Thank you, Rotary Club of Ladner and Pure Sun Farms for helping spread the holiday spirit!"

Deltaport update and expansion status

One of the main facilities of the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port system, is in Delta. Deltaport is a deep sea port for companies shipping containers and coal, amounting to much of the activity in the system. Tanya Hawke provides an overview on port operations in Delta and an update on the proposed Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project.

Recovery from serious mental illness and the opioid crisis

Posted on Jan 12, 2021

Coast Mental Health (CMH) believes that people living with mental challenges can thrive in our communities if they are given the right resources: housing, support services and employment and education opportunities. With compassion and courage, recovery from mental illness is possible when clients take the lead in their recovery, working with the team at CMH. Port Moody Rotarian, Darrell Burnham, speaks about the impact of Covid-19 and the opioid crisis on our community.

Rotary leader, Michael Cruise, passes away

Posted on Jan 11, 2021

Our long-time club member and Rotarian of 58 years, Michael Cruise, suddenly passed away at age 95 at Waterford Delta, in Tsawwassen, where he had recently moved. He had contracted the COVID-19 virus and was in isolation, but was not suffering serious effects as some have done. Michael was a Past District 5040 Governor (1995-96) and a Paul Harris Fellow, who made many contributions to Rotary over the years here in this community, this province and overseas. Michael’s wife Beryl died in 2018.

Vocational Service: sharing one's knowledge and expertise

Posted by Peter Roaf on Jan 09, 2021

As we all suffer the hardship of this pandemic in one way or another, we are inspired by the best in generosity and creativity among people in our communities. We are sometimes ashamed or disgusted by the poor judgment and bad behaviour of far fewer people among us in public and private life.

One way to describe many of the kind of supportive, caring actions of volunteers among us is vocational service. That is the essence of any service club: "service above self" to make the community and the world a better place, by working with integrity and contributing expertise to the problems and needs of society.

Chris Offer in Rotary magazine and joins Rotary Foundation Canada board

Posted on Jan 07, 2021

Ladner Rotarian and Past District 5040 Governor Chris Offer appears in the January 2021 edition of the international Rotary Magazine. He has also been appointed to the Board of Directors of The Rotary Foundation Canada.

A look at common eyesight problems we could face

Posted on Jan 05, 2021

Optometrist Dr. Joan Hansen, a member of Tsawwassen Rotary, tells us about the four common problems with eyesight for those aged 40-50 years and more. It's important to understand these challenges as 80% of what we learn comes through our eyes, she says.

Christmas dinner and gifts at home this year for special needs adults group

Posted by Peter Roaf on Dec 20, 2020

About 70 people in the South Delta Family and Peer Support Group for special needs adults were delighted to receive full Christmas dinners from the White Spot in Tsawwassen and gifts, all sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ladner, thanks to organizers and delivery teams on Sunday, December 20, 2020. This home delivery distribution replaced the normal evening of dinner and entertainment for the Group at the Ladner Community Centre because of pandemic restrictions.

Christmas Concert by performers from 50 Rotary District 5040 clubs

Posted on Dec 18, 2020

A wide range of performers, among members in the 50 clubs of our District 5040, put on a virtual Christmas Concert, hosted by District Governor Dave Hamilton and thanks to the organizing by Past District Governor Darcy Long, Santa Charbonneau and team. Despite the technical limitations of Zoom the performances shone through.

Disease Treatment & Prevention

Santa and the Prime Minister help Ladner Rotarians celebrate Christmas

Posted on Dec 15, 2020

Special visitors helped Rotary Club of Ladner celebrate Christmas in a fun way, including Santa Claus, himself, the Prime Minister, plus Rotary District 5040 Governor Dave Hamilton, District Governor Nominee John Berry and Assistant Governor Dean Hseih. Special thank you to Chris Offer for our Christmas production 2020.

