Rotary Reflections: How We Found Rotary (and Why We Stayed)

This week's meeting was a wonderful trip down memory lane as members shared how they first found Rotary, what convinced them to join, and some of the memorable moments they've experienced along the way. The stories ranged from heartfelt to hilarious, reminding everyone that Rotary is built as much on friendship and laughter as it is on service.

Brian Cole
Brian joined Rotary after several years in BNI, thanks to some encouragement from Garth. His most memorable story involved one of Rotary's earliest email mishaps. After Dale Bahd sent a polite reminder asking members not to "Reply All" to every event invitation, Brian decided to play a prank by making it appear that then-President Chris Pugh had sent an email agreeing with Dale. While Brian was laughing uncontrollably at his desk, Chris was dealing with Vancity security and a potential email breach investigation. Fortunately, after a week and a sincere apology, Chris eventually saw the humour in it.

Chris M.
Chris first came to Rotary seeking support for a playground project at Mitchell Elementary School, where she was principal. The school desperately needed new playground equipment, and Rotary stepped up with a $15,000 grant that was matched through the Vancouver Foundation. The resulting $30,000 project transformed the playground and made Chris a hero to the students. After seeing Rotary's generosity firsthand, she decided it was a club worth joining.

Mary Lou
Mary Lou was introduced to Rotary by Georgina Patko in 1999. Walking into her first meeting, she immediately recognized familiar faces and was impressed by the positive energy in the room. Before long, she was immersed in Rotary life, helping with auctions and eventually stepping into Georgina's board role when Georgina became ill. She also fondly recalled the early ClubRunner days when members who failed to submit profile photos sometimes found themselves represented by Mickey Mouse or other creative substitutes courtesy of Brian Cole.

Lawrence Chew
Lawrence's Rotary story began at the age of sixteen through Interact and later Rotaract. Through friendships with Fred Lee, Bill McNulty, and many others, he became deeply involved in Rotary's youth programs before eventually joining the club. Although he's always lived in Vancouver, he joked that he's spent so much time with Richmond Rotarians that he practically belongs there.

John Marquardt
John's father was a dedicated Rotarian who maintained 27 years of perfect attendance. Although John's first impression of Rotary wasn't particularly flattering, after his father's passing he decided to explore a few clubs. One meeting featured Brian Cole recounting how he accidentally bought his wife a Valentine's card addressed "To My Husband." The story left a lasting impression and helped convince John that Rotary was full of entertaining people and worthwhile friendships.

Debbie Samson
Debbie first attended Rotary as a guest speaker presenting on employment services for people with disabilities. During her introduction, Marg enthusiastically shared stories about Debbie's husband coaching her son in soccer, creating a tough act for Debbie to follow. Despite that, she found the club welcoming and supportive. Reconnecting with childhood friend Heather and meeting so many engaged community members made joining an easy decision.

Bobby Singh (What T -ask ChatGPT)
Bobby had attended Rotary galas for years before officially joining in 2019. Initially participating through a corporate membership, he eventually became a full member and quickly discovered the value of the Rotary network. He praised the wealth of knowledge within the club, noting that members provide everything from fitness and legal advice to financial guidance and business expertise. In Bobby's view, Rotary is one of the best investments around—and it's "all free." Except maybe the Lawyer!

Sandra House (AI gone mad?)
Sandra first attended Rotary while seeking support for Dry Grad. Expecting to know no one, she was pleasantly surprised to discover several familiar faces. What began as a fundraising request quickly developed into a long-term Rotary membership that has now spanned nearly two decades.

Eleanore Hobbs (Are there two new members named Eleanore???)
For years, Eleanore attended Rotary galas and regularly told John Marquardt how the club could raise more money. Eventually, John suggested she stop offering advice from the sidelines and join Rotary to help make it happen. When she finally attended a meeting, she discovered she already knew many members and felt right at home. Today she proudly boasts a growing streak of perfect attendance.

Maddie Pugh
Maddie's favourite Rotary memory involved exchange student Luis from Mexico. While learning French immersion vocabulary, Maddie repeatedly used the French word for "seal" at the dinner table. Unfortunately, the word sounded like a swear word to Luis, who became increasingly horrified while Maddie desperately tried to explain that she was discussing marine mammals. The misunderstanding became a family legend and still brings laughs years later.

