Posted by Allan Baedak on Jul 19, 2017
Rotary Roundup - published Peace Arch News July 19, 2017
 
Rotary begins anew for 2017-2018 in more ways than one.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank Brenda Gibson for her dedication to this article over the last two years.  Her charm and wit will be missed.  
 
Every year at this time Rotary clubs around the world renew their commitment to the local and international community!  It’s always exciting to see the energy of Rotarians each July as new leadership shapes their vision for the coming year!  We are fortunate in our community to have five clubs doing good in our community and around the world.
 
The Rotary club of White Rock Peninsula celebrated the installation of long term area resident and past Assistant Governor for the five area Rotary Clubs, Lindagene Coyle, as District Governor for District 5050 at Camp Alexandra.  Lindagene is a member of the Peninsula club, and spearheaded Rotary’s hosting of the annual White Rock Polar Bear Swim for the last few years.
 
The Rotary Club of Semiahmoo (White Rock) recently wrapped up their wildly successful 28th Annual charity golf tournament.  When you bring together 144 community-minded golfers, 60 amazing Rotary volunteers and over 40 incredibly generous sponsors it all adds up to one of the most successful tournaments in recent history!  On June 22nd, a picture perfect day at the spectacular Morgan Creek Golf Course provided the ideal backdrop for maximum enjoyment by everyone involved, and raised over $60,000 for community initiatives, including the new pediatric room at Peace Arch Hospital’s emergency room expansion.  The Semiahmoo club extends a heartfelt thank you to all the community partners and hopes everyone will return next year.
 
The Rotary club of South Surrey is focusing their recent international efforts on an orphanage project in Battambang, Cambodia.  Brian O’Ruairc and other Rotarians from the South Surrey club have been in Battambang working on renovations to the facility, including a water system, a sanitary system and electricity.  They plan on going back for two months starting in January 2018 to complete these projects.
 
South Surrey club member Joanne Taylor says “The club plans to raise $10,00.00 US and with that we can apply for a Rotary Foundation Global grant which will triple our $10,000.00 and then the Canadian government will add to it, giving us a total of approx. $60,000.00.  This can make significant and long lasting improvements at the orphanage.”
 
The Irish Club of White Rock hosted a concert with local favourite Celtic group, The Pat Chessell Band at the Elks Hall on June 27th, 2017.  “The sold out event was a great success and raised $3,081 for our project in Cambodia.”  said Joanne Taylor.
 
South Surrey Rotary’s goal is to provide a permanent supply of clean water, safe electricity, a functioning sewer system, renovations to the orphanage itself as well as training on maintaining the facilities.
 
Allan Baedak writes monthly on behalf of the Semiahmoo Peninsula’s five Rotary Clubs – Allan is a local videographer and filmmaker.  He has been a Rotarian with the Semiahmoo Rotary club of since 1999.  For information he can be reached at allan@wpmmedia.ca