Sara's Mid-Year Message
I do not make New Year’s resolutions. I do, however, take the turning of the calendar as an opportunity to reflect on all the areas of my life, and evaluate them. I found myself with a few extra hours over the holidays to think about my responsibilities, my passions and what really brings me joy. What needs more focus; what needs less? What are my goals, and am I achieving them? What am I actively doing to fully live my life with intention and to make the most of my limited time?
What I have come to realize, as I do every year around this time, is that I have everything I need, times 1000. I live in excess and splendor without real worry about my necessities of life not being met. I have a roof over my head, clean drinking water, food in my belly, a loving family, a job that fulfills me and a community of inspiring people I call friends who support me. Our club is full of people who could say the same things about their lives. We have everything we need, and we have the desire to give. That is why we are here. That is why we are Rotarians. We know we live privileged lives. We know we have everything we could ever need. And we know that is not the reality for some. We know there are people who struggle just to survive every day; around the world, and right here in Abbotsord. Rotary gives us the opportunity to do something about that.
We need not be discouraged by the hardships in the world. We need to remind ourselves, that we are changing the story. Rotary is changing the story. Rotary is making a difference in people’s lives and we are part of that. As we mark the halfway point of this Rotary year, I remind you, we are making a difference. This club has done a number of things for which I am extremely proud:
• We have raised funds for wheelchairs for delivery to Guatemala, allowing mobility for those without, providing hope for a brighter future for them.
• We support the future leaders in our community with scholarships to UFV and high school students, and the sponsorship of youth participation in YAIL and RYLA leadership camps.
• We have fed hundreds of children in Abbotsford through the Starfish pack program, relieving some stress in their homes, letting them know there are people who care, and giving them a better opportunity to learn.
• We have given money to the Rotary Foundation, allowing Rotary International to lead the charge in the world with our 6 areas of focus: peace and conflict resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic literacy and education, and economic and community development.
With 6 months to go, we are not done; we will continue to work hard to raise funds and awareness of the things that are important to us.
Rotary Club of Abbotsford Rotarians, I ask these few things of you:
Continue to bring your talents, your energy and your commitment to the club. I ask that you support remaining club activities: the Rotary Foundation Centennial Celebration at the end of this month, the installation of the inclusive playground set for later this year, and I ask you to fully support the Million Dollar Hole in One. There are some exciting improvements planned this year but I still require full commitment from each of you. This is our major source of funds for our club to support the Starfish pack program and other community initiatives. Thank you also for supporting the Rotary Foundation and Polioplus – we are “this close” to making Polio a thing of the past! No small feat! Also, continue to nurture and mentor our new members, and engage in fun and fellowship with them and our more-seasoned Rotary friends.
So, yeah, upon evaluation, life is good! I have everything I could possibly need. And I, like you, have the Rotary Club of Abbotsford as my outlet to give. In the words of Ken Funk, my Rotary hero, “give until it hurts. And then give some more!” Thank you for your passion for Rotary! It’s been an incredible experience being President of this Rotary club. I look forward to another 6 months of fun with you all as we continue doing good in the world as “Rotary Serving Humanity.”
President Sara