Since its inception in 2017, this Yellowhead community service program has reached over 500 high school students in British Columbia. The 2024 iteration has expanded into two other regions of British Columbia, the Northwest and this year the Peace region. Both new programs are led by Rotary clubs in their area. This year's Yellowhead Rotary offering will be expanding to a four-day program with guest agencies including Douglas College, BCCancer North, Justice Insitute, and Rotary Hospice House.
YELLOWHEAD ROTARY ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD FOR 2023-2024 YEAR
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – Today, we are pleased to announce the induction of our new Board of Directors at the Rotary Club of Prince George – Yellowhead, under our new President Debie Hemich. At a time when our club is expanding its horizon of service and embracing innovative strategies, the appointment of these esteemed individuals will undoubtedly enrich our club's strategic depth and operational effectiveness.
Each member brings a wealth of experience and profound dedication to our mission, "Service Above Self". We believe their unique expertise, coupled with their esteemed commitments, will provide the impetus for our club to continue making remarkable strides within our community and in communities abroad.
The role of the board is pivotal in enhancing our club’s vision and implementing our mission, and we look forward to the fresh perspectives, unique insights, and dynamic leadership our new board members will bring. We plan to expand our outreach and influence through their guidance and are committed to scaling new heights in our service-oriented endeavors.
Yours Sincerely,
Debie Hemich President
YELLOWHEAD ROTARY ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD FOR 2023-2024 YEAR
We welcome anyone interested in joining us on June 15th Bon Voyage Restaurant Steakhouse and Greek Cuisine at 12:15PM to learn about Yellowhead Rotary Club, what we offer and our business networking opportunities.
https://www.facebook.com/events/281077947588606
Yellowhead Rotary Club Business Luncheon - New Member Infosession
Bill Hellyer received a major donor level 1 pin today. This means he has donated over $10,000.00 US to the foundation. The 1st person in our club to do so. Congratulations Bill and thank you!
Congratulations - Bill Hellyer - Major Donor Level 1
Rotarians are invited to pitch in with their friends, family and neighbours to give the city a truly old fashioned post-winter tidying during the Annual Spring Clean Up!
When: Sunday, April 30 from 10am-3pm
Where: Domano Blvd From Trent Drive to Gladstone Drive
Home Base: Set up at College Heights Secondary
Stuff we got: bags, gloves and any other items, several hi vis-vests, a pop-up tent (setup at CHSS), along with a table and some folding chairs
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Prince George Yellowhead, we wish to congratulate Melanie Nichols on achieving the award of Paul Harris +1.
The presentation of Paul Harris Fellowrecognition is The Rotary Foundation’s way ofexpressing its appreciation for a substantialcontribution to its humanitarian and educationalprograms. It is named for Rotary’s founder, aChicago lawyer, who started our organizationwith three business associates in 1905.
Rotary Club of Prince George Yellowhead formally thanks Conrad Turner on his presentation on the realities of the challenges of being the Principal of Ron Brent Elementary. This presentation was on Feb. 9th, 2023.
A quad club event is being planned for January 28th.
The event is family friendly and is open to Rotarians, Rotaractors, Rotarian family members, friends and future Rotarians.
The event is to be planned as a break-even event but if there is a small surplus, it will be given to the TRF-Polio. A small premium is being charged to cover the cost of the exchange students and prizes.
The Chinese New Year will be held at the Fortune Palace and will include an 8 course Chinese dinner including Peking Duck, Lettuce Wraps, spicy prawns and much, much more. Pop, coffee and/or tea will be provided on demand. Alcohol cost is to be picked up by the attendee. We do need to know if anyone has any allergies to shell fish. Curling will start at 2:30/3:00 (limit of 32 participants) and Chinese New Year at 5:30.
We are happy to announce our 2nd Membership Night at the Brizolla to be February 9th, 2023. Bring a possible new member to this opportunity to get to know Rotary and its membership with its community stewardship and participation.
- Guests Eat Free
- Noon meeting is moved to 6pm
- Meeting commitment to have at least 1 evening meeting a month
This Thursday, December 15th is the Rotary All Club Holiday Light up at the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum. From 6-9pm we are going to light up the park, there will be Train Rides, Hot Chocolate, Hot Dog Roasting and Smore's toasted on Bonfires. Rotary Spouses and families are encouraged to attend.
