Long-time local resident Kevin Haberl was installed as President of the Rotary Club of Squamish for the 2023-24 Rotary Year. He was installed on Wednesday June 21 at Centrepoint in Downtown Squamish. Kevin works with BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resources Operations.
Kevin joined Rotary in 2009 and has held several executive positions, most recently as Chair of the club’s Rotary Foundation committee which supports the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International whose mission is “to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty”.
“The Rotary Club of Squamish is a strong club, and we are in a really good position to grow and lead into the future in our community. This strength is largely due to the leadership of the many Past Presidents that have each contributed to the foundation that our club rests on,” Kevin said in his address to Rotary members.
“In Canada, we are very fortunate. We don’t live with the constant threat of war, most of us don’t have to worry about hunger, political or religious persecution; we are free to make choices about our bodies, religious beliefs and have the security to walk the streets without fear for our lives. However, it’s not all unicorns and lollipops. In times like these, when it feels like many institutions are collapsing: Education and health care may be out of reach for many, natural disasters, food insecurity and poverty loom, and the cost of shelter is out of line – particularly here in Squamish – it is time for each of us to step forward and make a small difference”.
He said the Rotary Club of Squamish will continue to support on-going local projects such as working with the Food Bank and Under One Roof, with organisations such as SquamishCan, Squamish Downtown BIA, and MediCar as well as an upcoming opportunity with an oceanfront park. As well, the club will continue to support the childrens’ home in Mexico, the refuge for girls in Manila and others such projects. In February this year, the Rotary club also donated $19,000 to local non-profits.
“I would also wish to see how best we can improve our environment, to raise awareness of mental health in our community, and to continue on the path of reconciliation with our First Nations neighbours,” Kevin said.
