Recently, members of RC Richmond participated in a Rotary World Help loading event at the Thistle Place warehouse in Coquitlam, helping pack and prepare humanitarian supplies bound for Kenya. The event was supported by Vancouver and Langley Central Rotary Clubs, and Rotarians and Rotaractors from around 10 different clubs joined to assist in the effort, honoring the memory of Verona Edelstein (Vancouver Club).

Verona Edelstein (1942–2025) was a distinguished Canadian diplomat and dedicated Rotarian. She served as Canada’s ambassador to Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo, opening Canada’s first embassy in Kinshasa, and became the first woman to join a Rotary club in Tanzania. After retiring in Vancouver, she remained active in Rotary, leading humanitarian projects including water wells, medical supply shipments, and international service initiatives. Her legacy continues to inspire Rotarians worldwide.

The Rotary World Help warehouse is located at 2601 Lougheed Hwy, Coquitlam, BC, within the Riverview Hospital grounds. This facility serves as a central hub for Rotary World Help, a Canadian non-profit organization supported by Rotary clubs in British Columbia. The organization collects and distributes repurposed medical, educational, and humanitarian supplies to communities in need worldwide .

Rotary World Help operates as a volunteer-driven network, with Rotarians and community members participating in various activities, including sorting and packing donations, loading containers, and coordinating shipments to countries such as Ukraine, the Philippines, and Uruguay . The organization has been instrumental in providing essential resources to underserved communities globally.

The Rotary Club of Richmond hosted a very successful End of Summer Multi-Club/District Fellowship Picnic & BBQ on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the Club House of Rich Hill Estate in Richmond. 

Many thanks to Fellowship Committee Chair Leah Cheyne and her hardworking team, along with our generous host Rajan Paul, for making this event possible. The gathering brought together 43 attendees (35 Rotarians and 8 guests), including 18 RC Richmond members and Rotarians from nine clubs across the Lower Mainland—Chinatown, Ladner, Vancouver Arbutus, Burnaby Metrotown, Vancouver Centennial, Richmond Sunset, Burnaby, Tsawwassen, and North Delta (D5050).

The event was designed to help Rotarians from across the region connect, share experiences, and explore opportunities for future collaboration. It was an excellent chance to strengthen fellowship, exchange ideas, and build relationships that will lead to impactful joint projects. The afternoon was filled with lively conversation, valuable proposals, and the promise of inter-club partnerships that will carry forward Rotary’s mission in our communities.

We were excited to have local MLA, Steve Kooner attend as well! 

Our latest meeting had a special presentation from Gateway Theatre representatives Sammy Chen (Fund Development Manager) and Renee Fargado (Education Manager). 

Celebrating 40 years as Richmond’s professional live theatre, Gateway representatives shared their wide-ranging impact in the community through live productions, youth education programs, and accessible programming such as bilingual subtitles, audio description, and relaxed performances. 

Gateway invited the Rotary Club of Richmond to continue supporting them as an education sponsor and to consider appointing a new representative to their board, highlighting the strong connection between Rotary and the theatre.

Their upcoming season includes Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson, Annie, Where Have All the Buffalo Gone?, and White Women, along with community events such as Mid-Autumn Festival performances and Chinese New Year celebrations. Members also heard about Gateway’s youth outreach, summer camps, and year-long acting and musical theatre classes, which give students valuable opportunities to learn and grow on stage. The club was invited to continue supporting Gateway as an education sponsor, with opportunities to participate on the theatre’s board.

The meeting also covered a number of important Rotary updates. Members were reminded to complete the “Why I Joined Rotary” forms for Suna, and Jacqueline announced two upcoming Foundation Zoom sessions on October 2 and 4. Yuhan shared details on several initiatives and events, including the Rotary World Help loading event in Coquitlam, a flu shot clinic on October 26 at Yuhan Center, and upcoming guest speakers at October meetings. The club also discussed strengthening its business networking fellowship, supporting the Vancouver Centennial fundraising concert, and ways to improve meeting structures and board training moving forward.

At our recent meeting, members and guests enjoyed a keynote presentation on the “Lost Art of Conversation” by Dr. Clinton Lee and Ron Martin, who highlighted the importance of first impressions, confident communication, and building trust through meaningful dialogue. They shared practical tips—from eye contact and handshakes to navigating cultural differences—and previewed their upcoming October 23rd seminar at Quilchena Golf Club. The meeting also included updates on youth initiatives, community partnerships, and new projects such as a Rotary thrift shop society.

At our recent meeting, members heard an inspiring presentation from Tsitsi Shikumba on the history, structure, and programming of the Girl Guides, an organization founded in 1910 that empowers girls and young women worldwide. Tsitsi shared her personal journey, highlighting how the program builds leadership, citizenship, and service skills through activities like volunteering, outdoor adventures, and fundraising. She emphasized the alignment between Girl Guides’ mission and Rotary’s values of service, inclusivity, and community engagement.

The club also reviewed several updates and upcoming initiatives, including the Association of the Year application submission, planning for the November Foundation Dinner, and community events such as the blackberry bush removal at King George Park and Halloween promotion in Steveston. Members were reminded of the COVID/flu vaccine clinic on October 26 at Yahong Center and invited to upcoming events like the Taiwan National Day Gala on October 10 and a special presentation by Stefano Costler on October 1. The meeting concluded with the warm welcome of new member Val, who expressed enthusiasm to get involved in youth-focused projects.

The Barnside Harvest Festival is Metro Vancouver's largest three-day music festival, held annually in Ladner, BC.

The Burnside Harvest Festival brought together community members for a day of seasonal celebration, local food, and family-friendly activities. RC Richmond volunteers helped support the event, engaging with attendees and promoting community involvement. The festival provided an excellent opportunity for Rotarians to connect with neighbors and showcase Rotary’s commitment to local service.

A special thanks to Dean, Yuhan and Leah along with the Rotary Club of Ladner for participating.