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This is the weekly bulletin for
The Richmond 
Sunrise Rotary Club 
for November 13, 2025

Miscellaneous

 
 
Repeat from last week or until no longer relevant or until I delete it or it bears repeating:  
 
 
The clubs AGM is scheduled for November 20th. Thats next week. The most exciting day of the Rotary year when your  new executive is announced to the world. đŸ„łSend your nominations for President, Treasurer and Secretary to Susan. 
 
Foundation Fundraising Christmas lunch and Poinsettia pickup is Saturday November 29th at the palace. Christmas lunch is $40 please pay by etransfer. No Blair it is not free.
 
On December 1st there is a RWHN container loading.
 
Thanks to Chris Pugh the December 18th meeting will be held at the Cannery Row in Steveston. Wear your ugly Christmas sweater.
 
 
OUR THURSDAY BREAKFAST MEETING IS ACCESSED THROUGH THE LINK BELOW.
 
 
Rotary Club of Richmond Sunrise is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
 
 
1) Mute your microphone if you aren't already muted. Background noise is distracting. 
2) If you are not engaged in the presentation, turn off your camera. 
3) Chat function should only be used to address the speaker, not for Club member remarks during the presentation
4) Unmute when harassing the Sergeant at Arms or taking your turn during Sergeant at Arms.
5)Happy Belated Odd Socks Day November 10, 2025 .  Odd Socks Day (2025) - Holiday Today
Please direct any questions or concerns to the President or a board member of your choosing and the board will discuss any and all questions or concerns during a board meeting. Also please refer to the members committee anyone who may be interested in attending a meeting or joining the club.
 
 
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE
 
 
 
We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. Winston Churchill via Brian. 
 
 
 
   VISITORS     
 
 
 
Sean somebody or other - Chris P's guest who may or may not join. Ask Kal.
 
Flora and Casey from the Binners Project.
 
 

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND 

CLUB BUSINESS
 
 
A whole bunch of announcements that were not recorded so I hope you were listening.
 
 
 
 
 
Speaker
 
 

Despite the rainy trek to Richmond, Flora and Casey arrived with great energy—and they brought a lively and eye-opening update on the Binners’ Project, the Downtown Eastside–based, binner-led charity working to legitimize waste-picking and improve economic opportunities for those who do it.

They began by reminding us who binners are: people who collect refundable containers for income—sometimes called canners or dumpster divers, sometimes environmentalists, and sometimes by their own proudly preferred titles. In the Binners’ Project, they choose the name binners, and they lead the work themselves.

Flora walked us through their flagship program, the weekly Binners’ Meeting. Every Tuesday at 5 p.m., about 85 members gather at 312 Main to share community updates, pick up income-earning shifts, and simply connect. As Flora put it, binning is entrepreneurial but often solitary—so these meetings are the heartbeat of the project.

From there, they gave us a look into their seasonal work at events—festivals, community gatherings, even Kids' Day—where binners collect cups and recyclables that would otherwise go straight to landfill. Casey spoke passionately about the massive impact this hands-on diversion has, especially with the ongoing challenge of coffee cups, most of which can’t be properly recycled because of their plastic lining. She also shared her admiration for Louise, a leader in recycling innovation who partners with the project and is, as Casey said, “a powerhouse.”

One of the most exciting updates was the soon-to-launch Universal Cart Initiative—North America’s first cart-sharing system designed by binners for binners. Think bike-share, but with sturdy, binner-approved carts, accessed through voice recognition (no fobs, no codes). The first two stations will be at 312 Main and United We Can. Beyond supporting daily work, the program is expected to create about 30 new maintenance-related income opportunities.

We also heard about their advocacy work. Binners have now consulted for three years on Metro Vancouver’s Solid Waste Management Plan, and this year alone 123 binners contributed feedback. They also collaborate with the North American Waste Pickers Alliance and the international movement—where Casey joins dawn-timed Zoom calls with members across Africa, Brazil, and beyond, proudly helping shape waste policy. As Casey quoted, “We are Mother Earth’s cleanup crew.”

