On May 1, the Rotary Club of Nanaimo celebrates 102 years of service to our community! For more than a century, our club members have given generously of their time, energy, knowledge, skills and funds to help make our community a better place to live for all. Our club has supported programs and services for seniors, First Nations, children and youth, and other vulnerable members of our community. We've also helped fund our local hospital, sports fields, parks and other facilities. From mental health, food security and education to health, literacy and the environment, our club has contributed to these and many other areas of impact over the years locally, as well as internationally. Thank you to all our club members for your commitment and service!
For the first time in our club's history, every member of our club has given at least $25 US (approximately $35 CAD) to the Rotary Foundation's Polio Plus Fund and/or the Annual Fund in a current Rotary year. In addition, our average donation per member to the Annual Fund is greater than $200 US which means our club also qualifies for the highest level ($5,000 US) for District Grants for the next Rotary year. Thank you, everyone, and also a special thanks to our Rotary Foundation Committee Chair John Hankins for his efforts and enthusiasm as we worked towards this incredible goal!
The Every Rotarian Every Year initiative asks every Rotarian to support The Rotary Foundation every year. The donations help Rotary strengthen peace efforts, provide clean water and sanitation, support education, grow local economies, save mothers and children, protect the environment, and fight disease.
Our April book sale raised more than $124K this year! We have come a long way since the first sale was held at Nanaimo North Town Centre on Thanksgiving weekend in 2007. It has grown from that four-day sale to two, 10-day annual sales thanks to the work and enthusiasm of all those who help make every sale a reality. From set up to tear down, your smiling faces, great customer service and muscle power made the spring sale our best sale ever. Thank you to Rotary club members, friends, family and Altrusa, Growing Opportunities Farm Community Co-op and Katimavik for volunteering!
Thank you too to Nanaimo North Town Centre which provides space for the book sale year-round, Thrifty Foods, Fairway Market, Milner Group, the Regional District of Nanaimo and others who helped make this much-loved community event a success!
View photos from the sale here. To learn more about our book sale, click here.
Congratulations to Brent Stetar who was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow from the club as a special thank you for his years of exemplary service to the book sale and to Rotary. Past President Bob Janes, on behalf of the club, presented the award to Brent for his leadership and dedication. Thank you, Brent for all that you do for the book sale and the club!
Also receiving Paul Harris Fellows this month were Joyce Smith who received her plus two, Susie Stephens who received her plus one and Laurie Bienert who received her first. They are joined by John Hankins, Chair of the Rotary Foundation Committee. Congratulations!
Our Second Annual Virtual Journey is underway and ends on the first day of the Rotary International Convention - June 4!
It's not too late to join the team! Sign up and walk, run, bike, kayak, swim or do any other exercise as part of our Virtual Journey team. We will make our way virtually from Nanaimo to Windsor, Ontario (2022/2023 RI President-Elect Jennifer Jones’ hometown) and then on to Houston, the location of this year’s RI Convention. Our combined miles logged doing your activities of choice gets us further along our journey to Houston!
Last year we raised $5,108 for Rotary International and had over 80 participants. We travelled across Canada and logged 36,346 km in 3 months! This year we are one big team and aim to travel 7,462 km in 51 days. Incredibly, we have already exceeded last year's fundraising goal!
As part of our commitment to fundraising, up until April 30, our club matched donations in support of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine via the Rotary Foundation's Disaster Relief fund. Thanks to everyone's efforts, $7,000 was raised by team members and matched for a total of $14,000! Funds raised after April 30 will continue to support the efforts of the Rotary Foundation. Thank you to all who have donated so far!
A special shout out to Carlene and her partner Holly whose borscht fundraiser raised $2,815! Those funds were matched by the club for a total of $5,630 for the Rotary Foundation!
Please contact Joyce Smith for more information on how to sign up or support the team.
Tracy didn’t know much about Rotary until she joined in February 2020. Over the years, her family has always come first. Part of keeping her finger on the pulse was volunteering with her children’s schools and sporting activities. Any spare time Tracy did have went towards starting and expanding her hands-on healing and life coaching business, or writing articles and books. When asked what would her life look like without Rotary, she replied that she has no idea as it’s become such a big part of her life in such a short period of time.
"I love being of service and with Rotary there are so many opportunities," said Tracy. "Rotary allows me to be part of something bigger, where I get to see positive change happening in the world. Right now I’m just a very small part, but feel so inspired by all that my fellow Rotarians have accomplished."
The membership committee organized our second open house for prospective new members at the Nanaimo Golf Club. Promoting it at the April book sale, on our website and on social media resulted in strong interest for the April 19 event. Members who attended mingled with prospective members and shared their personal experiences as a Rotary member.
After the social hour, President Laurie Bienert presented an overview about our club, including our fundraising efforts with the book sale and what we do to give back to the community. She also talked about how members are active in the clubs’ many committees, our meetings and opportunities to get involved.
