In a challenging year for service clubs, the Rotary Club of Chilliwack has adapted and persevered and won a prestigious award from Rotary International.
The local club is receiving a Citation with Platinum Distinction. The award recognizes work the club did in 2019-20, pushing ahead with community projects despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Rotary Club of Chilliwack took a lead role in the Feed the Kids initiative, helping to prepare and distribute food hampers to families who would normally rely on in-school offerings like Bowls of Hope and the Starfish Back Pack program.
The Rotary Club of Chilliwack also spearheaded the Tech Drive in June, collecting and refurbishing donated electronics and distributing them to school children and seniors.
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“Our club is known for the work that we do and how we give back to our community,” said 2019-20 Chilliwack president Michael Berger. “As ‘People of Action,’ it’s encouraging to see how we live up to that slogan, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting our efforts.”
The Citation with Platinum Distinction measures clubs on how they “increase participation in club projects and events by members and community members, developing sustainable service projects, give to the Rotary Foundation and build awareness of Rotary in the community.”
“I want to thank you for achieving this honour as through the actions of your club over the past year,” said 2019-20 Rotary District Governor Brad Whittaker. “Your members have improved the lives of people in your community and across the globe.”
In 2019-20, the Rotary Club of Chilliwack was led by Berger, president-elect Shelly MacDonell, past-president Doug Wickers, secretary Julie Unger, treasurer Bob Ramsbottom and executive secretary Ross Hall along with directors Karen Stanton, Debora Soutar, Bob Gemmel, Peter Dombrowsky, Ralph Jones, John Les, Bernie Karden and Janet Reeves.
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