Chris Pugh (allegedly related to Maddie)
Chris joined Rotary in 2003 after starting a new position with Vancity and looking for ways to connect with the Richmond community. Invited by Nancy Sikstrom, she quickly discovered that Rotary was about much more than networking. It provided friendship, personal growth, leadership opportunities, and meaningful community service. She reflected on how Rotary challenged her to grow and helped shape much of her professional and personal life.

Amanda
Amanda joined Rotary after a conversation with Chris Brody while Chris was sitting in Amanda's salon chair. Having recently stepped away from the restaurant business and looking for something meaningful to fill her time, Amanda accepted Chris's invitation to attend a meeting. She found a welcoming group of people dedicated to service and joined in October 2023.

Jeanette
Jeanette's Rotary journey began while practicing for a dance performance with Elena. Curious about why Elena always seemed so busy despite being retired, she attended a meeting as a guest. Before long, she found herself participating regularly and enjoying conversations that extended far beyond her usual circle of healthcare colleagues. While Rotary has certainly filled her calendar, she says every minute has been worthwhile.

Peachy
Peachy knew about Rotary from her home city in the Philippines, where membership was largely male-dominated. As a community nurse and single mother, she was already active in community service but never had the opportunity to join. After moving to Canada, fellow Filipino Rotarians encouraged her to become a member. She quickly discovered a vibrant club filled with opportunities to help both local and international communities.

Elena
Elena's introduction to Rotary came through Ron Benoit, who invited her for breakfast. Expecting a one-on-one meeting, she arrived to find an entire Rotary club gathered. Intrigued by what she saw, she returned several times before joining. She soon became involved in international projects and learned rapidly under the guidance of experienced Rotarians. Elena also shared a heartfelt reflection on the tremendous support she received from Rotary members during her battle with breast cancer, describing the club as part of her family.

Susan
Susan discovered Rotary through Chris Brody at a Chamber of Commerce event. Having recently stepped back from Scouting due to health concerns, she was inspired by a presentation about RYLA and realized Rotary offered many of the same opportunities for service, leadership, and personal development. Her description of Rotary as "Scouts for grown-ups—without the camping" resonated with everyone.

Margaret
Margaret delivered perhaps the most candid story of the morning. Invited by Malcolm Brody in 1989, she attended what she described as the worst meeting she had ever experienced. At the time, the club was overwhelmingly male and not particularly welcoming. However, after learning about Rotary's support for vulnerable mothers, the Caring Place, and cancer services, she decided to give it another chance. She became one of the club's earliest female members and has remained a passionate contributor ever since. She also credited Rotary with exposing her to people and professions she never would have encountered within the education system.

Kal Dosanjh (Seriously ChatGPT - how did this make it through editing?)
Kal joined Rotary in 1999 after repeated encouragement from Dale Badry. One memory that still makes him smile involves Judy May digging through her pockets for Happy Dollars and coming up just two cents short. Over the years, Kal has witnessed Rotary's growth while continuing to appreciate the friendships and community impact that have remained constant.

Debbie Murphy
Debbie was introduced to Rotary by Brian Cole through the Rotary Gala. Inspired by the organization's commitment to community service, she attended a breakfast meeting and quickly became impressed by the passion and generosity of the members. When asked to select a mentor, Debbie famously requested "the crazy one"—Chris Pugh—a choice that has provided plenty of memorable moments.

Judy May
Judy joined Rotary in 2002 after being invited by Chris Brody. Looking for a new way to contribute to the community, she quickly became involved with Kaleidoscope and the Rotary Gala. One unforgettable memory occurred during an auction committee meeting at her home when arriving guests were greeted by Brian Cole descending the staircase while buttoning up his shirt, creating a moment of confusion and laughter that perfectly captured Rotary's fun-loving spirit.

Blair
Blair first joined Rotary in Edmonton before eventually moving to Richmond and becoming part of this club. During a recent trip to Toronto for his brother's funeral, he was surprised to see Rotary's Four-Way Test displayed prominently on the wall of the funeral home. It was a reminder that Rotary's values can be found in unexpected places and continue to resonate far beyond club meetings.

A Common Theme

As the stories unfolded, one message became clear: people joined Rotary for many different reasons. Some came seeking funding, some wanted to network, some were invited by friends, and some simply showed up out of curiosity. What kept them coming back was the sense of community, friendship, service, and purpose they found once they walked through the door.

Rotary may bring people together through projects and events, but it is the relationships, laughter, and shared commitment to making a difference that truly make members stay.

 TODAY'S CHUCKLEs