I have a DREAM!

Past President Roy Holman borrrowed from Martin Luther King's most memorable speech to introduce our featured speaker for the first Area E joint club meeting. 

Past Lieutenant Governor Steven Point told us of his DREAM. In a magical presentation he wove a narrative that covered his personal history , the time at Government House and his DREAM of providing Libraries to Isolated First Nations communities in BC. He explained how starting with boxes of books delivered as he travelled the Province to the culmination of a first class library being constructed in one of the communities how his DREAM is becoming a reality.

These communities have many needs and Money helps but is not the answer Education is key to breaking the cycle of despair that many inhabitants of these communities feel.  In reflection after that evening I thoought we as Rotarians spend time and funds in helping groups in Third World Countries thousands of Miles away when we have an equally compelling need in our own backyard. 

Now is the time to look inward .. How can we help.. Well the key to many Rotary projects of international scope is to get multilevel grants and leverage our initial investment. But BC is not International ...Hmm! But we are 5050 so a Washington based club could lead and we could join.. We could also reciprocate since I am sure there are equally needed Service projects below the 49th Parallel.  

Thank you Steven for starting the ideas percolating. We may be able to assist in achieving your DREAM..

The evening was a great success Kudo's to Pat Bond and her Cloverdale Club members. We have many Photo's from the event but space limits me to two...We will post more to our website (send me yours) 

Pat Bond and her Cloverdale Cohorts.

President Elect John Edwards with Steven Point and two prospective Rotarians for Surrey.