Rotary Club of Powell River celebrates 70th anniversary

Rotary Club of Powell River entered its eighth decade in this community with a celebration of 70 years of Service Above Self on June 14.

In addition to the anniversary of receiving its charter from Rotary International in June 1955, the event included the installation of Jan Gisborne as the District 5040 governor and the club’s installation of Matt Wate, president, and his board of directors for 2025/2026.

Honoured guests were Dr. Virendra Varma, who was club president in 1972/1973 and his wife Shalta. Their son and 1990/1991 Rotary president Ash was emcee for the evening.

As the oldest member, Don Logan, president in 1988/1989 and 1993/1994, was invited to make the first cut of the anniversary cake.

Dean Rohrs, who conducted both installations, is a former Rotary International vice-president, Rotary Foundation trustee and current chair of the Rotary Action Group for Family Health and AIDS Prevention.

“It has been my privilege to call Jan a friend for many years, and I look forward to seeing her take on this district leadership role,” Rohrs told a gathering of Rotarians and guests at Cranberry Seniors Centre. They included other past district governors and chairs as well as incoming presidents from out of town.

District 5040 includes Rotary, Rotaract and Interact clubs from Prince Rupert to Richmond.

“Jan joins those who make a difference, who care what happens in this world and meet challenges face on,” added Rohrs. “With her district team members, they will work to Unite for Good, the theme for the coming Rotary year.”

In pledging to accept the role, Gisborne, the first Powell River Rotarian selected district governor, said, “We live in challenging times, but Rotary has always faced challenges. We adapt, we adjust and we move forward. We get creative in order to overcome obstacles, new leaders emerge and new ideas take shape.”

During his acceptance speech, Wate said he wants to focus on membership, professional development and youth.

“This is going to be a year to remember, not only because of what we’re celebrating but because of what we’ll build together,” said Wate.

He added that his board has directors with years of service and deep expertise, as well as new ones with fresh ideas and energy. “This mix of experience and innovation is exactly what will move us forward with strength and purpose.”

Outgoing president Kelly Keil was given a Paul Harris Fellow by foundation director Katya Gustafson to recognize her year.

Isaac Mack, Brooks Secondary School Grade 10 student and Interact president, attended the gathering along with teacher sponsor Colleen Balzer and Rotary/Interact liaison Lisa Gunn. He joined Interact in grade eight, and last year was treasurer.

“Our club has always been focused on giving back to our community and the world," said Mack. “Last year we raised and donated over $1,750 for local and international causes. They include SPCA, UN World Food Program and UNICEF children’s food program, therapeutic riding, and BC Children’s Hospital.”

Both Gisborne and Wate will officially take on their new positions on July 1, the start of a new Rotary year that will run to June 30, 2026.

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