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.
Principals at each of the four schools gratefully received the backpacks and thanked Rotary volunteers for their support. Working closely with families, school staff will ensure the backpacks reach the students who need them most as they prepare for the new school year.
Funding for the backpack program comes from community-supported Rotary fundraising events, including the Rotary Clubs' twice-yearly Book Sale and the annual Morgan Creek Golf Tournament. Residents can support future projects by donating gently used books throughout the year at the blue donation bin located behind the Rotary Fieldhouse, home to Rotary's book sale warehouse.
Through fundraising, volunteer service, and partnerships with local schools, the Rotary Clubs of White Rock and Semiahmoo continue to demonstrate Rotary's motto, Service Above Self, helping ensure every child has the opportunity to start the school year with confidence and dignity.