Yoonhi and Mike delivered 200+ books to Garibaldi Annex on September 9th and received some super sweet thank you cards!
Joy launched the first use of our new canopy tent at the Kitsilano Beach cleanup on September 10th. Thanks Joy, Mike (with backup from Mackenzie), Christine, Mary, Jean and Leona for your pickin’ skills.
And on the same day our team members Lydia, DB, Elena and Yoonhi helped out at the Helping Families in Need kids fair which raised $840 for the organization.
Christine, Joyce, Jean and Hans worked the farmers market at Riley Park on September 17th. A great day – we chatted with at least 30 families and garnered several potential commitments of book donations - and interest in membership.
September 13th was our monthly lunch meeting at the Arbutus Club and we were thrilled to see Shail and his daughter Maya. Welcome back Shail!
Our Foundation Chair, Sam Wong, presented to Past President Ilan Heller his Rotary Foundation Major Donor Level 1 pin and crystal. Ilan was also presented with his Paul Harris Plus 8 pin which is the highest level possible for Paul Harris awards. Ilan shared his tips for donation as well as the status of his rapidly expanding real estate company. It was great to have both Ilan and his wife Amy at our meeting.
Our speaker on September 13th was Ray Abernethy of Helping Families in Need. 
A small group of dedicated volunteers, led by Ray Abernethy, have been helping needy families furnish their homes for the last 38 years. They offer donated furniture and house wares across the whole of the Lower Mainland and even slightly beyond. The large items are picked up, selected by those in need and delivered to single Moms and Dads, to women in transition houses, to those on income assistance, and new immigrants or refugees.
Ray, his wife Roxy, their extended family and a small dedicated group of volunteers work with over 85 community, government and charitable organisations to serve over 1,300 families each year.
We were privileged to hear from Ray about his over 40 years of service to families on September 13. For those interested look up “HELPING FAMILIES IN NEED”. Their Christmas Gift campaign will be starting soon.
At our Zoom meeting on September 23rd we discussed the needs of our Afghan family resident in Nova Scotia. We'll be looking at avenues to provide a donation to assist the family with a few items. Stay tuned!
At a recent Area Presidents' meeting we learned that several clubs in the area (Mountainview, Yaletown, Fraserview, Sunrise and others) are 'on side' with our MOSAIC project. This project may be featured at the annual conference next April! We also learned that several clubs are still struggling to find a location for their meetings. We'll explore avenues for joint meetings and will hopefully be able to help out.
Our speaker on September 23rd was Jaydeen Williams of Growing Chefs Society.
Jaydeen shared a presentation showing how her organization teaches kids and families about healthy food and healthy food systems. A fascinating presentation of a very inspiring project. The organization needs volunteers! check out the website https://www.growingchefs.ca/. The kids and project are awesome - thanks to Mary for finding this speaker.
We wrapped up this busy month with our Social - a wine tasting at Lydia and Chris's home on September 30th. A grand time was had by all!