Our meeting next Tuesday will highlight three meaningful ways our club supports access to higher education — locally and globally — while also celebrating the strength of our membership.
Gladstone Secondary Awards Presentation
We will present this year’s cheque to Gladstone Secondary School in support of their awards program. Accepting on behalf of Gladstone will be Ms. Arielle Boyd, Grade 12 Counsellor, joined by two graduating students, Phoebe Truong and Sabrina Domingues, who are recipients of major awards.
This year also marks 21 years of active support for Gladstone students pursuing post-secondary education. Since 2006, our club has funded over $350,000 in awards to 106 students, with individual scholarships ranging from $500 to $10,000. This milestone reflects our long-standing commitment to investing in local youth and their future success.
Rotary Global Grant Scholarship Updates
We will also hear from two Rotary Global Grant Scholarship recipients whose journeys demonstrate Rotary’s global impact:
Miguel Rozo – Supported through a $56,000 USD Global Grant Scholarship funded by our club’s Foundation, District Designated Funds (DDF), and 80% matching from The Rotary Foundation’s Global Fund. Miguel will report on his Master’s studies in Environmental Public Administration at Harvard University and share an update on his evolving career path.
Riley Garrett – Our club serves as host club for Riley, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kansas City (District 6040). Riley is pursuing a two-year Master’s degree at SFU in Comparative Urban Analysis of Sustainable Development across metropolitan regions globally. He will provide an overview of his studies and their relevance to his future career.
New Member Spotlight – Bob Nassiri
We will also feature a New Member Spotlight on Bob Nassiri, one of our recently added members. Interviewed by Mindy Tulsi, Bob will share insights into his professional journey, personal interests, hobbies, and what inspires him to be a Rotarian. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know Bob better and to celebrate the energy and perspective new members bring to our club.
Speaker:Jay DeMerit – former pro soccer player, represented USA at FIFA 2010, and former Captain of the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Format:Fireside chat led by Rotarian William Donnellan, IRL Group.
Philanthropy: Jay and his wife Ashleigh McIvor (Olympic gold medalist and world champion in ski cross) created a foundation, aligning well with Rotary’s service values.
Tumbler Ridge Tragedy
A message from DGJan Gisborne
Many Rotarians are looking for ways to show support for those affected by the recent tragedy in Tumbler Ridge.
Rotary Districts in BC, Alberta and beyond have been collaborating in recent days to provide our Rotary members an opportunity to contribute in some way to support the residents of Tumbler Ridge.
We recommend these two options to donate through trusted organizations which are in close contact with the community to direct the funds where needed.
I have attached the press release from the Northeast BC Community Foundation who have established the Tumbler Ridge Community Resiliency Fund to help with the long-term recovery of Tumbler Ridge community members.
Emergency responders are on the ground now to help with the short-term issues the community faces.
The Tumbler Ridge Community Resiliency Fund is to help with the long-term healing process.
The fund will be used under the direction of a local board of community members that understand local needs.
Receipts will be provided through Canada Helps.
I have also attached information on a fund set up by Lakeview Credit Union. The credit union has a branch in Tumbler Ridge and will be working with the local Parent Advisory group to direct the funds.
Tumbler Ridge is part of our regional community, and we are all processing this devastating
tragedy. In times like these, we hold each other close and provide the support needed to
navigate the challenging times ahead. In the wake of yesterday's events, which have deeply
affected the community, the Northeast BC Community Foundation has established the Tumbler Ridge Community Resilience Fund to help support the long journey forward.
The Foundation recognizes that many families and neighbors are grieving, that healing will
take time, and that it is a lengthy process. The Fund has been created to provide sustained,
community-guided support in the months and years ahead. Long-term healing requires
ongoing resources, coordination, and care. Initiatives and programs will be guided by local
leadership and meet the evolving community needs.
“This tragedy has shaken Tumbler Ridge and all of us across the region,” says Heather Kohler,
NEBCCF Board Chair. “Our role as a community foundation is to stand beside communities not
only in the immediate aftermath, but for the long road ahead. The Tumbler Ridge Community
Resilience Fund is a commitment to sustained care, thoughtful stewardship, and locally guided
healing. We will work closely with community leaders to ensure support reaches those who
need it most, in the months and years to come.”
The Northeast BC Community Foundation is committed to stewarding the Fund on behalf of
donors and the community with care, transparency, and accountability, ensuring resources are
available for the long-term support of Tumbler Ridge. The Foundation recognizes that healing
is not immediate and that the impacts of tragedy are felt far beyond the immediate moment.
Jennifer Moore, Executive Director of the Northeast BC Community Foundation, emphasized
the importance of long-term responsiveness. “This Fund allows us to respond as needs
change,” says Moore. “Community foundations serve as trusted pillars in their community,
mobilizing to be responsive in support of healing in the community. Our community
foundation network across the nation is walking this path with us.”
Northeast BC Community Foundation - Serving communities throughout the BC Peace Region
Canadian Charitable Registration Number: 824015556 RR0001
The Foundation acknowledges that other fundraising efforts are underway to support those
impacted. The Tumbler Ridge Community Resilience Fund is intended to complement these
efforts by providing coordinated, community-guided support into the future. Individuals,
businesses, and organizations are invited to contribute to the Tumbler Ridge Community
Resilience Fund. Every donation, regardless of size, will directly support community-led efforts
in Tumbler Ridge.
