We are pleased to let you know that our new member applicant, Sevda Yurdaer, has been approved for Membership.The classification that new member Sevda will hold is,Import / Export Aluminum Products.
Sponsor: Franz Gehriger
Seconder: Parisa Adrangi
Sevda's official first day and induction will be April 29, 2025.
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BULLETIN BOARD
Dear Rotarian friends in Vancouver,
My name is Uwe Reelmann. I am a German Rotarian from Eckernförde near Kiel, north of Hamburg, and I am writing to you today with a personal request. I would like to help my granddaughter Paulina find a follow-up job in Vancouver for approximately two months to improve her English skills before she begins her studies in Germany.
Paulina has been working in Canada since August 2024. Until mid-December, she worked on an Icelandic horse farm near Kelowna, breaking in horses. Last December, she successfully sold German Christmas art for a Canadian company at the traditional Christmas market in Vancouver. She is currently traveling with a friend in Oregon and California to see a bit of the USA. Afterward, she will return to Canada. There, she will work again for approximately two months on a horse farm near Prince George, BC. She plans to return to Germany in the middle of the year, but would like to find another job for the months of June and July to conclude her stay in Canada. She would ideally like to be back in Vancouver; this city has grown on her heart.
It would be great if Paulina could find additional employment during this period with the help of the Rotary community in Vancouver, or if one of her Rotarian friends could assist her in finding a job. She would certainly be able to find accommodation herself.
As her grandfather, I would be very happy if you could help her.
I already wrote to RC Vancouver Sunrise a few weeks ago. However, this email probably didn't reach the club due to an address error. Since my request falls outside of the official Rotary exchange program, I am choosing this route of direct contact with your club. I would be very grateful if you could help Paulina.
I am currently Paulina's contact person. I can be reached by email at ureel@t-online.de or via WhatsApp at +49 177 1463729.
Sincerely yours
Uwe Reelmann
Dear Rotarians,
On Saturday, April 12 I will be joining fellow Rotarians in Vancouver raising money for kids in East Vancouver at our annual Rotary Hoop-A-Thon…and I hope you can help me by making a donation.
Last year - thanks to our supporters - we presented $40,000 in scholarships and over $13,000 to Boys & Girls Youth Leadership Programs and Strathcona Basketball.
Tuesday April 1, we had a regular Lunch /Members meeting with a focus on the club's current projects, activities and the upcoming Ride for Hearing 2024.
Mindy Tulsi-Ingram also interviewed Graham Fox, one of our most recent members.
Parisa Adrangi then gave a short speech to recognize Bill Davison, of Davidson and Company.
Parisa's words were heartfelt:
It is always a pleasure to gather as Rotarians and celebrate those who make a true difference, not just in our club, but in their profession and the community. Today, we are here to recognize an outstanding individual, for receiving the CPABC Lifetime Achievement Award…a distinction that reflects a lifetime of dedication, leadership, and service.
This award is one of the highest honors in the accounting profession. It is not given every year, but only to those whose contributions have had a profound and lasting impact. It recognizes a career marked by:
Leadership and Expertise: Demonstrating excellence and integrity in every aspect of their work.
Service to the Community: Using their skills and influence to benefit society.
Commitment to the Profession: Advancing their field through mentorship, innovation, and dedication.
Receiving this award is a testament to a lifetime of hard work, ethical leadership, and a deep commitment to making a difference. It is a rare and distinguished honor, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate it here today.
And this year, the award goes to Bill Davidson.
Congratulations on this well-earned and well-deserved honour!
Bill, your passion for service, both in your professional life and as a dedicated Rotarian, exemplifies everything this award stands for. You are not only a leader in your field but also an inspiration to all of us in this club. We are proud to celebrate this incredible achievement with you today.
Opening Comments and Presentation about the History of the Ride for Hearing Event was given by Franz Gehriger:
ROTARY RIDE FOR HEARING 1985-2025
Origins and Early Years
When I joined Rotary, our major fundraiser involved selling tickets for the Ice Capades and programs at the Coliseum.
Ed Fisk, with the help of Syd Welsh (Barbara's father), initiated the idea of supporting friends with hearing issues, as Syd himself had serious hearing problems. Past Presidents Wilf and Stu Bird organized the first few Bike-A-Thons.
