September 8, 2026

Our guest speaker, Marty Pease of the Rotary Club of La Conner, shared an inspiring update on the work of the International Project Alliance (IPA) in Copán, Honduras. IPA is a partnership involving 14 Rotary clubs in District 5050 and a Rotary club in Copán Ruinas, working together to support Mayan communities through education and economic development.

Through its Adopt-A-School program, IPA supports approximately 1,700 students in 40 villages, while the Adopt-a-Dream program helps students continue through middle school, high school and university, with more than 50 students currently attending college. IPA also operates a Mobile Library, rotating book boxes among communities every three to four months to give students greater access to reading materials.

IPA also supports economic development through savings and loan programs, agricultural training, micro-financing and vocational education. A satellite trade school serving the Copán and Santa Rita area has produced strong results, with 83% of its first 110 graduates finding employment or starting businesses. IPA operates with an annual budget of approximately $300,000 to $350,000, funded through Rotary club commitments, grants and private donations.

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.