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.
The event began with singing both countries' national anthems, then proceeded to the Peace Arch where the Rotarians lined up, Canadians on one side and Americans on the other, shaking hands and passing a miniature Peace Arch down the line. Back at Heritage Hall, the Rotarians were treated to music by Halifax-based Terry Kelly, including the premiere of his "Hands Across the Border" written specifically for the occasion. Presentation of District Club Awards followed, including a spotlight on donors to The Rotary Foundation
Just as important as the formal program was the opportunity for members of different clubs to meet, renew friendships and exchange ideas. Rotarians wearing the shirts and colours of many different clubs gathered together beneath the Peace Arch, providing a wonderful visual reminder that although District 5050 crosses an international boundary, its members share the same commitment to strengthening their communities and creating lasting change. Clubs throughout the District, including Langley, North Delta, Surrey-Newton, Aldergrove, Everett and Monroe, had the Hands Across the Border gathering on their event calendars
It was also a particularly successful day for the Rotary Club of White Rock, which brought home five District awards. Among the honours were recognition for Membership Net Growth, Percentage Growth and Club Excellence, reflecting the club’s strong membership growth and accomplishments during the past Rotary year. Receiving that recognition while surrounded by fellow Rotarians from across British Columbia and Washington made the occasion especially meaningful.
Miss Vicky, the iconic Model A Ford Victoria that has come to symbolize Rotary's fight against polio, made an appearance parked just outside the building in the sunny weather to promote the District 5050 leadership in raising funds for Polioplus. Miss Vicky promotes world health and in doing so adds to world Peace.
Hands Across the Border is about much more than awards. Gathering literally on the boundary between Canada and the United States provides a powerful reminder that friendship, community service and cooperation do not stop at an international border. For the Rotary Club of White Rock, it was an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our own club while enjoying an afternoon of ceremony, music, food and fellowship alongside fellow Rotarians from throughout District 5050 — many clubs, two countries and one Rotary family.