August 8, 2026

More than 100 Rotarians from across District 5050 gathered at Peace Arch Park on Saturday, August 8 for the 2026 Hands Across the Border celebration. With the Peace Arch as a fitting backdrop, Rotary members from British Columbia and Washington State came together to celebrate international friendship, cooperation, fellowship and Rotary’s commitment to Service Above Self.

Rotary District 5050 is a truly international district, bringing together Rotary clubs from communities throughout southwestern British Columbia and northwestern Washington State. Its motto is, "50 percent Canadian, 50 percent American, 100 percent Rotarian." Canadian clubs include White Rock, South Surrey, Surrey, Surrey-Newton, North Delta, Langley, Langley Central, Aldergrove, Abbotsford, Abbotsford-Matsqui, Abbotsford-Sumas, Chilliwack, Chilliwack Mt. Cheam, Coquitlam, Haney, Meadow Ridge, Mission, Port Coquitlam Centennial and the Pacific Northwest Passport Club, among others. On the Washington side are clubs from communities including Bellingham, Burlington, La Conner, Mount Vernon, Anacortes, Sedro-Woolley, Arlington, Marysville, Monroe, Everett, Oak Harbor and Whidbey Island. The District’s current directory demonstrates the remarkable geographic reach of this cross-border Rotary family. 

August 4, 2026

Don Seitz spoke to members about the CART Fund — Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust, a Rotary-supported initiative dedicated to funding innovative Alzheimer’s research. Founded in 1995, CART has now awarded more than $20 million in research grants, with 100% of donations going directly to research. This year, CART awarded more than $4.4 million, reflecting the growing demand for research funding and the strong support of Rotary clubs and donors.

Don also highlighted the growing impact of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, noting that approximately 772,000 Canadians are living with dementia and more than 55 million people worldwide are affected. He explained that CART operates independently of Rotary International and is currently exploring a Canadian funding structure that could eventually allow Canadian researchers to become eligible for grants and expand CART’s impact in Canada.

During the discussion, Don explained that CART continues to grow through the support of Rotary clubs, districts and individual donors. He encouraged members to learn more about the program and how even small contributions can help fund promising research aimed at better understanding, treating and ultimately preventing Alzheimer’s disease