Delta Stroke Recovery Society Receives a $6,250 Grant from the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen awarded a grant in the amount of $6,250 to the Delta Stroke Recovery Society to support their social lunch program. The cheque was presented to Vice President Peter McTait by Rotarian Edwin Lee and Charitable Society President, Yvonne Anderson.
Following a comprehensive community needs assessment focused on seniors, this grant directly addresses the key priorities in the report. The social lunch program offers more than just meals, it reduces isolation and creates a welcoming environment where members can share ideas, build friendships, and practice speech-language skills in a supportive setting. Nutritious lunches ease the burden on seniors who may be living alone or on limited incomes, and leftover
food is often sent home with those in need. For some participants, the holiday lunch or birthday cake provided may be their only celebration of the year.
Edwin Lee who served as Rotary’s Grant Coordinator, is also the owner of Tsawwassen Pharmacy and he sees patients come in who have suffered from a stroke who need support. “I asked Delta Stroke Recovery Society to increase their grant application so they can produce materials to help raise public awareness about their services. It is important to ensure stroke survivors and their families can connect with this essential program.” The campaign will also aid in recruiting volunteers to help sustain and grow the Society.
Our Feature in Delta Optimist's Volunteer Week
The Power of Rotary: Making Connections, Creating Change
Have you ever wondered how the Diefenbaker Park waterpark came to be? Or the Heart of Tsawwassen amphitheatre at the high school? What about Rotary Square, the Easter celebration, or the Christmas Light display? These aren’t just events or landmarks, they’re legacies, built by people just like you who decided to say yes to making a difference through the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen.
For over 30 years, this vibrant local club has brought together neighbours, professionals, and community leaders who share a passion for service. By combining skills, energy, and vision, members create lasting change, right here in Delta and across the globe.
Club President Dr. Joan Hansen describes Rotary as a weekly shot of energy. “At our breakfast meetings, you always leave with something, new knowledge, a fresh connection, or a spark of inspiration to take meaningful action.”
Rotary is where networking meets purpose. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or simply curious about getting involved, there’s space for everyone to contribute. “What I love,” says Membership Chair Judy McLeod, “is watching members discover they can do things they never imagined - leading events, planning projects, building partnerships. It’s lifelong learning in action.”
From health initiatives like flu vaccine clinics and hospice support, to international projects providing clean water in Uganda, to youth scholarships, reconciliation and peace-building, the scope is wide but the focus is clear: Service above Self.
Rotarians are problem solvers and connectors. They build relationships with other nonprofits, leverage grants, and lead projects that reflect the community’s real needs like supporting seniors at KinVillage or providing summer camp supplies for children with diverse abilities.
There’s no one way to be a Rotarian. You can join a committee, attend engaging weekly meetings, or roll up your sleeves at an event. Whether you're looking to expand your network, develop new skills, or simply give back, Rotary offers the platform to do it all.
Ready to turn good intentions into action? Join us, and discover the power of Rotary where friendships flourish and service leaves a lasting mark.
Tsawwassen Rotary Donates $50,000 to
BC & Alberta Guide Dogs Capital Campaign
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen is proud to announce a $50,000 donation to the BC & Alberta Guide Dogs’ Capital Campaign, supporting the construction of a new Breeding and Training Centre of Excellence.
The commitment was inspired by a compelling presentation delivered in June 2024 by Bill Thornton, CEO of BC & Alberta Guide Dogs. Thornton shared how the new facility will reduce wait times and expand access to professionally trained guide dogs for people who are blind or have low vision, as well as service dogs for children with Autism and Veterans and First Responders with Operational Stress Injuries such as PTSD.
Motivated by the presentation, two club members immediately volunteered for the organization’s puppy raising program. The club then rallied behind a larger effort to support the campaign financially.
“When I heard this new centre would allow the organization to double the number of professionally trained dogs in just five years, I knew we had to be involved,” said Rotarian Blake Cowan, a board member of the Rotary Club’s Charitable Society. “Supporting inclusion, access, and mobility is a natural fit with our mission.”
Rotarian Tom Smith, who led the project for the club, shared a touching detail: “One of the first puppies raised through Rotary’s Puppy Room will be named Gerry, in memory of the Rotarian who made this grant possible.”
This pledge underscores the club’s commitment to improving the quality of life in the community and exemplifies their motto “Service Above Self.
