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Notification of the approval of three District Grant Humanitarian Projects by The Rotary Foundation was received on May 20^th, 2021 enabling the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise and its partners to commence with a project in Mexico, and two others in Honduras.

A total of $US43,885, which includes funding from Canadian Rotary clubs in District 5060 and District Designated Funding of $US20,785, will finance these projects almost immediately. The commitment by the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise for these three projects amounts to $US7,400.

All three projects focus on Disease Prevention and Treatment and Maternal and Child Health, two of the areas of focus designated by The Rotary Foundation.

Further information on these three humanitarian projects is included in the three website Home Page stories created and entered on the website on this date.

District Clubs Fund School Library Installation and Material Acquisition in Honduras

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Jun 06, 2021

For the second time in the current Rotary Year of 2020-21, the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise will support the funding of a project for Chispa Project Honduras.

This project, approved in May of 2021, will access a District Designated Grant, with matching club grants from six District 5060 Canadian clubs from the “Wine Country Cluster Clubs” for a school library in La Paz, Honduras. The project will involve the installation of the school library, the purchase and placement of 700 books and library materials, and training for the staff, parents and students. Considering that Honduras has been particularly affected by Covid-19, the loss of education has been significant. The La Paz Rotary Club has agreed to help with the installation of the library.

The total donations, including $US800 from the Kelowna Sunrise club, is $US3842.50. When matched with the DDF Grant, the total project resulted in a cost of $US7685.

Humanitarian Project for “Early Childhood Stimulation and Caregiving Training” in Honduras Approved

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Jun 06, 2021

A major humanitarian project focused on Disease Prevention and Treatment and Maternal and Child Health, two of the seven areas of focus of The Rotary Foundation, was approved by The Rotary Foundation. Approval was received on May 20^th for an “Early Childhood Stimulation and Caregiving Training” program in the Nuevo Capital community of Honduras.

The project involves caregiver training focused on preventing childhood diseases and helping children reach their full potential in the development of gross and fine motor skills, language development and social interaction skills. This training will ensure that children have a better chance of success when they enter primary school.

District 5060 Matches Club Funds for Second Project with Padrino Children’s Foundation in Mexico

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Jun 06, 2021

The Mexican project, approved by The Rotary Foundation in May of 2021, supplements an earlier approved project supporting the Padrino Children’s Foundation in Todos Santos. This second grant will provide funding for Technology requirements for patient data (diagnosis, medical history and quality measurement tools) and family information at a project cost of $US6,200, involving $US3,100 from funds from the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise and a matching grant of the same value from District Designated Funds.

The first grant, which was approved in 2020, delayed for implementation due to the Covid Pandemic, will proceed at the same time as the second project. It will target “Early Diagnosis and Intervention for Neurodevelopmental Disorders,” whereby public healthcare providers will be taught to use the Child Development Evaluation tool and will show parents of pre-school children basic early childhood stimulation techniques. Once the staff is trained, they will be able to use that training with new families.

Employment Training Program in Dang, Nepal Proceeding after Delays in Implementation

Posted by Ed Kolybaba

The Economic Community Development Project in Dang, Nepal, coordinated by the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise and approved by The Rotary Foundation in November of 2019, finally began to be implemented in February of 2021. The comprehensive project is providing employment skills training for women, youth and men in the impoverished Dang region of Nepal.

For a variety of reasons in Nepal, this project was delayed by well over a year; but the good news is that the first training course commenced in mid-February of 2021 and has continued since then with additional training opportunities.

The training program valued at $US73,806 is a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise, the Dang Rotary Club and Crating Possibilities . The initial allocation of funds were provided by the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise ($US6,000) and three additional Canadian Rotary clubs from District 5060 (West Kelowna Daybreak-$US2,000, Kelowna Ogopogo-$US3,000 and Kelowna-$US2,000) and then matched by District 5060 with a Designated District Grant-$US13,000. Fortunately, the Government of Canada through a Special Government of Canada Project Funding program then matched this amount by $US26,000. The Rotary Foundation’s World Fund completed the funding with a grant of $U21,606.

Ten women participated in the first course, a “Basket Weaving” session that lasted for one week, which from all reports left the women very satisfied with the training. During the first week of March ten young women started a three week Beautician/Hair styling course which is nearing its culmination. Additional training programs are scheduled.

Club Member Acknowledged for his Commitment to TRF’s Endowment Fund

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Jun 05, 2021

Ensuring that others in the future who will benefit from the mission and goals of The Rotary Foundation, is the reason why club member John Pouliot has made a substantial bequest commitment to the Foundation’s Endowment Fund. In recognition of his commitment, on behalf of The Rotary Foundation and the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise, club Foundation member Ed Kolybaba virtually presented John with a Bequest Society, Level 2 (BEQ+2) crystal and a lapel pin at the club’s virtual zoom meeting on June 04^th.

“Rotarians from our club extend congratulations to you John and thank you for your generosity and willingness to share your financial gifts to make a difference for those in need well into the future” expressed Kolybaba.

In his presentation, Kolybaba shared that back in 2017 Rotarians took bold action to ensure the success and the empowerment of generations still to come by establishing The Rotary Foundation to secure a better future, and to begin action to change the lives of people around the world. In 1982, the Foundation then established the Endowment Fund to guarantee that this action would continue into the future.

The Endowment Fund ensures the long-term viability of The Rotary Foundation and its programs. Contributions made to the Endowment Fund are invested in perpetuity with no erosion of the contribution itself. Unlike the Annual Fund whose money is distributed after four years after contribution, the Endowment Fund's principal is never spent and is structured to maintain value against inflation.

Kolybaba also expressed appreciation to the 22 current members of the club who are benefactors and the 14 of these benefactors who are also Bequest Society members.

As benefactors, these Rotarians have made a commitment to provide US$1000 or more to the Endowment Fund; while those who are Bequest Society Members have made a commitment to contribute at least $US10,000. Rotarians who make a commitment of $US25,00 to $US49,000 are recognized as BEQ+2 members.

Club Celebrates the Awarding of Another Paul Harris Fellow

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Jun 05, 2021

The club congratulated member Mike Crowley on June 04 for receiving the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award, named after the founder of Rotary International, Paul Harris.

The Paul Harris Fellow is an award given to those who have donated an accumulated amount of $US1000 while a member of Rotary International.

In making the presentation to Mike, Tom Paterson, the chair of the club’s Foundation Committee stated that “Giving any sum of money to the Rotary Foundation makes you a part of the eradication of Polio, a partner in creating PEACE, a person who supports Clean Water and Sanitation where water is worth more than gold; it is measured in LIVES. It makes you someone who believes that all babies, children and mom's should have good medical resources, micro-credit and equal rights.”

Welcome Mike to the union of thousands of Rotarians invested in making this World a much better place. Congratulations on behalf of Rotary International, Rotary District 5060 and the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise.

Proceeds from the Club’s 6th Annual Raffle to Support The Bridge

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on May 27, 2021

Tickets for the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise Cub’s 6^th Annual Raffle go on sale June 04, 2021 with $8700 worth of prizes available for those with winning tickets. The raffle will extend from June 04 until and including September 30^th, 2021 prior to 2:00 pm when the draws will be made.

All prizes are donated by the sponsors of each of the four prizes.

First Prize, provided by Save-On-Foods, is for $5200 in gift cards.
Second Prize, donated by White’s BBQ & Fireplace in Kelowna, includes a Green Mountain Pallet Grill and accessories valued at $2,000.
Third Prize is $1000 in cash from Prospera Credit Union.
Fourth Prize includes a $500 Gift Voucher, thanks to Torino Ritz Men’s Wear in Kelowna.

Tickets are priced at $5.00 each and are available from all Kelowna Sunrise Rotarians, ticket sale venues at selected businesses throughout Kelowna, West Kelowna and Lake Country, the Farmer’s Market in Kelowna, and online at www.kelownasunrise.ca

Net proceeds from the sale of the raffle tickets are returned to the community as a donation, for the second year in a row, to The Bridge, Youth and Family Services, which supports families with various programs and which provide detox and recovery programs to youth and adults.

Zone 28/32 Gala Event Raises Funds for The Rotary Foundation

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on May 15, 2021

A Rotary International Zone 28/32 Gala was held during the evening of May 12^th, 2021, featuring a live “Red Carpet” gala fundraising event, hosted by Rotary International’s in-coming 2022-23 President Jennifer Jones. More than 1000 Rotarians and their guests from Rotary clubs within the two zones joined in the variety show that was a part of the gala event.

Over US$180,000 was raised for The Rotary Foundation from proceeds from a silent auction, ticket sales to the Gala and generous donations throughout the event.

Twelve members of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise attended the gala event. Bob Fortier, Norm LeCavalier, Marjolein Lloyd, Tom Paterson, Ed Kolybaba, Moya Webb, Dean Reidt, Jane Fletcher, Randall Bamford, Brenda Bell, David Webb, and Linda Frandsen, represented the club.

Past RI Director Jeffrey Cadorette (2018-2020) served as the Master of Ceremonies throughout the evening event, which included a number of distinguished speakers, entertainers, inspiring stories about service supported by TRF, and fundraising activities.

Another Major Donor Couple Recognized for Their Generosity

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on May 15, 2021

Congratulations are extended to Randall and Dawn Bamford, who recently reached a Major Donor status for their continuing financial support of The Rotary Foundation. In doing so, Randall and Dawn joined ten other Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise who have attained Major Donor status in past years.

