DISTRICT GOVERNOR VISIT

He spoke about how impressed he was by how the Rotary Club helped people in local situations as well as internationally. He liked the 4-way test as an expression of the Rotary mandate.

Wayne met many members as a result and enjoyed the meaningful conversations and social environment. He had learned about their club accomplishment from the members and made some great business connections.

He went to acknowledge our club's accomplishment including the Imagination Program raising $2,500 a year over a 5 year period; the dictionary program for Grade 4 students; sending 6 kids to Camp Jubilee; the POCO May Day Parade; our international work in conjunction with the Richmond club for the dental program in the Philippines; and the Shelter Box that was shipped to Pakistan.

Wayne made reference to the upcoming District Conference being held in Harrison, BC from May 5 to 8, 2011 and stressed the importance of attending conferences. He also announced the International Conference which would be held two weeks later in New Orleans.

He went on to talk about the Goals for the District for this year;

1. Increase membership at every club by 1;
2. Increase membership on district committees;
3. Restore annual giving to annual programs funds to previous levels;
4. Have every club president be thrilled and satisfied with their accomplishments;
5. Publically acknowledged club successes; and
6. Have fun while doing good work.

Wayne talked about his visit to South Africa in 2005 where he met with Rotarians and clubs in the area. He was especially proud of being able to be there when a container that he help load here was being unloaded there and was impressed by the choir of children who sang at the time. He visited a hospital there and presented two wheel chairs.

He reflected upon a quotation from Nelson Mandela: People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love. He also made reference to Footprints in the Sands of Time by Longfellow, also as inspiration.