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Mayor Mary Lou Steward, Kristina Eng, Foundry Update and Upcoming Events

September 22, 2026

Guest Speaker – Mary Lou Steward, Mayor of Blaine

Mayor Mary Lou Steward spoke about Hands Across the Border, an initiative started by Canadian Heidi Landry, and reflected on the importance of the Canada–U.S. relationship.

Mayor Steward shared her own connection to Canada, where she grew up, before moving to the United States. She reflected on her 15 years of involvement with Blaine City Council and spoke candidly about her concerns regarding the current political climate in the United States, democracy, and changing relationships between Canada and the U.S. Her overall message emphasized maintaining connection across the border through “peace, love and a handshake.”

District Governor Visit, New Member Inductions, Member Recognition and Club Announcements

September 15, 2026

The Rotary Club of White Rock welcomed District Governor Kathleen Olson for a special meeting at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, joined by Assistant Governor Carla Hanson and other District representatives. Rotarians, guests and District representatives came together for an afternoon focused on membership, recognition, service and Rotary’s priorities for the year ahead.

District Governor Kathleen Olson spoke about the District 5050 Engagement Initiative and the importance of strengthening membership, increasing participation, working collaboratively with other clubs and community organizations, and supporting The Rotary Foundation. Her message emphasized greater engagement, stronger projects and measurable community impact.

A major highlight was the induction of three new members — Ken Khan, David Reynolds and Ron Amos — with Membership Chair Kevin Ward taking part in welcoming them to the club. The club also recognized Peter Jones, who was presented with the District Rookie of the Year Award

Dr. Lee Harman also provided an update on the Miss Vicky 2027 Challenge for PolioPlus. The project is being organized to raise funds in support of Rotary’s worldwide effort to eradicate polio

Marty Pease Presents Education and Economic Development Projects in Honduras, Book Sale Results & Upcoming Events

September 8, 2026

Our guest speaker, Marty Pease of the Rotary Club of La Conner, shared an inspiring update on the work of the International Project Alliance (IPA) in Copán, Honduras. IPA is a partnership involving 14 Rotary clubs in District 5050 and a Rotary club in Copán Ruinas, working together to support Mayan communities through education and economic development.

Through its Adopt-A-School program, IPA supports approximately 1,700 students in 40 villages, while the Adopt-a-Dream program helps students continue through middle school, high school and university, with more than 50 students currently attending college. IPA also operates a Mobile Library, rotating book boxes among communities every three to four months to give students greater access to reading materials.

IPA also supports economic development through savings and loan programs, agricultural training, micro-financing and vocational education. A satellite trade school serving the Copán and Santa Rita area has produced strong results, with 83% of its first 110 graduates finding employment or starting businesses. IPA operates with an annual budget of approximately $300,000 to $350,000, funded through Rotary club commitments, grants and private donations.

White Rock Rotary Book Sale Success, District Governor Visit, Foundation Dinner & Miss Vicky Challenge

September, 2026

Another Successful White Rock Rotary Book Sale

The Rotary Club of White Rock’s August Book Sale wrapped up with another strong show of support from our community.

Held August 28 to September 1 at Elgin Park Secondary School, the five-day sale welcomed 4,764 customers, generated $70,841 in gross book sales before expenses, and saw an estimated 33,727 books leave the tables with new owners.

The move to Elgin Park Secondary was also well received. Customers particularly appreciated the improved parking and easy access, and the gym floor came through the event without damage—making the venue a promising option for future sales.

None of this would be possible without the tremendous work of our volunteers and the continued support of everyone who donates books, shops at the sale and spreads the word.

Thank you, White Rock and South Surrey! We look forward to welcoming everyone back for our next Book Sale in April.

Rotary Clubs Help 51 Local Students Head Back to School Prepared

September 2026

The Rotary Club of White Rock and the Rotary Club of Semiahmoo joined forces this summer to ensure 51 students at four Peninsula elementary schools begin the school year with the supplies they need to succeed.

Students at Jessie Lee Elementary, White Rock Elementary, Ray Shepherd Elementary, and Ocean Cliff Elementary received specially prepared backpacks filled with school essentials, including notebooks, pencils, crayons, and other educational supplies. Rotary volunteers also added thoughtful extras such as unique backpacks for each child, fidget items, and hygiene kits to help students feel confident and supported on their first day of school.

The initiative reflects Rotary's commitment to strengthening the community and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to start the school year on equal footing. It is important that children in our community feel supported not only by their families and schools, but also by the community as a whole.

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We are currently meeting for lunch at the Rotary Field House in the South Surrey Athletic Park on Tuesdays at 12:00pm, we are also broadcasting on Zoom. Please contact us for the Zoom link, or if you would like to attend the in person lunch meeting.

Meeting Location

Want to hear about upcoming White Rock Rotary Charity Book Sales

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Stephanie Beck - Executive Director

Sep 29, 2026

Peace Arch Hospital Foundation

Louise Taylor, Director Community Engagement

Oct 06, 2026

BRELLA Community Services Society

Trevor Josephson, Director, Clinical Services

Oct 13, 2026

PA Hospice Wind Phones

Jennifer Helman

Oct 20, 2026

Circular Economy Month

Jessica Harris, Intl. Consultant

Oct 27, 2026

Impact of Rotary Exchange

Dean Rohrs, D5050 Rotary Foundation Committee

Nov 03, 2026

The Rotary Foundation

Chris Paige, PFLAG Surrey

Dec 01, 2026

Family & Youth Support

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Book Donations

are welcome at the Rotary Fieldhouse in the South Surrey Athletic Park

Donations of books in good condition are welcome. We cannot accept magazines, textbooks, encyclopedias, manuals, or damaged books. Thank you for your understanding.

Books can be donated 24/7 at the Blue Bin on the North side of the Rotary Fieldhouse, located at 2197 148 St, Surrey, south of the Surrey Eagles Hockey Arena. Large donations can be dropped off Monday mornings 9-11. We can help you unload directly into the book warehouse and not fill up the bin. If you need help picking up a large donation of books, we can help. Contact us at rotaryclub.booksale@gmail.com for assistance.

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Drop Books at the Book Bin

Club Membership

Membership Info

New Members

My Rotary

District 5050

President

Co-President

President Elect

Past President

Secretary

Treasurer

Foundation

Membership

Fundraising

Youth Services

International Chair

Club Services

Community Services

Current Board until July 1st, 2027/28

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Piano Men for Rotary – Elton John & Billy Joel
Clarke Theatre

Oct. 01, 2026 7:00 p.m.
Pints Against Polio
The Beer Shack

Oct. 19, 2026
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Rotary Night with the Surrey Eagles
Oct. 23, 2026 7:00 p.m.
District 5050 Foundation Dinner
White Rock Community Centre

Nov. 07, 2026
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

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District 5050 Foundation Dinner

Use White Rock Rotary discount code RCWR when purchasing your tickets to save $12 and help support our club’s share of the fundraiser proceeds

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Read the District Newsletter Here

Driving to End Polio

Marty Helman, RI Director 2026-28 | Zones 28 & 32

Rotary Club of White Rock Wins Best Non-Profit Organization Award at South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards

‘One simple word’

Leaders highlight the power of gratitude at The Rotary Foundation Donor Summit

Talking reading and Rotary with Dolly Parton

The entertainer and philanthropist Dolly Parton died 25 August 2026. This Q&A was originally published in the March 2010 issue of The Rotarian (now Rotary) magazine. Later that year, she spoke at the Rotary International Convention in Montreal, Canada.