Rotary-sponsored high school Interact Club gathers food
for those in need at Christmas

Posted on Dec 10, 2020

The 25 families supported by Delta Secondary School students in a festive season food drive, and the South Delta Food Bank, will receive the 1,750 food and toiletry items as well as over $2000 in cash and gift cards for the purchase of food, thanks to the students’ and school staff’s “Twenty Days of Giving" campaign. The 42 student members of the school’s Interact Club, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ladner, played a significant part in the campaign by hosting a community Drive-Thru Donation event in the school parking lot on December 1st.

Delta Hospital Brightens up for Christmas

Posted by Pania Lincoln on Dec 09, 2020

Patients in the 58 acute care beds, outpatients, 92 long term care residents, their visitors and the more than 110 hospital and medical staff at Delta Hospital are getting a lift from the Christmas lights now brightening up the main entrance and the Healing Garden at the hospital's central courtyard. A team of 10 Rotary Club of Ladner members, including several from Pure Sunfarms, put up the lights and seasonal figures over the past weekend.

Rotary needs to adopt newer technology and do new things in new ways

Posted on Dec 08, 2020

Treasurer for Rotary Zone 32 (includes most states in the Northeastern USA), Past District 7500 Governor, leader trainer and Major Donor to The Rotary Foundation, Horton Hickerson, spoke to Ladner Rotary from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. He advises clubs to take new approaches to meeting, such as using Zoom, and blend with in person meetings when safe to do so indoors. Rotary could not only adapt to the pandemic by using newer technology to apply to traditional formats for meeting, it could be developing new ways to do new things in service to the community and the world.

AGM review of 2019-20 and 2021-22 new board

Posted on Dec 01, 2020

Rotary Club of Ladner looked back on the 2019-20 year, with the theme, “Rotary Connects the World,” and looked forward to 2021-22 with the election of its new board of directors at the club's Annual General Meeting on December 1, 2020. In the past Rotary year, club President Bridget Jacob and the Board of Directors encouraged greater connections between club members, our local communities and Rotarians around the world. The year of connections then evolved into the year of the pandemic necessitating a complete reimagining of how Rotarians, People of Action, could in fact “connect”. As we Rotarians rose to the challenge and, despite the pandemic restrictions, by the end of the Rotary year our club was able to achieve the Gold level international Presidential Citation and special recognition for our Polio contributions.

Vancouver's Women in Blue salutes active duty of women in Vancouver Police over 7 decades

Posted on Nov 26, 2020

Vancouver's Women in Blue is a tribute to the 125 women who have served the Vancouver Police from 1904 to 1975, from their early roles as matrons and, after a long, slow course, eventually as police constables.

In 1904 Mata Raymond was the first woman Vancouver Police hired as a matron to supervise women in jail. In 1912, Canada’s first two women started serving as full constables on active duty. In the mid-1930s women continued to double as police constables and matrons. It wasn’t until 1973 that Sharon Smith was the first female constable to be sent out in a patrol car with a male partner.

Delta has benefitted from The Rotary Foundation over the years

Posted on Nov 18, 2020

Founded over 100 years ago, The Rotary Foundation is recognized by international foundation rating organizations as one of the world’s most trusted and effective foundations. It is the foundation for Rotary International, the world’s original service club. Over time it has spent more than US$4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. It is the powerhouse behind many of Rotary’s contributions to communities here at home, such as the Ladner Rotary Splash Park, and around the world.

Members of the three Rotary clubs in Delta, including the original Rotary Club of Ladner, throughout BC and around the world raise funds for, and donate to, The Rotary Foundation because as little as 60 cents can protect a child from polio, $50 can provide clean water to help fight waterborne illness and $500 can launch an antibullying campaign and create a safe environment for children.

Writing for Rotary magazine

Posted on Nov 17, 2020

Paul Engleman is a Chicago-based freelance writer who is a frequent contributor to the Rotary magazine and Contributing Editor for Rotary Canada magazine. He is also an award-winning novelist whose articles, essays, and interviews have appeared in many publications, including the New York Times and Playboy. Paul is a polio survivor.

Members remember their family members in military service

Posted on Nov 10, 2020

Eight Ladner Rotarians shared stories about their family members who served or were serving their country in the military as a salute to all those who lost their lives, limbs and peace of mind in that service on the occasion of Remembrance Day. As Ladner Rotarian Rev. Graham Witcher says about sacrifice: "to make something holy by giving it away for love."