Social Events Chair Dawn Hankins talked about our club’s fun social events and how they help members get to know one another better and forge great friendships.
Past President Wayne Anderson gave an interesting history of the book sale, including how it evolved from a partnership with CanWest’s Raise-a-Reader program.
The event was a great success and be sure to give a warm Rotary welcome to our prospective members when they come to a meeting!
Club Member Leslie Sundby sent this letter of thanks for a recent club donation. "On behalf of Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration (2 Worlds) and Bhaktapur Cancer Care Hospital (BCCH) in Bhaktapur Nepal, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your recent generous donation of $2,500. The money will be used by BCCH to help support the purchase of medications, including Morphine, for palliative care patients who otherwise could not afford the purchase. The hospital matron, who keeps meticulous records of the use of the medications to ensure clear accountability, will disperse the medication to patients who are most in need. These medications will help alleviate symptoms, including pain, and thus help alleviate unnecessary suffering and despair. This donation will make a significant difference in the quality of end-of-life care for these patients."
Career Advantages for High School Girls at Nanaimo Track & Field
Every parent wants their children to focus on things that matter: be motivated, work hard and achieve results - get involved. COVID has derailed the focus for children and adults everywhere. School closures have had a devastating effect. There is an option.
The Nanaimo Track & Field Club - supported by Rotary - has been able to thrive and create a special career advantage for local high school girls throughout COVID. Their membership is dedicated to creating an oasis of positive energy, focus, engagement, health and social cohesion. A quick visit illustrates the power of engagement in a safe environment. The majority of members are girls. The boy members are respectful, positive and supportive.
Nanaimo more than pulls its weight as a sporting city. But many are contact sports and are male-dominated. Girls have a hard time finding sporting activities where they can feel safe and involved and can focus their energies and commitment. Focus and engagement on the track create much satisfaction and lifelong relationships. With the stress of modern life, track & field members get physically and mentally healthy and are able to focus on things they can control.
These skill sets create career and personal advantages that last a lifetime. Self-esteem is evident everywhere. Confidence is a powerful network. A parent’s dream.
The Nanaimo facility, with Rotary’s help, is one of the best tracks in B.C. Some of the equipment is showing wear after 20 years and needs replacement. Nanaimo is in the race to house the Canadian National track and field championships in 2024. This is the place. Success will be a big boost to the Nanaimo economy.
The dedicated staff and coaches enhance the character and personal skills of our high school generation so important to building Canada’s future.
The club also offers programs for 6 to 8-year-olds - never too young to start and for seniors - never too old to get healthy.
May is Rotary Youth Service Month and May 1 - 7 is BC Youth Week! Rotary supports youth with many wonderful programs assisting young people to build their leadership skills, and learn the value of service.
The Rotary Youth Exchange is just one example. Local Rotary Clubs select grade 11 and 12 students from their communities to send to another country. These students gain an understanding of communities in other countries and also act as an ambassador for their own communities. Jorge Romberg from, Argentina was the first incoming student hosted by Nanaimo Rotary Clubs in March of 1966. Since then, Rotary clubs in Nanaimo have sponsored over 100 inbound and outbound students from countries all over the world. In Nanaimo, all five Rotary Clubs work together to support three inbound and three outbound exchange students each year.
Interact clubs are another beneficial Rotary program that brings together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Interact clubs organize at least two projects every year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding.
Interactor Nanaimo member Declan Keddy finds it a wonderful way to meet people in the community and gain volunteer hours. Plus you get to help out in the community, or even broader depending on the project. Declan said, “It’s really great for gaining experience planning projects, organizing meetings and working on a committee.” This year, the Interact club is planning to be at the Commercial Street Night Market to inform the community about the good work they do. They will also be selling many beautiful gifts from Guatemala as part of a fundraiser for their projects.
Youth Week is a week of fun-filled interaction and a celebration intended to build a strong connection between youth and their communities. There are many events planned by the City of Nanaimo to celebrate youth in our city, including a hike to Sugarloaf Mountain, a free swim (Lions Free Swim) at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and a special "May the Fourth Be with You" Star Wars skate at Nanaimo Ice Centre. A full schedule of events can be found on the YOUth Nanaimo Facebook page and on the City of Nanaimo website at www.nanaimo.ca. In a recent news release from the City of Nanaimo, Mayor Leonard Krog said, "The youth are our future! Youth Week is a great chance to celebrate the young citizens in our community and to remember all the energy, enthusiasm, as well as the contributions they make to enhance our City."
There wasn’t a social event planned for April, but the Spring Book Sale provided a lot of opportunities to mix and mingle with fellow Rotarians!
The social committee is planning a casual gathering on Friday, May 20 from 4:30-6 p.m. Join us for fellowship and a cocktail or two at the Grand Hotel lounge. Please email Tracy Makarenko before May 18 if you will be attending.