Randall and Dawn were acknowledged for their generous support of the Foundation at the club’s May 14^th regular zoom meeting. Club Foundation Committee Chair, Tom Paterson, congratulated the couple on behalf of the club and The Rotary Foundation and then followed with the virtual presentation which included a crystal display and pins for Dawn and Randall.

The Rotary Foundation honours Rotarians as Major Donors when they donate US$10,000 over their membership with Rotary International. Included in the group of members of the club who have been honoured with this achievement in the past are Barb Penner, John Pouliot, Paul Mulvihill/Colleen Mulvihill, Tom/Wendy Paterson, Helmut Hubert, Ed/Vivian Kolybaba, Jerry/Anke Sedmak, Linda Frandsen, Bruce/Donna Falkins and Robin Durrant.

Combating Malaria in Zambia with the Donations from Rotarians

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on May 19, 2021

As Rotarians, we have been focused on eradicating polio from the world since 1985, and as you know, the eradication is coming to fruition. Now, the world is in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic; and Rotarians around the world are working hard to support health care and emergency workers and entire communities to fight the pandemic.

Sometimes in the midst of all these terrible health issues, we forget that another dreadful disease affects the health of many people and causes death in many countries. But with the focus of such organizations as the World Health Organization, remarkable success has been achieved over the last two decades with respect to this disease. If you have guessed the disease I am referring to, it is indeed Malaria.

This is the beginning of the story of how organizations, including The Rotary Foundation which we fund, have and plan to focus on combating malaria in ten provinces of Zambia throughout 2021 and forward. You can learn all about it by viewing the video produced by Website administrator and editor Ed Kolybaba included in this front page story.

Club Rotarians Recognized During District Celebration

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on May 14, 2021

Congratulations are extended to the Kelowna Sunrise Rotarians who were recognized for their achievement during the current Rotary year of 2021 during District 5060’s Rotary Foundation Recognition and Awards Celebration held via Zoom during the evening of Wednesday, May 12^th,an event attended by eleven of the Sunrise Rotarians.

The event featured the presentation of some of the international and local projects that were sponsored by a number of district clubs, the recognition of Rotarians who achieved Major Donor, Paul Harris Society, and Bequest Society, Level two status, and the celebration of Rotarians who had gone above and beyond to be the District's Super Stars during the 2020-21 Rotary year.

Martha Kennedy, District 5060 Youth Exchange Chair, was awarded a Super Star Award for her leadership in providing guidance to the Rotary Youth Exchange Program during this difficult year caused by the Covid-19 pandemic which resulted in many abnormal responsibilities for this position.

A number of club Rotarians were recognized for their continuous support of The Rotary Foundation, its goals, programs and projects, as Major Donors (MD), Paul Harris Society (PHS) members, and Bequest Society (BEQ) members since July 01, 2020

Major Donors (Rotarians who have donated over US$10,000 as RI members): Randall Bamford, Helmut Hubert and Ed Kolybaba.

Paul Harris Society Members (Rotarians who have made a commitment and had achieved giving of US$1,000 to TRF in each year going forward): Colleen McEwan, Paul Mulvihill, Randall Bamford and Ed Kolybaba.

Bequest Society, Level 2 Membership (Rotarians who have bequeathed between $US$25,000 and US$49,999 in their wills), awarded to John Pouliot.

Rotex 5060 Provides Support for Graduates and Future Students of RYE

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on May 03, 2021

Rotex 5060 is an organization of past Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) alumni, made up of past outbound students who have enjoyed their exchange program in other countries after having been sponsored by Rotary clubs from Rotary District 5060. The organization provides a foundation and support network for graduates of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program and serves as a support system for future RYE students.

The interest to develop Rotex 5060 came about after Susan McIntyre, 2020-21 District 5060 Alumni Chair and member of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise, had identified past Youth Exchange Students and then invited them to a Zoom meeting. Following the meeting, two past exchange students, Treat Bartholomew Schubert, who had been sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wenatchee Confluence which enabled him to enjoy his exchange in Japan during 2018-19 and Miguel Lefevre, 2018-19 RYE student sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise who participated in his exchange in Switzerland, both who already had an interest in forming a Rotex Club, provided the initiative to proceed with the development of the club. By the end of December, 2020, a club had been formed based on the Rotary Rotex International model.

Under the leadership of Allison Brown (2013-14 RYE student to Italy, sponsored by the Rotary Club of West Kelowna Daybreak), and Treat Bartholomew Schubert as co-Presidents, Miguel Lefevre as Vice President, Kyla Christianson (2018-19 RYE student to Taiwan sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kamloops) as Secretary and Luke Grigg (2011-12 RYE student to Peru sponsored by the Rotary Club of Quincy) as Treasurer, by the end of April of 3021, the club had already registered 54 members and was well on its way to establishing its purpose and establishing goals for its success.

Let's Celebrate

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Apr 28, 2021

Club Fulfills Promises To Assist Local Not-for-Profit Organizations

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Apr 26, 2021

On March 26^th, the membership of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise agreed to financially support five different not-for-profit organizations that are making a difference in our community for those in need. Recently, each of the organizations was presented with a cheque fulfilling their commitment to help these organizations achieve their vision and goals.

$10,570 for the Food for Thought program of Hope for the Nations

Presentation by club members Bob Fortier and Greig McPhee to Cheryl Hoffman (Manager) on March 29

$10,000 to the Child Advocacy Centre

Presentation by club members Susan McIntyre and Andy Griffin to Jocelyn (social worker), Ginny (Executive Director), Sean (CAC fund raiser), and Natasha (social worker) on April 14

$3,000 to Meals on Wheels

Presentation by club member Andy Griffin to Marion Bremmner (Executive Director) on April 20

$5,000 to Community Recreational Initiatives Society (CRIS) for the adaptive mountain bike program

Presentation by Andy Griffin to Dani Hennig (Manger: Partnerships), Laura McEwan (Manager: Programs-AWE), and James Sader (Manager: Programs-AA) on April 21

$2000 to Connect Counselling & Therapy (Kelowna Family Services Centre Society)

Presentation by club member Andy Griffin to Roxie Van Aller (Executive Director) on April 21

A story on March 28^th on the Front Page of this website, featured the five organizations and the purpose for the financial support from the Kelowna Sunrise Rotary club.

Those in Extreme Poverty and in Deplorable Living Conditions Thank our Generous Rotarians

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Apr 24, 2021

When those in living conditions where they are hungry day after day, where they do not have access to clean water or proper sanitation, or where they don’t have access to health care or education, we know that they express their appreciation to those who care for them by helping them to overcome these conditions.

The members of the Kelowna Sunrise Rotary Club, along with The Rotary Foundation, also express their appreciation and extend their congratulations to Graham Bell and Scott Rattee on their generous donations to The Rotary Foundation and particularly to the humanitarian service provided throughout the world.

Graham Bell was recognized for his achievement in reaching a level of Paul Harris Fellow + 2 (PHF+2); while Scott Rattee was recognized for attaining a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF). A PHF award is achieved when a Rotarian donates a total of US1,000 to the Foundation; while levels beyond the PHF are recognized for each additional US$1,000 donation.

In presenting the awards to Graham and Scott on Friday, April 23^rd during the club’s regular zoom meeting, club Foundation Chair Tom Paterson described how important every donation club members make to The Rotary Foundation is in making a difference in providing humanitarian support for those who continue to experience the most deplorable conditions possible from day to day, conditions that we have a difficult time even imagining.

It is so sad that nearly ten percent of the world’s population live in extreme poverty without support, on the sidelines, watching economic growth, prosperity and abundance pass they by; but not the abundance in scarcity. Even the environment attacks people in poverty. When nature strikes (hurricanes, floods, fires……) the world’s poor often suffer the most!

So when Rotarians like Graham and Scott share their fortunes, we are pleased and we celebrate.

Kelowna Sunrise Rotarians Recognize World Immunization Week from April 24-30

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Apr 24, 2021

“Join with Rotary to promote the power of vaccines. “

Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise have always supported the efforts of The Rotary Foundation and its partners for decades in their cause to eradicate polio from the world. During the Rotary year of 2020-21, the club has already surpassed its funding goal by 169%. To date, donations of US$4233 have been made by many of the club’s members since July 02, 2020.

During World Immunization Week, 24-30 April, Rotary is making a special plea for Rotarians around the world to join with Rotary to combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation by spreading the facts about why #VaccinesWork.

With decades of experience fighting polio, Rotary plays a key role in informing people about the power and effectiveness of vaccines. As COVID-19 vaccines become more available, Rotary members are using our experience in fighting polio to help communities with their vaccination education and organization efforts. Because Rotary and their partners have worked so hard, wild poliovirus remains endemic in only two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan. But to eradicate it there and to prevent resurgence in other parts of the world, Rotarians must continue to build trust in vaccines and raise funds for polio eradication, including vaccine delivery.

Take a couple of minutes to watch the following video: “Rotary Inspires Leaders in Global Health.” In it, global health leaders like U.S. infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Co-Chair Bill Gates, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta H. Fore, and World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus talk about what Rotary has achieved in the fight to end polio.

