Vegreville Rotary Impresses District Governor with Dedication

Vegreville Rotary Impresses District Governor with Dedication

Emily Mailhot Reporter – Vegreville News Advertiser

On Tuesday, July 23, the annual visit of the Rotary District 5370 Governor, Tracey Vavrek, and her husband Vince, sparked much excitement for the Vegreville Rotary Club.

Vavrek sat in on their meeting and presentations and took a tour throughout the town to see the club’s local projects, including the Rotary Peace Park and the new skate and bike park that is in development.

“I have to first say the rotary community rocks,” said Vavrek, “There are so many devoted Rotarians devoting time and skill to ensure the community’s wellbeing.”

Most of all, she said that she saw a shining light from the Interact young Rotarians from the high school who are passionate about helping other students, raising money for important causes, and building playgrounds in Belize.

“Vegreville is filled with Rotarians who are so passionate to ensure people have places to connect. The new skateboard park is an amazing initiative where people will be able to connect, exercise, and get outside. As always, the Peace Park is a beautiful location – a true gem of the community.”

In addition to glowing about Vegreville Rotary Club’s local projects, Vavrek thanked them for their support in worldwide projects, such as the Cambodia water project trip a number of Rotary members took on, and fundraising support for Rotary’s mission to eradicate Polio across the globe.

“Through Rotary, we are close to being able to ensure communities are safe and polio-free. Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only countries that remain… it’s a significant accomplishment and to be able to share is tremendous.”

About the Vegreville club, in particular, Vavrek said she was overwhelmed by their passion, dedication, and support to serve others.

“Every community is different, but what’s common is a dedication to serve. In this community, I am astounded by these 24 members dedicated to shift and make a change. Would encourage others in the community to get their hands dirty and help. If you increase the number of serving people, you can also increase the input of work and the difference that we make.

“Ashley (Browning) is a tremendous leader, offering support, and arming her members to do great work. Vegreville is fortunate to have her.”

Before finishing her tour of the communities in her district, Tracey Vavrek will be on the road for 5 months. Starting in Yellowknife on July 1st, she went on to cover Northern Alberta, Edmonton, and Leduc, to Lloydminster, Athabasca, and Whitecourt. She will also visit Northern BC, before concluding her journey in the Northwest Territories and the Yukon in October. All told, she and her husband will travel 33,000 km by the time they’re done.