*There will be no cost as there is an anonymous sponsor*
RSVP is required by Wednesday, Dec 14.
Please email RSVP and questions to Katherine Carlson ( contact information sent by email or contact Brenda )
As the Title says, Books of 50/50 Tickets are now available from Cameron Stolz @ Great White. Email him and let him know how many books you desire, cameron@greatwhite.ca.
$10 each, books have 10 tickets. Up to a Grand Total of $5000 to be won by one lucky ticket holder.
Hurry, before time runs out. Gets your 50/50 tickets Today!!!!
We hope that you are well and staying safe with Covid -19.
With the schools being closed throughout the past month we had taken most of our time in renovating the school and maintaining the environment for an appealing view once students and staff return back to school.
It has been really difficult renovating school buildings when students are available with all the distraction they will be exposed to thus during this shut down period it has been a perfect time to intervene in all the standing works that were set aside for the holiday time.
The library building which however is the biggest building at the school has been our main core for finishing work from it’s lengthy period and size. Everybody is just so excited to start using a larger library space and computer room.
Most of the students and staff call it the “Heart Of The School” as it is at the centre and can be accessed easily from all the classes with pathways that are well set aside to it and across it. With a science presentation that was made early this year one of the students described the heart and how it supplies blood throughout the body and he convened this idea with how knowledge can be gained from each of the students when they visit the library often and made a humorous example that the library was a heart and it’s pathways were veins and arteries that all head to each person in the classes thus student should visit the library and read much more books so as to prosper in life as if they don’t it is just like how the blood will stop to circulate to the heart anymore and a person won’t be able to survive. This student presentation really showed us on how much the students value the newly constructed library with how they just compliment it as it will be the biggest school library in our entire region that really push us to make this dream come true.
We have made some steps with the paint job and veranda that we are happy to present to you all as we really could not have made it here without your generous support. Please get to see the attached photos in this email.
On behalf of all the families in our communities, students, staff and school management we say thank you to the Yellowhead Rotary and Friends of Mgutwa for making us make tremendous progress in the school library building and may God Almighty richly bless you all.
With food banks being used more than ever, we wanted to help out. Together with our fellow Rotarians, the Kinsmen and Rotartact we collected over 1300 lbs. of food and over $1100 in cash donations. We had 15 volunteers with each organization represented by at least a volunteer. Collections were split 50/50 with the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul.
Thank you to everyone who donated. It makes a difference.
We had the pleasure this week to be involved in the "burger blitz", delivering donations of burgers and fries to self-isolating or shut-in seniors. 10 of our club members helped with the deliveries which were all done in less than one hour - 80 deliveries! White Spot (Triple O's) donated the burgers and the Salvation army helped coordinate with the PG seniors Assoc. Rotarians did the delivering. #PeopleOfAction
Janine Fraser has been recognized for her ongoing commitment to Rotary. From major fundraising to picking up trash in the spring, she makes a difference in our club and our community. Keep up the great work!
Every year we award a Paul Harris Award to a member of our community. This year Kal Gill was selected for his on going dedication to our community as a whole and all that he does to support the efforts of the Yellowhead Rotary Club. He is always willing to help and always has a smile to share. Thank you for all that you do Kal. Well deserved.
RotaryAdventures in Health Care was created in 2017 to provide an opportunity to introduce Adventurers to post-secondary education, applied training and career opportunities in the health sciences in northern British Columbia. The program has become extremely successful with constant positive feedback from collaboraters, students and parents alike. This past spring the program was recognized with a Healthier You Award for Youth Initiative of the Year.
Unfortunately, success has created a problem. The goal of the program has become watered down...………………..
October 24th is World Polio day and to recognize this important event the 3 Prince George clubs are holding a joint dinner on that day at The Coast. Guest speaker is Joan Toone. Joan is a Rotarian and Past President of the Rotary Club of Victoria. Both Joan and her husband are multiple Paul Harris Fellows and Foundation Benefactors. They have received the Foundation District Service award twice.
Joan has also received a President's Commendation and a District 5020 Award of Excellence. She is a recipient of the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award and the Sovereign's Medal for volunteers. Joan is also a polio survivor.