A note to our non-Rotarian friends who have the same desire as Rotarians around the world in eradicating polio: You can also donate to Rotary’s PolioPlus Fund. Simply contact a Rotarian in any Rotary club and indicate your interest in doing so, and you will be guided as to how you can make this donation. For your information, through the science of immunization, @Rotary & partners have saved nearly 19 million children from becoming paralyzed by polio. #VaccinesWork #EndPolio EndPolio.org

Community Clean-Up Forging Ahead

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Apr 20, 2021

A number of Kelowna Sunrise Rotarians have taken up the challenge in keeping our community safe and clean. For the second Sunday this early spring, 14 Rotarians, including two members from the West Kelowna Daybreak Rotary club, completely observing covid guidelines, with gloved hands and garbage bags in hand, gathered over 100 pounds of garbage from the foot of Knox Mountain and its surrounding area. The earlier clean up experience in March had taken place in the Apple Bowl and surrounding area.

It is the plan of the organizers, which include Allison Kirkwood, Stevi Nagel, Stu Lang and Carole Farley, to continue with cleanup activities in the city of Kelowna each month. The next clean up activity is scheduled for May 16^th from 10:00 – Noon, location to depend on need and ability to adhere to health restrictions.

The recently founded Rotary Sunrise Environmental Committee, which includes the aforementioned Rotarians and Kate Kutzner, are considering additional activities including a ‘Go By Bike Challenge,’ resurrecting ‘Project COOL’ (Clean Our Okanagan Lake) and much more, according to Allison Kirkwood.

Club Rotarians are encouraged to join the committee’s regular meeting via Zoom from 7:00-8:00 pm on May 10^th.

Club Members Walking Around the World

Posted by Stu Lang and Ed Kolybaba on Apr 17, 2021

On January 15th, a few members of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise set out on a virtual walk across Canada. As time moved forward, additional members joined the walk. In the face of the ongoing pandemic, the group was looking for a way to stay connected as a club, keep its spirits up, and provide a unique way to remain physically active.

Virtual walking is a group focused activity that adds up the cumulative steps of a team wishing to get from Point A to Point B. On March 6^th, with 50 club members of all ages aboard helping the collective effort, the Kelowna Sunrise group completed its first 12.8 million step (8,800 km) journey in St. John's, Newfoundland.

Along the way members were treated to historical information at each major virtual milestone. In addition, Google Street view integrates with the World Walking software to allow a 360-degree observation of the collective group's exact location along the route. This makes it interesting to see scenic areas. The software works on a smartphone app, or from a home computer – both are free and easy to setup.

Members add their own steps through integration with Fitbit, iPhone, or Android devices. There are also plenty of group features: upload a photo walking your dog, leave notes on a message board for your Rotary groupmates, and participate in a live leaderboard between group members for a bit of fun intra-group competition.

Currently, the KSR group of 51 participants is taking on another challenge, this time tackling an epic trail across six continents, virtually walking across the world, a walk that will take the group from South Africa to the United Kingdom, a total of 132,082,056 steps.

The virtual walk, aptly called the Icons of the World, began on top of Table Mountain in South Africa and will end at Skara Brae in Northern Scotland.

On April 16^th, the group had reached 11 percent of its goal, passing by Meroe, Sudan, famous for its ancient pyramids, and on the verge of entering Egypt.

The purpose of the activity is not a competition; it is simply to get active. Club members contribute steps as they can, with a noteworthy few adding significantly more.

Virtual walking is made easy thanks to free software created by World Walking. It is a small, UK based non-profit that promotes cardiac health. Joining and creating a private group for your business, organization, family or local Rotary Club is easy.

Original Story created by club member Stu Lang for Rotary District 5060, and then modified and updated by Ed Kolybaba for this website.

Funding Supports Local Not-for-Profit Organization Community Service

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Mar 28, 2021

The Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise approved financial assistance for five not- for- profit Kelowna based organizations, amounting to a total of $30,631 on March 26, 2021 at their regular Friday meeting.

Connect Counselling & Therapy, Community Recreational Initiatives Society, Hope for the Nations, Child Advocacy Centre of Kelowna and Central Okanagan Region Nutrition Society dba Meals on Wheels were the beneficiaries of the club’s continued focus on supporting not-for-profit organizations who serve by responding to humanitarian needs within the community.

For details on the amount of each donation and the purpose for the funding, click on "Read More."

Final Virtual Fireside Session Focuses on TRF’s Endowment Fund and the Benefits of Registering on “My Rotary”

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Mar 25, 2021

Why does The Rotary Foundation have an Endowment Fund and why is it important for Rotarians to consider including the Fund in their estate plans? Kelowna Sunrise Rotary Foundation Committee Chair Tom Paterson, during the committee’s fourth virtual fireside on March 23, 2021, described how the Endowment Fund established in 1982 is now providing a continuous stream of income to meet the increasing demand for The Rotary Foundation programs in perpetuity.

A second component of Tom’s presentation included illustrated step by step procedures of how to access tools and information with respect to a Rotarian’s personal account and as a means to make donations to the Foundation. This feature on the Rotary International website is a vital avenue for viewing one’s detailed donation history.

A comprehensive overview of the purpose, operations and benefits of the Endowment Fund, along with how our club Rotarians can access and view “My Rotary” presented by Tom, is available for viewing through the video production included in this website story.

Club Members Recognized for Their Contributions to TRF

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Mar 12, 2021

The Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise and The Rotary Foundation were honoured to have the opportunity to congratulate and acknowledge Jane Fletcher and Norm LeCavalier for their continued contributions to The Rotary Foundation. Both members were the recipients of a PHF+1.

Bill Hawkins, Assistant District Governor for Area 6 of District 5060, while attending the club’s March 11^th meeting, officially recognized the achievements of both Sunrise Rotary club members; and had it been a live meeting, rather than a virtual zoom club meeting, he would have presented both members with a lapel pin signifying their achievement.

While addressing the club members, Jim expressed how important The Rotary Foundation was in responding to humanitarian needs around the world, and how contributions from members like Jane and Norm enable this to occur.

Club Donation Provides Aid Following Devastating Hurricanes

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Mar 11, 2021

In December of 2020, the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise donated $1000.00 to the Chispa Project Honduras to be used to purchase school supplies for distance learning in Honduras.

Unfortunately, two devastating hurricanes reached Honduras, Eta on November 03, and exactly two weeks later Iota. Despite both hurricanes initially coming ashore in Nicaragua, neighboring Honduras appears to have suffered the most damage and the most deaths from landslides and flooding caused by the intense rainfall.

With the country in such dire straits following the hurricanes, Chispa chose to use the funds for emergency supplies in addition to some distance learning school supplies. This enabled 51 families to receive 2,000 lbs of food, sanitation supplies and some school supplies.

Chispa Project Honduras is a not-for-profit organization based out of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. In Spanish, "chispa" means "spark," which is exactly Chispa Project’s goal: to inspire and empower Honduran students with access to books. Through book donations, teacher development, and international volunteer projects, Chispa Project works with Honduran educational institutions to spark a passion for learning that will grow and be nurtured within the local communities. Its vision is to spark a desire for lifetime learning which will then enhance the quality of life in Honduras.

"Why Would I Donate to the Rotary Foundation," the Focus of the Third Fireside Virtual Session

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Mar 09, 2021

“Why would I donate to The Rotary Foundation” is a question that most recently inducted members into Rotary International ask themselves.

Through educational opportunities , by communicating with knowledgeable Rotarians, or by research, many recently inducted members learn about why The Rotary Foundation is a very unique foundation that meets a high standard of ethics, maintains a low cost for administration and creates a high impact in providing humanitarian service that is sustainable.

An excerpt from one of the club’s recently inducted illustrates this:

“I have been looking for years to find an organization that I felt confident in donating to that had no overhead administrative costs and had good ethics when it came to investing money into small communities. When I found out about the Rotary Foundation, I was super pleased to find that this was a great way to donate money; and so I have been doing this the last couple of years and I plan to do so for many more years to come.” (Colleen McEwan, PHF+2)

During the evening of March 03, 2021, the Foundation Committee for the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise presented a comprehensive argument in response to the question of “Why would I donate to The Rotary Foundation.” Club Foundation Committee member, Ed Kolybaba, using a video and PowerPoint, detailed the value of a contribution to the Foundation, how these contributions are enhanced and increased, why Rotarians should place their trust in the Foundation, and why The Rotary Foundation is recognized as the best charity in the world.

The presentation featured six members of the club, including Meme Nyi, Robin Durrant, Colleen McEwan, Randall Bamford, Scott Rattee, and Aleasa Tasker who shared why they have contributed substantially to the Foundation and why they will make contributions to the Foundation a priority in the future.

The presentation concluded with a review of the ways that the club and the Foundation recognizes the club Rotarians who have achieved escalating contributions to the Foundation.

The complete presentation can be viewed by clicking on the video production found within this website story.

Rotary “Wine Country Cluster Club” Founded

Posted on Mar 08, 2021

A number of Rotary clubs in District 5060 have come together to found Rotary’s “Wine Country Cluster Club” for the purpose of collaboratively bringing together their leadership skills and resources to have a greater impact on responding to humanitarian needs throughout the world.

