Local Community Project Highlights
Diefenbaker
Park Waterfall Additional Work
To combat some of the maintenance problems associated with the area around the pond, (our very own Pecker’s Pond) at the top of the waterfall, we undertook an additional project. This entailed installing patio bricks in a curved design around the edge of the pond.
With expertise provided by a local firm and twenty-eight willing Rotarian
hands, equally divided amongst fourteen heads, torsos and sundry other
body parts, the work began. The weather cooperated - as did the Delta
Parks and Recreation department under whose auspices the project was coordinated.
What you won’t see is the time difference between the first part - spreading the sand and getting it level - and the second part - laying the bricks. Fortunately Chris, Jason and Shane knew what they were doing and the rest of us took direction well. Once we had enough sand, then it was quite the process to get it compressed and level enough before we could proceed to the next bit.
After reading this, take a trip to the park and see what
Rotarians can do working together.
Tsawwassen Town
Centre / Rotary Club of Tsawwassen Square
The Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall underwent a renovation to add both residential and retail space as well as a feature which should benefit all residents of the town. In the centre of the development is a space, reserved for the enjoyment of all and christened “The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen Square. ” Fundraising efforts by our club allowed us to contribute to the square and it was used to mark Rotary’s centennial year, 2005.
Tsawwassen Community Walkway
Project
On January 25, 1996, the Community Services Committee had discussions
with the Municipal Manager of Parks and Development Services regarding
a partnership project with the Corporation of Delta to develop a pedestrian
walkway in Winskill Park.
The Rotary Club proposed to cost share this project, on a phased in basis,
for up to a total of $60,000. The first phase of the project would proceed
in 1996 with the Rotary Club contributing $20,000 for the first phase.
Subsequent phases would proceed in future years, depending on the Rotary
Club's capacity to raise funds. It was requested that the Municipality
match the Rotary Club's contribution and provide support for an application
to the BC21 funds.
By November 13, 1996, all the concrete work had been completed and the
Rotary Club members were invited to participate in a work party to do
remedial landscaping. On Saturday, November 16, two plaques were recommended
for each end of the walkway to read, "Rotary Walkway".
In March, 1997, approval was given by the Board of Directors to proceed
with Phase 2 of the walkway project, the Lighting, to a maximum cost of
$20,000. This phase was completed and the walkway is now lighted. Photos
were taken that day as a work party of Rotarians did the preparatory ditch
digging and landscaping with skilled electricians completing the technical
work.
The walkway was officially opened in November, 1997.
Kinsmen Hinge
Project
On April 18, 1988, 34 Rotarians and 8 Kinsmen invaded 2 Delta apartment
buildings at 10th Avenue and 54A Street to help 177 senior residents.
The friendly invasion force installed $22,000 of hardware to end the safety
hazard created by heavy fire doors in the Kinsmen Apartment buildings.
Photos were taken that day as a work
party of Rotarians and Kinsmen worked to install the hinges on the doors.
Manufacturer Stanley Works, distributor Shanahan's Ltd. and retailer
Beaver Lumber contributed a value of $14,500 towards the $22,000 project.
Rotary raised, $6,000.00, Kinsmen donated $900.00 and the Kinsmen Retirement
Centre
The apartment management paid the taxes on the project.
International Project Highlights
Uniforms For Bucerías
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen was fortunate to count amongst its members,
the late Bruce Tuttle. Despite suffering health problems for many of his
last years, Bruce was tireless in his dedication both to his own club
and to the ideals of Rotary. One of the many projects in which he became
involved was as a result of his frequent trips to Mexico and in particular,
to the town of Bucerías. There he discovered that a requirement
to participate in some of the school-sponsored programmes was that each
student be dressed in a school uniform. Sadly, many families could not
afford this and so the children were forced to miss out on the festivities
and events. Bruce took it upon himself to marshal the resources of the
Rotary Club of Tsawwassen to rectify this. One of his first tasks was
to sponsor the formation of a new Rotary club. The Bahía de Banderas
Rotary Club was duly formed in Nuevo Vallarta (nr. Puerto Vallerta) and
co-operated with Bruce to begin a programme to outfit as many students
as possible with school uniforms. Bruce passed away December of 2003 and
although he is sorely missed, his legacy endures. Recently, the Rotary
Club of Tsawwassen made another donation to the project and yet more children
will have school uniforms and be able to participate in the local festivals.
These photographs were taken on the occasion of recent trips by Tsawwassen
Rotarians Tom Smith and Bill Montgomery.
In the first of these photographs, Tom is seen presenting our club banner
to the Bahía de Banderas Rotary Club while the other shows some of
the kindergarten children who will benefit from the uniforms.
Here are some of the smiling faces that make projects like this worthwhile
and a street scene from the town of Bucerías.
Eyesight India
Eyesight India is a Rotary Project with the objective of bringing sight
to cataract afflicted poor in India. The initiative was started by Anup
Singh Jubbal, a Rotarian in Burnaby, British Columbia. Under his leadership
volunteers have given sight to over 20,000 people in India. Anup spoke
to our club in June, 1997 and following that presentation our executive
became determined to support his efforts and encouraged clubs throughout
BC to join with us. Shortly thereafter a program began where each of our
weekly program speakers was gifted with a contribution to the Eyes for
India Project made on their behalf. In addition each received a certificate
from the club, recognizing them as a sponsor of two individuals who were
given back their sight. The cost of the operation is minimal, approximately
$20, and our club will provide the certificates to any club wishing to
join us in this effort.
RYLA
RYLA is the Rotary Youth Leadership Award and is presented to deserving
youth candidates at conferences held twice a year. In August 1997, we
sent our first two delegates to a conference in Victoria after hearing
from a Ladner Rotarian who attended a previous conference. We continue
to send delegates each year and hope to send four in 2001.
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