Rotary Club of Powell River receives district awards

Rotarians in District 5040 number nearly 1,300, representing 48 clubs from Richmond to Prince Rupert. At the recent district conference in Terrace, Rotary Club of Powell River member Joyce Carlson was named one of 10 recipients of the Don Evans People of Action awards for Exemplary Service Above Self.

Evans was district governor in 2017/2018. He died unexpectedly while on vacation the following year. The award was formulated in his name.

Carlson was also a finalist for Rotarian of the Year. She joined Rotary in 1995 and has held several leadership positions, including president for 2002/2003 in the club that was chartered in 1955. She holds the club record of 12 for sponsoring new Rotarians.

Current president Jan Gisborne, one of those 12 people, will be district governor for the 2025/2026 year.

“It would be easier to say what Joyce has not done for our club than to list the many things she has done,” said Gisborne. “She exemplifies Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self, and has been a mentor and friend to me and others.”

Two major accomplishments were chairing qathet Festival of the Performing Arts organizing committee for more than two decades and, for nearly the same amount of time, serving as liaison with Brooks Interact Club, a Rotary youth group in high school. She has been the lead organizer for many projects over the years and currently serves as public image director.

With the largest net increase of eight members in the 2023/2024 year, Rotary Club of Powell River was awarded the district membership award. Co-chairs are Matt Wate and Dan Devita.

“With a combination of a longtime and a new Rotarian, this committee has brought in both corporate and individual members, bringing fresh ideas and ensuring the future success of our club,” said Gisborne.

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