During 2020, Carol Eamer, the Director of the International Service Committee (DISC), invited Rotary Clubs in District 5060 to form “Cluster Clubs”. A number of Clubs in the Kelowna area had previously worked together on Grant proposals. Mandy Hicks from the Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo offered to form a Cluster Group and chair the meetings, now known as the “Wine Country Cluster Club”,

The Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise has been working closely with members from the West Kelowna Daybreak, Lake Country, Salmon Arm, Kamloops Aurora, and Kelowna Ogopogo clubs in recent years. This has proven to be a very positive experience with clubs supporting each other financially and with mentoring for the application process. It is a wonderful example of collaboration and collegiality amongst Rotarians.

Economic Community Development Project in Dang, Nepal Finally on Stream

Posted on Mar 08, 2021

It has taken some time to process, but the Economic Community Development Project in Nepal is now in place serving many people within the impoverished Dang region.

The comprehensive project will provide employment skills training for women, youth and men. The first training course started in mid-February, when ten women participated in the “Basket Weaving” course for one week. It was reported that the women were very satisfied with the training and were dedicated to the classes. During the first week of March, ten adults will begin the Bicycle repair course which will last for three months. Other training programs will be scheduled throughout the year.

The project is a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise, the Dang Rotary Club and Creating Possibilities Nepal.

The total funding of US$73,806 for the project, which included finances of US$6000 from the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise and funding from the Rotary Clubs of West Kelowna Daybreak, Kelowna Ogopogo and Kelowna with an additional amount of $US7000, was greatly enhanced with matching grants to arrive at the total cost of the project. A matching grant of $US13,000 was first received through the District Designated Funds of District 5060, which was then matched by a grant from the TRF Government of Canada Fund amounting to $US26,000. The remainder of funding came from a matching grant from the Global Fund of The Rotary Foundation.

How Donations to the Annual Share Fund of TRF Support Community and World Humanitarian Projects

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Feb 18, 2021

Participants in the second session of the Foundation Committee’s Virtual Fireside held on Wednesday, February 17^th, 2021, were provided with an overview of how the donations of club members to The Rotary Foundation Annual Share Fund can financially support the club’s humanitarian service within the community and worldwide. Tom Paterson, the chair of the club’s Foundation Committee, using a video and a PowerPoint production, illustrated how and when the donations are directed to the club’s district designated funds and the global fund of TRF, which in turn provide matching grants to the club to substantially increase the funding available for specific projects.

Paterson also illustrated three examples of humanitarian projects involving the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise that proved to be very successful in bringing about significant change in three developing countries.

You can experience the presentation made by committee member Tom Paterson by clicking on the video production found within this story.

The second virtual Fireside session followed the first session that was held on Wednesday, January 27, 2021. The third virtual Fireside session, focusing on “Why Rotarians actively support the Rotary Foundation” is scheduled for Wednesday, March 03, commencing at 7:00 pm (PST).

Additional sessions will be conducted throughout the spring of 2021. The schedule for these sessions will be announced one to two weeks prior to each of the sessions.

RI 2021-22 Theme Revealed: Serving Others Changes Lives

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Feb 07, 2021

The incoming Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta, a member of the Rotary Club of Calcutta-Mahanagar, West Bengal, India, revealed the 2021-22 presidential theme, Serve to Change Lives, a theme inspired greatly by the worldwide pandemic, at the virtual February Rotary International Assembly. “Caring for and serving others is the best way to live because it changes not only other people’s lives, but also our own,” stated Mehta.

In his address to the Assembly, Mehta encouraged district and club leaders to lead by example and to inspire Rotarians and Rotaractors to participate in projects that have a sustained impact. He recognized the need for Rotarians to join hands with other Rotarians, other organizations, corporations, and to develop and carry out projects that impact their community, their city and the world— projects that can change lives of people across the country and around the world.

Mehta shared these words of Vivekananda, one of India’s greatest philosophers: “When you help someone, do not think that you are obliging him or her. In fact, it is he or she who is obliging you by giving you an opportunity to give back something to this world from where we have received so much.” Mehta also shared that Vivekananda added the following, “In life, take the position of the donor or the server, and yet be so humble in giving and serving that let the donor or server kneel down and ask: ‘May I give? May I serve?’ ”

Local Couple Direct their Financial Support to Help Youth Overcome their Addictions

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Feb 06, 2021

The Bridge Youth & Family Services Youth Recovery House is close to opening its doors thanks to Dean Reidt and Debbie Hubbard and others who made large donations to their fundraising campaign during the month of December. Dean, an active member of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise and club Foundation Committee member, along with his spouse Debbie, both avid community supporters, contributed $100,000 to the campaign.

Bridge Executive Director, Celine Thompson stated that "We were overwhelmed by the generosity of the community with this kind of continued support and as a result we could open this year.”

Expressions of gratitude and words of appreciation have been extended to the couple for their generous donation to the Bridge and for the care that they exemplified for those in need within the community. “It is so great to learn about such wonderful expressions of kindness and service to our community and the struggling youth,” stated a member of the club’s Foundation Committee upon learning about their donation.

Dean and Debbie first learned about the Youth Recovery House through the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise, which has contributed $50,000 to the Bridge during the 2019-20 Rotary year. They shared that the process and criteria that the club used to decide which projects to fund encouraged them to take a closer look at the Youth Recovery House. “We also heard about it through our engagement with Journey Home and a Way Home Kelowna,” noted Dean.

Growing up in rural Saskatchewan, Dean and Debbie realized back then that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. Dean explained, “We live in downtown Kelowna and see young people on the streets and back lanes around us struggling with addictions. We also learned that there are currently no treatment options for youth in the Okanagan and that in addition to the COVID crisis there is also an opioid crisis. We just couldn’t stand by and watch. We wanted to be part of the solution.”

With less than 70 publicly funded youth treatment beds in British Columbia and not one in the Central Okanagan for youth under the age of 17, Debbie and Dean are confident that the Bridge Youth & Family Services Youth Recovery House will provide a Kelowna-based treatment option for youth who are ready to address their addictions.

Club’s Rotary Foundation Committee Hosts First Virtual Session

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Jan 30, 2021

The first of six virtual Fireside sessions focused on The Rotary Foundation was presented during the evening of January 27^th, 2021 by the club’s Foundation Committee. The session focused on how and why The Rotary Foundation came into existence and how significant it was in enabling Rotary International to continue to be the top rated service club and not-for-profit organization in the world since it was founded in 1905.

Additionally, the presentation described the various funds developed over time within the Foundation to provide Rotarians and their clubs access to matching grants to address causes and to develop humanitarian projects supporting the mission of the Foundation.

You can experience the presentation made by committee member Ed Kolybaba by clicking on the video of the PowerPoint presentation found within this story.

The next session will be held on Wednesday, February 17^th, 2021 commencing at 7:00 pm (PST). The session will address the operations of the Annual Share Fund and how our club can access matching grants from the Fund to finance the humanitarian projects we wish to provide for those in need locally and throughout the world.

The presenter will refer to projects and activities carried out by the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise to illustrate how important our donations are to The Rotary Foundation and how we in turn gain matching grants to complete the many successful projects we have implemented over the years.

Additional sessions will be conducted throughout the spring of 2021. The schedule for these sessions will be announced one to two weeks prior to each of the sessions.

Farewell, Our Dear Friend and Club Charter Member Bob Lindsay

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Jan 23, 2021

The members of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise extend their sympathies to the family of Robert “Bob” Lindsay, who passed away on January 21, 2021.

Bob will be remembered by many of the members of the club who experienced his leadership and active engagement with the club while he practiced Rotary International’s motto, “Service Above Self” as a member of the club from 1986 to 2010.

Bob was a founding and charter member of the Kelowna Sunrise Rotary Club in 1986. He served as the club’s third president for the Rotary Year 1988-89. He also was the club’s Sargent-At-Arms during the club’s charter year and the chair of the Community Service Committee in 1987-88.

Club Supports Indigenous Student Achievement with Two Bursaries

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Jan 18, 2021

Joanne De Guevara, District Principal for Indigenous Education, along with Terry-Lee Beaudry, Deputy Superintendent, both with the Central Okanagan School District 23, were presented with a cheque in the amount of $1250 for two bursaries that will be awarded to two Indigenous students from the school district at their secondary school graduation.

The Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise will sponsor the “Kelowna Sunrise Rotary All-Around Medicine Wheel Award” for $750 and the “Kelowna Sunrise Rotary Spiritual Award” for $500.

L to R: Greig McPhee, Terry-Lee Beaudry, Joanne De Guevara and Peter Turgoose

Greig McPhee, accompanied by Peter Turgoose, presented the cheque on January 15^th, 2021.

On behalf of the Rotary club, Peter stated that “the Kelowna Rotary Sunrise club is once again showing leadership with another first by coming forward with this support from the community.”

For more information, check out the story dated December 04, 2020, regarding the club's decision to sponsor these bursaries.

Club Member Helmut Hubert Recognized for Financial Commitment to TRF

Posted on Jan 08, 2021

Helmut Hubert, a member of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise since 2004 and a member who is passionate about the work of The Rotary Foundation throughout the world, received recognition for his continuing financial contributions to the Foundation from 2020-21 District Governor Richard DeRock and from Club Foundation Chair Tom Paterson during the club’s regular Zoom meeting on January 08, 2021.

In December of 2020, Helmut had achieved the distinction as a Major Donor, Level One, for accumulating contributions of over $US10,000 to the Foundation since he joined the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise.

Helmut joins nine other members of the club who have already reaching this level and one member who has achieved Major Donor, Level 2 status.

