Bob Blacker has been a Rotarian for 24 years and started his career with the Royal City Rotary Club in New Westminster. Bob had a long distinguished career working with the New Westminster Police Department and on retirement held the rank of inspector. Bob served as Aide-de-Camp to a number of Lieutenant Governors in British Columbia and it was during this time, working with Lieutenant Governor Steven Point, a plan was devised to bring books and libraries to isolated indigenous communities in British Columbia.
This unique partnership between Government House and Rotary was called the Write to Read Project and commenced in 2007 and to date, 19 libraries have been created in a number of locations throughout the province. These libraries have since been converted to learning centres with the addition of computers and video conferencing facilities. To sustain these centres, Rotary began a LibraryTechnician Diploma Program
to ensure professional management and a new aboriginal category has been added. Strong partnerships have been developed with the Nanaimo Correctional Centre providing furniture, the Canadian Coast Guard providing transportation where possible along with contributions from Windsor Plywood and U-Lock Storage. There are plans for 24 by the end of 2020. Bob is very excited about a project that will record and digitize books in both english and a variety of indigenous languages. The key to the success of this venture from his perspective is building trust in aboriginal communities and building capacity through training.
Bob is the recipient of the Queens golden and Diamond Jubilee medals and vice-regal commendation for his work with Government House and First Nations communities. He is also a Rotary Foundation major donor and member of the Paul Harris Society. Bob is also Past District Governor of District 5040.
For more information on this project go to www.writetoread.com.