Fonds - Nanaimo Rotary Club No. 689 fonds

In 1920, George Pearson and 23 other local businessmen started the Rotary Club in Nanaimo. Pearson was the first President and James Galbraith was the first Secretary. After Galbraith, in 1920, M.C. (Charlie) Ironside took became Secretary and continued in that capacity for 26 years. One of the earliest projects of the club, beyond fund-raising for the Christmas Cheer Fund, was the development of a children's beach at the foot of Townsite Road. In 1924, the Nanaimo Club cooperated with the Victoria Club to replace a wooden water trough at the north end of the Malahat Drive. The Club also organized the Upper Island Music Festival, participated in building the Franklyn Street gym, and spearheaded fund-raising for the completion of the Nanaimo General Hospital on Kennedy Street, in which they furnished and decorated two wards. The Rotary Club has continued its support of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital to the present time. It was also instrumental in the creation of "Goodwill Enterprises," a Wheel Chair Park, the Boy Scout Hall in Gyro Park, the development of Bowen Park, the Rotary Bowl, and the "Gateway to Nanaimo," which includes a time capsule. The Rotary have also been involved with children's projects such as The Boys and Girls Club, the Ice Carnivals, a BMX track, and student exchange programs. In addition, the club has provided services internationally in such projects as Operation Eyesight.