Appreciation Extended to our TRF Donors

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Jan 01, 2021

As we begin a new year and find ourselves half way through the 2020-21 Rotary Year, the Rotary Foundation Committee of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise extends their thanks to the donors of the club, who make ‘Doing Good in the World’ possible. Because of generous donors from around the world, the Rotary Foundation continues to be able to support people of action around the globe who are improving lives through meaningful and sustainable humanitarian aid.

With the Rotary year at its midpoint, the club has achieved 59 percent of its contributions to the Annual Fund of The Rotary Foundation. As of December 31, 2020, the members of the club had contributed $US9453 on its way to the goal of $US16, 000 established by the club for the 2020-21 Rotary Year. This amounts to a per capital contribution of $US116.70 for the club of 82 members for the first half of the Rotary Year.

The Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise had achieved its goal for contributions to the PolioPlus Fund before the beginning of December and currently has exceeded the goal by 141 percent. Rotarians from the club had donated $US3883, surpassing the goal set at $US2750.

Club members are being challenged to meet two other goals. The goal established for the Rotary Year to have one hundred percent of the membership contribute at least $US25 to the Annual Fund has only reached a level of 51 percent. Additionally, the club’s goal that at least 50 members of the club attain the level as a Sustaining Member over the course of the Rotary year will not come to fruition unless another 19 members of the club take on the challenge. To be identified as a Sustaining Member, one must contribute at least $US100 during the Rotary Year.

As Rotarians have often heard from The Rotary Foundation, “Your gifts are more than donations; they provide people with the hope of peace, health, and opportunity to those in need.”

Whether donations are being made to the Annual Fund, the PolioPlus Fund or to the Endowment Fund, these donations are creating lasting change locally and throughout the world.

Club Members Recognized for Significant Contributions to TRF

Posted by Ed Kolybaba

The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, along with the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise is pleased to recognize club members who place a high priority on their financial giving to humanitarian service in their community and throughout the world via the Rotary Foundation.

During 2020, six Rotarians from the club were recognized with a Paul Harris Fellow or another level of a Paul Harris Fellow. Congratulations are extended to Dean Reidt (PHF), Susan McIntyre (PHF+1), Colleen McEwan (PHF+2), Moya Webb (PHF+2), Vic Spolia (PHF+3), and Al Strachan (PHF+4). A Paul Harris Fellow is attained when a Rotarian contributes $US1000 to the Foundation, while each additional contribution of $US1000 is acknowledged with a Multiple Paul Harris at the next higher level (PHF+1…..PHF+8).

The Rotary Foundation has become a significant choice of Rotarians for continuing their financial contributions to help those in need throughout the world. Many Rotarians recognize that The Rotary Foundation is the most effective and well-managed charitable organization in the world focused on the highest level of stewardship possible with a commitment to accountability and transparency. The Rotary Foundation has received an A-Plus rating with Charity Watch, the highest possible score of 100 of 100 points from Charity Navigator for 13 straight years, a distinction only one percent of charities have achieved, and a Four Star Rating (four of four) with Charity Intelligence Canada.

When 94 cents of every dollar donated to The Rotary Foundation goes directly to the cause, it is clear that there is no better choice than The Rotary Foundation to contribute the gifts we are so blessed to have. This is one of the major reasons that prior to 2020 seven of the club’s current Rotarians had achieved a Major Donor (Level one) of giving which represents contributions of over $US10,000 to the Foundation; while one other Rotarian had attained a Major Donor (Level Two) which represents contributions of over $US20,000 to the Foundation. During 2020, two other Rotarians, Helmut Hubert and Ed Kolybaba, achieved a Major Donor at Level One.

Over 50 percent (43 of 82) of the current membership of Rotary Kelowna Sunrise have been recognized as Paul Harris Fellow, Multiple Paul Harris Fellow and Major Donor recipients which speaks highly for the value Rotarians place on the successful work of The Rotary Foundation and the impact it has in making a difference for so many deprived people throughout the world.

Happy New Year !

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Dec 31, 2020

2019-20 Rotary Foundation Annual Report Available for Rotarians

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Dec 29, 2020

The June 30 2019-June 30, 2020 Fiscal Year Annual Report for The Rotary Foundation has now been audited and available for Rotarians worldwide.

The Report indicates revenues of US$342,966,000 made up of US$342,866,000 in donations from Rotarians from around the world.

Unfortunately the revenues fell short to cover the expenditures of US$361,533,000. US$307,090,000 of these expenses covered program awards with 41.9% of these funds allocated to PolioPlus, 26.4% to global grants, 9.3% for district grants, 2.4 % for disaster response grants and 3.7% for other grants. The remainder of the expenses totalling 16.8 % were provided for Rotary Peace Centers, program operations, fund development and general administration. It is worthy to note that only 4.6 % of the expenditures covered administrative costs.

Christmas Greetings

Give the "Gift of Shelter"

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Dec 21, 2020

Typhoon Goni rips through the Philippines on November 1^st causing destruction, landslides and extensive flooding resulting in 350,000 people being evacuated.

Hurricane Eta batters Central America making landfall as a category 4 hurricane on November 03, causing extreme damage tearing down homes in Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala.

Escalating conflicts in the northern Tigray region of Ethiopia force families to flee their homes, all possibly resulting in a major humanitarian crisis.

Heavy rains, starting in July and intensifying in the following months, the worst flooding in decades, destroys homes, livelihoods, and key infrastructures in Sudan.

These are only several major devastating natural disasters and conflicts that have occurred just within the past six months resulting in millions of people being displaced and without shelter and basic needs.

How can we help?

Each year, the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise recognizes the valuable humanitarian service provided by ShelterBox Canada by purchasing and providing at least one ShelterBox which will be employed in a devastated area within the world. During the club’s Christmas Zoom Meeting on December 18, 2020, the club agreed to designate US$1000 for one ShelterBox.

A ShelterBox kit provides a family with a family-sized tent specially designed to withstand the elements and provide people with temporary shelter until they are able to start the process of rebuilding a home, essential tools people need to start repairing and rebuilding homes straight away, and the items that help transform shelter into a home – like cooking sets, solar lights and activity sets for children.

We can also share these stories with our neighbours, friends and family and encourage them to make an investment in a lifesaving ShelterBox for a family in desperate need. Together we can help provide the emergency shelter and tools that families need to self-recover, thus transforming despair into hope.

Club Awarded for Generous Support of the Annual Fund of The Rotary Foundation

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Dec 12, 2020

The Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise was recently awarded by the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation with a special 2019-20 banner in recognition for their substantial support of the Annual Fund of The Rotary Foundation. Past-President (1999-2000) Susan McIntyre advised and congratulated the members of the club of the award during the Regular Zoom Meeting of the club on December 11, 2020.

The club was one of 1,550 clubs to achieve Top Three Highest in Per Capita Annual Giving honours in their district during the Rotary Year 2019-20. The final analysis for 2019-20 revealed that club members had donated a total of US$23,045 at a per capita rate of US$303.20. The total donations had surpassed the goal set by the club by 371%.

Eric Schmelling, Chief Philanthropy Officer for The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, in communication with the club stated that the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise was distinguished from more than 35,000 Rotary clubs worldwide.

Schmelling also shared that the Kelowna Sunrise club was one of only 3,400 clubs worldwide to attain status as an Every Rotarian, Every Year club, meaning that the club had achieved a minimum Annual Fund contribution of US$100 per capita with every member contributing at least US$25 to the Annual Fund.

Additionally, Schmelling stated that the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise was one of 4,000 clubs worldwide to become a 100% Foundation Giving Club whereby the club had achieved an average of US$100 per capita giving, and 100% participation, with all members contributing at least US$25 to any or all of The Rotary Foundation Funds (Annual Fund, PolioPlus Fund, approved global grants or Endowment Fund).

Club Members Recognized by The Rotary Foundation for their Contributions to the PolioPlus Fund

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Dec 12, 2020

During the Rotary Year 2019-20, the members of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise achieved their goal in funding of the PolioPlus Fund of The Rotary Foundation. Members of the club had donated a total of US$2566 before the end of June, 2020 to slip by the goal established at US$2500.

During the past month, the club was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for its financial support of End Polio Now: Countdown to History Campaign by The Rotary Foundation for the Rotary Year 2019-20.

On-line Auction Proceeds Provide Financial Support for the Well-being of Young People

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Dec 11, 2020

Thanks to a very successful on-line auction, the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise raised $8021 which will support mental health program initiatives for young people. All of the funds generated from the auction will be donated to the Foundry Kelowna, a wellness centre where young people can find hope, help and support when they are in need of such care.

The on-line auction conducted between November 29 and December 06, 2020, provided individuals with the opportunity to bid on 195 items.

Shari Slattery, Fund Development Manager for Foundry Kelowna operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna, described the Kelowna Sunrise Rotarians as incredible champions for Kelowna.