Please join us on October 24th 6 pm at The Coast. Please feel free to invite friends and family. Tickets are available at the front desk of The Coast and I also have tickets . I will have these available at our luncheon meetings. Price is $30.00 for Rotarians and $35.00 for non members.
New Rotarian Ken Carnes has completed his ‘task’ list and had his New Member ribbon removed today. Thanks for joining our club Ken, we are enjoying getting to know you.
Today we inducted our newest member, Mauricio Plate. Mauricio works for the City of Prince George and manages their service division. We are happy to have you with us Mauricio and we look forward to working together in our community.
Shown here with Rotarians Dave Dyer and Bill Hellyer
Our annual Taste of India event raises much needed funds for worthwhile organizations both international and local. This week we were pleased to present the Friends of Mgutaw with a cheque for $12,500. With our support they are able to build a library and computer lab at their school. We are proud to be associated with this inspiring group who are making a difference in Mgutwa, Tanzania
Yolanda Bruno, Helen Matson and Sharon Egglestone are shown here with Taste of India Committee Chair Janine Fraser.
Our annual Taste of India event raises much needed funds for worthwhile organizations both international and local. This week we were pleased to present Kim March and Jamie Kranrod from The Blackburn Community Association with a cheque for $8,500 towards the development of a bike skills park. We are proud to be associated with this project as it impacts the lives of children in our community.
Kim March is shown here with Taste of India Committee Chair Janine Fraser.
Our annual Taste of India event raises much needed funds for worthwhile organizations both international and local. This week we were pleased to present Big Brothers and Big Sisters with a cheque for $8,500 for some much-needed playground equipment. We are proud to be associated with this dynamic group of individuals working to better the lives of children in our community. Keep up the great work!
Wendy Bracklow and Erica McLean are shown here with Rotarian Janine Fraser.
Today we inducted our newest member, Meagan Seizler. Meagan is a Notary Public with M Hawke and Associates Notaries Public. We are happy to have you with us Meagan and we look forward to working together in our community.
We had a fabulous time planting trees Wednesday morning in Rainbow Park alongside Rotarians from the PG Nechako Club,PG Rotary Club Downtown andRotaract Club - Prince George. Around 200 pine seedlings that Industrial Forestry Service donated to us, replaced trees that were removed in the park due to the mountain pine beetle
outbreak. Thanks to theCity of Prince George's Parks and Recreation department for its unwavering support for this project since planning began in December.
We appreciate the collaboration between the City and IFS as we strive to make a difference in our community with environmental sustainability initiatives like this one.
The 2018 interview team for the students applying to attend the Adventures in Health Care program in May. The members include representatives from Rotary, School District 57, University of Northern British Columbia, College of New Caldedonia and AiMHi.
Many thanks to Yellowhead Rotarians Martina Humphrey, Brenda Mondor, Lorna Dittmar, Karen Shea, Ignacio Albarracin and Nechako Rotarian Dolly Hilton.
Yellowhead Rotary Taste of India 2017 Recipiants include: AimHi, Girl Guides of Prince George and Friends of Mgutwa.
Our club was able to help AimHi renovate a bathroom to be more user friendly, we also assisted in replacing the floor at the Girl Guides camp, and contributed to a new well in the community of Mgutwa Tanzania.
AIFES 2017 is now history. We had a great group of grade ten to twelves -28 in all. They were all worn out after 4 long days, as were a few Rotarians. We received very positive evaluations from the students who learned a lot about career choices, educational opportunities and the broad spectrum of forestry and environmental pursuits. And they had a lot fun at the dinners, BBQ at the Helleyer, and bowling, all of which contributed to new found friendships. Now works starts on making 2018 even better.
Yellowhead Rotarian Jack Stevens representing our club by presenting the PAC President of Peden Hill School Irina Doering and Principal Sid Jawanda a cheque from our club supporting the literacy program.
Recently the Yellowhead Rotary Club of Prince George partnered with Debbie Dow and her team to drill 2 wells in Tanzania. Debbie tells us the project has many dedicated team members who continue to work towards installation.