Emergency services contact through 911 now in most of BC

Posted on Nov 03, 2020

E-Comm is the first point of contact for 9-1-1 callers in 25 regional districts in British Columbia. It handles over 1.8 million 9-1-1 calls a year. That amounts to 99 percent of B.C.’s 9-1-1 call volume.

E-Comm 9-1-1 emerged from the chaos in coordinating first responders during the 1994 Stanley Cup Riots in Vancouver, as a multi-municipality agency which provides emergency communications operations for the province. The company coordinates 9-1-1 service for police, fire, and ambulance service, providing call-taking and dispatch services for multiple agencies in the Lower Mainland area.

Bridget Jacob receives Past President Award

Posted on Nov 03, 2020

Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Ladner Bridget Jacob receives at a social distance an award from the club for her service as President in 2019-20, presented by current President Peter Roaf.

Canada salutes UN 75th Anniversary with new dollar coin – a celebration for Rotary too

Posted on Oct 29, 2020

On the 75th anniversary of the United Nations (UN), Canada is celebrating our nation's role as a founding member and a contributor to world peace with its 2020 $1 circulation coin.

Canada was one of 51 countries which founded the United Nations in October 1945. As one of the most “international” organizations in the world of the day, Rotary played an active role in the drafting of the United Nations Charter in 1945 in San Francisco.

Developing workforce skills -- mentoring matters

A large segment of the population is retiring, displaced workers are seeking employment and new skills, and vast numbers of young, diverse, and underrepresented workers are joining the workforce. The construction industry needs to ensure effective transfer of knowledge to keep up with this churn of change.

Successful mentorship is a critical element in building a high-quality workforce and has been shown to positively affect productivity, safety, quality, and client relations on the job.

SkillPlan has developed and implemented an industry-proven mentorship model for the construction industry that can also transfer well to other settings.

Hundreds of children to be saved from a crippled life, even death, through Rotary fundraiser

Posted on Oct 24, 2020

On World Polio Day, October 24th, the proceeds from Rotary Club of Ladner's Pumpkins for Polio sales event will spare 857 children in the world under the age of 5 years from a lifetime of being crippled, sometimes severely, and even death, because of polio. Those children can survive and grow up to be healthy, fully active adults because every US$3 raised will protect a child from polio with oral vaccines, given the event's having raised US$860, which will be matched twice by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, for a total of US$2,580.

Ridding the world of polio has been a long, but steady march

Posted on Oct 20, 2020

Mike McGovern, who is Rotary's Chair of the International PolioPlus Committee, gave an update on the global campaign to rid the world of the life crippling and sometimes deadly disease of polio. His committee directs all regional and international PolioPlus committees, coordinates all PolioPlus elements, and develops policies and strategies to achieve polio eradication. The committee’s responsibilities include Rotary's allocation of US$150 million annually for polio eradication around the world.

Langley Ukulele Ensemble enjoys international fame

Posted on Oct 13, 2020

The Langley Ukulele Ensemble started in the Langley School District during the 1970’s when the ukulele was incorporated as part of the music offerings in the District.

In 1980, Peter Luongo joined the group as an assistant director and assumed the lead role shortly thereafter. He has been the group’s director for all, or part of every year since. His efforts and infectious personality contributed greatly to the ongoing popularity of the instrument in schools and to the recognition of the community of Langley as the “Ukulele Capital of Canada.”

Economic development of communities through people in the world

Posted on Oct 08, 2020

Our economy has suffered seriously during the COVID-19 pandemic and so have many individuals, families and organizations. We have been managing with what we have and helping out each other.

It is that much more meaningful to appreciate that nearly 800 million people in our world live on less than $1.90 a day. An estimated 2.6 million children under the age of five died from malnutrition-related causes. Those children are among the 1 in 9 people in the world, or 795 million people, who do not have enough to eat. Of the world’s hungry people 60% are women and girls. 70% of the world’s poorest people live in rural areas and depend on agriculture and related activities for their livelihood.