Then came the fan-favourite: The Coffee Cup Revolution, their annual pop-up refund depot in Victory Square. For 3.5 hours, anyone can bring in used coffee cups for a 10-cent refund. It’s a huge income generator—and a dramatic demonstration of what could be achieved if cups were part of a proper refund system. This year, in just one afternoon, binners collected 213,841 cups, earning $21,000. The event is entirely donor-funded; no money comes from the cups themselves, since they currently have no value in the recycling system.

Finally, Flora previewed two public events:

  • “Alley Oop” in Pink Alley, a summer street party showcasing binners and the laneways where they work.

  • Their Annual Fundraiser next Thursday at 312 Main—story-driven, fun, short, and featuring an open bar. Their goal this year is $40,000, and everyone is warmly invited.

The presentation closed on a heartfelt note: gratitude for Rotary, pride in community, and the reminder that binners play an essential role in diverting waste, shaping policy, and envisioning a more sustainable Vancouver. Binners' Project - Binners' Project Home, or www.binnersproject.org

 

 
 
 
SERGEANT At Arms Tidbits
 

Bill
Fresh off a sports whirlwind—LA basketball in a mind-blowing arena and now jetting to Tampa Bay for clients and a hockey game. Memory questionable, priorities solid.

Kal
Welcomed guest Chris and lamented that her guests never join. Sports heartbreak all around—Jays lost the Series, Lions lost playoffs—but his Seahawks are on top, and he’s calling a Super Bowl win right here. Also
 “Thanks Miami Dolphins?”

Judy
Grandma marathoner: survived 17 hockey games in one weekend with her four grandsons. Bought a new car, and received a charming phone call from an overly smooth flooring salesman—who may or may not match his voice. Restoration continues!

Debbie M.
She and Judy both agree: Flooring Guy has a voice worth investigating. Honoured the first anniversary of Manuel’s passing with Samia. Now heading to Spain and then London for nearly three weeks with Samia and Amalia.

Marg
Hosted 16 for dinner, soaked in a jam-packed Remembrance Day ceremony, and adored the Chor Leoni concert. Also celebrated a friend’s late husband on what would’ve been their anniversary.

Blair
Saw Alberta’s first snowfall of the year—right after spring-like weather had him questioning his snow-tire rental. Snagged a Blue Jays commemorative cup at the auction and earned applause for new business cards.

Sam
Hit a Halloween party, made new friends, went to another party, and by Sunday swore off humanity entirely. Declares he has enough friends now. Also: CRC reminders are coming—hide if you must.

Peachy
Returned from chilly Ontario, now juggling two palliative clients—emotionally heavy stuff. But also teaching “senior swim lessons,” which has become a delightful spectacle at the rec centre.

Elena
Recovered from a tumble at the luncheon after someone stepped in front of her. Sore arm, but doing well.

Jeanette
Loved the “Flora Awakening” presentation and was surprised everyone had to be blessed before lunch. Grateful to Bobby and Blair for covering the table.

Maryam
Witnessed the same serial-bumping man who took down Elena taking out two more people. Also trapped in an expensive, DIY baby-shower backdrop disaster. They should’ve hired help—but now it’s “balloon arch or bust.”

Michael
Birthday boy gearing up for a 200-person bash with 20 Rotarians attending. Excited, jittery, and ready to party hard before escaping to Whistler for four days.

Garth
Condert ticket sales soared to 1,200. Survived a hectic weekend, avoided falling (mostly), and is heading out on an 18-day cruise via the Panama Canal. Will miss next meeting—please try to cope.

Sandra
Daycare glitch gave her unexpected grandma time with Miller, who now proudly identifies stuffed animals at IKEA. She caved and bought the polar bear. “Welcome to the club,” everyone says.

Pat
Enjoyed the Foundation luncheon, preparing for bridge today, and somehow used the magic phrase on the orthopedics office—after 18 months with no updates, her call suddenly produced an appointment. Also: Happy World Kindness Day.

