Dear Kalamalka Rotary Members,

I am honored and humbled to assume the role of President of our esteemed club for the 2023-24 term. As a member of Kalamalka Rotary for the past five years, I have personally experienced the transformative power of our organization. It has not only helped me feel connected to this incredible community but has also fostered lifelong friendships. The collective impact we have made through our public service projects has been truly remarkable.

My heartfelt message to all of you is “Let’s Build & Engage Our Club” I envision a Kalamalka Rotary that fully engages members of our broader community, enabling us to be even more effective in serving and meeting. the needs within Vernon. Furthermore, I am passionate about growing our membership and strengthening our ties with the local business community. I firmly believe that there are numerous. business leaders, both young and seasoned, who share our commitment to “Service Before Self”, and I am eager to connect with them. By embracing our diverse backgrounds, skills, knowledge, and experiences, we can all learn and grow together.

Under the leadership of Deanna Beaudoin and Roger Perry, I anticipate a tremendous impact on our club and community through our focus on Rotary’s International Service and the Rotary Foundation. It is crucial that we spread the word and highlight the incredible work we do beyond our local boundaries. Since resuming our in-person meetings, we have witnessed a resurgence of fellowship and. volunteerism, strengthening our ability to support community service projects. The year ahead is filled with excitement and opportunity. We have listened to your feedback and initiated a strategic planning process that will serve as a blueprint for the club’s executive team for years to come.

I am thrilled to announce that this year, we will be hosting our first live Dream Auction in three years, led by Brian Reid and his exceptional team. The collective effort and dedication of our membership in organizing this significant community fundraiser are truly inspiring. Once again, we will gather at the prestigious Vernon Lodge and Convention Centre for the “Back to Black Event”,which promises to be the highlight of the year.

Furthermore, I am delighted to announce our return to the Vernon Lodge for our weekly luncheon meetings. This venue will provide a warm and welcoming space for us to welcome new faces and host a variety of guest speakers who will keep us informed about our community and beyond. We will gather together the first three Thursdays of the month with the fourth being an evening, off-site, TEAM event. I invite each and every one of you, to mark your calendars and join us every week building strong connections with one another. Together, we can build a sustainable, diverse, and friendly club that believes in the power of contributing and serving our community, each other, and the world. Bring your friends and colleagues – there is always room at our table for individuals who share our vision.

I eagerly look forward to embarking on this exciting journey together.

Yours in service,
Tom Lewis
President, Kalamalka Rotary (2023-24)