Rotary members have been seeking sustainable solutions to poverty by providing training and access to well-paying jobs and financial management institutions to strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities. The Rotary Foundation spent $9.2 million last year to grow local economies and reduce poverty.

Mortgage lending during COVID-19

Posted on Oct 06, 2020

Rotary Club of Tsawwassen member John Charbonneau, of The Mortgage Group, presents a perspective and some advice on mortgages and mortgage lending during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gold Distinction for Ladner Rotary in achieving international Rotary Citation

Posted on Oct 01, 2020

Rotary Club of Ladner has received the international Rotary Citation for our performance in 2019-20, at the Gold level of Distinction, the second highest after Platinum.

The Rotary Citation is the most significant award a Rotary club can achieve. It is awarded for achieving goals such as increasing club membership, developing sustainable service projects, giving to The Rotary Foundation, and building awareness of Rotary in the community.

That achievement came during a year that was challenging for many Rotarians around the world. Our club demonstrated a commitment to achieve its goals, which has ultimately helped strengthen Rotary and shape our future.

Congratulations to Ladner Rotarians as People of Action, for continued service above self to our community and our world.

"Don Arturo" celebrates 56 years a member of Ladner Rotary

Posted on Sep 29, 2020

On September 29, 2020, Arthur Birk, our "don" as longest serving member of Rotary Club of Ladner, celebrated his 56th anniversary of membership in the club.

Pumpkin sales to end polio on World Polio Day, October 24th

Posted on Sep 25, 2020

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a paralyzing and potentially deadly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of 5. The virus spreads from person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can then attack the nervous system.

With the recent announcement of the World Health Organization that transmission of the wild poliovirus has officially been stopped in all 47 countries of the African region, Rotary and its partners are celebrating this historic and vital step toward global eradication of polio, which is Rotary’s top priority.

To salute World Polio Day, on Saturday, October 24th, Rotary Club of Ladner is holding a “Pumpkins for Polio” sales events with entire proceeds going to the End Polio campaign: 10 am to 4 pm in the parking lot of Tsawwassen Mills mall.

For every US$3.00 donated to the campaign, a child is fully protected against polio and is given a chance to lead a fulfilling life and, when matched twice by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a total of three children is spared the life crippling, sometimes lethal, disease.

Technology intersects with service: eClub

Posted on Sep 22, 2020

Next Vista for Learning is a free, web-based library of videos by, and for, teachers and students. Through his work with NextVista.org, based in Silicon Valley, California, as founder, executive director, and lead janitor, Jason Hurley, as a former teacher, has had the opportunity to speak to and train teachers all over the United States and beyond. Given his love for seeing new places, connecting with students and teachers across the globe, he has helped broaden the offerings of the NextVista.org library in many ways.

Arthur Drive cleaned up for Fall

Posted on Sep 19, 2020

A section of Arthur Drive in Ladner, starting at the intersection with Ladner Trunk Road, is now tidied up for the Fall, thanks to a team of six club members who ventured into the rain on September 19, 2020 to pick up trash left over the summer. Arthur Birk, optimistic in his sunny weather gear, applied his dental skills to ensuring no scrap escaped his pincer pick up stick. -- photos by C. Offer and P. Roaf

Rotary keeps changing over 115 years

Posted on Sep 15, 2020

Rotary Opens Opportunities as it keeps changing in service to our community and communities all over the world. Rotary District 5040 Governor Dave Hamilton, of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen, visited the Rotary Club of Ladner, one of 50 in the District. He was accompanied by Dean Hsieh, Assistant Governor for Delta and Richmond. The meeting was the first hybrid format meeting with 15 members and 4 guests at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn and eight joining the meeting by Zoom.

Rotary District 5040 second among 21 across Canada in per member giving

Among the 21 Rotary Districts across Canada, in our District 5040, of 50 clubs in Greater Vancouver and up the coast to Prince Rupert, per member giving to The Rotary Foundation of US$170 was second highest in 2019-20.

