Following lunch, we welcomed a distinguished group from the World Health Organization and the WHO Polio Containment Working Group, including Liliane Boualam, Dr. Arlene King, James Blaine, Alison Mawle, Ingrid Permell, and Harrie van de Aroort. Their presentation, Polio Update and the World Health Organization, highlighted the current global status of polio eradication and the ongoing work required to safely contain and eliminate the virus.
Liliane Boualam, WHO Poliovirus Containment Lead and a key member of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, spoke about the progress made in controlling polio worldwide as well as the challenges that remain. Her work focuses on global biorisk management and the certification process that ensures poliovirus materials are safely stored and handled according to rigorous WHO standards.
Dr. Arlene King, Chair of the WHO Polio Containment Working Group and a leading international expert in immunization, infectious diseases, and pandemic preparedness, discussed the global coordination required to safely manage poliovirus materials and support eradication efforts. Dr. King previously served as Director General of the Centre for Immunization and Respiratory Infectious Diseases at the Public Health Agency of Canada.
We were also pleased to welcome several visiting guests including Ken Robinson, a Rotarian from Glenwood Springs, Colorado; Lee Harman, Rotarian from Arlington, Washington and the driving force behind the Miss Vicky Polio fundraising project; Kevin Ward, attending for his second visit; and Uta Nagel, who will be inducted as a new club member on March 17.
Recognition
Our Past President and current Secretary, Fred Wickens, was recently honoured by Semiahmoo Rotary with a Community Service Award at their Paul Harris Awards Dinner. The award was presented by District Governor Isabelle Hayer in recognition of Fred’s outstanding service to the community. Terry Peel, our Foundation Chair, and Winston attended to represent our club, and we extend our congratulations to Fred for this well-deserved honour.
Coldest Night of the Year
Many club members participated in the Coldest Night of the Year walk along the White Rock promenade last Saturday. Our club is currently the second-highest fundraiser on the Peninsula, having raised $12,385, exceeding our original goal. Members also volunteered alongside our sister club Semiahmoo Rotary, serving hot dogs, while Kingsley and Maha kept walkers warm with their delicious coffee. Several Rotarians captained teams including Stacey Kohler, Ernie Klassen, Megan Knight, and David MacIntyre.
Announcements
Field Trip – March 10
Because the Fieldhouse is not available that day, our meeting will be a field trip to Kindred Community Farm Sanctuary in Aldergrove (25906 28 Ave, Langley). Carpooling is encouraged. Members who would like a vegetarian packed lunch should notify Monique (mhusslage@telus.net) so numbers can be confirmed.
District and Global Grant Seminars
This year the seminars will be held on Zoom on March 7 and March 28. To remain eligible for district grants, each club must have at least two members attend, including the President-Elect, and complete the required agreement following the session.
Rotary District Assembly
The District Assembly will take place May 1–3 in Harrison Hot Springs and will focus on climate resilience, mental health, and hands-on service projects. Members may attend the full weekend or a single day, and carpooling may be possible with other Rotarians.
TEDx White Rock – March 15
Members were reminded that complimentary tickets are available through Gary Xie for TEDx White Rock on March 15 from 1:30–4:00 PM at Oceana Parc Theatre. Rotarians can use the code rotarywr at checkout to receive a 100% discount. Speakers include Doug Tennant (CEO of UNITI), Roxanne Charles (Semiahmoo First Nation artist), Susan Bains (White Rock City Councillor), Sabine Lapointe (White Rock Youth Ambassador), Jake Sawatzky (MP), Laurie Shopland (Life Coach), and Mehrnaz Bassiri (Poet).
Save the Date – Presidential Installation
Members are invited to mark their calendars for the installation of President-Elect Darryl Walker, which will take place Saturday, June 13 in the evening at Elks Hall.