September 2026

The Rotary Club of White Rock and the Rotary Club of Semiahmoo joined forces this summer to ensure 51 students at four Peninsula elementary schools begin the school year with the supplies they need to succeed.

Students at Jessie Lee Elementary, White Rock Elementary, Ray Shepherd Elementary, and Ocean Cliff Elementary received specially prepared backpacks filled with school essentials, including notebooks, pencils, crayons, and other educational supplies. Rotary volunteers also added thoughtful extras such as unique backpacks for each child, fidget items, and hygiene kits to help students feel confident and supported on their first day of school.

The initiative reflects Rotary's commitment to strengthening the community and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to start the school year on equal footing. It is important that children in our community feel supported not only by their families and schools, but also by the community as a whole.

August 8, 2026

More than 100 Rotarians from across District 5050 gathered at Peace Arch Park on Saturday, August 8 for the 2026 Hands Across the Border celebration. With the Peace Arch as a fitting backdrop, Rotary members from British Columbia and Washington State came together to celebrate international friendship, cooperation, fellowship and Rotary’s commitment to Service Above Self.

Rotary District 5050 is a truly international district, bringing together Rotary clubs from communities throughout southwestern British Columbia and northwestern Washington State. Its motto is, "50 percent Canadian, 50 percent American, 100 percent Rotarian." Canadian clubs include White Rock, South Surrey, Surrey, Surrey-Newton, North Delta, Langley, Langley Central, Aldergrove, Abbotsford, Abbotsford-Matsqui, Abbotsford-Sumas, Chilliwack, Chilliwack Mt. Cheam, Coquitlam, Haney, Meadow Ridge, Mission, Port Coquitlam Centennial and the Pacific Northwest Passport Club, among others. On the Washington side are clubs from communities including Bellingham, Burlington, La Conner, Mount Vernon, Anacortes, Sedro-Woolley, Arlington, Marysville, Monroe, Everett, Oak Harbor and Whidbey Island. The District’s current directory demonstrates the remarkable geographic reach of this cross-border Rotary family.