It was a place where professionals of various backgrounds could meet and exchange ideas.
Paul P. Harris, a Chicago attorney, formed the Rotary Club of Chicago – the name came from the club’s rotating meetings among the office’s members – on Feb. 23, 1905.
In 111 years, Rotary International has grown, with clubs around the world. More than one million members contribute to, among many other programs, an international effort to eradicate polio worldwide.
Nanaimo’s Rotary Clubs are celebrating their own contributions and accomplishments.
Rotary Club of Nanaimo, one of Rotary’s earliest, is just four years away from celebrating its 100th anniversary. The club focuses on fundraising for literacy projects and organizations and holds two used book sales annually at Nanaimo North Town Centre which raise more than $100,000 each year.
“Our book sale is our big fundraiser for literacy and we support local schools with various projects,” said Bruce Gordon, the club’s past president.
The club also supports Nanaimo District Hospital Foundation, Hospice House and the Haven Society.
Gordon joined Rotary for networking when he started a printing business.
“I think it’s why most young business people get into it, but I think nowadays the demographic has changed where a lot of new members are retired people and they’re joining so that they can give something back,” Gordon said.
He said young people prefer hands-on projects over fundraising.
“We do have some young members. We need to have someone to do the heavy lifting,” Gordon said, with a chuckle.
Nanaimo Oceanside, with 20 members, is Nanaimo’s smallest and youngest Rotary Club.
“We meet in the evenings at the Longwood [Brew Pub] and we’re kind of more laid back,” said Trina Brubaker, club president. “Our club’s primary focus is children.”
Eighty per cent of club fundraising supports projects that help children, such as school breakfast programs and an annual toy drive that distributes toys to children through Nanaimo’s schools.
Rotary Club of Nanaimo Daybreak celebrated its 20th anniversary Feb. 24.
The club concentrates on programs helping youth and is a big supporter of the Nanaimo Child Development Centre, Nanaimo Boys and Girls Club and Nanaimo Youth Services Association.
The club also focuses on its international youth exchange and ambassador scholar programs and even local skate board parks.
“In our particular society a lot of times not enough money is spent on youth,” said Don Bonner, past president and director of club services. “It’s spent on other things and we believe if you can convince the youth that the world is a better place than it really is, then they’ll probably make it that way.”
To learn more about Rotary International, please visit www.rotary.org.