Programs
The Rotary Club of Abbotsford offers a broad range of programs and activites designed to improve our communities locally and abroad.
Community Service
A community, defined in its simplest terms, is a group of people who have something in common. But in real life, it is something far more complex than that. Each member, every individual, group, organization, and business draws benefits from the community in many different ways. For a community to thrive, each of its members must honour a commitment to contribute to the well being of the whole by returning those benefits in kind.
Rotarians recognize the importance of giving back to the community. After all, Community Service is one of the Four Avenues of Service. Every Rotary club and every Rotarian assumes a responsibility to find ways to improve the quality of life for those in their communities and to serve the public interest. When those efforts are effective, they not only contribute to the greater good, they also promote Rotary''s positive image.
Polio Eradication
In 1985, Rotary launched PolioPlus, one of the most ambitious humanitarian programs ever undertaken by a private-sector organization. PolioPlus was the catalyst for the World Health Assembly's resolution in 1988 to eradicate polio. Today, thanks to Rotary's commitment and its leadership in mobilizing volunteers, the world is on the threshold of eradicating the polio virus.
Learn moreRotaract
Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30. The program is part of a global effort to bring peace and international understanding to the world.
With Rotaract you can:
- Develop professional and leadership skills.
- Serve your community and promote goodwill.
- Gain an understanding of the needs, problems, and opportunities in your community and worldwide.
Rotary Foundation
The Rotary Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation that supports the efforts of Rotary International to achieve world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs. It is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world.
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Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
Each year, thousands of young people take part in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program worldwide. Young people ages 14-30 chosen for their leadership potential attend an all-expenses-paid seminar, camp, or workshop to discuss leadership skills and to learn those skills through practice. Rotary Clubs and Districts select participants and facilitate the event's curriculum.
Learn moreScholarship and Bursary Program
Each year the Rotary Club of Abbotsford awards scholarships and bursaries to graduating students in the Abbotsford area. Awards are based on the students demonstrated scholastic ability, community leadership and citizenship.
This program is largely funded through proceeds from BC Gaming/Bingo Funds. Club members volunteer their time each month.
The Abbotsford Community Foundation administers this program, and each February, the Foundation publishes a booklet, outlining details of the above awards, as well as scholarships and bursaries being offered by other organizations and individuals. This information booklet complete with application forms is sent to each of the schools for distribution to interested students.
World Community Service (WCS)
A World Community Service project is born when Rotary clubs from two or more countries join together to accomplish a community service project. The WCS program links Rotary clubs that need extra help with clubs in other countries that are willing to provide funds, materials, technical and professional assistance.
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