Save the Dates!
June 24 – Installation
July 16 – Summer Picnic Social on Gabriola Island
August 19 – President’s BBQ
The social committee is working hard to host events that encourage everyone to join together. Hope to see you soon!
The Rotary Clubs of Nanaimo & Lantzville came together on April 23 to pick up trash from multiple sites in Nanaimo in recognition of Earth Day, which was on April 22. Over 70 Rotary members and friends collected 2,100 pounds of garbage in under two hours. A small dent in a very big problem in our community. Nanaimonewsnow.com covered the event and the Nanaimo News Bulletin mentioned Rotary in its story about local Earth Day clean-ups.
Let's help make our community cleaner - pick up trash when you see it, lead by example and educate others on the impact garbage has on our environment. When we treat the environment with kindness and respect, we all benefit. Thank you to the City of Nanaimo for providing supplies and taking the collected garbage away. Click here to see all the photos.
Rotary's commitment to the environment was promoted through our April Nanaimo News Bulletin ad. International and local actions were highlighted. See the ad on page 19 in the April 20 e-edition here.
Rotary received a complimentary inclusion in Nanaimo News Bulletin's Focus magazine! The story, submitted by the Area 4 Public Image committee member Bev Hilton (Nanaimo Oceanside), will help raise further awareness about Rotary in our community and beyond. Read the story on page 24 here.
There are a number of ways to keep up to date with all the happenings within our Rotary Club. Click on the following links to view photo albums, read about some of our latest projects and to connect socially through Facebook and Instagram! And remember that ClubRunner is also a great resource for members to view a wide variety of club information.
If you have Rotary Club news, photos or videos to share, please email the details to Rebecca Taylor and Denise Wittkofski so they can share through our multiple online channels.
Thank you to our Cogs team! Content editor & contributor Rebecca Taylor and contributors Roy Bennett, Dawn Hankins, Samantha Letourneau and Denise Wittkofski. Have a story idea? Please email Rebecca as we're always looking for content for the monthly newsletter.
Our April book sale raised more than $124K this year! We have come a long way since the first sale was held at Nanaimo North Town Centre on Thanksgiving weekend in 2007. It has grown from that four-day sale to two, 10-day annual sales thanks t
Congratulations to Brent Stetar who was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow from the club as a special thank you for his years of exemplary service to the book sale and to Rotary. Past President Bob Janes, on behalf of the club, presented the award to Brent for his leadership and dedication. Thank you, Brent for all that you do for the book sale and the club!
Last year we raised $5,108 for Rotary International and had over 80 participants. We travelled across Canada and logged 36,346 km in 3 months! This year we are one big team and aim to travel 7,462 km in 51 days. Incredibly, we have already exceeded last year's fundraising goal! 
A special shout out to Carlene and her partner Holly whose borscht fundraiser raised $2,815! 
Tracy didn’t know much about Rotary until she joined in February 2020. Over the years, her family has always come first. Part of keeping her finger on the pulse was volunteering with her children’s schools and sporting activities. Any spare time Tracy did have went towards starting and expanding her hands-on healing and life coaching business, or writing articles and books. When asked w
After the social hour, President Laurie Bienert presented an overview about our club, including our fundraising efforts with the book sale and what we do to give back to the community. She also talked about how members are active in the clubs’ many committees, our meetings and opportunities to get involved.
The Nanaimo Track & Field Club - supported by Rotary - has been able to thrive and create a special career advantage for local high school girls throughout COVID. 
The Nanaimo facility, with Rotary’s help, is one of the best tracks in B.C. Some of the equipment is showing wear after 20 years and needs replacement. Nanaimo is in the race to house the Canadian National track and field championships in 2024. This is the place. Success will be a big boost to the Nanaimo economy.
Youth Week is a week of fun-filled interaction and a celebration intended to build a strong connection between youth and their communities. There are many events planned by the City of Nanaimo to celebrate youth in our city, including a hike to Sugarloaf Mountain, a free swim (Lions Free Swim) at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and a special "May the Fourth Be with You" Star Wars skate at Nanaimo Ice Centre. A full schedule of events can be found on the YOUth Nanaimo Facebook page and on the City of Nanaimo website at 
The Rotary Clubs of Nanaimo & Lantzville came together on April 23 to pick up trash from multiple sites in Nanaimo in recognition of Earth Day, which was on April 22. Over 70 Rotary members and friends collected 2,100 pounds of garbage in under two hours. A small dent in a very big problem in our community. Nanaimonewsnow.com 
Rotary received a complimentary inclusion in Nanaimo News Bulletin's Focus magazine! The story, submitted by the Area 4 Public Image committee member Bev Hilton (Nanaimo Oceanside), will help raise further awareness about Rotary in our community and beyond. Read the story on page 24 
