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WE ARE PEOPLE OF ACTION

Welcome to Rotary in District 5020. We represent Rotarians on Vancouver Island, B.C. and Western Washington from Pierce County south to Woodland including the Olympic Peninsula. Rotary unites over a million people worldwide to take action locally and globally. Each day, our members pour their passion, integrity, and intelligence into completing projects that have a lasting impact. We persevere until we deliver real, lasting solutions.

Governor's Message April 2019

Posted by Craig Gillis, District Governor 2018-19

Welcome to Maternal and Child Health Month

The Gift of Health: Many of us nurtured in North America we have come to know health care as a given. Our ready access to medical care has minimizes trauma of birth and the challenges of the early years. If we have the opportunity to parent, we quickly recognize our greatest gift and greatest resource is our children. Over 100 global grants last year directly supported maternal and child health---- so many of the other areas of focus for global grants are also indirectly related to supporting our most vulnerable populations.

I have included a brief video message (in song!) this month---in an effort to draw together so much of who we are and what we do as Rotarians. It is my dream to see every Rotary in District 5020 contribute a minimum of $25.00 U.S. to the Foundation. Please help our District 5020 raise its per capita Annual Fund giving this year----and continue to truly leave a collective imprint on our world. Thank you for your life decision to be a Rotarian. Together we inspire; together we connect; together we can leave a legacy!

“A child born to a mother who can read has a 50% better chance of survival past age 5.”
Al Brooks Foundation Dinner in Olympia.

DG Craig

Pictured: National Immunization Day in Ethiopia

Governor's Message March 2019

Posted by Craig Gillis, District Governor 2018-19

Welcome to Water and Sanitation Month

Food for Thought: Several years ago the Port Hardy Rotary Club hosted a Rotary Youth Exchange student from Indonesia. Ray was a remarkable ‘peace ambassador’---wise beyond years, musically gifted, curious, and compassionate. At the conclusion of his wonderful year I asked him what he would always carry with him as he returned home. His response, “That is simple. It is the clean water from the tap, every day, for every person… and the freshness of the sea salt air every morning when I rise in Port Hardy”. Water! Yes, many have called it our world’s most precious resource. We have been gifted with a plentiful supply in North America. Yet is not only the water----we are to be thankful for ---- but the ‘clean’ water. We quite naturally take for granted that sanitation and water are partners in most of life experience.

Photo Caption: Duncan club's Tanzania Water Project

Welcome to Peace and Conflict Service Month!

As we begin the eighth month of an eventful Rotary year, I am reminded of how much of our Rotary work directly or indirectly impacts Peace and Conflict Prevention. When we provide opportunities to improve health, education, economic growth … we can ultimately promote peace. District 5020 is proud to be a Rotary Peace Builder District through our commitment to The Rotary Foundation. One of our featured speakers at District Training Assembly and District Conference May 9, 10, 11 will be Paul Chappell whose work with students and adults promotes skills and attitudes that promote peace.

This month I have a few comments to share via video. Please click on the link below to share my February Peace and Conflict Prevention message. Many thanks for your ongoing commitment to your clubs--together we are making this a more peaceful world!

DG Craig

Governor's Message January 2019

Posted by Craig Gillis, District Governor 2018-19

Welcome to Vocational Service Month!

Here we are at the midpoint of a great Rotary year. How exciting to be able to announce the chartering of a new Rotary Club in the community of Ucluelet. On January 11, we will welcome close to 40 new Rotarians to our District 5020 family.

Registration for the District Training Assembly and District Conference is now open. This inspiring event hosted in Victoria May 9, 10, 11 promises riveting speakers, fun and fellowship, and much learning! Please consider sending a team from your club. Information is on the District 5020 website!

Welcome to Rotary Disease Prevention and Treatment Month

As we enter into a season that often reunites us and brings us close to friends, families, and memories of holiday seasons past I want to wish you a memorable festive season. This is also a time of year when we see and feel Rotary everywhere--- ‘Giving Tree’ projects, coats for kids, turkey dinners in schools, food hamper collections, concerts, Salvation Army kettle assistance, shoebox care packages ……the list is impressive and seemingly endless. We are indeed ‘Rotarians of Action’! This is a time of year when we also give pause and recognize how much we have to be grateful for----a reminder of our privilege and opportunity as Rotarians.

Photo Caption: Keith Tatton at Bahir Dar Hospital in Ethiopa with one of the recipients of corrective surgery