John M.
Remembrance Day in Tsawwassen was lovely—especially his grandkids presenting their wreath in Cub uniforms. Back in the Okanagan he spotted eight swans and a 3-point buck strolling by.

Bobby
Whistler life continues, and his family all attempted the Early Bird ticket draw for FIFA World Cup successfully—Toronto prices were a steal compared to Vancouver’s. He'll be back next week.

Susan
Recovering from a rough cold and missed the luncheon. Caring for her mom at the kidney clinic and resting ahead of next week’s AGM. Also grateful to Sam for tackling CRCs.

Amanda
Completed her WSET2 sommelier course and realized French might be unavoidable. Heading to Saskatchewan for Christmas. Busy week, productive auction talk, and ready to see everyone in person.

Chris P.
Her “trousers” (travel marathon) are almost over: Ontario, Whistler, Vegas, Palm Springs. Attended a joyous motel-takeover wedding in the desert. Retiring the legendary minivan for a fancy (to her) 2022 RAV4. Also stunned by how little recycling exists in many places.

Mary Lou
Back from weeks of bronchitis and naps (a rarity). Loved the presentation's parallels to her work in community inclusion. Had a magical after-school library outing with her grandson. Racing to keep perfect attendance before heading to Circle Craft and an upcoming seminar.

Debbie S.
Back from Palm Springs—successfully installed new tech at her place. Renovations in Whistler continue. Granddaughter is learning to talk in the most adorable call-and-response routine.

Lawrence
Recycling frustrations peaked at a New York conference—everything went into garbage! Weekend included a chaotic but thrilling ferry adventure: squeezed onto the very last possible spot, tail almost off the ramp. A heroic 4% victory.

Sean (Guest)
Baseball dad and former coach who helped several young players make it to college ball. Looking to give back to the community now that his coaching days are slowing down. Grateful to Chris and to the club for the warm welcome—though warns the group that volunteering at a school at 7 a.m. requires a sense of humour.

Brian
Epic camping weekend with Adam—hiking, golfing, campfires. Got some dating advice and put it to good use: he now officially has a girlfriend!

Melinda
Grandkids are stuffing her house with
 stuffies. Went solo to the Eric Church concert after John’s eye treatment—had a blast anyway. Great show, long night, very worth it.

Debbie T.
Loved the Foundation luncheon, enjoyed time with the ladies, and remains on the lookout for the deer spotted wandering their Richmond neighbourhood.

 
 

MEANDERINGS    

 
 

A simple act of kindness can brighten someone’s day
😊 Smile
đŸ€đŸŒ Offer help to your neighbors
đŸ™đŸŒ Say ‘THANK YOU’ & tell people why you appreciate them
đŸ“± Send out kind messages to your friends
đŸ€” If you’re about to post nasty comments online, think again#BeKind pic.twitter.com/kxA69xhs6a

 

 
World Kindness Day is worth honouring. For those at the naughty table it is known as “Don't be an a#$hole day!”
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
 
Third Thursday of every month will be a projects meeting.
 
November 20th Club AGM.
 
Poinsettia pickup and lunch November 29th. 
 
November 27th DG visit - so start working on your best behaviour! You know who I'm talking to - Mr. Blue Jay. 
 
Friday, May 1st, 2026; Rotary Gala.
 
 
 
 

 TODAY'S CHUCKLEs     

 
Smiley Golfer | Funny emoticons, Smiley emoji, Emoji images
 
 

Care of Mary Lou

Three golf clubs walk into a bar. The putter orders a beer, the wedge orders a whiskey. The bartender asks the third what it wants to drink


Nothing
  I am the driver. 

 
 
..
..
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Chris Brodie
November 2
 
Spouse Birthdays
Shelley
November 10
 
John Newman
November 24
 
Anniversaries
Larry Thompson
Steven Hankins
November 1
 
Micheal Ghirra
Amandeep Ghirra
November 6
 
Join Date
Chris Brodie
November 1, 2000
25 years
 
Garth Edwards
November 2, 1988
37 years
 
Peter Levelton
November 17, 2016
9 years
 
Judy May
November 29, 2001
24 years