Recent Rotary achievements by our club and Rotary International

Posted on Sep 02, 2020

At Ladner Rotary's first in person meeting after several months of virtual ones, it was a happy reunion for some, but many are still missed. Protocols for health and safety were followed. The members were reminded about some of our recent achievements as a club, as a District of 50 clubs and as a global people of action group of 35,000 clubs and 1.2 million members.

Education and literacy a key focus in September

Posted by Peter Roaf on Sep 02, 2020

This month parents and teachers face the complex challenge of returning children to a safe and secure environment in schools during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this setback, we are most fortunate to have access to the educational system we have here. Around the world more than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17 percent of the world’s adult population.

an open air school

Rotarians strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy. They fight for literacy among adults so they can build better lives, build more peace and free themselves from those who control and oppress their communities.

Eyeglasses collection brings precious gift of vision
to children in developing countries

Posted by Peter Roaf on Aug 30, 2020

A young man in Ethiopia, who struggled over many years to read and write, and yearned for an education, had been regarded as stupid and forced out of school at grade two, because he was blind. He put on eyeglasses for the first time and, as a new world opened up for him, said as a plea, now, “How can I learn?” His life might have been so much for fulfilling if he had eyeglasses when he was a child.

The second hand eyeglasses and professional help came to this man half way around the world thanks to the Third World Eye Care Society (TWECS), based in Burnaby, BC, founded by Optometrist Dr. Marina Roma-March.

spread of wild poliovirus in African region halted

Posted on Aug 29, 2020

Rotary and its partners are celebrating a monumental achievement with the announcement of the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 25, 2020 that transmission of the wild poliovirus has officially been stopped in all 47 countries of its African region. This is a historic and vital step toward global eradication of polio, which is Rotary’s top priority. -- story by by Ryan Hyland

Canada’s Arctic through the lens of a photographer

Most of us know so little about Canada's Arctic region, but Danny Catt, ecologist, teacher, world traveler, and internationally published photographer, took Ladner Rotarians on a visit there through his photography and knowledge from visits over the years.

Uncovering with homeowners what can make their living spaces unique

Posted on Aug 18, 2020

From the age of 12, when she designed her first home, Sarah Gallop has demonstrated her passion for interior design. Today she is Principal Designer of Sarah Gallop Design Inc, of Delta, BC, a firm she founded in 2009, and now runs with her husband and a team of 10 others in architectural design as well as interior design for residences.

Fraud trends and prevention

Posted on Aug 11, 2020

Delta Police Constable Dustin Classen spoke to Ladner Rotary about current fraud trends, including those targeting seniors and those emerging during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is Constable Classen’s firm belief that we must continually educate ourselves and raise awareness amongst those in our community as the primary way we can have an impact on the invasive issue of fraudulent crime.

Engage in your interest, engage in your expertise – some opportunities in Rotary’s world community

Posted by Peter Roaf on Aug 04, 2020

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. Recent additions to the list of Rotary Fellowships are focused on bees and those who wear beards and moustaches.

Rotary Action Groups are independent, Rotary-affiliated groups made up of people from around the world who are experts in a particular field, such as economic development, peace, addiction prevention, the environment, or water. Action groups offer their technical expertise and support to help clubs plan and implement projects to increase our impact, one of Rotary's strategic priorities. This support includes helping clubs find partners, funding, and other resources. Action groups can also help clubs and districts prepare grant applications, conduct community assessments, and develop plans to monitor and evaluate their projects.

Paul Harris Fellow to Guillermo Bustos

Posted on Aug 04, 2020

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 fourth time Guillermo Bustos has received this award.

At work for our community and our world - The Rotary Foundation

Posted on Jul 28, 2020

The Rotary Foundation transforms our 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 US$4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.

The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International enables Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.

