Oak Bay spreads national pride program up Island

The Rotary Club of Oak Bay inspires national pride up-Island this year.

“Another Rotary club has asked us to support them getting started with this program,” said Joan Peggs, chair of the Canada Flag Project.

Similar to how the local club got its start in flagging the community – through Edmonton Strathcona Rotary who had 600 subscribers at the time – the Qualicum Beach Sunrise club could see more flags pop up ahead of long weekends.

“We’re giving them 50 sets of flags, poles and stakes,” Peggs said.

Through the flag program, now in its fifth year, subscribers pay $50 each year and Rotarians place a flag and pole at the subscriber’s house and apartment or condo – if approved by the strata – for Victoria Day, Canada Day and Labour Day weekends.

In a bid to encourage current subscribers to renew early, the Rotary Club of Oak Bay held a draw offering two winners each a $25 gift card for use at The Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Early bird subscription was $45 with Dec. 31 2017 deadline. Last year they had 476 subscribers throughout Greater Victoria. About 100 hit the early bird deadline and to date, about 150 have subscribed for 2018.

“Our subscribers believe in Rotary, appreciate the work we do within the community and Internationally and enjoy having a Canadian flag in front of their home for the holidays,” said Peggs.

Many areas, especially in Oak Bay, have become known for the abundance of Canadian flags flying on these weekends. Don O’Coffey, who is on the flag committee, created a sea of red on his Allenby Street and environs; he wrote letters to all his neighbours encouraging them to become subscribers. Funds raised through the program support local and international humanitarian projects.

Regional programs include funding Carnavan Water Park, the Youth Centre and the Interact Club at Oak Bay High School, Youth Leadership, Climbing Wall and Special Access stairs at the pool of Oak Bay Recreation Centre, Mustard Seed and George Jay, Quadra schools (their literacy and music programs). International support includes projects in Malawi, Guatemala, Rwanda, Mexico, Cambodia, LeSotho, India and East Timor.

Email flag@oakbayrotary.com to register for the program.