After lengthy consideration, Powell River and District United Way is remaining a separate entity and not amalgamating with United Ways on Vancouver lsland.
Julie Jenkins, recently hired as director of community engagement and resource development, told our September 23 Rotary meeting the decision has resulted in an energized and enthusiastic board of directors ready to continue the work that started in Powell River in 1976.
Jenkins moved here in April with her husband and two young children.
She talked about how the organization has changed over the years from its beginnings when it raised funds for national organizations like the cancer society to a local impact model as requested by donors. The focus is on children, seniors and low-come residents with the motto, Strong Communities, Strong Families.
She also used the example of Danielle’s Helping Hands Fund which provides one-time assistance for such things as dentures and medical supplies which can make such a difference in people’s lives. The fund, unique to Powell River, was started to help a young girl who subsequently did not survive an auto-immune disease.
United Way also has a Hygiene Cupboard to provide personal products to those with low incomes.
And a very visible project is the ORCA Bus which has been sidelined since March because of COVID-19 but is now back on the road. The renovated school bus is a low barrier access point for early childhood development.
Through the COVID 19 Recovery Program, the United Way has distributed $130,000 to local charities, mainly for food security and isolated seniors’ programs.
Jenkins said the payroll deduction plan has been a major source of funding for the organization and has been affected by curtailment of production at the mill. An online fundraising campaign is being instituted.
For more information go to unitedwayofpowellriver.ca.
Julie Jenkins, recently hired as director of community engagement and resource development, told our September 23 Rotary meeting the decision has resulted in an energized and enthusiastic board of directors ready to continue the work that started in Powell River in 1976.
Jenkins moved here in April with her husband and two young children.
She talked about how the organization has changed over the years from its beginnings when it raised funds for national organizations like the cancer society to a local impact model as requested by donors. The focus is on children, seniors and low-come residents with the motto, Strong Communities, Strong Families.
She also used the example of Danielle’s Helping Hands Fund which provides one-time assistance for such things as dentures and medical supplies which can make such a difference in people’s lives. The fund, unique to Powell River, was started to help a young girl who subsequently did not survive an auto-immune disease.
United Way also has a Hygiene Cupboard to provide personal products to those with low incomes.
And a very visible project is the ORCA Bus which has been sidelined since March because of COVID-19 but is now back on the road. The renovated school bus is a low barrier access point for early childhood development.
Through the COVID 19 Recovery Program, the United Way has distributed $130,000 to local charities, mainly for food security and isolated seniors’ programs.
Jenkins said the payroll deduction plan has been a major source of funding for the organization and has been affected by curtailment of production at the mill. An online fundraising campaign is being instituted.
For more information go to unitedwayofpowellriver.ca.
Julie Jenkins, PR & District United Way
UPCOMING PROGRAM SPEAKERS
Sept 30 – District Governor Dave Hamilton visit via Zoom. In-person social with entertainment by Walter Martella at Rotary Pavilion at Willingdon Beach
Oct 7 - Martin Parnell, The Secret Women’s Marathon in Afghanistan
Oct14 - Rob Fitzpatrick, Miklat Recovery Society, Drug and alcohol addiction
Oct 21 - Susan McKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Oct 28 - Social meeting Speaker to be announced.
DIRECTORS’ REPORTS
Club Business
The club still needs to have someone step up to fill the vice-president position and service projects.
Secretary:
Nothing to report
Treasurer:
Nothing to report
Membership:
No report
Community Service Projects:
Monica reported Read to Me Books and Bags have been delivered. She expressed appreciation to Deborah, Sean, Evan, Ed, Dan and Karyn for their assistance.
Joyce reported that the festival of performing arts committee has had two meetings and is planning for a virtual festival in February. More information to come.
Jill proposed investigating a Community Allotment Garden with approximately 50 sites, City to be approached regarding donating land.
Foundation:
There will be an online auction of items Rotarians wish to donate with funds going to End Polio Now on October 28. Ross will be the auctioneer.World Polio Day is October 24.
Jill also suggested a special pet day when Rotarians show off and pay for their pets. It could be a Pets for Polio fundraiser.
Fundraising:
Monica reported that every member was sent an email with their own unique link for selling Great Grocery Raffle tickets on line. She also wrote a lovely email that she is sending to friends and shared with Monica who sent it out to members with the suggestion that they use it as well. Paper tickets are also available upon request.
International and Youth:
No report
Interact:
Port Joyce reported that she spoke to President Kaylyn and was told that students were not keen to use Zoom. Ally said Kaylyn was looking at using the Instagram Chat Group for meetings.
Rotaract:
Port Ally reported that Early Actors had completed a project with Tla’Amin and were looking forward to Everyone Deserves A Smile campaign again this year. There is a decent amount of donations remaining from last year. Bags will be hand-painted again and cards made. COVID safety plans will be followed. The goal is for 200 bags this time.
Public Relations
No report
Social Committee
An in-person meeting is planned for September 30 at the Rotary Pavilion at Willingdon Beach with meals, meat and vegetarian supplied by Chopping Bloc. DG Dave Hamilton will attend via Zoom. Attendance is limited to 30.