What's in it for you? Great fellowship and friendships is one of the most common reasons. This is also an excellent opportunity to get to know the members of your club better. Learn about successful and innovative projects that your club can replicate at the Poster Session. Build lifelong friendships with people who share your vision for a better world. But with the lineup of exceptional speakers, unique breakout sessions, brilliant entertainment, and a fabulous resort full of all comforts and good food, the real question is WHY NOT?
Dozens of students, primarily but not exclusively, from Prince George are taking part in an adventure. It’s an Adventure in Forestry and Environmental Studies program, put on by the Yellowhead Rotary. It’s one of many pulled together by different rotary clubs across the country.
Over the course of four days, the students will pay visits to a sawmill, a tree nursery, a pulp mill, the air tanker base, the Wood Innovation and Design Centre, CNC and UNBC to sample all of the different aspects of the industry.Roughly 700 students have gone through the program since it started locally in 1990
Adventures in Forestry and Yellowhead Rotary in the news
Every year Yellowhead Rotary has sponsored a deserving student from the Prince George area to travel overseas under the Rotary banner to a foreign land for a year. This past year it was Tanner Hines, who spent the year in Sweden. He has been back a few weeks now and gave us a brief overview of his time in a foreign land. In addition he presented President Leslie Gilchrists with a banner from his host club in Sweden. Tanner will be continuing his education by finishing his Grade 11 and 12 courses this school year.
The opportunity to travel overseas begins this September for those in Grade 9, 10 and 11. The interview process for leaving next summer will start shortly. Contact Ron Davis for more information.
Sonica Kandola just keeps on giving, stepping up to do this or to do that, all the while managing RK Furniture Gallery and being a mom to teenage boys.
This past weekend, she invited us into her home to enjoy the 100th Grey Cup while enjoying the different snacks that we all brought to the do. Henrik from PWB once again supplied some of the fabulous treats that our local brewery has to offer.
Thirty Rotarians and partners not only enjoyed the game but also the dinner put on afterwards....a sample of what Taste of India will bring to us in February of 2013.
Also a tip of the hat to Kim and Kal Gill for helping Sonica with the festivities...another team that rocks!
Rotarian Henryk Orlik, Pacific Western Breweries brewmaster hosted this pot luck event and Rotarians took full advantage of the facilities and had a great evening of fun and food. Laura Hansen was our main cheer leader organizing the festivities of fun and frolick.
The calm after the storm, so to speak - There are not enough words to express the thanks to the Rotarians who volunteered at the PGX last week. It was a lot of fun, with great weather for all but a few opening hours.
It is a barbecue/ smoker cooker that can handle the following!
83- 1/2 Chickens
Or 40 - 8lb. Boston Butts
Or: 35 - Slabs baby Back Ribs
Or: 25 to 30 - Slabs Reg. Ribs
After much research and deliberation, Yellowhead Rotary has purchased direct from Lang a model 84 deluxe. The goal is to use this piece of equipment to raise money by providing good food at a reasonable price at major events around the City of Prince George.
The committee has organized food safe training sessions and should have the unit ready to go in the next few weeks. If this is your kind of fund raising event that you would like to help with speak to Roy Spooner or Bill Hellyer at the next club luncheon.
In an effort to help new Rotarians understand the workings of Rotary and all it stands for, Yellowhead has a group of Rotarians who partner with new Rotarians to work with them in the first few months. The task list is still being developed, but includes;
introduction to all club members
discuss areas of interest that would assist new members to get involved
encourage involvement in special club functions
accompany new member to their first make-up meeting
discuss other make-up options
review attendance requirements, opportunities for service, Yellowhead website and District site
For those who would be interested in participating in this program, contact the Club Secretary, David Wharrie.
The Rotary Club of Prince George Yellowhead has been serving Prince George, BC, and beyond since its charter in 1977. Our name was taken from the Yellowhead Highway which runs through the city. Prince George is about mid-way between Edmonton, Alberta, to the east and the port city of Prince Rupert on BC's west coast.
For more information about our Club you can email our President or Secretary (just click on their names listed on our home page) or contact us by mail at PO Box 1944, Prince George, BC V2L 5E3.