Paul Harris Fellow Awards to nine members

Posted on Jul 21, 2020

Sweden Today

Posted on Jul 21, 2020

Rotarian of 27 years and member of Sweden’s Parliament, Ann-Britt Åsebol, spoke to Ladner Rotary members from her home of Falun, in northern Sweden on July 21, 2020. After 25 years as a teacher, Ann-Britt, having appealed to politicians over many years for various changes, was encouraged to run for public office herself. She started her new career as a County councilor of Landstinget Dalarna. In 2010 she was elected one of 349 members of the Swedish Parliament where she has served on the Committee of Constitution, and Committees of Education, of Social Insurance, of Social welfare and of Culture. As a member of the Rotary Club of Falun Kopparvågen, Ann-Britt also served as a Rotary International Director 2012-14, as one of the first women to be elected to the RI Board.

Sunny Saturday coffee in Rotary Park

Posted on Jul 18, 2020

Ladner Rotarians gathered for an impromptu "Coffee in the Park" on Saturday morning to catch up in person, at long last. The gathering, organized by Chris Offer, at Rotary Park next to Delta City Hall, abided by social distancing. Mayor George Harvie dropped in to say hello.

Walt Hayward indicates how much he enjoyed the event

Longest serving member celebrates anniversary

This year retired dentist, Dr. Arthur Birk, celebrates 50 years as a member of the Rotary Club of Ladner. Congratulations, Arthur, and thank you for your many years of service to our club and community.

Help up for struggling mothers and families

Posted on Jul 14, 2020

Mamas for Mamas aims to change the landscape of poverty through innovative approaches to financial barriers faced by mothers, caregivers and women in crisis. The national organization, founded in Kelowna and now operating in Delta, is working with multiple levels of government and non-profit agencies, to change systems that contribute to the vicious cycle of poverty, mental health issues, housing, and food insecurity. At the same time, it supports struggling families with a hand up, providing essential needs of food, affordable housing and education. See the previous story on Mamas for Mamas.

Reading on the trail for children: Storywalk

StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to wooden stakes, which are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the trail, you're directed to the next page in the story. Storywalks are proposed for Delta.

StoryWalks® have been installed in Canada, the United States, Germany, England, Bermuda, Russia, Malaysia, Pakistan and South Korea.

Opportunities open for Rotary and the community of Delta

Posted on Jul 01, 2020

“Rotary Opens Opportunities.” That’s the theme for Rotary in 2020-21. Yet, for over its 63 years, Rotary Club of Ladner has been continually opening opportunities for its members, for our community and for our world. We are building relationships with other organizations near and far, and with the people in them as they too serve our community, they with us, and we with them.

Peter Roaf, President, Rotary Club of Ladner, 2020-21

That theme was experienced as Rotary Club of Ladner installed its new board of directors for 2020-21 at a virtual ceremony on June 30, 2020, officiated by the 2020-21 District 5040 Governor for 50 for the Rotary clubs in BC, Dave Hamilton.

Disease Prevention and Treatment honour for Steve Rutledge

Congratulations to Whitby Sunrise Rotarian Steve Rutledge on receiving the District 7070 Dr. Bob Scott Award in Disease Prevention on June 30, 2020. Steve recently presented an update to Ladner Rotary about Adopt A Village Laos, a program he has led for many years and which has made a significant contribution to disease prevention and treatment.

Rotary Club of Ladner, which includes among us his sister, Dawn Rutledge Brennen, joins Rotary Whitby Sunrise Club in congratulating Steve on this well deserved honour. #rotarywhitbysunrise #rotary7070

Value of community news in trying times

Posted by Peter Roaf on Jun 23, 2020

Delta Optimist circulates every week 17,000 newspapers in South Delta. The online version of the newspaper reaches 400,000 to 500,000 views a month. Among the community newspapers in Canada, the Optimist has 1,300 voluntary subscriptions, at $50 per year, from people who want to support the newspaper, which is among the highest in Canada among community newspapers.

Matt Blair, Publisher and General Manager of the Delta Optimist, who replaced Rotarian Dave Hamilton on his retirement in the past several months, spoke to Ladner Rotary about the value of community news in trying times.