Shari shared that it is difficult to express the immense gratitude that Foundry Kelowna has for the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise. “We know that Rotary’s receive a significant number of requests for support throughout the year and that is why we are so honoured that we are the beneficiaries of this fundraiser. The Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise is an influential group with a strong voice in our community and to have you speak so loudly about the importance of supporting the mental health of young people - it is incredibly impactful. Both to reduce the stigma around mental health, so more people get help, but also for the young people and the families in our community who are struggling - now they know that there are so many out there who care.” (Shari Slattery)

Why Club Members Ring the Christmas Bells

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Dec 10, 2020

Kelowna Sunrise Rotarians have always believed in giving back and helping out in the community and beyond. For many years now, during the months of November and December club members have volunteered as bell ringers standing at the Christmas kettles of the Salvation Army, collecting donations by good Samaritans passing by, who too believe in giving back. Truly, there is no greater measure of a life well-lived than helping the less fortunate wherever they may live.

With COVID-19 having such a dire affect on so many in the community, more and more families are struggling to make day to day ends meet. In a statement made to Castanet Kelowna by Kelowna Salvation Army executive director Darryl Burry, he states that “The impacts of COVID-19 have been far-reaching and we have seen a 61% increase in the number of individuals and families reaching out for support. As Christmas approaches, we believe that those numbers will only continue to climb.”

The Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise was pleased that during the month of November over 25 of its members volunteered for one or more two hour shifts ringing the Christmas bells, amounting to 38 hours of volunteering.

“Serving the Community and Beyond through Rotary” Appeals to Inductee

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Dec 09, 2020

The Kelowna Sunrise Rotary Club was delighted that Jayden Harrington had made a decision recently to seek membership with the club, with the encouragement from friend and club member Wes Forgione. On December 09^th, 2020, Club Membership Chair Moya Webb inducted Jayden into the club via the club’s regular zoom meeting. Jayden is the 12^th member to have been inducted into the club during 2020 and the fourth since the beginning of the 2020-21 Rotary Year.

Why would you want to join Rotary is a question frequently asked of individuals seeking membership in Rotary? Jayden’s response to the question was “I am interested in helping the community I was born and raised in, but I know that my best way to be effective in doing so is to do it through a structured club such as Rotary.” This is certainly true for most of us who use Rotary as a means to provide humanitarian service within our community and throughout the world.

Born and raised in Kelowna, Jayden’s focus, hard work and commitment working in a variety of entry level jobs starting in 2012, including full time manager at McDonalds and front house responsibilities at Earls on Top, and taking on banquet shifts at the Capri Hotel, provided him with the financial means to study at Okanagan College.

In 2018, Jayden commenced his career in the financial field working as a teller at TD Bank while still studying at Okanagan College, which led to a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Finance Specialty in 2019. Also in 2019, he began working as a Financial Advisor which enabled him to advance to his current position as a Mortgage Specialist with TD Bank in 2020.

Club Sponsors Two Indigenous Graduation Bursaries

Posted by Ed Kolybaba

The Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise through the HIP Circle, at their regular club meeting on December 04, 2020, agreed to sponsor two of the Indigenous Graduation Bursaries that will be offered in 2021 by the Indigenous Education Program of the Central Okanagan School District #23.

The Indigenous Education Program will be awarding eight recipients with a $500 award each, and two recipients a $750 award each. These awards are presented in the four directions of the medicine wheel: one each for - Intellectual, Spiritual, Physical, and Emotional, as well as one All-Around award for a recipient that meets criteria in all four quadrants.

The “Kelowna Sunrise Rotary All-Around Medicine Wheel Award” for $750 and the “Kelowna Sunrise Rotary Spiritual Award” for $500 will be awarded during the 2021 Graduation.

Craig MacKinnon, challenged by service through Rotary

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Dec 06, 2020

Craig MacKinnon has taken on the challenge to serve others as a Rotarian within the community and throughout the world, particularly focused on helping those less fortunate. On November 27^th, Craig was inducted into the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise by Membership Chair Moya Webb to provide him with this opportunity. Club member Wes Forgione had originally introduced Craig to the Rotary club and its service avenues.

Craig sees Rotary as the means to be more purposeful in how he allocates his time and efforts to help those in need within the community. He recognizes the breadth of opportunities for volunteering offered through Rotary which will supplement the activities he has already engaged in, including volunteering with United Way and Salvation Army fundraising. In particular, he is very interested in volunteering in activities connected to addictions and mental health.

As it pertains to club service, Craig would like to be involved in fundraising, financial management and anywhere he can as a means to provide support for the club. In his application for membership, he expressed a specific focus for work with the Rotary Foundation Committee and with Public Relations.

Craig is an experienced private Wealth Consultant within the financial services industry, skilled in advising high net worth business owners and individuals in areas of investment advisory, Banking, trust and estates.

2021-2022 Club Leadership Team Elected During Annual Meeting

Posted by Ed Kolybaba

The Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise congratulate the club Rotarians who were elected for the executive and officers for the 2021-22 Rotary Year. The election took place during the club’s Annual Meeting held on November 27^th, 2020.

The executive for 2021-22 will include Marjolein Lloyd as President (this year’s President-Elect), Randall Bamford who will move from Vice-President to President Elect, Moya Webb as Vice-President, Norm LeCavalier in the Past President position, Bob Fortier, returning for his fourth year of a four year term, and Carolyn Monz who will take over the Secretary position from George Pinches.

Three directors were also elected to join the executive to provide additional leadership for the club during the 2021-22 Rotary Year. Allison Kirkwood will serve as director for the newly named Youth and Environmental Committee; Melanie Hall-Szyszkiewcz will take on responsibilities related to the leadership of the Community Service Committee; and Susan McIntyre will provide leadership for the Club Service Committee. The three Rotarians will be serving the first year in a two year term position.

‘Giving Tuesday,’ A Way to Share Your Gifts

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Nov 30, 2020

In a presentation to the Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise on November 27^th, club Foundation Chair Tom Paterson described how ‘Giving Tuesday’ came about and how Rotarians worldwide, including Rotarians from the Kelowna Sunrise Rotary club have responded to this call for worldwide service.

He shared that eight years ago, the 92^nd street “Y” in New York City and the United Nations Foundation introduced “Giving Tuesday” – the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving – with the hope that after several days of big sales and rampant consumption, there’d be interest in giving back. They were right. #”Hashtag”Giving Tuesday went viral almost immediately resulting in ten million dollars of donations in its first year.

“I believe most people who join Rotary do so to give, expressed Paterson. “They give of their time….they give of their talents…..and they share their treasures by supporting the Rotary Foundation,” he acknowledged. “The Rotary Foundation can accomplish miracles you and I can’t do alone – however they can’t do their good work without you and I,” emphasized Paterson.

The Foundation serves simultaneously as a charity and performer in the field; Rotarians are on the ground, volunteering their skills and business expertise in support of grants that are funded by Kelowna Sunrise Rotarians and Rotarians throughout the world. In this way they carry out some of Rotary’s most important work.

Every act of kindness makes a difference, and no gift is too small. This Giving Tuesday, December 01 Rotarians are asked to find opportunities to help communities both close to home and around the globe. One easy way to take action is to make a gift to The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund SHARE, Rotary’s primary way of making sustainable projects possible both on a local and global level.

On-line Auction to support Foundry Kelowna - Focus of Fundraiser

Posted on Nov 29, 2020

The Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise, in partnership with Foundry Kelowna, operated by CMHA Kelowna, is holding an on-line Auction, featuring over 100 items during the period of Sunday, 9:00 a.m., November 29 through 4:00 p.m., Sunday, December 06, 2020. Items may be bid upon at https://giving.org/kelown-sunrise-charity-auction/auction.

With COVID-19, fundraising which supports local needs has been difficult; while at the same time, the needs within the community have continued to increase. Such is the situation for Foundry Kelowna, a wellness centre that offers hope, help and support for young people who are struggling with mental health issues. Foundry Kelowna provides early intervention to support the well-being of youth and those who love them. “Our youth is our Future and our Future is now,” guides the work of Foundry Kelowna, supported by the Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise.

The birth of a collaborative program for disadvantaged young children in Todos Santos, Mexico

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Nov 28, 2020

Economically disadvantaged children in Todos Santos, Mexico, starting January 01, 2021, will receive early diagnosis and intervention for neurodevelopmental disorders because of humanitarian aid and concerns from the Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise.

The new program focuses on early diagnosis, starting with newborns. The intent of the program is to evaluate children before the age of five, educate parents on early stimulation techniques, and provide treatment and therapies when needed. The program has been established in collaboration with Padrino Children’s Foundation (PCF) and the local public health centre, whose staff will be trained to administer evaluations, train parents, and refer patients to specialists when required.

The program is being funded by a budget of US$6300 which has come about through funding of US$3150 from the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise and a recently approved Matching District 5060 Grant of US$3150.

Reflecting back on the Club’s 25th Anniversary

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Nov 27, 2020

The Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise will be celebrating 35 years of Service to the community and worldwide in April of 2021. Over the 35 years, the club has become a strong community minded non-profit organization focused on humanitarian service, not just within the community, but worldwide, under the banner of ‘Service Above Self. ’

The current and past members of the club are thankful for those dedicated young individuals who organized and had the club chartered back in 1976, five of whom are still active members within the club at the present time, including Paul Mulvihill, Bruce Brown, Jack Martin, Andy Griffin and Wayne Duchart.

Recently, a series of photos taken by charter member Wayne Duchart which were featured within a 25^th Anniversary PowerPoint presentation during the Anniversary celebration, were discovered by another charter member Paul Mulvihill. These photos were then used in a video production as a means to reflect on a very special evening of celebration and as a means to remember those who were so passionate about the service of Rotary, that they desired this service to be extended with the creation yet of another dynamic Rotary service club in the community.