To make a contribution, please visit www.nebccf.ca and click the “Donate” button or contact
the Northeast BC Community Foundation at 250.784.8748 ext 104.
For all inquiries, please contact:
Jennifer Moore, Executive Director
Northeast BC Community Foundation
250.784.8748 ext 104
execdirector@nebccf.ca
NEW DATES!!!!!
Inclusion Labs are interactive sessions designed to help club members build digital and technology skills—closing the gap in tech literacy across the club.
Organized by Ally Potel, led by our Young Professionals!
NEW DATES - PLEASE CHECK YOUR CALENDARS!
(Meetings moved to 3rd Tuesday/month!)
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.
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 Membership Application
We are pleased to let you know the Membership Application submitted by Sam Devlin has been approved.
Sponsor: Joan Posivy
Seconder: Bill Davidson
Mentor: Bill Davidson
Classification: Construction - Design Build
Please help Sam feel welcomed to our Rotary Family!
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.
Joint Rotary / Rotaract / Interact Evening
This week’s program highlighted the depth and breadth of youth and young professional engagement across our Rotary family, featuring interactive networking and three club presentations.
“Mingle” Rotary Icebreaker
The evening opened with a high‑energy “Mingle” game in which attendees formed small groups on command and identified something they shared in common related to Rotary.
Interact Club – Sir Winston Churchill Secondary
Co‑presidents from the Sir Winston Churchill Interact Club presented on:
The role of Interact as a student‑led high school service organization with the motto “Service Above Self.”
Recent and upcoming projects, including:
A holiday card‑making event with seniors at Sunrise of Vancouver to foster intergenerational connection.
A Sleep Out event in support of Covenant House, raising awareness of youth homelessness and fundraising (target: US$500) for their programs.
Plans to assemble and distribute care packages with basic survival items for vulnerable youth.
Key successes and challenges, especially:
Strong collaboration and communication among members.
The ongoing challenge of encouraging members to take more independent initiative and manage complex events from planning through execution.
Rotaract – Vancouver Young Professionals (BYP)
ThePresident of Vancouver Young Professionals Rotaract, showcased several recent initiatives:
A bowling social and fundraiser in costume, supporting ShelterBox disaster relief.
Annual participation in the Shoe Box Project, assembling “want” items (e.g., cosmetics, creams, nice toiletries) to brighten the holidays for people experiencing homelessness or living on very low incomes.
Volunteer support for a downtown light‑based arts festival, where the club’s contribution was so valued they were invited to return and help organize volunteers in future years.
A creative 3D‑printed “smile” fundraiser, with proceeds directed to Operation Smile for cleft lip surgeries.
Establishment of a sister club relationship with a Rotaract club in Ethiopia, including shared presentations and exploration of joint service projects—highlighting how similar club life and service look across continents.
Rotaract – UBC Rotaract Club
Co‑presidents from UBC Rotaract reported on a very active 2025–26 year:
Club structure:
47 active members and 14 executives.
Four committees: Community Service, Fundraising, Outreach & Relations (including Interact connections), and Marketing.
Recent and current activities:
Board game nights and Kindness Café events.
Exam care packages for students.
Volunteering at Heritage Park and with Riders Exchange.
A pet photo shoot fundraiser.
Upcoming projects:
UBC 101 event for Interact students to learn about university life and discover Rotaract.
An on‑campus Trivia Night fundraiser.
A mental health and harm reduction booth with Douglas College psychiatric nursing students.
An ongoing clothing drive and thrift fundraiser.
Signature event – “Car Smash” (April 1):
Annual on‑campus fundraiser where participants donate to “smash” a car (safely supervised) with proceeds to Rotary International educational funds.
The Rotary Club of Vancouver, through its youth committee, presented $1,000 in funding, with the understanding that about half will be retained to help sustain the event in future years.
Rotary Pathway & Joint Reflections
In closing program remarks, President Joan Posivy:
Outlined the Rotary journey from Interact (ages ~12–18) to Rotaract (18+) and on into Rotary, emphasizing that Rotaractors remain part of the Rotary family regardless of age.
Encouraged Rotaractors to explore different Rotary clubs to find the right fit in schedule, focus, and budget, and highlighted the Rotary Club of Vancouver’s positioning as a place “where business and philanthropy meet.”
Noted multiple opportunities for Interactors and Rotaractors to:
Join club service committees (local and international).
Participate in larger initiatives like Rotary World Help, Ride for Hearing, global grants, and other community and international projects.
Collaborative Table Discussions
To close the formal program, UBC Rotaract facilitated table discussions on:
Challenges: member retention, volunteer engagement across age groups, onboarding new members unfamiliar with Rotary/Rotaract, and mobilizing youth participation in larger Rotary events.
Successes and solutions:
Intergenerational mentorship and strong committee cohesion.
Socially engaging service events (e.g., Ride for Hearing, Rotary World Help loadings, Car Smash) that attract newcomers.
Intentional onboarding, mentorship, and professional development offerings, showing that Rotary provides not only avenues to serve but also leadership and career‑related growth.
Co‑presidents from the Sir Winston Churchill Interact Club
2025-2026
President of the Young Professionals Vancouver
It's all about working together, learning from each other & "Service Above Self"
Closing Remarks
The evening concluded with gratitude to all presenters and planners, an invitation to stay engaged across clubs and generations, and a group photo to commemorate a lively and collaborative Rotary family gathering.
