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Jessica Harris

When I became a Rotary Youth Exchange student over 30 years ago, I never imagined where that journey would lead. Rotary opened my eyes to new cultures, lifelong friendships, and a belief that one opportunity can change a life. Looking back, I realize Rotary has always been a ripple. A host family, a Rotary Ambassadorial scholarship, a mentor, or an act of kindness may seem small in the moment, but those actions create waves that reach far beyond what we can see. Those ripples shaped my career in gender equality, social inclusion, and international development, and today they continue through my work serving children, youth, and families here in British Columbia.

That is the power of Rotary. We often think our projects are about fundraising or volunteering, but they are really about people. Every meal we serve, every youth we support, every friendship we build, and every hour we volunteer has the potential to change someone's life.

As President of the Aldergrove Rotary Club, my vision is to continue creating those ripples together. I want every member to feel welcomed, valued, and inspired to contribute. I want us to build a culture where kindness, respect, and collaboration guide how we work together, because strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful service. I also hope we continue investing in projects that make a lasting difference—both in our local community and around the world. Rotary reminds us that local and international service are connected. When we strengthen one community, we strengthen our shared humanity.

As we begin this Rotary year, I invite each of us to ask one simple question: What ripple will I create?

Together, our individual acts of service become something much greater than ourselves. Together, we can create ripples of hope, friendship, and positive change. Thank you for the privilege of serving as your President. I look forward to creating those ripples with all of you.

Welcome to our Club!

Service Above Self

We meet In Person

Fridays at 7:10 a.m.

White Spot Best Western

3070 264th St.
Back Room
Aldergrove, BC V4W 3E1
Canada

Phone:

(604) 377-5330

Email:

rotaryaldergrove@gmail.com

District Site

Venue Map

Rotary Club of Aldergrove Charter Party 34 March 2 2024

International Nepal Project

Despite the changing political landscape in Nepal, our NGO partner BBP-Pariwar has been active in the Ramechap district of Nepal. The ongoing “Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihoods for the Community” project has achieved continuing progress.

The overall objective of the project is to improve livelihoods, food security and resilience of rural households through ecological agriculture, women’s empowerment, and sustainable income generating activities.

Additional women’s farmer groups have been formed and training including field visits to successful enterprises has been undertaken. Home nurseries for livestock fodder, tree plantation, promotion of biofertilizers, vermicomposting and seed conservation have also been undertaken.

Women empowerment has been a component of the project by leadership training, financial record keeping instruction, and enhancing farmer’s knowledge through training on livestock management.

By the promotion of commercial vegetable farming, cultivation of high value crops and supporting livestock activities ,household income has been enhanced. Improved nutrition has been promoted through fruit plantation, kitchen gardening practices and support for bee keeping and livestock rearing.

One example of adapting to climate change and improved agricultural practices has been providing material support and education in building “High Tunnels”. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations describes the practice as a method of reducing the impact of high and low temperature fluctuations and hail storms that often affect crop yields, as well as to grow crops off season to guarantee food supply and enhance income. Efficient use of the available land and water resources along with the benefit of the crops less susceptible to insects, pests, and diseases is achieved.

The Ramechap district is geographically challenging for travel and organizing training sessions but activities were organized in accessible locations and coordinated with local leaders and group members to ensure better participation and implementation of the planned activities

Farmer group members expressed strong interest and enthusiasm toward initiatives introduced through the project. The integrated approach combining training, practical support, and group strengthening has helped build their confidence to expand agricultural production and livelihood activities.

November 2025 Report From Nepal

A lot gets accomplished in a short time. For example, BBP-Pariwar (our Nepal NGO partner) recently provided a progress report for our project in the Ramechap district of Nepal. During the third quarter alone this program, that enhances women’s empowerment and sustainable agriculture, has trained a total of 70 women farmers from four self-help groups in capacity building programs including agroforestry, livestock management and vermicompost preparation.

Goats were distributed to 19 households along with two breeding bucks that will improve household income and nutrition. Prior cultivation of fodder grasses was undertaken earlier this year that will provide nutritious feed and help with soil conservation. Future support for the construction and improvement of animal sheds is to be undertaken. Manure will be incorporated into the production of biofertilizers.

