SI of White Rock

Charter Year: 1950

When SI of White Rock was chartered in March of 1950, it was truly an "International" group. Charter members were from White Rock, South Surrey and Blaine Washington. We have raised funds for many organizations in our area such as: Peach Arch Hospital, Atira Transition House, Canadian Guide Dog Services and various Nursing Homes, to mention a very few.

How many members -- 19 members

Business Meeting Information

Special Members - Past and Present

1996-1998Julia Van OchtenRegional Governor
2000-2004Julia Van OchtenFund Development Council
2002-2003Julia Van OchtenFund Development Council Chair
2000-2002Flo GrantWestern Canada Region Secretary
2003-2007Flo GrantSoroptimist Foundation of Canada Chair

Women's Opportunity Award

Our Club level winner is given $3,000.

Violet Richardson Award

Our Violet Richardson Award winner receives $500.00 for herself, and $500.00 goes to her charity.

Making a Difference for Women Award

We began this programme in 2005. We have a luncheon around International Women's Day in March to award this recipient, as well as the Violet Richardson and Women's Opportunity winners.

ReSTART

Our main fundraiser is definitely the Woman of the Year event in March. Our plan is to grow this event, until we are able to raise enough funding from this one event each year, to cover the costs of making up 12-20 kits for the women and children that we help through the various transition houses. Each kit for the ReSTART program costs approximately $500.00. This does not include the bedding that we must purchase individually for each unique situation. The kits contain, household goods, kitchen goods, small appliances, bathroom fixings including towels and necessities, and some bedroom items. Things we take for granted: toothbrushes, hangers, picture hanging kits, a full set of dishes. The list goes on and on. The joy we receive when we hear stories of how a woman broke down and cried, because it was the first time in her life that she has received a full complete set of dishes. How a new mom, gratefully expressed her thanks when we purchased a blender for her to make her own baby food. We cannot describe our feelings, knowing that so far, the many families that we have helped begin a new life, free from violence and fear, are STILL free and rebuilding their lives.

White Rock supports the Renaissance Campaign, the President's Appeal each December, our SIA Club Campaign, and of course, the current S. I. International Project.

History of White Rock

With a population of 18,250, White Rock is located in the southwest corner of the Lower Mainland, forty-five kilometres from Vancouver and only five minutes to the Canada/US border. We are an exciting seaside community clustered around an eight kilometre sandy beach and the warm shallow waters of Semiahmoo Bay.

Because of the moderate climate, White Rock is a preferred retirement spot. Average summer temperature is twenty-three degrees Celsius while the winter average temperature is six degrees Celsius.

The waterfront includes a promenade that is two and a half kilometres long, fully accessible to the disabled and parents with strollers. The heritage pier, train station, large beached "white rock" and colourful sidewalk cafes create a special ambience throughout the area.

Commercial meets residential along the waterfront as well as in the Town Centre where you will find a number of apartment buildings with retail stores on the ground level. A variety of specialty shops dot White Rock.

From single-family homes on small lots, to estate lots and multiple family homes, White Rock has a wide selection of housing. Ocean views from some sites are breathtaking.

Commuting to Vancouver takes about one hour. Dedicated bus and high-occupancy vehicle lanes make public transportation and car or vanpooling appealing. Recreation facilities and programs are excellent. Some include the Promenade and Centennial Park, with its ice arena, curling rink and ravine trails.