On July 24, our members will gather to assemble rider packages for the upcoming Rotary Ride for Hearing, on June 29th.
This group volunteer activity is a great example of “Service Above Self” in action, as we prepare to ensure our riders are equipped for a successful ride. Join us in fellowship and teamwork as we pack with purpose—supporting hearing health initiatives one package at a time!
We look forward to seeing you at this meeting, together with a guest or two. Please note the deadline to RSVP is no later than Sunday, June 22nd.
Our 40th annual Ride for Hearing is fast approaching (June 29th!) and we need your help!! This years event starts from Spanish Banks West and heads to Stanley Park where we have closed roads from 6:30-8:00! The riders then head back the same way to Spanish Banks for a post ride festival.
The Event Rider Packages can be picked up on Saturday, June 28, 10-12pm at Terminal City Club
Event information including the various routes and event day activities click here.
Please register to ride, create or join a team here.
If you aren't riding and can volunteer click here.
As always your donations are welcome, to make a donation click here.
Please share this with your friends, family and fellow cyclists!
Graham Fox, Committee Member
Upcoming Events
CONTACT COMMITTEE CHAIRS FOR UPCOMING DATES
please click on the titles for more info for specific events
Who do you know who is remarkable - someone whose story or expertise would captivate a room full of experienced business and community leaders?
We're looking to build a short list of headliner speakers 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.
Annual Past President's Dinner
Please RSVP
Past President Wilf Wassersleben is inviting you to the Annual Past President's Dinner at the Vancouver Yacht Club, on July 10th, 2025.
Cocktails will be served at 6pm, followed by Dinner at 7pm.
Cost per person is $130 and spouses/partners are most welcome.
Please confirm your attendance by emailing both, myself and Wilf by June 30, 2025, if oyu have not already done so.
Admin@rotaryvancouver.org &
Wilfw@s-pintl.com
Thank you Wilf, for organizing this event!
Celebration of Life - Verona Edelstein
Verona’s Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 26 at 11:00 AM at Kearney Funeral Home.
For planning purposes, Verona's Niece Suzanne Green is kindly requesting RSVP's.
This week, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Camille Duriez, our exceptional Rotary Youth Exchange student from France. Camille has spent the past 10 months immersing herself in life at Sir Charles Tupper Secondary and embracing all that Canada—and Rotary—had to offer.
In her farewell presentation to the club, Camille reflected on her transformational year, highlighting the warmth with which she was welcomed and the many lessons she’s learned along the way. From skating, exploring the snow and camping to cheering at sporting events and tasting Vancouver’s rich culinary diversity, Camille’s journey has been one of growth, discovery, and cultural connection.
Her travels took her from the Sunshine Coast to Whistler, Prince George, and even Montreal, but it was Vancouver’s unity in diversity that left a lasting impression. Camille returns to France more confident, independent, and inspired—looking ahead to university and a potential future in event planning.
She extend her deepest thanks to her host family, to Rotarian John Hayto and family for their dedicated support, and to all the Rotarians who warmly welcomed Camille and included her in club or private activities throughout the year.
We thank Camille for sharing her energy and openness with our club and community. She and her contagious smile will be missed, but she will always be part of our extended Rotary family. 🌍💙
Bonjour et au revoir - à la prochaine, Camille!
Camille & John Hayto
Waiting to present!
John, Camille, a potential new Exchange Student and Paul!
After Camille's Presentation, Adriana Zylmans gave an overview update on behalf of the Youth Committee.
Youth Committee Report –
Presented by Adriana Zylmans
The Youth Committee, established in 2010, continues its mission to engage, empower, and support youth through a wide range of impactful programs—locally and internationally. With a strong team of dedicated Rotarians, the committee introduces young people to community service, leadership, cultural exchange, education, and global citizenship.
Key Objectives
Promote Service Above Self in youth
Support education and leadership through Interact, Rotaract, and RYLA
Encourage cross-cultural understanding through Student Exchange
Invest in local youth through literacy, sports, and scholarship programs
These Objectives are being Delivered by Local Programs
Interact (ages 12–18):
Clubs at Sir Winston Churchill and University Hill.
Projects include Covenant House sleepouts, beach cleanups, fundraisers, and Women's Shelter Clothing Drive, and more.
Rotaract (ages 18–30):
Two active clubs – UBC and Vancouver Young Professionals.
Projects include Trivia Night for Covenant House, Pride Parade planning, Volunteering for Ride for Hearing & Container Loadings.
UBC Rotoract Projects include the Car Smash fund raise to support Rotary educational programs, Bake Sales, and others.
RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards)
This is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts to develop skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.
Youth Programs & Scholarships
Gladstone “Stay in School” Scholarships
Britannia Boys Basketball
Strathcona Hoop-a-thon
Norquay Reading & Tech Support
International Youth Exchange
Each year, we send one student abroad and host one international student—broadening cultural understanding and lifelong friendships.
This year, we proudly hosted Camille Duriez from France, who spent 10 life-changing months in Vancouver. She attended Sir Charles Tupper Secondary and embraced Canadian life—from playing hockey to volunteering, traveling across the country, and experiencing our diversity and community spirit.
“An exchange isn’t a year in a life, but a life in a year.”
“When you leave you make new friends and
family, but you don’t lose the one at home.”
Camille Duriez
Special thanks to her host family, Rotarian Paul Hayto, and all the members who welcomed her with open arms.
Stay in School Scholarship Program – Gladstone Secondary
Since 2006, the Rotary Club of Vancouver has partnered with Gladstone Secondary School to deliver the Stay in School Scholarship Program—a vital initiative that supports Grade 11 students with academic promise and financial need, helping them realize their post-secondary goals.
Community Youth Program – Britannia Boys Basketball
The Britannia Boys Basketball Program provides essential support to students in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, helping them thrive in a competitive sports environment. Through $5,000 in funding from the Kavanaugh Endowment, the Rotary Club of Vancouver helps cover key program expenses—ensuring all players, regardless of financial background, have the opportunity to compete and grow.
Community Youth Project – Hoop-A-Thon at Strathcona
The Hoop-A-Thon, held at the Strathcona Community Centre and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Vancouver Sunrise, is a dynamic community fundraiser supporting at-risk youth through sport. The Rotary Club of Vancouver proudly contributes to this impactful initiative, helping promote basketball as a healthy, empowering outlet.
🙋♀️ Call for New Youth Committee Members! 🙋♂️
Are you passionate about supporting and empowering youth in our community and beyond? The Rotary Club of Vancouver Youth Committee is looking for new members to join!
For more information or to express your interest, please contact: Chair John Bathurst or Deb Sankey