Support for water retention ponds and provision of seeds for vegetable gardens will improve nutrition and increase household incomes. Fruit trees were distributed earlier this year and 95% are growing well.

The report concludes, “The third quarter demonstrated tangible progress toward improving women’s livelihoods, nutrition, and resilience through integrated agricultural interventions...which has strengthened local ownership, empowered women leaders and enhanced sustainable resource management. Despite challenges posed by geographic constraints, seasonal factors, agricultural peak period, dispersed group locations and social and political uncertainties, the project achieved strong participation and measurable outcomes. With continued technical support and strategic follow-up, the project is well positioned to scale successful practices and insure lasting impact in the community”

BBP-Pariwar and the program participants are very appreciative of WNC and the Aldergrove Rotary Club’s continued support and would like to thank all those that make this worthwhile program possible.

First 2025 Quarterly Report From Nepal

Our first quarterly report from our Nepal NGO partner, BBP-Pariwar , has been received informing us of the progress made in the Ramechap district of Nepal. This project aims to empower women farmers by providing comprehensive training and support in agroecological practices, commercial vegetable farming, organic manure and fertilizer production, agroforestry techniques and sustainable livestock management.

To date, 4 women’s groups have been formed involving over 70 participants in the Ramechap district with more anticipated in the future.

Through the formation and activation of self help groups, the project will enhance financial literacy, group and account management skills, and promote economic self reliance. By distributing goats and improving livestock productivity the project will support income generation and food security for women. Ultimately ,the project will enhance sustainable agricultural productivity, environmental resilience, and the overall well-being of women farmers and their communities.

Some of the activities already carried out include starting home nurseries to grow grass fodder for livestock, visiting the Sindhuli-Jyammire Learning Center for practical agroecological learning, and training for financial record keeping.

Future activities will involve kitchen gardening support, wastewater collecting using plastic ponds, bio fertilizer and vermicomposting, commercial vegetable production and livestock rearing.

The Aldergrove Rotary Club in partnership with World Neighbours Canada has been supporting communities in the Ramechap district of Nepal for three decades with the development of gravity fed water systems and toilets.

With most communities now having water and improved hygiene it was recognized that improving agricultural practices in the face of climate change and economic challenges was a priority in these communities. Our Rotary club’s support of World Neighbours Canada and BBP-Pariwar hopes to address these issues in the future.

Langley Arts Council - Youth Educational Event 2025

Aldergrove Rotary is proud to support the Langley Arts Council’s 2025 Youth Event with a donation. Our contribution helped provide 86 young participants with an inspiring, hands-on arts experience. We’re honoured to have played a part in fostering creativity, mentorship, and real-world learning for the next generation of artists.

Thank You for Your Support!

On behalf of the Langley Arts Council, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your generous support of our 2025 Youth Event. Your sponsorship played a vital role in bringing this program to life and providing an impactful arts experience for the 86 participants involved.

This year's event featured a variety of enriching programming, including a Paint Demo, three-figure drawing workshops with live models, and an art critique program, where students had the unique opportunity to work with three professional artists of their choice. Additionally, we hosted a speaker who shared their personal journey in the art world, offering insights into their experiences in post-secondary education, their professional career, and what students can expect as they pursue their own art careers.

The objective of this event was to provide youth with mentorship from working artists, helping them to navigate the artistic career path and gain practical knowledge in the field. We are proud to say the initiative was a success, and we are already planning for future events that will continue to support the growth and development of young artists.

Once again, thank you for your invaluable support.

Mimi Soo

Arts Coordinator

Claire Sarfeld

Executive Director

https://langleyarts.ca/

Thanks TOL

Langley Township helps support Langley Meals on Wheels (LMOW)

Thanks to a grant from the Langley Township, we were able to provide 40 insulated bags to Langley Meals on Wheels for their Meals on Foot program. Through a partnership with Langley School District #35, this LMOW intergenerational program includes a team of local elementary school students who work with their teacher to deliver meals connect with LMOW clients and receive a free meal themselves. Thanks TOL for helping make this worthwhile project possible.