Vermilion Rotary Club President and project chair, Erwin Warkentin.
The Vermilion Rotary Club is excited to be hosting its 6th Annual Canada Flag Project for each long weekend of May, July, August, and September.
Beginning in 2017 as a way to celebrate Canada 150, the project carried on as a way to celebrate a shared national pride, and has come to be an expected sight in the community throughout the summer.
Vermilion Rotary Club President and project chair, Erwin Warkentin said the funds support Rotary projects and generally stay local.
“For example, we have committed to helping with the Senior’s Centre floor, and have supported youth sports such as minor ball, hockey or curling. We provide student scholarships at local schools, and have supported breakfast and hot lunch programs in the past,” said Warkentin. “For the past few years when we weren’t allowed to host large-scale events, this project kept us going; it allowed us to still contribute.”
For people who are interested in having a flag but don’t have the tools or want to worry about replacing them when faded, he said they look after all of that for you. Flags are dropped off before the long weekend and picked up after, and the cost is $60 for the year. Also, he noted that you don’t have to be a resident of Vermilion but can have them delivered to immediate surrounding areas such as Islay or Mannville.
“We are so thankful to have over 300 subscribers per year, meaning we can distribute nearly $18,000 to our community projects. When people are in trouble they turn to their local service clubs for help, and that’s what we’re here for,” said Warkentin.
Those with more questions or interested in purchasing a flag, can reach out to any Rotarian, or contact Erwin at 780-214-8324. You can also reach out to them on their Facebook page by searching Rotary Club of Vermilion Alberta. Cash or cheque can be dropped off at Modern Edge Painting, or you can e-transfer vermilionrotaryclub@gmail.com. When sending an e-transfer in the message bar, please include your name, phone number, address, if you have in-ground irrigation, and if there is a particular spot you would like them to place your flag.