Ken Herar
Columnist
I just rejoined Rotary a few months ago, and it was probably the second best thing I did.
Initially, I joined Rotary in 2000 – which was probably the best thing I did – when Mission Rotary opened up its second club.
Rotary has been part of my family’s life for more than 60 years as my father, Tok, has been a member, with perfect attendance for over 55 years and maybe the longest serving in Canada.
He, along with my mother, Kuldip, are both Paul Harris recipients, which is the highest award within Rotary.
Watching it in our family for so long, it was something we looked up to as youngsters, with so many role models who dedicated their time to make our community better.
I recently shared this thought with Elspeth Bowers, the hardworking Morning Club president. I told her our weekly Rotary meetings allow us to become like a family and a team, which has common thinking about getting things done and not just talking about it.
It provides a framework about being a positive and an inspiring community member. I also, thought it would be an excellent collaboration with our Cycling4Diversity team as we spread the message of inclusion and diversity on more of a global scale.
Diversity is an important concept the clubs aspire too. My mother often shares a story that it was the Rotary Anns who assisted her with her adjustment when she came to Canada.
If you feel you have these values and want to make a difference there is always room for you in Rotary and their clubs throughout the world. The Midday club meets at noon on Tuesdays and the Morning club meets on Wednesdays mornings at 7 a.m.
The first Chartered Mission Club opened up in 1946, with its president Ralph Hibbert. Since, then the “Service Above Self” motto has allowed the club to be that extra arm for our community in accepting requests and funding worthwhile projects.
Rotary’s goal is to build strong communities, both locally and globally, and is dedicated to creating positive change. Locally, Rotary has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the community since 1946. The Sports Park, Silverdale Wetlands and St. Joseph’s Food Bank, are only a few of Rotary’s projects.
Rotary Clubs of Mission are presenting the Rotary Vintage Winter Gala, on Nov. 24 at the Best Western and it’s always a sold out show.
The gala is a first class event that attracts hundreds from within the community and the surrounding areas to support this event, which in return goes back into the community funding necessary projects.
Many volunteers have put countless hours to prepare and have guests entertained throughout the evening and two of the outstanding committee members from both clubs have been: Louise Lacerte from the Morning club and Gloria Tyler from the Midday club.
There are so many amazing stories to share, but one that needs to be shared is the local husband and wife Rotarian dentist team of Bill and Gloria Tyler, who have traveled extensively throughout the world volunteering their time through Rotary in assisting people that may need help.
Their next trip, in March, to Africa will be their fifth time.
Gloria said: “ We take all of our own equipment - much of our equipment lately has been funded by our local Rotary Clubs and they have also contributed supplies and volunteers. Our volunteers are usually community members who give up their holiday time and pay all their costs … we see typically 200 people, who would normally not have access to dental care.”
She added that Zambia, Africa will include seven dentists and 14 other volunteers and the clinic will run for two weeks, at the Seeds of Hope home/village for orphaned children.
kenherar@gmail.com