Tough year for remote villages of Laos where Ladner Rotary helps sponsor support

Posted by Peter Roaf on Jun 16, 2020

Adopt A Village Laos, partially sponsored by Rotary Club of Ladner, has brought water filters to each of the families in each of the small, remote villages of the impoverished, Southeast Asia nation of Laos. The program has also delivered water dam and pipeline systems, electricity, school and health supplies to these villages. There are now over 45 villages with filtered water serving over 25,000 rural villagers. Adopt A Village Laos has achieved a positive impact on the lives of 4,000 people in the past year alone.

Scotland to Arctic Circle and in between for new member

Posted on Jun 02, 2020

From her upbringing and start to her teaching career in Scotland incoming President Elect of Ladner Rotary in 2020-21, Ann Waldo, told club members about her adventures in education and married life throughout some remote areas of Canada. A Rotarian of almost 15 years, Ann recently joined the club from the Rotary Club of Sechelt.

Poverty relief for mothers from Rotary Club of Ladner

Posted on Jun 01, 2020

For low income mothers and families raising children as they struggle with trying to make ends meet, all volunteer Mamas for Mamas, in Delta, welcomes relief of $8,000 to cover the cost of groceries, diapers, formula, counseling and the part-time, temporary hiring of somebody to deliver and pick up. Funding of $4,000 comes from the Rotary Club of Ladner, which resonated with Mama’s for Mama’s vision that no mother or caregiver, or child, is left behind, especially during this even more challenging period of COVID-19 restrictions. -- photo courtesy of Delta Optimist

Multi-service club salute to healthcare workers

Posted on May 27, 2020

On May 27, 2020, the following Delta organizations arranged a thank you to healthcare workers with a parade of almost 40 vehicles driving around the block of the Delta Hospital, led by a Delta Fire and Rescue truck, lights ablaze and sirens blaring:

Rotary Club of Ladner	Kinsmen Ladner
Rotary Club of Tsawwassen	TOOBS
Tsawwassen Boundary Bay Lions Club -- photos by Chris Offer

From marketing printing to wine, new member welcome

Posted on May 26, 2020

A Rotary member for almost 45 years, Tsawwassen resident Bob Silvester recently joined Ladner Rotary from Rotary Club of Burnaby. In his "classification speech" to club members, so we could get to know him, Bob outlined a career in marketing for the printing business and then in the wine business.

Rotary District recognizes two Ladner Rotarians

Posted on May 25, 2020

Two Ladner Rotarians received District Governor Awards on May 24th at the Rotary District 5040 2020 Vision Roskars Awards, a virtual ceremony of awards presentations which normally would have been held at the District Conference in late April, but cancelled earlier in the year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reducing male violence

One in three women in our world suffer from gender-based violence. During this COVID-19 pandemic there is estimated to be a 20 percent increase in reports of this form of violence. For every month our self isolation continues gender-based violence is expected to increase even more, by an estimated 15 million more cases. These are the chilling facts presented by Rotary Peace Fellow Will McInerney.

COVID-19 pandemic global disaster response US$4.7 million+ to date from Rotary

Posted by Peter Roaf on May 16, 2020

The Rotary Foundation has approved more than $4.7 million in disaster response grants to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Read a short description of each grant.

Kiwanis International, Lions Clubs International, Optimist International, and Rotary International have issued a joint statement in a collaborative approach to responding to the global pandemic crisis.

Rotarian of the month

Ladner Rotary President Bridget Jacob, right, presents to Past District Governor Penny Offer a member of the month gift in recognition and thanks for her contributions to the club in leading a review of the bylaws, her district and international work and faithful attendance to support all of our club events, such as pumpkins for polio, summer barbecue and Christmas dinner event, among others.

Rotary sponsored high school Interact club finishes one year and readies for next

Young leaders at Delta Secondary School, who make up the Ladner Rotary sponsored Interact Club, complete a productive year, despite the COVID-19 shut down, and look to a more productive one in the coming year. Interact Club President 2019-20 Nathan Senyard, and 2020-21 President Aish Wariya, spoke to Ladner Rotary members at a club meeting on May 12.

Clean up readies Arthur Drive for Spring

A team of 15 Ladner Rotarians gathered on May 9 to clean a section of Arthur Drive, taking away large bags of rubbish for the city dump.

