On June 17th, 2022, Richmond Rotary held it's President's Ball. It was a wonderful evening of tradition, speeches, awards and ceremony. With our new board comes a new President, as well as three new Richmond Rotarians. 

 

Co-President Suna Yee completed a remarkable year as President, completing a number of remarkably successful initiatives, including raising money for seniors, low income Richmondites, and people in need in our community. As co-President, she is getting ready to hand the baton now to Bill Lau. 

 

 

John Berry, District Governor Elect, then inducted our new board:

 

 

 

 

Our newly inducted President, Bill Lau, delivered a wonderful speech and outlined his plans for the year promising money and memberships! 

 

The Thunder Mug and Hospital Lab Coat are a Richmond Rotary tradition that the Past President passes on to the incoming President. The Lab coat is an acknowledgement of Richmond Rotary's long history of support for Richmond Hospital.

 

 

(Past President's Keith Tsukishima and Dean Hsieh honouring the tradition in 2018)

 

 

The evening also featured Paul Harris and Polio Society recognitions presented by our friend District Governor Lorne Calder. Paul Harris Fellows are presented to those who have made significant contributions to Rotary or demonstrated exemplary service above self. Polio Plus Society Members are consistent donors to one of our most important causes. 

 

 

And Richmond Rotary presented $5,000 donations to our closest partners, SOS Children's Village, Club Pathway House, and Rotary Hospice House.

 

 

It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces. 

 

The evening was a celebration of service in honour of eight outstanding individuals in Richmond, selected by all four clubs.

 

The Paul Harris Fellowship is Rotary's highest honour for those who have either made a significant contribution to Rotary, or their community.  They demonstrate service above self. 

 

The recipients were selected by a Paul Harris Fellowship Awards Committee comprised of members of all four clubs. 

 

Richmond Rotary President Suna Yee presented Jeff Jiang with his award. Jeff has exemplified service above self for his work with new Canadians, founding the Chinese Construction and Renovation Association of Canada, and providing jobs and services to those who are less fortunate.

 

 

 

 

Suna Yee and Richmond Rotary also acknowledged Linda Reid, but she was not present.

 

It was a well attended event with a large presence of Richmond Rotarians.

 

 

 

There were notable dignitaries including Mayor of Richmond, Malcolm Brodie.

 

 

And it is of course always an honor to District Governor Lorne Calder come and speak at our events!

 

 

Congratulations to all Paul Harris Fellows including Maggie up, Clara Chow,  Linda Reid, Jeff Jiang, Alan Sakai, Jim Kojma, Miles Timmis, Chuck Keeling.