What we do:

• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Build events and initiatives that have real impact
• Create a safe space where every voice counts

Your role can be:

• Sharing ideas and perspectives
• Helping shape projects and events
• Supporting with planning, outreach, or leadership tasks (big or small, every bit counts!)

Meetings (last Thursday of each month)

• Meetings will be virtual every last Thursday of each month and In-person once every 3 months (when possible)
• Our first meeting will be on October 30th at 12pm virtually

If you’d like to be part of this journey, reach out to me at ally.potel@flyberryevents.com. Whether you’re a student, professional, retired, new to Vancouver, or simply curious, you’re welcome. 

Let’s build something meaningful together.

A message from the Rotary Club Yaletown

Invitation to Partner with the Rotary Club of Vancouver Yaletown for Wilder Voices

Dear Fellow Rotarians and Rotaractors,

The Rotary Club of Vancouver Yaletown is thrilled to invite you and your club to a special event in partnership with the Wilder Institute: "Wilder Voices." This inspiring speaker series, happening at the Rocky Mountaineer Station on Thursday, October 23, 2025, will feature discussions on wildlife advocacy and conservation, led by Anthony Morgan from The Nature of Things and Dr. Gráinne McCabe, Chief Conservation Officer at the Wilder Institute.

We believe this is a fantastic opportunity for our Rotary community to come together and make a tangible impact. There are three keyways your club can participate:

- Attend the Event: We invite your members to join us for an evening of powerful conversation and learning. It's a wonderful chance to network, be inspired, and support a cause that aligns with Rotary's commitment to protecting the environment.

- Volunteer with Us: We are seeking volunteers to help with various roles, including greeters, ticket checkers, and coat check. Volunteering is a great way to collaborate and show support.

- Explore Partnership Opportunities: We are also looking for corporate and club partners to help us make this event a success. We have a variety of sponsorship tiers available, from regional event element partners to conservation allies. We have attached a sponsorship package for your review and consideration.

Your club's participation, whether through attendance, volunteering, or sponsorship, would be invaluable. Together, we can champion wildlife and wild places and amplify the message of conservation.

We look forward to partnering with you on this important initiative.

For partnership inquiries, please refer to the attached document or contact Kristin Bibbs directly at KristinB@wilderinstitute.org

Best regards,

Good News 
 

Paul Martin's Tribute to Verona Edelstein

At Saturday’s event, a new banner was unveiled dedicating the latest World Health Network shipment to the memory of Verona Edelstein. Paul Martin shared that, following Verona’s passing during his term as interim president, he pledged to honor her through this annual shipment.
 

He and his wife contribute each year to cover shipping costs—this time with support from the Langley Central Club, as expenses have risen. Verona, a longtime Canadian ambassador to Congo and dedicated Rotarian, is remembered for her outstanding service to both her country and Rotary.

This Week’s Program

Panel Recap: Business for Good – Leading with Purpose, People, and Community

Moderated by Laura Donnellan - Business Partner, IRL Construction Ltd.

This week’s Rotary panel explored how purpose-driven leadership across nonprofit and business sectors can create meaningful and lasting community impact. The discussion brought together leaders who are actively bridging business, philanthropy, and community service.

Panelists:

• Angela Crowther (KidSport BC) – With 18 years of nonprofit experience, Angela highlighted the critical role of collaboration between businesses and nonprofits in driving social change. She shared that KidSport BC funded over 10,600 kids last year, distributing $3.6M in sport registration fees, reflecting a sharp increase in demand since 2022. Angela discussed strategies for creating volunteer opportunities that meet modern needs, including community ambassador and youth ambassador programs, designed to engage students and local supporters in meaningful ways.

• Claire MacLean (SHARE Family & Community Services) – Claire spoke about SHARE’s role in providing transitional and community-based care for more than 30,000 vulnerable individuals each year, including seniors, newborns, and families navigating health challenges. She emphasized that some community needs are constant and that nonprofits serve as a foundational layer of a resilient society. Partnerships across sectors, she noted, help amplify resources and extend the impact of essential services.

• William Donnellan (IRL Group) – William reflected on leading through uncertainty, sharing lessons learned from the pandemic and his work in construction and business growth. He emphasized calm, empathetic leadership, clear communication, and open listening. On philanthropy, William described IRL Group’s approach of supporting over 100 community organizations annually, ranging from sports teams to cultural events, giving without expecting anything in return and tailoring support to meet real community needs.

Audience Q&A Highlights:

• On government support: Angela noted that while government funding for programs like youth sports is limited, preventive initiatives have long-term social benefits. She encouraged broader collaboration across nonprofits, businesses, and government to address systemic challenges.

• On corporate and nonprofit partnerships: Panelists agreed that aligning business values with community causes strengthens both organizations and the broader community, creating a true “win-win” impact.

• On volunteer engagement: Strategies for engaging young people include creating flexible, impactful roles that allow students and community members to contribute without feeling overburdened. Panelists emphasized evolving volunteer models to meet the needs of modern communities.

The discussion underscored that authenticity, collaboration, and values-driven leadership are essential for organizations seeking to make a real difference. Attendees were inspired to reflect on how their own businesses, nonprofits, and personal efforts can contribute to stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.