COVID-19 Update from District 5050
March 21,2020
Your D5050 leadership team is constantly reviewing the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak and considering how we as Rotary can help in the process of “Flattening the Curve.”
As Rotarians and clubs, there are activities or projects that we can help do to keep our communities and friends supported and connected. Our acts of kindness will not go unnoticed. We are Rotary!
- Have a few members reach out to those in need, especially your older members, and offer to pick up essentials from the grocery store and deliver to them as well as prescriptions if needed, etc.
- Take a look at your social networks to see where people are seeking help. For example, a manager of a senior living center posted a simple plea for help with toilet paper. A Rotarian texted him back and 10 minutes later a case of TP was left at his entrance and he asked what other shopping he might provide. These are the acts of kindness Rotary should be doing.
- Start a dialog between members about things needed. For example: I have plenty of T.P., bleach, etc. Encourage participants to ASK if they are in need of something by simply hitting reply all on the email, to encourage people to stay home as much as possible.
- Students are home, younger parents have to work, if they are not telecommuting. Consider a helping hand or just a simple voice of support. Healthy older youth might be available for sitting or taking children outside to provide breaks while still practicing safe distancing. Young parents are stressed with work and family obligations confronting them. We can help reduce that stress through our acts of kindness. They are not alone in this journey.
- Stay connected by posting Club news on the District Facebook page (@rotary5050) and keep members in your club and other clubs update to date.
- Consider donating blood as health care systems in BC and WA need blood. Platelets can only be stored for 7 days and are needed to stop bleeding and are essential for those fighting cancer, disease and traumatic injuries.
- District Leaders are meeting regularly to help develop the latest information on Rotary to pass along to your club presidents on where to help, different options to meet virtually, projects to consider
Mr. Rogers captured the moment quite well.
Let’s all be safe and help flatten the curve by doing our part, but let’s all make a difference by offering an act of kindness along the way.
DG Brad Whittaker
March 18, 2020
Rotary International cancels 2020 Convention in Honolulu. For more Information CLICK HERE.
March 17, 2020
RYLA 2020 scheduled for May 7 - 10, 2020 is cancelled.
March 16, 2020
It is with deep regret that I must inform you that Conference Chair Kevin Wood and I have decided that we must cancel the Rotary District 5050 Conference this year.
The government of BC has banned all gatherings over 250 people and we will have over 250 people at our conference. The government has recommended not having gatherings of more than 50 people.
There are now over 100 cases of the coronavirus in BC and health experts are expecting this number to increase. As you may know, at this time in both the United States and Canada, the goal is ‘flatten the curve’ so as not to overwhelm the health care system.
We want to ensure all Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors and their partners and children are kept safe.
We would like to thank the Conference Committee for all its hard and dedicated work over the past two years to put on what we believe would have been an excellent conference with great attendance including over 60 new conference attendees. We would also like to thank our generous sponsors who supported the conference with $20,000.
We will start to process refunds soon but please give us some time to do so.
We will be meeting with the Harrison Hot Springs Hotel to determine the best way to cancel room bookings so please do not contact the hotel. For those who booked rooms at other hotels, please contact them directly.
And please be safe and stay healthy.
At your Rotary Service,
Brad
Brad Whittaker
District Governor 2019-2020
Rotary International District 5050
1-604-819-6402
March 11, 2020
Due to concerns regarding the coronavirus, the District 5050 Board of Directors has decided to postpone the Club Training Event scheduled for April 4th at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey, BC. The Club Training Event was formerly known as the District Training Assembly.
We believe this is a prudent approach after hearing from health professionals in BC and Washington State and concerns from Rotarians. We want to ensure that Rotarians are not put in situations where they feel their health is at risk.
We believe the training at the Event is very important for directors, officers, committee chairs, and members so we will reschedule the event for later in the year.
Keep safe,
Brad