PolioPlus Infrastructure Supports Efforts to Minimize COVID-19 Outbreaks

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Nov 19, 2020

The PolioPlus program infrastructure is supporting efforts to prevent COVID-19 in parts of the world. Building on decades of experience stopping polio outbreaks, Rotary and its partners are taking a critical role in protecting communities from this unprecedented pandemic.

For example, in Afghanistan, over 3,750 community volunteers who typically support polio surveillance in Afghanistan are now promoting handwashing and positive hygiene practices in communities to reduce transmission and exposure to COVID-19. In Pakistan, polio staffs are aiding efforts to strengthen surveillance and raise awareness about COVID-19 across the country. The team has trained hundreds of surveillance officers while also supporting the development of a new data system that is fully integrated with the system used for polio. Various tools such as face masks and personal protection kits, a workforce and extensive surveillance networks are being used to support preparedness and response activities in many countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Polio volunteers and staff are involved in tracing contacts and testing for COVID-19, combatting misinformation, sensitizing health professionals on the disease, repairing ventilators, assisting in the set up and monitoring of quarantine sites, coordinating activities and providing transportation for various COVID activities.

These are only two of many endeavours being made by staff and volunteers associated with polio eradication and that truly represent the ‘Plus” in PolioPlus.

New Vaccine, a Game Changer in the Eradication of Polio

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Nov 19, 2020

According to Carolyn Ferguson, Senior Gift Officer with The Rotary Foundation, speaking to Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise, a new vaccine produced by Gavi may be the “game changer” in the quest to eradicate polio from the world.

The new live oral vaccine, driven by research with Gavi, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will ensure that the virus cannot revert back to paralysis addressing cases that have been vaccine derived.

Ever since 1988 when The Rotary Foundation partnered with other world organizations to eradicate polio, the number of polio cases has continued to decline throughout the world. Type 2 polio was eradicated in 2015 and Type 3 polio was eradicated in 2019, leaving only Type 1. In 1988, polio was prevalent in 125 countries. That number was reduced to three countries in 2018. At the present time, polio has been eradicated by 99.9 percent throughout the world, only leaving cases in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The Reasons why Rotarians Support The Rotary Foundation – Impact, Trust and Choice

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Nov 18, 2020

Carolyn Ferguson, the Senior Major Gift Officer for Zone 28 of The Rotary Foundation addressed the members of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise on Friday, November 13 via Zoom, updating the club on several key areas of the Foundation. Zone 28 encompasses 16 districts from Canada, USA, France and Russia.

With the theme of “Doing Good in the World Together,” Carolyn Ferguson stated that after ten years working with The Rotary Foundation, has learned that people give to support a reason, a cause or a feeling. Rarely do they support giving out of the obligation to do so. She shared that there are basically three reasons why Rotarians are inspired to make a gift to the Foundation – impact, trust and choice.

Impact is illustrated by how far we have come with polio eradication mainly because of the increasing financial support from Rotarians worldwide, where at present ten percent of the global Rotarians give to the PolioPlus Fund. In fact, during the past Rotary Year, Rotarians have contributed more than the total contributed in the prior five years. This has resulted in over 18 million children worldwide having their lives changed for the better. The impact of the generous financial support of Rotarians has also helped to build peace worldwide through the Rotary Peace Centres and to enable grants, both global and district, across all of the six areas of focus.

Rotarians trust The Rotary Foundation. “TRF has a proven legacy of transparency, stewardship and effective investment practices,” shared Ferguson. One has only to check with Charity Navigator to learn that The Rotary Foundation enjoys a perfect score of 100 percent and is rated number three in the top ten charities.

While Rotarians enjoy the unique situation of supporting one foundation, they have the opportunity to choose from so many unique programs. Ferguson states that “you can really choose to customize how you want to change the world through Rotary.”

Honduran Children from Families in Poverty Provided with Educational Opportunities through Scholarship Sponsorships

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Nov 17, 2020

Kelowna Sunrise Rotarians change lives by giving the opportunity for young people in Tegucigalpa, Honduras to attend school by providing them with scholarships through HELP Honduras. Without this assistance, these students, who are the children of the poorest families within the markets of Tegucigalpa, would be left to fend for themselves within the garbage dumps and slums of the city.

HELP Honduras, a Canadian Society founded by Rotarians in Castlegar, British Columbia, works with families in Honduras to improve education, health, and economic opportunity, enabling them to live more productive lives.

Through HELP Honduras, in conjunction with Alternativas y Oportunidades (AyO), an Honduran NGO controlled by four Rotary clubs in Honduras, the young people receiving scholarships, with the members of their families, gain access to AyO programs enabling them to receive care from a medical clinic, access to courses to learn skills for establishing a business and parenting, tutoring, and social action within teen groups.

Many Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise, along with other Canadian Rotary clubs, continue to sponsor scholarships for students through HELP Honduras, a Canadian Society founded by Rotarians in Castlegar, BC. Some of the Kelowna Sunrise club members have also had the opportunity to visit Tegucigalpa over the years to learn first-hand how effective the program serves the vulnerable poor children and their families.

Club member and HELP Honduras sponsor Barb Penner in Honduras

Linda Frandsen, a member with Kelowna Sunrise, is one of a number of these visitors who has met some of the young people who shared their testimonies describing how the program had made a difference in their lives. Frandsen recalls two testimonies, one from a grade ten girl who expressed that her parents could never have afforded any education and that this gave her the opportunity to graduate, to then study accounting and to improve the situation in the country for others. From another testimony coming from a 22 year old young man who had received the benefits of a scholarship since grade nine, she learned that he was now studying electrical engineering at university and had a desire to stay in his country to give back. This young man is now tutoring others, and teaching leadership skills, values and the need for peace.

Kelowna Sunrise has financially supported AyO since 1992, along with HELP Honduras, which has relied on Rotarians, including members from the Kelowna Sunrise club to continue to sponsor the scholarships. For instance, during 1999, 13 Kelowna Sunrise club members personally supported 18 students. The Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise has also participated in numerous Global Grants through The Rotary Foundation over the years.

In a recent report, Frandsen reported that 400 students received scholarships through HELP Honduras in 1999, and even with the Covid pandemic, all but eleven continue to receive this financial assistance.

Rotarians, along with community members, are encouraged to go to the website: www.helphonduras.ca for more information and to donate online to sponsor a student. As a Canadian Society, know that 100% of the donations go directly to the program and of course, all donations are eligible for a tax receipt,

Pass this message onto friends and family and wrap up the year by giving back by sponsoring a child in the name of someone or in lieu of buying a Christmas present.

Club Increases 2020-21 Financial Support for The Rotary Foundation

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Nov 14, 2020

The Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise continues to commit to strong support for The Rotary Foundation and its mission to enable Rotarians throughout the world to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. For the Rotary Year 2020-21 (Jul 01-Jan 30), the club has agreed to increase its funding for the Annual Fund and the PolioPlus Fund of the Foundation by ten percent.

During a presentation to the members of the club on November 13th, Tom Paterson, the club’s Foundation Committee Chair, presented the funding goals of the Committee and the progress that had been made to date in achieving these goals. The chart below provides an overview of the goals and the progress being made.

The chart identifies the goals for EREY and SUSTAINING members. EREY is an acronym for Every Rotarian Every Year and signifies that all of the members of the club will at least donate $US25 to the Annual Fund of the Rotary Foundation during the Rotary Year. A SUSTAINING member is a club member who donates at least $US100 to the Annual Fund during the Rotary Year.

Paterson also identified how the Annual Fund works and how it benefits the club, the various ways that club members can make donations to the Rotary Foundation, how they can achieve a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) and additional multiple PHFs, and how the Endowment Fund of the Rotary Foundation works and how Rotarians and others can endow and/or make bequests to the Fund.

To date, 19 club members are benefactors and 13 members are Bequest Society members. Benefactors are individuals who make a cumulative $US1,000 to $US9,999 gift or pledge to the Endowment Fund; while Bequest Society Members are individuals who make a cumulative $US10,000 to $US24,999 gift or pledge to the Endowment Fund.

Rotary International Focused on Providing Guidance and Support During COVID-19 for its Members

Posted on Nov 13, 2020

Rotary International is closely monitoring the pandemic of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, and continuously assessing the potential impact on Rotary operations, events, and members, thus providing needed guidance and support. This is reassuring for Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise, a club that is very active in the community and throughout the world.

Rotarians from the Kelowna Sunrise Rotary Club are guided by three simple principles that must be adhered through the duration of the pandemic. They take individual action as this has the greatest bearing on the disease, and this includes personal hygiene, social distancing, and other guidelines outlined by the World Health Organization. They support the guidelines prescribed by their governing bodies and health authorities in their initiatives to flatten the curve as indeed it is the concerted effort by the private sector, public institutions, development organizations, and society as a whole that will stop this threat. They also share messages of hope and remind people that together we will prevail, and that the disruption in our lives is not only momentary but it is also a crucial part of continuity.

Honouring Indigenous People, a path to reconciliation

Posted on Nov 12, 2020

(An update from a story of June 03, 20 featured on this website)

Kelowna Sunrise Rotary started a HIP circle two years ago after several club Rotarians attended the International Rotary Convention in Toronto. They were struck by the focus Rotary International put on the inclusion and importance of Indigenous culture and the fact that over 100 Rotary Clubs and individuals had already established working relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities in Canada.