A key breakthrough came from research on cochlear implants at UBC, a pioneering effort in Canada and Australia led by Dr. Westphal.
1984: First test biking event around Stanley Park—Trial with Erwin Doebeli & Rene Fluri.
1985: The first official Bike-A-Thon began at McDonald on Hastings & Hwy 1 to Harrison Hot Springs (120 km). It became a "Celebration of Life," and the Swiss Mafia won the trophy 11 times.
Annual Date: Always the second Sunday of July.
Growth and Route Changes
1990: New route from Brentwood to Harrison Hot Springs.
1990-2021: Jack Zaleski organized the event with the help of Sue Haralds and Don Waters.
2021: COVID changed everything:
Increased risk of accidents.
Complex approval process involving the province and seven municipalities.
Decision: Change the route.
Recent Changes and Future Plans
2022: New route introduced—Stanley Park → UBC → Canada Line → Steveston → back to Stanley Park. The event celebrated with RI President Jennifer Jones (Canadian).
2023/24: New route covering Britannia Beach, Stanley Park, UBC, Steveston, and Spanish Banks.
2025: 40th Anniversary – Tour de Stanley Park
New Leadership: Ally, Graham, William, Navid, Phil, Stephanie, and myself.
Exclusive use of Stanley Park Road granted by the VCR Parks Board.
Start & Finish: Spanish Banks.
Route Options:
3 Stanley Park loops (50 km).
Up to 7 loops (100 km).
New Date: Last Sunday of June—June 29, 2025.
Objectives:
400 Riders.
$400,000 in fundraising.
40-Year "Celebration of Life" at Spanish Banks.
Results and Impact
Over $4 million raised (average $1,000 per rider) over 40 years.
The biggest and most successful annual event for our Rotary Club with 100% participation.
Every year, this event remains the most enjoyable and fulfilling for our club members.
Franz Gehriger VCR, April 1, 2025
Bill Schulz shared highlights from his 36 annual Bike-A-Thons, starting in 1988. Some memorable moments include:
2000: While starting his presidency of our club, he experienced a heart issue at the Mission checkpoint. Fortunately, Rotarian Dr. Ignatius Cheung was there to treat him.
Other incidents:
He once fell into a ditch, bruising his knees, ribs, and pride.
In 2007, he upgraded to a lightweight bike from Reckless Cycles, making a huge difference compared to his old 12-speed CCM.
2018: Almost reaching the top of Mt. Woodside (Cardiac Hill), he experienced another heart issue.
2019: For the final ride to Harrison, he used a shuttle for the steepest 2 km, which significantly improved the experience.
Looking Ahead: Now avoiding steep hills, he hopes to complete at least four more Bike-A-Thons to reach a total of 40.
Gratitude: He thanked his faithful supporters, whom he considers part of his team, for their generous financial contributions to the hearing fund. Above all, he expressed gratitude to his Lord and Savior for watching over him during these 36 Bike-A-Thons.
Brian Burnie, a philanthropist from Newcastle upon Tyne, has significantly impacted cancer patient care through his charity, Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care. After selling his property, Doxford Hall, in 2010, he dedicated the majority of his wealth to establish this organization, which offers free transportation services for outpatients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.
Under his leadership, the charity expanded its fleet to over 30 ambulances, facilitating approximately 45,000 patient journeys annually, supported by more than 300 volunteers. In 2018, despite being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Burnie embarked on a 7,000-mile walk around the coastline of Great Britain and Ireland to promote the charity's mission and advocate for nationwide free cancer patient transport services.
In 2023, at the age of 80, Burnie announced his retirement, entrusting the charity's future to its dedicated team, with the goal of expanding services to assist even more cancer patients. His unwavering commitment has transformed cancer patient care, ensuring that thousands receive essential support during their treatment journeys.
Phil Webber and Joan Posivy with our visiting friends from the UK.
The meeting was adjourned with the following toast by President Elect Joan Posivy:
"To the Most Successful Ride for Hearing Event in History"
When I joined Rotary, our major fundraiser involved selling tickets for the Ice Capades and programs at the Coliseum.
