Rotary Club of Chilliwack Climate Fair
Press Release
CHILLIWACK – Rotary International has been doing good in the world since 1905. The global network of 1.4 million people sees a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Prior to 2021, Rotary had six areas of focus that guided the initiatives and projects that Rotarians took on. At the beginning of 2021, a seventh area of focus, Protecting the Environment, was added to the list. Whether it’s protecting habitats, cleaning waterways, supporting sustainable agriculture, or addressing climate change, Rotarians are pitching in to help.
The Rotary Club of Chilliwack has taken this call to action with regards to climate change. In September 2021, a Climate Change Action Group (CCAG) was formed with a small group of Rotarians with the concept that “we have to start somewhere”. Since then, the group has expanded to over 45 people – both Rotarians and non-Rotarians, and many of them scientists from the community. One of their first projects is to host the Chilliwack Rotary Climate Fair.
The Climate Fair will be held April 15-16 at the Landing Sports Centre on Spadina Avenue. There are three main parts to the Climate Fair – a trade show, a job fair and a suite of presentations from experts in the fields of sustainability, alternative energy, and climate change. The Climate Fair is free for all to attend.
Robyn Curtis, chair of the Climate Change Action Group said, “The trade show allows attendees to learn about technology and programs that are available today; the job fair is targeting both youth and those looking to get into a dynamic career focused on sustainability and alternative energy; and the presentations will educate and inspire people to take steps to reduce their carbon usage, and to start making a shift towards a better future for the climate.”
The trade show will showcase over fifty booths with exciting technology ranging from solar panels and heat pumps for the home, to transportation alternative such as electric vehicles, electric dirt bikes, and even an electric boat.
Throughout the Climate Fair, speakers will be sharing information on different aspects of climate change, sustainability, alternative energy, and conservation. The panel of speakers includes a delegation from Uganda, whose work on the ground has helped increase environmental biodiversity and conservation. They will also speak about Uganda’s Climate Change Intervention Targets.
Rotary Club president Julie Unger said, “We’re proud of the work on Climate Change Action Group has undertaken to our work on Protecting the Environment. We look forward to a successful and well-attended Climate Fair. Already, the work we’re doing with our CCAG is being seen as a template for other Rotary clubs to help tackle climate change and other environmental issues.”
The Chilliwack Rotary Climate Fair will run 9:00-7:00 on April 15, and 9:00-5:00 on April 16. Learn more about the event at www.chilliwackrotary.com/climate. Attendees are encouraged to walk, cycle, take transit or carpool to the event. There will be a space reserved inside the venue for bicycles.
About Chilliwack Rotary
The Rotary Club of Chilliwack is dedicated to improving lives of people, both in the community and around the world. Chartered in 1934, the club is the largest club in Chilliwack with 125 members, and is most known for the Rotary Trail, the Rotary Dinner, the Rotary Garden & Lifestyle Tour, the Rotary Book Sale, and many charitable works in Chilliwack and internationally.
The Rotary Club of Chilliwack is also the recipient of the Order of Chilliwack. The Order of Chilliwack is Chilliwack’s highest honour, and is awarded to recognized citizens of Chilliwack who appropriately deserve by virtue of outstanding achievement or long-term contributions to the community. The Rotary Club of Chilliwack was awarded the second ever Order of Chilliwack.
About Rotary International
Rotary is a worldwide network of 1.4 million inspired individuals who translate their passion into relevant social causes to change lives in communities. The Rotary motto is "Service Above Self".
More information:
Website: www.chilliwackrotary.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rotaryclubofchilliwack
Instagram: www.instagram.com/chilliwackrotary
Twitter: www.twitter.com/chwkrotary
Email: rotaryclubofchilliwack@gmail.com