HIP is an independent Canadian organization that partners with Rotary, started by Rotarians in Southern Ontario eleven years ago in partnership and consultation with a number of Indigenous People. Kelowna Sunrise Rotary is the first Rotary club member of HIP Canada in District 5060.

The goal of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise’s HIP circle (KSR HIP) is to increase awareness of reconciliation and to partner with indigenous groups to increase the club members' understanding of local indigenous culture, and second to change the narrative in the broader community to better facilitate reconciliation as outlined in the 94 recommendations of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Club Members Rise to the PolioPlus Funding Challenge

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Nov 08, 2020

Sunrise Rotary club members rose to the challenge issued early in October by 2020-21 Vice-President Randall Bamford to achieve the PolioPlus funding goal established by the Rotary Foundation Committee of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise by World Polio Day established for October 24. The 2020-21 Rotary Year goal to raise through member donations, set at US$2750, was only short by US$107. No doubt, the goal will be surpassed considering that the Rotary Year does not conclude until June 30, 2021.

Along with funds raised by the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise through specific projects, Rotary members from the club have donated US$ 56,410 since December of 2007 to the PolioPlus Fund of The Rotary Foundation. No information is available for the donations made from 1985 to November 2007 by the club and its members.

Worldwide, Rotarians have contributed more than $2.1 billion to polio eradication since the fund raising program was launched in 1985. Furthermore, because of a two to one match from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, each year over $150 million goes toward fulfilling Rotary’s promise to the children of the world, that is that no child shall ever again suffer from the devastating effects of polio.

The biggest challenge for Rotarians around the world, including members from the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise, is now to eradicate the wild poliovirus from Afghanistan and Pakistan, two countries where polio has never been stopped; and to continue with routine immunizations throughout Africa and other countries of the world to eliminate the possibility of the virus returning to any of these countries.

Graduation Rates of Indigenous Students Increase within Central Okanagan School District 23 - a Result of a Focus on Equity for All

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Nov 06, 2020

“Equity empowers each learner to thrive holistically” guides the focus of Central Okanagan School District 23’s first Aboriginal Education Committee and the mission of its Equity in Action Committee which was established in February of 2020.

As early as 2003, with the signing of the school district’s first Aboriginal Education Committee, followed by the signing of a first Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement with Westbank First Nations in 2006, progress began to accelerate in enhancing educational opportunities for indigenous students within the schools of the Central Okanagan School District 23. The agreement with the Westbank First Nations has continued to provide valuable support and guidance year after year since then. With the signing of the Equity in Action Agreement in 2020, the Central Okanagan School District 23 formally entrenched a district wide focus on equity for indigenous students for the future.

As a result of the emphasis on providing equity for all students, more and more indigenous students began to graduate with a grade 12 standing from the secondary schools with the school district. For instance, back in 2001, only 31 percent of the indigenous students graduated; but in 2019, that percentage had increased to 81 percent with all of the requirements to continue on with higher learning opportunities. These successful young people clearly illustrate just how important it is for equity to be entrenched within our educational system. “These young people are now changing history and the kids are walking taller,” expressed Joanna De Guevara, District Principal (Xatus) of Indigenous Education for COSD23 during a presentation to the Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise on October 26, 2020. Indeed, the success of these young people will clearly impact the lives of the indigenous into the future.

Not only are indigenous students graduating at a higher rate, but they are making inroads into expressing their culture more openly and providing understanding of their culture within the education system.

The leadership of Terry-Lee Beau dry, Deputy Superintendent of Schools and Joanne De Guevara with COSD23, both of whom made a joint presentation on the implementation of a plan for enhancing educational opportunities for indigenous students to the Rotarians of the Kelowna Sunrise club in October, has made a remarkable and outstanding contribution to the success of empowering all indigenous learners to thrive holistically and successfully with their education.

World Polio Day

Kelowna Sunrise Rotary Club’s Annual Raffle Winners Announced

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Oct 03, 2020

The Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise is pleased to announce the names of those who were fortunate to have their raffle ticket stubs drawn at 2:30 pm on September 30^th at the conclusion of the club’s 5^th Annual Raffle.

The ticket for First Prize for a $5200 value for groceries from Save-On-Foods was purchased by Pierre Moisan of Kelowna, British Columbia

Peter Rotheisler from Kelowna had his ticket stub drawn for 2^nd Prize, a Green Mountain Smoker with Accessories valued at $1500. White’s BBQ & Fireplace of Kelowna provided the prize.

The 3^rd Prize draw, $1000 in cash from the Interior Savings Credit Union, was awarded to Cynthia Pottinger from Kelowna when her ticket stub was the third drawn from the barrel.

Meryle Corbett from Kelowna was the lucky winner of a $500 Gift Voucher from Torino Ritz Men’s Wear, the 4^th prize draw.

The raffle draw, held outdoors at Save-on-Foods at 3175 Lakeshore Drive in Kelowna, was covered by K96.3.

Sales from the Annual Raffle amounted to $34,920, based on the sale of 6,984 tickets valued at $5 each.

The Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise is very appreciative of the generous donations of $8,200 worth of prizes provided by our valuable annual sponsors, Save-On-Foods, White’s BBQ & Fireplace, Interior Savings Credit Union and Torino Ritz Men’s Wear.

Thanks to all the people who purchased the raffle tickets, the raffle proceeds will now be used to support the Okanagan Youth Recovery House, a program of Bridge Youth and Family Services, and other local charities.

World Polio Day Is Coming

Inductee Desires to Serve Her Community Through Rotary Action

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Sep 13, 2020

Jaleen Rousseau is now a Rotarian, a member of Rotary International, a worldwide charitable society of business and professional people; and as a Rotarian, a person who maintains high ethical standards in one’s career, and in one’s personal life. As a Rotarian, Jaleen shares that the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise will enable her to achieve her desire to connect with community members and contribute to the community in a way that is not entirely possible through her profession. At the same time, she recognizes that the friendliness , openness and enthusiasm of the club members from the Sunrise Club will inspire her even more in serving to and within the community and beyond.

On Friday, September 04, 2020, Jaleen was inducted into the Sunrise Rotary Club by Club Membership Chair, Moya Webb, and while doing so Moya challenged Jaleen to share her gifts in “support of the work of Rotary living the motto of ‘Service above Self’. It is expected that her service will undoubtedly be focused with action with New Generations, Community Service, and/or the Rotary Foundation, areas of Rotary service that she has indicated she has a preference for.

Club Rotarian Vic Spolia Cares Deeply for Those in Need

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Sep 30, 2020

The Rotary Foundation transforms the gifts of Rotarians into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. Donations from Rotarians like Vic Spolia provide the means to make a difference for those in need throughout the world. Through Vic’s generosity, empathy and concern for the less fortunate, Vic is providing humanitarian aid for so many who are desperate for clean water, proper sanitation, shelter, health care and sustenance, such aid that provides these people with hope for the future.

During the meeting of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise on Friday, September 25^th, Past Chair Leslie Munro (2019-20) presented Vic Spolia with a Paul Harris Fellow + 3 (PHF+3) pin for achieving yet another level of generous giving to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. His pin signifies donations reaching a level of over US$4,000 since becoming a Rotarian with the club in 2013.

Duncan Campbell Continues Service through Rotary

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Sep 03, 2020

Following membership with two other Rotary clubs, the Rotary Club of Prince Rupert (1988-89) and the Rotary Club of Kelowna (2004-06), where it was difficult to attend meetings and to volunteer within the community because of the nature of his career, Duncan Campbell recognized that now that he was retired, he needed to use his free time to make a contribution to the community. The best way to do this, according to Duncan, was to continue his service through Rotary, particularly with the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise.

On Friday, August 28^th, Duncan was inducted into the Sunrise Rotary Club by Moya Webb, the club’s Membership Chair. During the on-line induction, Moya challenged Duncan to share his gifts in support of the good work of Rotary living the motto of “Service above Self.” Moya explained that Past-President Andy Griffin, Duncan’s sponsor, would also serve as his mentor.

Honouring our Club Leaders, Past and Present

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Aug 24, 2020

Since April 26, 1986, the official date of the chartering of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise, many outstanding Rotarians with the club have provided exceptional leadership as the club has continued to experience growth in membership and humanitarian service within the community, district and throughout the world.

The club’s website administrator and editor has compiled a document which recognizes this leadership and dedication from 1986 to the present day as a means to honour these Rotarians.

The compilation has been placed as a public document within the Site Pages of this website, as a file under “About Our Club.”

Global Affairs Canada Supports the Humanitarian Work of Rotary Foundation Canada

Posted by Ed Kolybaba on Aug 11, 2020

In 2015, Rotary Foundation Canada, associated with over 300 Canadian clubs, entered into a five-year grant agreement with Global Affairs Canada on behalf of the Canadian government to support global humanitarian efforts. As part of the agreement, Global Affairs Canada pledged to contribute $ 6 million from 2015-2020 toward the charity’s programs. These grants were to be focused on maternal and child health in under-served communities.

Each year since the agreement, Rotary Foundation Canada has received $1.2 million in government funding to conduct its global projects. By the end of 2019, the charity received $1.2 million in grants which represented 10 % of its revenue and $1.2 million in deferred government funding, thus completing the $6.0 million funding commitment.