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This is the weekly bulletin for
The Richmond 
Sunrise Rotary Club 
for April 23, 2026

 

Miscellaneous

 
 
Repeat from last week or until no longer relevant or until I delete it or it bears repeating:  
 

 

On June 11th there will be no Thursday morning meeting as the president's dinner will be that evening at the Palace. 

The Gala is upon us. If you can stay after next weeks meeting to help set up. 

 

 

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) Do wah diddy diddy dum diddy do! Name that tune. 
 
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
 
 
 
There is so much pleasure in Rotary activities. The breakfast, luncheon, or dinner every week brings you in contact with your fellow members. Their diverse interests and knowledge stimulate your interest in your community. The planning for service projects both close by or across some distant horizon carries us out of our own self-interest into the wonderful world of service to others. The pleasing paradox that we grow in stature when we give our time and talent to improve the quality of life for someone else. How strange that when we give dignity to someone else, we grow in dignity ourselves. 

 

 
 
   VISITORS     
 
 

Eleanore Matthew - The Givergy Whisperer and a member to be!

Vicky Ryan - InGirls Club and our Gala Ask. 

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND 

CLUB BUSINESS

 

Maryam will be sending out dates for awarding scholarships at the high schools. She will be looking for volunteers to attend to hand out the scholarships. 

On May 9th Rotary world help is sending a container load to Ukraine. 

 

 
Speaker

 

It was a great meeting with two upbeat and informative presentations—one looking back at impact, and the other building excitement for what’s ahead.

Vicki Ryan from the Girls Club returned to share how Rotary’s support is making a real difference. Thanks to the club’s donation, they hosted two fantastic summer events in Richmond—a picnic at King George Park and a pool party at South Arm—each bringing together about 100 participants. With remarkably efficient use of funds (just over $1,300 for the picnic alone), the events were filled with food, games, and laughter.

More importantly, Vicki highlighted the deeper impact. Girls Club serves neurodivergent girls—many of whom face challenges with social connection—and provides a safe, welcoming space where they can simply belong. With around 1,000 members in Richmond alone, the club has grown into a true “community within a community,” offering not just fun events, but meaningful relationships and support for families. Her story—and especially the example of longtime member Chloe—was a powerful reminder of how Rotary’s contributions translate into confidence, connection, and joy.

Shifting gears, Amanda Sinclair brought energy and clarity to this year’s upcoming Gala. With the event just around the corner, she walked members through what to expect and how to prepare. From setup logistics to guest communication, everything is well in hand.

Highlights include the return of popular games like Heads & Tails, the wine wall, balloon game, and 50/50 draw—mostly cash-based—along with the featured “Golden Ticket” draw, limited to just 100 tickets at $100 each, with a fun chocolate-themed reveal. Guests will also enjoy live jazz during cocktail hour from the “Roaring Duo,” a DJ to follow, seven live auction items, and plenty of opportunities to participate via mobile bidding.

Amanda emphasized the importance of members helping guide their guests, encouraging everyone to come prepared (cash, charged phones, and enthusiasm!), and ensuring a smooth, welcoming experience. With a few fun surprises planned—like the “under the chair” game—it promises to be an engaging and lively evening.

All in all, the meeting struck a perfect balance: celebrating the meaningful impact Rotary is already having, while building anticipation for a Gala that will help make even more of it possible.

 

 

 
SERGEANT At Arms Tidbits
 

MEANDERINGS 

Apart from my birthday being in April - which clearly should be celebrated the whole month. I mean Judy gets a whole month. It is also Sikh heritage month. 

 

Sikh Heritage Month is celebrated in April to honor the history, culture, and contributions of the Sikh community, particularly in Canada.

Sikh Heritage Month is an annual observance in Canada, officially recognized to celebrate the arts, culture, and heritage of the Canadian Sikh community. It was first proclaimed in Ontario in 2013 through Bill 52 by Jagmeet Singh and later recognized nationally in 2017 through Bill C-376, receiving royal assent in 2019, making Canada the first country to officially designate April as Sikh Heritage Month. The month coincides with Vaisakhi, which commemorates the founding of the Khalsa in 1699, marking a time of renewal, unity, and service. (For those of you who thought it was Wasabi - you were wrongo!!!!).


The observance highlights Sikh values such as equality, selfless service (seva), compassion, and social justice. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the Sikh community’s contributions to society, including civic engagement, volunteerism, and cultural enrichment. Events during the month often include Nagar Kirtans (religious processions), exhibitions, art shows, and community service initiatives, showcasing Sikh history and traditions.


In Canada, Sikh Heritage Month is celebrated across provinces and cities, including Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, with large-scale events such as the Surrey Vaisakhi Parade, which attracts hundreds of thousands of participants. Government officials, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, have participated in community service at gurdwaras to honor the Sikh community’s contributions and values of service, equality, and community spirit.


Globally, Sikh Heritage Month is also observed in parts of the United States and the United Kingdom, aiming to educate the public about Sikh culture, history, and the community’s resilience in the face of historical challenges. The month serves as a platform to promote understanding, inclusivity, and recognition of the Sikh community’s role in shaping multicultural societies.

 

 
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
 
Third Thursday of every month will be a projects meeting.
 
Friday, May 1st, 2026; Rotary Gala.
 
June 11th President's Dinner. No morning meeting. 
 
 
 
 
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Joyce Alisharan
April 6
 
Garth Edwards
April 10
 
Jeannette Patacsil
April 11
 
Nancy Schick-Skinner
April 16
 
Bobby Ghirra
April 22
 
John Marquardt
April 25
 
Debbie Murphy
April 30
 
Spouse/Partner Birthdays
Miles Timmis
April 4
 
Anniversaries
Kalvinder Mahal
Lavina
April 6
 
Margaret Dixon
Don Dixon
April 21
 
Join Date
Kalvinder Mahal
April 2, 1999
27 years
 
Bobby Ghirra
April 4, 2019
7 years
 
Joyce Alisharan
April 5, 2018
8 years
 
Margaret Dixon
April 6, 1990
36 years
 
John Marquardt
April 8, 2008
18 years
 
Pat Atkinson
April 21, 2011
15 years