The District 5080 Awards Ceremony Recognized Nelson Daybreak

Posted: June 13 - 2021

In this horrid time of Covid, we were so fortunate to have an increase in club membership which was the #1 criteria. Thanks to Membership Chair Ian Comishin, we welcomed Peter Chipman and the return of former club member Laura Gellatly. Laura has supported the joint club Rotary at Work page in the Nelson Star and this page is often cited as a model for Rotary Club Public Relations. We are fortunate that Dave Douglas continues to be a member of the club and joins our weekly meetings from Victoria.
 
At the Awards Ceremony, several of our projects were highlighted including the Rosemont Playground and its unique printed concrete structure, compliments of Ian Comishin.

Thank you to the leadership team of Meg Milner, Mike McIndoe, Ian Comishin, Allison Alder, Sandra England who invested so many hours in this project.

The project of creating well over a thousand masks for the needy was also recognized; thanks to Sheila Hart, Sandra England, and partners Ineke McIndoe, Wendy Simpson, Wendy Lacroix and Friends of Rotary Barb Coombs, Lisa McGeady and Diane Watts.

Other contributing factors for this award included the many community service projects that we are involved in such as Meals on Wheels, lead by Dave Simpson and Meals to Doors supported by Andy Leathwood and Pat Dooley.

Our commitment to literacy is shown in the financial support of a teacher at Haiti Arise which builds on the support for this school by Jim Reimer.

Another literacy project in its infancy is the Storybook Project to be built at Rosemont Park. Pat Dooley is working closely with CBAL to see this project come to fruition. Member also supported CBAL’s Books Under Every Tree initiative.

While School District 8 continues to struggle with Covid, Nicole Butler has kept in contact with SD8 to ensure that we will be prepared when programs can start again. Nicole Butler has also served as a faithful Shelterbox Ambassador.



Alan Inkster led the way to organize the Rotary Team for the Coldest Night of the Year Walk which raised record funds for Nelson Care’s Ready for Home Program.



Unfortunately, Roger Higgins had issues receiving permission to operate the Adopt a Highway Program but this will happen as soon as social distancing measures are further relaxed.

The ‘glue’ that supports the club includes Allison Alder, President, who creatively led the club during the Covid transition. John Stegman serves as Treasurer.  David Cheatley serves as Secretary and Tech Support for the website and Facebook and production of this weekly club bulletin, The Daybreak.

We were thankful that the 2020 International Dinner was held just before the onset of Covid and are appreciative of the work Peggy Devries did keeping patrons and funds received in order. We look forward to having Peggy serve as Club President in 2022-23.

Nelson Daybreak transitioned quickly to a virtual format when Covid restrictions hit and member attendance has been exemplary. In a very large part,  this is due to Marilyn Miller’s organization of an interesting and educational program schedule.
 
Nelson Daybreak members also contribute significantly to the work of Rotary District 5080. Lorne Westnedge served as Assistant Governor and also served as Awards Chair. Dave Simpson serves on the Rotary Friendship Exchange Committee. Sheila Hart is Chair of the District Service Committee which has a plethora of Sub-Committees, Resource Groups and the DEI Task Force. Sheila is a Co-chair of the DEI Task Force and member Allison Alder contributes significantly to the work of the committee with her wealth of knowledge from similar work at Selkirk College.
 
Nelson Daybreak was also recognized with The Rotary Foundation Banner Award for its high level of club and individual donations to The Rotary Foundation. This is due to the ongoing work of Club Foundation Chair Lorne Westnedge and the generous contributions of all club members.
Well done Rotary Club of Nelson Daybreak.