A Rotarian from Neepawa attended a Portage meeting to see how the club operates as he prepares for a large role.
The Rotary Club of Portage la Prairie is just one of many different clubs around Manitoba, Canada, and the world. Rotary districts are set up to help build camaraderie and relationships between nearby clubs.
Gary Wayne Jacobsen is the District governor-elect, and says he attended the meeting because it's important to engage with as many Rotarians as possible.
"Often we stay within our own clubs. The value of getting together with members from other clubs is fellowship, getting to know new people and maybe more importantly, getting new ideas on what will help our club get better."
Jacobsen adds that all the things he's noticed from the Portage club has been fantastic, ranging from the work done on the duck pond rejuvenation project to the Rotary International Youth Exchange program.
When asked why Portagers should consider joining their local Rotary Club, he says the relationships between club members are their biggest strength.
"We have fun," notes Jacobsen. "And I think it speaks to people that want to make a difference, they want to make a difference in their own communities, make them better places to live."
He adds that Rotary on a grander scale also works on worldwide issues such as the eradication of polio.