I’m a member of a Rotary Club in Kelowna. Rotarians are people of action. Our global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and leaders volunteer their skills and resources to solve issues and address community needs. Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.
At the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise, we serve the Kelowna community and beyond:
- Mission: The club consists of business, professional, and community leaders who volunteer and raise funds for local and international programs.
- Fundraising efforts: Key fundraisers have included the “Season of Giving Calendar” raffle, which has supported local charities like the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre of Kelowna and the Okanagan Youth Recovery House.
- Local community involvement: The club sponsors youth programs, such as the Rotary Youth Exchange and Interact and Rotaract clubs at local schools. It also supports recreational projects, civic beautification, and initiatives to combat hunger and health issues.
- International support: In addition to local projects, the club participates in international initiatives, such as building wells in developing nations.
Rotary International does so much good in the world and funds amazing projects. In terms of hearing, the Hearing Rotary Action Group works with many international projects related to hearing care.
I am currently working with my local club’s International Committee to partner with other Rotary Clubs and Rotary International to set up a Rotary Hearing Clinic in La Romana in the Domincan Republic. Sunrise Rotary is the main local sponsor with help from the Ogopogo Club.
This is an exciting opportunity to bring hearing to a charitable hospital in La Romana, the Good Samaritan Hospital. A full-time clinic will be set up to meet local needs including the rural areas surrounding the city with outreaches and in-house ENT service.
It is an example of Rotarians coming together from various States in the US, Canada, Mexico, the DR and working together to be the good in the world.
I am grateful to work alongside such talented, intelligent and purpose-driven people and will be joining the Team in January 2026 on-site in the DR.
We think of the Dominican Republic as a great tourist destination which it certainly is, but it is so much more! This Island with a colorful history is one of the richest in the Caribbean but also home to some of the poorest residents in the region. This video shows the other side of the DR that we don’t think about when enjoying its beautiful beaches, caves, towns, entertainment and all-inclusives.
In 2024-25 the Rotary Foundation helped fund 1,423 global grants, 468 district grants, and 74 disaster response grants? If you haven’t had a chance to contribute to our Foundation recently, now is a wonderful time to give the gift of Rotary and help Rotary members continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
A gift of any size can make a big difference. You can help protect children from diseases like polio, provide hand washing stations at schools to reduce waterborne illnesses, empower entrepreneurs by supporting local businesses, help families replace livestock after disasters, or supply medical equipment that gives newborns a healthy start.
Reducing the incidence of polio by transporting and providing vaccines.
Saving the lives of mothers and newborns by providing midwives with more training.
Reducing waterborne illnesses in students by providing hygiene education and hand washing stations at schools.
With a gift today, you’ll join Rotary members and supporters in helping people across the globe. Please consider giving the gift of Rotary so that together, we can make an even greater impact and keep Doing Good in the World.