On Wednesday June 21st, at Centrepoint in downtown Squamish, Kevin Haberl was installed as President of the Rotary Club of Squamish for the 2023-24 Rotary Year.
Kevin will take office on July 1st, along with his new executive team.
A long-time resident of Squamish, Kevin has had a career in the forestry industry.
He joined Rotary in 2009 and has held several executive positions, most recently as Chair of the club’s Rotary Foundation committee which supports the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International whose mission is “to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty”.
During his talk to the assembled members and guests, Kevin remarked “despite the recent challenges, our club here in Squamish has been weathering the changes very well; we are a strong club, and we are in a really good position to grow and lead into the future in our community. This strength is largely due to the leadership of the many Past Presidents that have each contributed to the foundation that our club rests on”.
“In Canada, we are very fortunate. We don’t live with the constant threat of war, most of us don’t have to worry about hunger, political or religious persecution; we are free to make choices about our bodies, religious beliefs and have the security to walk the streets without fear for our lives. However, it’s not all unicorns and lollipops. In times like these, when it feels like many institutions are collapsing; education and health care may be out of reach for many, natural disasters, food insecurity and poverty loom, and the cost of shelter is out of line – particularly here in Squamish – it is time for each of us to step forward and make a small difference”.
“Looking ahead, we will continue to support our on-going local projects such as working with the Food Bank and Under One Roof, with organisations such as SquamishCan, Squamish Downtown BIA, and MediCar; and an exciting opportunity with an oceanfront park. Internationally we will support the childrens’ home in Mexico, the refuge for girls in Manila and others. I would also wish to see how best we can improve our environment, to raise awareness of mental health in our community, and to continue on the path of reconciliation with our First Nations neighbours.
With your help, I look forward to a year of fun, fellowship, and doing good in our community and around the world.”