January 7th, 2026: Club Meeting #17: Welcome to 2026

In 2022, the Rotary Club of Richmond set out to raise funds for an outdoor fitness system for seniors in Richmond, recognizing the importance of accessible, senior-friendly facilities that support mobility, physical health, and overall well-being as the community’s population ages.

Over the course of 2022–2024, the Club successfully raised the required funds through a combination of wildly successful club-led fundraising events and grants. This included proceeds from the annual Table Tennis Tournament, as well as funds from the 2023 Lunar New Year Gala. 

Both the Table Tennis Tournament and the Lunar New Year gala raise tens of thousands of dollars. 

Additional fundraising efforts were supplemented through Government grants, including support through the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

$19500 -Lunar New Year Gala

$8000 - District Grant

$2500 - Gore Mutual Insurance

$5000 - Definity Insurance

The project would also not be complete without the Rotary District Grant program. 

Through these combined efforts, the Rotary Club of Richmond met its ambitious fundraising goal  and partnered with the City of Richmond, which purchased, installed, and will maintain the outdoor fitness equipment at Minoru Park. 

The project is now complete and provides a permanent, free, and accessible outdoor fitness resource for seniors and the broader community.

Last month, the Rotary Club of Richmond hosted a High Tea at our long time member, Harmon Bal's house.

In addition to a wonderful afternoon, we also raised money for one of our causes - fundraising for local organizations that provide in-person sit down meals, and meal delivery to those living on the streets. 

Proceeds from the evening supported seven local organizations that provide sit-down meals and meal delivery through outreach workers to individuals experiencing homelessness in Richmond. These included Refuge Church (Food for Life Program), St. Joseph the Worker, Gilmore Park United, St. Albans Church, Richmond Presbyterian Church, St. Paul’s Church, and Fairview MB Church.

The event was a wonderful celebration of the holiday season and a meaningful way for the community to come together to support vital local food programs and help ensure no one is left behind during the holidays.

Last month, the Rotary club of Richmond held its annual general meeting.  

We elected our new officers and board of directors.  A hearty congratulations to our new team, and especially to Madline Hermary, next President for July 2026.  Madeline has been with the Rotary Club of Richmond since 2020, serving as Sergeant at Arms, Executive Secretary and Presient Elect.

President: Madeline Hermary (Jul. 01, 2026 to Jun. 30, 2027)

Immediate Past President: Yuhan Chen

President Elect: Mandy Pui

Treasurer: Carol Lee

Secretary: Jacqueline Ho

Board of Directors:

Chris Browne

Joanne Lau

Jimmy Yan

Suna Yee

Rajan Paul

Abu Jahangir

William Osei

Hugo Li

Elizabeth Roach

Dean Hsieh

At the AGM, two distinguished Richmond Rotarians, Dean Hsieh and William Osei were awarded the Paul Harris award. 

The Paul Harris Award (or Fellow recognition) is Rotary International's highest honor, recognizing individuals for significant contributions ($1000+) to the Rotary Foundations humanitarian and educational programs, honoring founder Paul Harris.  It's awarded to Rotarians and non-Rotarians who embody Rotary's motto, "Service Above Self," and share its values of ethics, goodwill, and peace, with recipients getting a pin and certificate. 

Every Christmas, the Rotary Club of Richmond partakes in an meaningful annual tradition and delivers dozens of meals to seniors across Richmond. 

In partnership with the Minoru Seniors Society, Rotarians arrive bright and early to the Minoru Centre for Active Living on December 24th, and deliver meals to seniors.