District 5040 2020 Vision Speakers Series and Roskars Awards

Posted by Peter Roaf on May 06, 2020

All members in our District now have the opportunity, through Zoom, to experience the inspiration and learn from the shared knowledge and wisdom of some of the leading speakers who were scheduled to speak at the cancelled 2020 Vision Conference in Vancouver in April.

The 2020 Vision Speakers Series will include five speakers, as scheduled below, including District Governor Bala Naidoo.

Resolving conflict, achieving peace in our world another major Rotary undertaking

Posted by Peter Roaf on May 05, 2020

Fergal McCarthy, the Peace Programs Manager at Rotary International in Chicago, spoke to Ladner Rotary members and District 5040 Peace leaders on May 5, 2020. Prior to his role at Rotary, Fergal worked at the Rand Corporation in California, the Irish Prime Minister’s Office in Dublin Ireland as well as the Irish Foreign Ministry. He holds a BA in World Religions & Theology and an MPhil in International Peace Studies both from Trinity College Dublin, an MA in Comparative Ethnic Conflict Studies from Queens University Belfast, and an MSt in International Relations from the University of Cambridge.

End Polio campaign recognized as Vancouver buildings light up

Posted by Peter Roaf

polio survivor speaks in international Immunization Week

In the middle of this year's international Immunization Week, polio survivor, Ann Lee Hussey spoke by Zoom to Ladner Rotary members about her passion for the global campaign to rid the world of polio, started by Rotary 35 years ago.

A world of learning comes to children in The Philippines

The African Ruggedized Educational System (ARES) has proven to be such a success in bringing the world's education to children in remote, rural communities of Africa, where there is limited access to books, paper and writing materials, and intermittent power and no access to the internet, it has now arrived in The Philippines.

The first mission of its kind, to introduce what has been called, "Asian Ruggedized Educational System (ARES)", happened in February as a joint International Service Project of the Rotary Club of Ladner and the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunrise. Ladner Rotary President Bridget Jacob, on behalf of this club as a sponsor, participated in the team visit to The Philippines and reported on the overall mission in a club meeting on Zoom April 21, 2020.

Elena Agala, of the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunrise, was the driving force behind the mission to distribute three ARES systems to schools and, as she has done for many years, to provide dental services to those in need in various communities.

Bonnie Sutherland, of the Rotary Club of North Delta, who also a member of the recent ARES team mission to The Philippines, started working in Africa in 1992 with her late husband, Don, both teachers in Delta. In Kenya they saw the great need for teachers and students and began shipping containers of books and other materials to Africa. ARES eventually emerged from this international service in education.

Thank you frontline workers and businesses

Helping hand for business in COVID-19 pandemic crisis

Businesses large and small and the millions of people who rely on them for their livelihood in BC and all across Canada are receiving some support from the three levels of government. We are all in this together. Executive Director of the Delta Chamber of Commerce, Garry Shearer, outlines the role of the Chamber and the support coming to businesses in our community.

Virtual meeting a first for Ladner Rotary

Our club is in good company worldwide in holding its weekly club meeting for the first time in 64 years as a virtual one on Zoom. 25 members were able to attend this first of a kind meeting, including three members who have been unable to join us regularly for a long time. There were few technical glitches and we all had a chance to connect. We are back to our weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom. More information to follow.

President Bridget Jacob chaired the meeting, with support from Chris Offer, who set up the Zoom meeting

Rotarian of the Month

President Bridget Jacob awards Denis Denischuk with Rotarian of the Month Award for his many ways he supports the club.

Listening and treating holistically aim of Ladner clinic

Dr. Lisa Ghent,BSc, ND, a doctor in Naturopathic Medicine and clinic leader at Collaborative Wellness in Ladner, was personally drawn to naturopathic medicine over 10 years ago when a naturopath helped her and her husband have children after a struggle to become pregnant. The idea of really listening to people’s stories and treating them holistically to help guide them towards health became the appeal of this field of medicine. -- photos by Mel Baly