This short video summarizes the four days of activities that the students from Prince George and western Canada experienced at Adventures in Forestry and Environmental Studies in 2014
Adventures in Forestry and Environmental Studies - May 6 - 10, 2015
On Thursday, April 3, 2014 we have the opportunity as a group to tour the almost completed Wood Innovation Design Centre. In case you did not realize it this is an all wood building; innovation brought together to showcase, you got it, wood. More information as we get closer to the date, but come and view this new marvel. Hard hats will be provided but you should plan on wearing boots, safety toed if you have them, but they must be boots. Lunch will be provided.
At lunch on Thursday, Danielle Smyth, Project Administrator presented an overview of the activities of the School of Exploration and Mining in Smithers. Of particular interest was the six week program that is enabling all participants to engage in the mining industry. Here is the video.
Five years of Taste of India. It gets better ever year. The people, the Rotarians, the food and of course the entertainment. A big shout out to everyone who volunteered this year, you have made a real difference to youth in India as well as in Prince George.
Rotarian Sonica Kandola explains the "why" behind Taste of India, and the difference that Yellowhead Rotary is making in our community of Prince George and across the globe.
Tim Bennett, Executive Director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters Prince George spoke to Yellowhead members outlining the project that will effectively be name "Rotary House". BB/BS will be collaborating with Taste of India to assist in helping raise funds for the Rotary House. Further news about the project will be unveiled in the next few months.
What a great time for almost seventy Rotarians and guests..........lots of fun, great food and superb entertainment. And along the way we raised over $2,800 for a needy family this Christmas. Thank you for everyone for donating their time and or money. The laughs were great and made for an enjoyable luncheon.
Samantha is attending U.N.B.C. having graduated from College Heights Secondary in 2012. She spoke about
RYLA North that she attended at Ness Lake last September. She explained how it has impacted her life through focusing on her future as well as the connections she made at the three day retreat.
As a former Interactor in high school, she has also moved forward in the Rotary cycle to become involved in the new Rotaract Club that has recently formed at U.N.B.C. She updated the club as to what is happening withRotaractin its infancy.
1. Chemo Caps for Cancer patients - Working to support Kordyban Lodge by purchase wool and organize a group of knitters through out the Province to knit Chemo Caps for the patients who are awaiting wigs from the wig salon that Yellowhead Rotary is supporting.
2. Toys for Sick Kids - Supplying toys and games for the Pediatric Wing at U.H.N.B.C. as well as Kordyban Lodge working with an organization Childs Play Charity. The fund raising event will engage youth through out the community playing online games that will raise money for the equipment.
3. Back Packs for Kids - With a large number of back packs left over from a youth event last year, the students are working to fill them with school supplies and distribute to those less fortunate.
4. Purple Hair Campaign - Last years Purple Campaign was a real hit at CHSS and raise about $600 for Rotary International for Polio…This year they want to do the same campaign but supporting a local agency Northern Uganda Development Foundation in four areas:
i. Water wells
ii. Education
iii. Sustainability
iv. Health
Interestingly there may be a spin off to Cedars Christian School for an additional event.
5. Spring Clean Up Campaign - Volunteering on two clean up days the last week of April to help keep our community clean. The funds raised will be going towards a number of activities including the above as well as the Grade 12 Graduation Ceremonies at College Heights Secondary in May.
6. Interact Readers - Similar to Rotary Readers, the Interactors have initiated a one on one reading program to the elder citizens at Rainbow Park Lodge the last Tuesday of every month
, from 3:30 until 4:30 p.m.
What is College Heights Interact up to these days?
With food banks feeling the pressure more than ever we were happy to help sort, sort and sort some more.
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Dozens of students, primarily but not exclusively, from Prince George are taking part in an adventure. It’s an Adventure in Forestry and Environmental Studies program, put on by the Yellowhead Rotary. It’s one of many pulled together by different rotary clubs across the country.
At lunch on Thursday, Danielle Smyth, Project Administrator presented an overview of the activities of the School of Exploration and Mining in Smithers. Of particular interest was the six week program that is enabling all participants to engage in the mining industry. Here is the 
Tim Bennett, Executive Director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters Prince George spoke to Yellowhead members outlining the project that will effectively be name "Rotary House". BB/BS will be collaborating with Taste of India to assist in helping raise funds for the Rotary House. Further news about the project will be unveiled in the next few months.
Samantha is attending U.N.B.C. having graduated from College Heights Secondary in 2012. She spoke about 
