Our very own member Sandra Lowe will be our speaker on February 10, presenting “The Unexpected Lessons from 15 Years of Humanitarian Trips.”
This candid and reflective talk explores what Sandra has learned over 15 years of humanitarian work—beginning with the naïveté of her first year and the ongoing lessons she continues to encounter even now. She will share moments that challenged her assumptions, aspects of the work that are more difficult than many expect, and why—despite it all—the work remains deeply rewarding and surprisingly fun.
Join us on February 10 to hear Sandra’s stories, lessons learned (and still being learned), and her reflections on what it means to show up with kindness, consistency, and an open mind.
There will be an opportunity for other members to share their stories and experiences of their humanitarian trips.
New at Rotary
Inclusion Labs are interactive sessions designed to help club members build digital and technology skills—closing the gap in tech literacy across the club.
These labs, like the upcoming one focused on Otter.ai, provide hands-on guidance and support so everyone can confidently use new tools and resources, promoting inclusion and participation for all members.
Organized by Ally Potel, led by our Young Professionals!
Come in person to celebrate your birthday with Purdy's chocolates!!
Let us know what you think about our last meeting.
Scan the QR code below and fill out the short survey.
International Service Committee Meeting
Please note the next ISC (International Service Committee) Meeting will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026 at 6 pm at the office of Sandra Lowe in the Nelson Square Building at 9th Floor - 808 Nelson Street.
Contact Adriana Zylmans or Dr. Michael Woolnough for further information or to RSVP.
Next Community Service Committee Meeting
Please note that the next Community Service Committee Meeting (CSC) has been postponed to Tuesday, February 17th, 2026. It will take place immediately after our Rotary Club meeting at 1:40 PM, at Terminal City Club.
Questions? Contact Rene Abi-Rached
This Rotary year, we’re adding a dose of humour to our Secretary announcements. Have a good clean joke? Send it to jokes@rotaryvancouver.org — yours might be featured at an upcoming meeting!
Who do you know that is remarkable?Someone whose story or expertise would captivate a room full of experienced business and community leaders?
Do you know of a remarkable headliner speaker to invite to our upcoming Rotary Club of Vancouver meetings?
Think thought leaders, change makers, or trailblazers in business, sports, innovation, public service, or philanthropy.
Take a quick scroll through your LinkedIn connections. You might spot someone you haven’t thought about in a while who would be perfect.
If someone comes to mind, please connect with Bill Davidson at billd@davidson-co.com
New Member Induction
We are pleased to let you know that the new Membership Application submitted by Lisa Chen.
has been approved.
Sponsor: Sean Chan
Seconder: Min Kuang
Mentor: Franz Gehriger
Classification: Investment
Lisa's Induction Date will be Tuesday, February 10, 2026
ARE YOU UP TO DATE???
Rotary International and your Rotary or Rotaract Club strive to create and maintain a safe environment for all youth and vulnerable adults who participate in Rotary activities.
To the best of their ability, Rotarians, Rotaractors, spouses, partners and other adult volunteers should safeguard the children and vulnerable adults they encounter and protect them from physical, sexual and emotional abuse. This also applies to those in a position of trust who administer such programs.
As a result, District 5040 has established as policy that anyone (Rotarian or non-Rotarian volunteer) working with youth or vulnerable adults on behalf of Rotary is required to have a (vulnerable sector) Criminal Record Check performed by the BC Ministry of Justice. While not required by District, all other Rotarians and volunteers are also encouraged to apply for a CRC.
Unsure if your CRC is outdated?
Check your ClubRunner Profile or contact our Administration Team at Admin@rotaryvancouver.org for clarification.
Recognition of Philanthropy: Honouring Past President Phil Webber for the Paul Harris +6 Award!
Joan honoured Past President Phil Webber as a Paul Harris Fellow +6, noting that this level reflects years of sustained generosity to The Rotary Foundation. She reminded members that the Foundation has earned a 4‑star Charity Navigator rating for 16 consecutive years, placing it in the top 1% of charities for effectiveness and stewardship.
In his remarks, Phil explained his simple annual giving pattern over the past two decades:
At least US$100 each year to PolioPlus, which is matched 3:1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and supports global polio eradication.
At least US$100 each year to the SHARE fund, which splits contributions so that half returns to our district as District Designated Funds to support club and international projects through matching grants.
Phil emphasized how affordable this level of support is—“much less than a day of skiing at Whistler”—and encouraged every member to consider similar annual contributions.
Joan also highlighted Phil’s often unseen but critical work securing City of Vancouver and Parks Board permits for the Ride for Hearing, followed by a warm applause in appreciation of his ongoing service.
Congratulations Phil! Your service & commitment do not go unnoticed!
Their relationship began when Ryan joined the club and was assigned Malcolm as his Rotary mentor, then naturally evolved over five years into a trusted friendship focused on business, leadership, and life balance.
They now meet roughly quarterly over lunch, discussing topics such as family‑business dynamics, growth and acquisitions, people decisions, financing, and how to balance work with family and personal values.
Malcolm described his role as a mentor as being first and foremost a listener, sharing experience rather than instructions, and maintaining strict confidentiality and trust. He emphasized asking the hard questions—especially around people and strategic choices—while allowing Ryan to make his own decisions. Ryan contrasted mentors vs. coaches, noting that coaches are typically paid and goal‑focused, while mentors provide holistic support, helping leaders decide who they want to be at the end of a decision, not just what strategy to follow.
Both speakers encouraged members to seek and offer mentorship. Ryan advised mentees to look for people they respect, genuinely like, and whose values they admire, while Malcolm urged prospective mentors to be open, honest about their own mistakes and lessons, and clear that their role is not to run someone’s business, but to broaden their perspective.
President Joan closed by noting the deep, often untapped expertise within our club and invited Rotarians who are willing to serve as mentors—or who would like to be matched with one—to contact Patricia at admin@rotaryvancouver.org as we build out a more intentional club mentorship program.
Closing Remarks
The meeting concluded with a Toast from President Joan Posivy:
