The Rotary Club of Squamish recently celebrated sixty years of community and international service.
Present and former members and guests gathered at the Adventure Centre on September 19th to reminisce over the many friendships and contributions the club has provided since it was chartered by Rotary International in September1966.
Attendees included Don Patrick and Owen Carney who between them have over 113 years of service with the club. Our special guest Norma Kindree (photo), honorary Rotarian and wife of charter member Dr Laverne Kindree, was recognized for her support to the club.
The evening was highlighted with a video featuring past presidents, followed by MC Lino Vanzella recalling many events and stories of the club during its history.
To learn more about Rotary’s people and projects over the 6 decades see our facebook page.
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Over the years the club has contributed to many community amenities including the accessible pool at Brennan Park, the town clock at Cleveland and Winnipeg, the Loggers Creek trails, the chemotherapy pharmacy at Squamish Hospital, the Rotary Pavilion at the Legacy Park, and the playground at Sp’akw’us Feather Park. The four Sea to Sky Rotary clubs donated $100,000 for equipment at the new Hospice facility.
Several signature events have continued since the early days including the Bike Safety Rodeos at the elementary schools, the Rotary Beef BBQ at the Loggers Sports Festival, and the Youth Exchange Program. More recent events feature the Recycle Bicycle program which provides refurbished bikes to local kids, and support for Squamish Helping Hands through participation and fundraising on the ‘Coldest Night of the Year’.
Internationally, Squamish Rotary has provided humanitarian support for a maternity clinic in Kenya, a medical centre in Guatemala, a refuge centre in the Philippines for girls rescued from the sex trade, a children’s home in Mexico, and Rotary’s ongoing campaign to eliminate polio from the world.
Rotarians can also be seen around town doing community cleanups and delivering Food Bank hampers.
We look forward to serving our communities for many years to come!