Local Rotary Club partners with The Shipyards to host a fun family day on the first sunny weekend of summer
The Rotary Club of Lions Gate has hosted North Vancouver Canada Day celebrations for over thirty years, and this is the first time in three years the event has been able to be held live. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the previous two events were virtual.This year’s dual focus was on local youth, and disaster/emergency services.
The event was opened by Rotary President Stan van Woerkens who introduced First Nations representatives Chris Lewis from the Squamish Nation and Robbie George from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation who presented welcome messages and traditional drumming.
Federal Minister of Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson MP; Provincial Minister of State for Infrastructure Bowinn Ma MLA; Susie Chant MLA; City of North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan; and District of North Vancouver Mayor Mike Little attended the event and extended messages of support.
The sound of music filled the air with musicians performing on two stages at Shipbuilders Square and Cates Deck.Emergency services and disaster aid displays located on St. Roch Landing were a big attraction and included North Vancouver City Fire Department, District of North Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services, BCPFF Burn Fund, Rotary Grab & Go Emergency Kits and Shelter Box.
ShelterBox is a Rotary supported charity that delivers emergency shelter and aid for families devastated by natural disaster and conflict. Their present focus is the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Youth activities were highlighted on Burrard Dry Dock Pier and included local artists being mentored by Rotary together with Girl Guides, CIBC and Seaspan. On-water activities included onboard tours of two visiting Naval vessels, Seaspan tugboat displays and the fireboat.
Rotary President Stan van Woerkens said, “The day was a wonderful success. It is through the generous support of our volunteers, local business partners, local and federal governments that we can bring this event to the public each year. I would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and encouragement in holding this fun event for the people of North Vancouver.”
Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. It focuses its humanitarian activities in seven key areas: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water & sanitation, saving mothers & children, supporting basic education, growing local economies, and protecting the environment.
For more information on how you can get involved with Rotary, visit www.rotarylionsgate.com
