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Hope Rotary has a new president

Hondo Stroyan takes the helm from esteemed former Hope Rotary Club President John Fortoloczky.
1982hopeLaurieThronessandHondoStroyanRotary
MLA Laurie Throness (left) and Hope Club Rotary President Hondo Stroyan enjoy a moment at the annual inauguration ceremony. Stroyan has begun his year-long term and aspires to connect with the community as a volunteer who loves Hope.

Hondo Stroyan recently took over the presidency of the Hope Rotary Club from former esteemed president John Fortoloczky in the annual inauguration ceremony, which was held at the Olympic Flame Grill.

Members gathered with family and friends as awards were given for various achievements within the organization. Stroyan took the helm gracefully, and is committed to serving the community of Hope in the style demanded by an international group that has been in existence since 1946. The Rotary is currently involved in several community projects and is working on the development of new ones.

The active Rotarian told the Hope Standard that he joined the club four years ago, because of its solid members and a stalwart reputation for contributing to society.

“My role as the president is to interact with the community and to get speakers in and to make sure we’re getting out and and doing different projects, while focusing on our three fundraisers for scholarships — the rubber ducky race, the silent auction and the calendar draw,” said Stroyan.

The reach of the Rotarians is far-and-wide, as the industrious members work diligently for the beautification of the town, the preservation of numerous parks and trails, the local Health Unit, the Hope Museum and a host of other engagements with community groups and organizations for the betterment of the town and its people.

Once thought of as a boys club, the organization is restructuring and looking for fresh faces of both genders in an attempt to shake things up and bring new ideas to the floor. The club is proud to offer scholarships and is the only non-profit organization that holds a seat in the UN, where they have nearly eradicated polio from Nigeria, after granting  $150 million to the cause. That grant was matched by Bill Gates for $300 million and  the federal government chipped in for a whopping total of $450 million to put toward ending the disease.

Hope was also the recipient of the organization’s fundraising efforts and was granted $5,000 to the successful completion of the Bike Park.

“I just want to do my part as a volunteer for this community — because I love it,” said Stroyan.