What do Rotary clubs do?
>> ROTARIANS IN THE PROVINCE VOLUNTEER FOR NUMEROUS MEDICAL AND HUMANITARIAN PROJECTS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. THEY DIG WELLS, VACCINATE CHILDREN, BUILD SCHOOLS AND BRING HOPE TO THE DISADVANTAGED
Each year across British Columbia, more than 50 Grade 11 and 12 students pack their bags for a journey that will change their life. They are part of Rotary International’s student exchange program. These students, selected by participating Rotary clubs, will spend a year in another country living with three or four Rotary families and attending school.
Most do not speak the language of the country they will call home for a year. They will return very different people, often fluent in a new language and a rich understanding of another culture and country.
In return, 50 teens from the host countries will fan out across BC and live with Canadian families and attend school. The exchange students are nearly every community in the province. Globally nearly 8,000 students annually take part in this program each year.
Youth exchange is just one of the many Rotary programs that enrich our communities. Since 1913 when the first Rotary club meeting was held in Vancouver clubs have formed across the province. Today there are more than 145 Rotary clubs and 6,000 club members in BC. In 2012 Rotary clubs in BC raised $ 8.5 million to fund local and international projects.
There is a legacy of community parks, playgrounds and sports fields thanks to Rotary. Numerous scholarships and bursaries are presented to students each year by Rotary clubs to ensure the next generation of leaders get a head start with their careers.
Rotary clubs have been major sponsors of hospices in Richmond and Prince Geroge. In Kelowna the clubs supported establishing the Rotary Centre for the
In 2012 Rotary clubs in BC raised $ 8.5 million to fund local and international projects.
Arts. Across the province neighbourhoods are better because of Rotary.
The Rotary clubs in BC work worldwide. One of the outstanding multi club projects in our province is Rotary World Help. This all volunteer program ships 40 foot sea containers of medical and educational supplies to communities in need around the world. The equipment is all donated from surplus stock or used equipment. In 2013 the 300th container will be shipped representing $ 100 million worth of equipment and supplies.
Rotarians in the province volunteer for numerous medical, dental and humanitarian projects in developing countries. They dig wells, vaccinate children, build schools and bring hope to the disadvantaged.
Who are these humanitarians? They are your neighbours. Rotary is a cross section of business, professional and community leaders. They meet weekly to socialize, plan projects and stay current on issues in their community.
If you would like to know more about Rotary please visit www.Rotary5040.org or email Rotary5040@gmail.com.