Amanda Sinclair, this year’s Gala Auction Chairperson. Congratulations, Amanda! You did it!
Richmond Sunrise Rotary Gala Auction 2025 - Beautiful people at a beautiful event!

The Balloon earrings, lost on the ceiling, recovered by Brian Cole. Then submitted for a last-minute Live auction item, winning bidders l
ooking pleased!

May 2 - 2025 Sunrise Rotary Gala! A huge success with amazing stories. Rivalry bidding among friends, lots of reconnecting among guests. Thanks to all the guests, donors, volunteers and Rotarians. This year preliminary numbers indicate well over $125 000 raised, including a healthy amount for our featured charity – Heartwood Women’s Centre.

May 1 we set up! Looking good, the auction items, the ballroom and the people! Thanks to all the Rotarians who worked so hard to put this year’s Gala together!








This year’s District Conference was an astounding success. Our own Susan Ness received a District Governor's Award for her volunteer work on the Organizing Committee and was called up on stage again by the DG for his recognition & expression of appreciation being given to the District Conference Organizing Committee.

The Rotary World Help booth at the House of Friendship District Conference RID -5040 on April 25-27, 2025 with our Rotarians, President Peter Levelton, Elena Agala, Susan and Ryan Ness, Jeannette Patacsil and Pat Atkinson.



Mayor Brodie declared and acknowledged Polio Day during the 5040 District Conference in Richmond on April 25-2025

The District Conference April 25-27 at the River Rock was attended by Richmond Sunset Rotarians: President Peter Levelton, Elena Agala, Susan and Ryan Ness, Jeannette Patacsil and Pat Atkinson. and Danny Salcedo with Dr. Nishal Pandey, representing Rotary International at the conference. Dr. Nishal Pandey, who is a Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon & a Rotarian, and who was the Conference R.I. Representative, gave congratulations to the success of the Conference, and as well expressed kudos for the many amazing Club Projects mentioned. Caring Hearts Dental Mission (Danny Salcedo) was included amongst those that he congratulated.


It’s coming soon! Our annual Auction Gala fundraiser is on May 2nd at the Riverside Ballroom. The theme this year is Masquerade, and we have an impressive lineup of about 250 Silent Auction items, and 10 amazing Live items. Contact your Rotarian for more information!
Introducing Maryam Bawa, Richmond Sunrise’s latest Rotarian. After an installation by Gordon, we played Kahoot to learn about Maryam’s life, passions, accomplishments and drive. So many degrees, so much volunteering, so much experience both international and local, and so much love of Richmond. Maryam was recently awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, a Canadian honour, created to commemorate his coronation on May 6, 2023, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada. Thank you, Maryam, for all that you have done already and all that you will do, with your new Rotarian family!
Probably one of the feelings ever is the energy we feel at the Gilmore Elementary Breakfast, served monthly by our volunteer Rotarians. Bon appétit, Gilmore students!



What an inspirational morning meeting! We were treated to Peter Roaf’s, (Assistant Governor of 5040), update from the District. Elena Agala also presented on Rotary World Help, its history, present activities and how to get involved in their important work. Containers are being shipped constantly to Ukraine, and soon to Cuba and Guatemala, and areas of the world in dire need of support. Thank you, Peter and Elena!
Richmond Sunrise Rotary was hands on this week at the Richmond Food Bank.
Thanks to Joyce, Moe, Garth, Debbie and Bob.


It’s always wonderful news to celebrate two new members.
Welcome (and welcome back) Brian Cole and Maryam Bawa!
At our meeting this week, we heard from Mrs. Tova Wolinski who, after many years working in treatment programs and hospital programs, has applied her expertise and passion to the Heartwood Centre for Women, a residential program for women experiencing mental health and/or addiction challenges.
We were inspired and appreciative of the work she does managing integrated treatment for women across B.C, who struggle with severe substance use and mental health challenges. Please see more information about the centre at their website: https://www.bcmhsus.ca/mental- health-substance-use-services/ heartwood-centre-women
Dr. Rai from Operation Rainbow Canada has returned from a successful medical mission overseas, thanks in part to donations from the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunrise. Please check out the video in this link
Thank you, Ms.Julia Savalli, one of the Support and Education Coordinators from the Alzheimer Society of BC. Such an informative presentation on Brain Health this morning.

At our Thursday meeting, Dr. Rai from Operation Rainbow Canada shared his experiences from his latest mission to Mombasa Kenya, providing children with reconstructive cleft-lip and palate surgery, a project supported by Richmond Sunrise Rotary.


This morning, Blair Kennedy presented Paul Harris Awards to both Chris Pughe and Pat Atkinson for their continuing generous donations to Rotary. Congratulations and thank you both for your incredible support!

This year our Dean Crain award goes to Susan Ness. Congratulations on this well-deserved honour.
There's no better way to get the holiday spirit than by participating in the annual Victor Ghirra Toy Drive. Richmond Sunrise Rotary was there and feel privileged to be able to support such a heart-warming, worthy cause.

In keeping with our non-denominational seasonal activities, Sam organized a Sergeant At Arms secret gift event, and everyone at this morning's meeting was pretty happy with it! Good think Sam enjoys buying, wrapping and event-creation! Thanks, Sam!
Thanks to Richmond Sunrise Rotary for supporting the Dec. 6 vigil for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Your presence and the loan of the Rotary tents was very much appreciated.
Service Above Self
Richmond,
Canada