Chilliwack Rotarians fill purses to donate to Ruth and Naomi’s for Valentine’s Day
Published 5:30 am Saturday, February 28, 2026
The Rotary Club of Chilliwack After Hours is the little club that can.
Members recently worked together to fill gently used handbags and backpacks with personal items to be given away, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
“What a great time of the year to open our hearts to gifting the ladies and men at Ruth and Naomi’s Family Centre with ‘special’ items donated by Rotary members and the Chilliwack Community,” they said in a press release.
“Our club is small but mighty and is dedicated to doing random acts of kindness throughout the community,” said club president Deanna McGonigal.
They also have a year-round project that involves giving handmade cards to the residents of Crystal Ridge Manor on all special occasions, along with purchased items as the needs arise. Margaret Kostrzewa, general manager said, “many seniors are without family connections, so it is wonderful for them to receive much-needed items and the Rotary Club since its inception has taken care of our people.”
The Rotary Club also collects what they call “happy bucks” from their members at meetings, and from that they were able to make a cheque presentation to Cyrus Centre.
“With the support of our community, Cyrus Centre can extend compassion and care to youth and families who are in need,” said Trevor Wiens, director of the centre.
When the club hears of a need, the members are there to assist in many practical ways like collecting blankets, towels and items for the Chilliwack SPCA.
The Rotary motto is “Service Above Self,” and it’s taken seriously by members, “who share a common goal to assist the youth and seniors in the Chilliwack community.”
They meet twice a month, on the second and fourth Mondays, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join the “Little Club that Can.” To learn more, visit rotarychilliwackafterhours.org.
