While DNA is used to define most families, Rotary International has used the term most more broadly when referring to the Rotary family.
The Rotary Club of Powell River was chartered in 1955 and in the ensuing decades has welcomed hundreds of members into the fold. It is one of more than 34,000 clubs worldwide with a total membership of 1.2 million.
In addition, there are 33,000 Interact Clubs, including one at Brooks Secondary School, with 340,000 members between the ages of 12 and 18.
Plans are being undertaken to start a Rotaract Club in Powell River, which welcomes people from 18 to 30 years of age. There are more than 9,500 clubs and 291,000 members around the world.
Every year thousands of young people leave their home countries and spend up to 12 months living with Rotarians in other parts of the world. Pernille Henning of Norway is in Powell River while Georgina Forshner is with families in the Czech Republic.
All segments are part of the wider Rotary family.
Current club membership includes a father and daughter, and two married couples with young children. William Mitchell-Banks is a past district governor and his daughter Sara has joined him as a member. Two of his children and his wife Ruth’s other children are past Rotary club presidents. Past club president Scott Randolph and his wife Sasha, along with Katya Buck Gustafson and Dave Gustafson make Rotary an important part of their lives even though each couple has two young children. All three family units have welcomed youth exchange students into their homes.
Longtime Rotarian Ed Frausel and his wife, Del, previously included their two children in Rotary activities and now involve their two grandsons. Other Rotarians also invite their children and grandchildren to work parties, events like Breakfast with Santa and skating parties during Winter Wonderland.
Two corporate memberships are adding to the growing number of Rotarians who meeting each Wednesday at Julie’s Airport Café. Businesses name up to three representatives who attend weekly meetings, either together or individually as time permits.
In order to increase the reach of Rotary in this community, membership director Ross Cooper has compiled of list of people who are considered “Friends of Rotary.” They have circumstances that preclude them becoming Rotarians at this time, however, they are interested in Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self and living by the Four-Way Test that guides Rotarians. They will help the club in any way they can.
Rotary’s family is inclusive and reaches throughout Powell River and around the world. More information can be found at rotary.org, rotary5040.org, Facebook or Instagram.
