P.E.I. Rotary clubs plant trees to celebrate 100 year anniversary

Rotary clubs on the Island are celebrating 100 years of Rotary on P.E.I. by planting 100 trees.

"We wanted to give back to P.E.I. for all of the things that the citizens of the Island have given to the Rotary clubs," said Bob Moffatt, chair of the Rotary centennial committee.

The first of the 100 trees was planted ceremonially at Government house Wednesday morning.

Commitment to environment

Moffatt said the group chose to plant trees to mark the anniversary because it fits in with the causes the Rotary Clubs care about.

He said the choice is also timely becausethe environment is a focus for the incoming Rotary International president Ian Riseley.

"One of his priorities is the environment, and he has challenged all rotarians to plant a tree. We were kind of ahead of the curve because we didn't realize that was going to be his theme. But we know because of the devastation and the loss of trees over the last couple of years, that tree planting is a priority on the Island."

Moffatt said other priorities of the P.E.I. Rotary clubs include helping youth and seniors. Looking back over the years, he said one of the projects he is most proud of is the Rotary soup kitchen project.

Planting 100 trees

The tree planted Wednesdaymorning is one of six to be planted at Government House. The committee also donated two benches for the Government House garden.

A group of students will plant 40 trees in Victoria Park on Friday, which is also Arbor Day. The committee will also plant trees in Summerside, Montague and Stratford.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS | Joel Clow murder trial hears accused was 'doing drugs all the time'
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS | Recovered anchor could date back to 1870s