Rotary Club of Abbotsford President Sara Lawson is excited to kick off her presidential year with the annual President’s Night Dinner and Fundraiser. This year it will be held on Thursday, September 22nd at 6:00 pm at the Phoenix Lounge in Abbotsford. The tickets are set at an affordable price of $50 per person in hopes that many community members and friends of Rotary will come to support us, join in the fun and maybe even dress up in their favourite international attire!  
 
President Sara, specifically chose this year’s President’s Night theme of ‘Goin' International’ in recognition of our clubs renewed intention to put a greater emphasis on international projects.  It also aligns with Rotary International’s 2016-2017 Presidential theme of ‘Rotary Serving Humanity’.
 
“Over the years our Rotary Club has been well known for its good work in the community and for long-standing support of organizations such as Abbotsford Hospice Society, Holmberg House and the Abbotsford Food Bank through our Starfish Pack Program” said President Sara.  She goes on to say, “With such a strong community focus, our international contributions sometimes get lost in the shuffle.”  This year through ‘President’s Night’ the club will again raise funds for their usual community service projects and activities, as well as, fund and support worthy Rotary projects working internationally in countries where children and families suffer from significant poverty, oppression, and uncertainty.
 
As a sign of the clubs renewed commitment to ‘Serving Humanity’, in a matter of 3 weeks, club members personally contributed enough funds to purchase over 20 wheelchairs that will complete a container shipment bound for Guatemala in February, a project initiated and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Abbotsford-Sumas. Through this project, Rotarians will also have the opportunity to assist with the first-hand distribution of the wheelchairs to the people in need. “What a gift to be able to change someone's life with mobility, hope, and the promise of a better future”, said President Sara with a beaming smile. 
 
Rotary is the world’s largest and most established service club with a purpose of serving those in our communities and around the world. “We are [your] neighbours, community leaders, and global citizens uniting for the common good. With you we can accomplish even more” (https://www.rotary.org/en). Come join us and feel the fulfillment that comes from knowing that you are contributing to worthy local and international projects that will help make Abbotsford and the world around us a better place to live!