Hello, my name is Charmaine Bonifacio. I’m a currently working on my Master’s degree in Geography at the University of Lethbridge.
After becoming actively involved in my role as President of the University of Lethbridge Geography Club (2012-2013) as well as many other organizations, I decided to become a part of the Rotaract Club to try something new. Marc LeBlanc has been a valuable leader and inspired me to have a supporting role within the Rotaract club. This is how I became the Director of Membership (2013-2015) for the University of Lethbridge Rotaract Club.
Despite the struggle to maintain an active role within the club as well as complete the academic requirements expected of me (I became a Rotaractor at the same time as I started my Masters program!), I have managed to balance these two worlds out. Over the course of the year, I have been quite fond of the few projects and activities that I have been a part of. Such projects and activities include:
- Lethbridge Dragon Boat Festival
- Books for Babies Bowl-a-thon
- Youth in Action Grant Committee
- Canadian Cancer Relay For Life
- ShelterBox Fundraiser for Typhoon Haiyan Victims
- Annual Rotaract Dinner
- ShelterBox Guest Speaker Event
- Costa Rica Trip to visit La Carpio
Many of these projects, especially the ShelterBox Fundraiser as well as Sifais trip, have elicited a Rotary Moment for me. I don’t think I would have experienced it without such meeting so many generous and supportive people within Rotary and hard-working Rotaractors in different counties. As I reflect on the role I’ve played in Rotaract, I can look forward to continuing my role so I may continue to help our local community as well as the international community even after becoming part of Rotaract. For the many opportunities to engage and help change the local and international community, I am very much thankful for being a part of Rotaract!