Our District Grant toward our second Ukrainian container has been approved! Many thanks to Hans and Christine who worked tirelessly to make this happen. We'll be loading the new container on Saturday, December 9th.
We received a charming thank you letter from Margaret Carley. Margaret was the chef for the Ukrainian fundraising dinner and moved delicious mountains to benefit the cause. We awarded her with a Paul Harris pin in October in recognition of her work. Marg tells us she is now inspired to join Rotary! Margaret's letter is here: documents/en-ca/b90e1584-f47f-4c52-aeb1-51e9d16bd0f9/1
November 7th – Sriram Ananthan presented his personal history (classification) talk. We learned about his childhood in Chennai, India, his education (including an MBA and a PHD) and work history. Sriram, his wife Preethi and two daughters moved to Canada in 2018. Sriram is now a Canadian citizen. He is also a professor, investment advisor, author, keen badminton player and yogi. Welcome Sriram!
November 10th several of our members attended the fund raising musical Pier One at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. The performance was in support of Ukrainian families.
Tuesday, November 14th we met with Shirley-Pat Chamberlain, our District Governor, at the Arbutus Club. Shirley-Pat was accompanied by Mary Anne Velayho, our Assistant District Governor, and Nancy Eidsvek the District Executive Administrator. We presented reports from our President, our Fundraising and PR efforts (Ukraine, District Grant application, social network engagement) and reports by our Treasurer, our Foundation representative and Membership head. We presented information about our 1000x5 book project – some thank you cards created by the children of Hudson Hope School are shown above. Shirley-Pat was also able to present our Foundation Chair Sam Wong with his latest Paul Harris award. Last, but definitely not least, we were inspired by Shirley-Pat's presentation to the club. She's a great speaker.
Saturday, November 18th, 2023 was the Lower Mainland Foundation Event at the Continental Restaurant in Richmond. It was well attended, as you can see from the photos provided by our ceative director, Michael Cowhig.
November 19th Michael Cowhig headed the crew (Hans and Bishnu) that decorated Abbeyfield House with all its Christmas finery.
November 21st – we met up for a Social at the White Spot on West Broadway at lunchtime. The Peppers are back in Vancouver!
November 28th – we had a classification talk by Donna Webb. Donna was born in Islington, Ontario, in the family home, while her siblings were out at a movie! She was a tomboy growing up and quit school early, after which she took student nurse training and then later became a teacher. She has travelled to Northern Ireland, Italy, Istanbul, Switzerland and more. Also, as a keen sailor, Donna has sailed the British Virgin Islands. Donna is an energetic volunteer and has been with Rotary for some years, often as a special events co-ordinator. She has also worked with the Violet Richardson Award. Thank you Donna and welcome!
The Board has approved using the Pasut family's donation in Teddie's memory to Polio Plus for $1,000. We intend to raise another $1,000. for Polio Plus in the New Year.
This month we lost our dear friend, Shail Mahanti, a Rotary member of more than 35 years. Shail was an electrical engineer in his work life. He was a loyal Rotary member and Paul Harris Fellow. He served as Club President (twice) and Secretary and never missed a meeting. If he wasn't in Vancouver he'd make up at another Rotary Club - wherever in the world he was. Shail lived his values and was known to all as a gentleman. He will be missed.
The Mahanti family will let us know when a Celebration of Life is arranged.