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EDITORIAL: Rotarians have been making things better in B.C. for 100 years

Their 100th anniversary in B.C. is a golden opportunity to praise Rotarians.

Their 100th anniversary in B.C. is a golden opportunity to praise Rotarians.

Many local Rotarians deserve our thanks for improving the quality of life for people in this area and many others around the globe.

Make no mistake, the Comox Valley is a hotbed of Rotary, with no fewer than four clubs.

The Courtenay Rotary Club formed first, way back in 1936, blazing a trail for Strathcona Sunrise, Comox and the Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial.

The latter club was so named to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Rotary’s 1905 birth in Chicago.

The concept of raising money to help people locally and globally as well as wielding shovels and hammers on worthy close-to-home projects spread rapidly.

Rotary’s credo of Service Above Self is a universal concept that transcends gender, race, religion and national borders.

Perhaps the noblest thing Rotarians have ever done – and continue to do – is try to eradicate polio from the planet. With funds, vaccine and determination, they are close.

Money flows to the campaign from clubs all over the globe. If you have supported Rotary, and you should, you have probably helped children to avoid this terrible, crippling disease.

As far-reaching as its international efforts are, Rotary would be worthy for only its local projects.

All four clubs here made the Comox Valley Hospice Society their prime fundraising recipient for two years. No other service club raises funds like Rotary.

While you can’t readily see much of the good Rotarians do, some things stand out, including the distinctive pavilion in Simms Millennium Park and the Rail with Trail path along the E&N rail corridor.

The accomplishments listed here only scratch the surface of Rotary’s service. For the rest of the story, see the Comox Valley Record’s special section in today’s paper.

You can also read all about it online at www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/eeditions.

editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com