Posted by Stacey Irwin on Jul 06, 2017
Long Time ‘Rotary Hole In One’ Partners Give to Starfish Pack Program
 
The Rotary Club of Abbotsford is pleased to announce that in spite of the cancellation of our signature event $20,000 is being contributed to the Starfish Pack Program and the Abbotsford Food Bank. Thanks to our ‘Rotary Hole In One’ sponsors who decided to keep their commitment of funds for the Starfish Pack Program totaling $10,000 and another $10,000 that was matched as part of an $80,000 plan by law firm Baker Newby LLP. Under Baker Newby’s program forty thousand dollars will go to Abbotsford’s Starfish Pack Program and another forty thousand dollars to Chilliwack’s Starfish Pack Program in matching grants this year as they give back to community and celebrate their 80th Anniversary of providing legal services for the Chilliwack and Abbotsford areas.  “We are pleased to be able to help support hungry children in the communities we have served for so long” said fellow Rotarian and Baker Newby Partner Ron Kelly.
 
 “This was an amazing day for the Rotary Club of Abbotsford” said President Sara Lawson. “Our key sponsors remain supportive of our goals and remain committed to ensuring their funds and support reach these families.”
 
Dave Murray, Executive Director of the Abbotsford Food Bank was incredibly grateful:  “This week we were reminded who our friends are, and that in the face of challenging times we all work together to do… more.  So, thank you Berryhill Foods, Dignity Memorial, Dr. Barry Turchen, and whoever Rotary’s other anonymous and generous benefactor might be.  We truly appreciate this gift to help feed hungry children and their families. “
 
Rotary Club of Abbotsford’s inaugural backpack program through the Abbotsford Food Bank is now in year four with over 250 students receiving food to take home with them on weekends.
The interest in the program has expanded across the Valley and further into other areas of the province as well as Washington State through the initiatives of Rotary Clubs as it proves to be a low cost yet highly effective program that ultimately assists young students towards success.   Visit www.StarfishPack.com for more information.
 
Since its inception, the Rotary Million Dollar Hole in One event has focused on raising funds for local charitable organizations, including previously paying off the mortgage for Abbotsford Hospice Society and sponsoring a room in their recently opened Holmberg House.  This year our Rotary Club chose Abbotsford Starfish Program as the charity of choice.