October 17, 2025
Joan Posivy, President
Tamlyn Mafika, Secretary
Join us for a special meeting featuring a fireside chat and member Q&A with Peter Jackman, General Manager & CEO of the Terminal City Club—one of North America’s most distinguished private clubs.
With $20 million in annual revenue, over 2,000 members, and more than 200 staff, TCC has earned global recognition, including Club of the Year (Canadian Society of Club Managers), Five Diamond Platinum Club of the World (2018–2025), and Iconic Distinguished Club (2022 to present - Boardroom Magazine & Forbes Travel).
Peter will give us a rare peek behind the curtain of this world-class institution, so if there’s something you’ve always wondered about behind the scenes at TCC, be sure to bring your questions!
We’ll also hear an update on Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign, and our International Service Committee will share an Impact Spotlight highlighting inspiring global projects in action.
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.
Your Support is Needed
Please consider supporting either a short-term or long-term exchange program.
It appears, that currently less than 15% of Clubs in the District are involved.
If you require more information feel free to contact Bill Killbery @ bbkillbery@citywest.ca
New Approved Membership Application
We are pleased to let you know that the new Corporate Membership Application submitted by:
"St. Paul’s Rotary Hearing Centre" has been approved.
Members:
Prof. Dr. Brian Westerberg
Dr. Margaret Aron
Dr. Paul Mick
Dr. Kevan Lu
The classification that the new members will hold is, "Health Care. Med. Dr.".
New member name's proposer and mentor is Franz Gehriger.
We look forward to welcoming our new members to the club and look forward to their their induction date on October 28.
Youth Committee Meeting
Please join us for a Youth Committee Meeting on October 21st at 11am at TCC
(in our meeting room for the day)
Join the One World Committee 🌍
A message from Committee Chair Ally Potel:
I’m reaching out to invite you to join (or re-join) the One World Committee. We paused the committee for the summer and will be starting back up in October. Our mission is simple but powerful: bring people together across cultures, ages, and backgrounds to create projects that matter for our community and beyond.
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.Whetheryou’re a student, professional, retired, newto Vancouver, or simply curious, you’re welcome.
Let’s build something meaningful together.
Membership Training Session
Join us for an inspiring session covering Rotary’s story, values, and impact — including the Avenues of Service, Areas of Focus, and the Four-Way Test.
Discover what it means to belong and explore ways to get involved. This special program is open to all Rotary and Rotaract members — whether you're new or just want a refresher.
Available Sessions
Tuesday, October 21st — 7:30 PM EST
Wednesday, January 21st — 7:30 PM EST
Thursday, April 23rd — 7:30 PM EST
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,
Laura Múnera Montañez
President Rotary Club of Vancouver Yaletown
2025-2026
A message from Salud,
Andrew Robertson
President 25-26
Rotary Club of Vancouver Sunrise:
Hey RCVS Members and lucky friends!
You’ve been invited to bid on our Silent Mezcal Auction, with all proceeds supporting Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign through Polio Plus.
This isn’t just any bottle of mezcal — it’s a story in a bottle.
The mezcal you’re bidding on comes from Tehuacán, Puebla, Mexico, a region known for its rich volcanic soil and centuries-old distilling traditions. The spirit was handcrafted by local mezcaleros who use sustainable agave farming and traditional earth-pit roasting methods — a craft passed down through generations.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to Paola Ortiz and Dr. Pena, our Rotary friends and contributors from the Rotary Club of Tehuacán Granadas in Mexico, who provided this special spirit as a symbol of international fellowship. Their generosity and partnership remind us that Rotary’s reach truly spans the globe — connecting communities, friendships, and shared service.
Every bid on this mezcal builds to support Rotary’s mission to eradicate polio worldwide. Each dollar raised will be matched 2-to-1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, multiplying your impact, which should make it taste even better in the afterglow of placing your winning bid!
Come dressed in your Halloween costumes and show us your bowling skills for an afternoon of food and fun! Bowl as an individual (assigned to team on the day) or register an entire pre-made team of up to 6 bowlers. Costumes can be individual or themed between 2 or more attendees.
Prizes awarded for best bowling scores and costumes.
Register early and bring your friends out too! Change
1. Opening and Announcements
Joan welcomed attendees, celebrating a record attendance of 110 meeting attendees on October 7 with Ryan and Cindy Beedie - Let's build on this!!!
Joan shared highlights from the first quarter:
Average attendance: 36
Engaged members: 51
Foundation funds raised: $185,000 (ahead of the $200,000 annual goal)
2. Reminders
Remembrance Day: No meeting on November 11.
3. Good News & Member Updates
Club received $17,733 from the Koerner Fund for community service projects.
President Joan reiterated the four club metrics:
Membership satisfaction
Attendance
Engaged members
Foundation fundraising progress
Members were asked to complete the QR code member survey to support ongoing improvement.
4. Member Engagement, Recognition & Online Presence
President Joan discussed plans for the social calendar and the Unsung Hero Award, recognizing members who go above and beyond; thanking Nathan H. for all efforts to plan social activities outside of the weekly meetings.
It was suggested to strengthen Rotary Vancouver’s digital and social media presence — explore professional support and video storytelling to showcase speakers and service projects.
A member suggested to re-introduce the “Sunshine Committee” to better support members facing illness or challenges.
Joan's update to the membership concluded with camaraderie, gratitude, and enthusiasm for the months ahead — a reminder that through Rotary, together we imagine a better world.
5. Presentation: “Bikes for Girls” (David Hoag & Bob Wyckham)
Feature Presentation: Bikes for Girls — Empowering Through Mobility
This week’s program was a true highlight. David Hoag and BobWyckham delivered an inspiring presentation on the Bikes for Girls initiative — a Rotary-supported project that is transforming the lives of girls in rural African communities.
They explained that in many parts of Africa, young girls walk long distances to attend school, often facing safety risks, fatigue, and social barriers that lead to high dropout rates. Through the provision of strong, specially designed “buffalo bikes”, these girls gain not just a mode of transport but a lifeline to education and opportunity.
Each bicycle is built for durability and practicality — capable of carrying heavy loads, navigating rough terrain, and lasting for years. The program also trains local mechanics to maintain the bikes, ensuring sustainability and community ownership.
David and Bob shared moving stories of how access to a bicycle can double school attendance, reduce harassment, and open pathways for economic independence. The initiative has already seen measurable impact: improved educational outcomes, increased attendance for girls, and stronger community resilience.
In true Rotary spirit, the project aligns with several Rotary Areas of Focus, including Basic Education and Literacy, Economic Development, and Empowering Girls. Members were deeply inspired by the tangible difference these bicycles make and the power of simple, practical innovation to transform lives.
The presentation concluded with an engaging Q&A, during which David and Bob discussed bike logistics, recipient selection, and the value of partnering with local organizations to maximize impact.
Joan closed the segment with heartfelt thanks and a toast to the Bikes for Girls initiative, celebrating the compassion and ingenuity that define Rotary’s global service.
THIS IS NOT A BIKE - IT IS A LIFE CHANGER FOR SOMEONE...
INVESTING ONLY CAN$205 CAN SOMEONE'S LIFE!
Thank you Bob and David
Their Mission...
Brought to us by a guest...
The meeting was adjourned with a toast by President Joan Posivy:
The mezcal you’re bidding on comes from Tehuacán, Puebla, Mexico, a region known for its rich volcanic soil and centuries-old distilling traditions. The spirit was handcrafted by local mezcaleros who use sustainable agave farming and traditional earth-pit roasting methods — a craft passed down through generations.
Your Mission (Should You Choose to Sip It):
