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This is the weekly bulletin for
The Richmond 
Sunrise Rotary Club 
for October 2, 2025

Miscellaneous

 
 
Repeat from last week or until no longer relevant or until I delete it or it bears repeating:  
 
Peter is now at VGH getting a skin graft. 
 
Debbie M. is asking for a volunteer to provide a breakfast for the club in October. 
 
The clubs AGM is scheduled for November 20th. Send your nominations for President, Treasurer and Secretary to Susan.
 
Yuen is organizing the Foundation Luncheon this year. Hopefully to make it more affordable and increase the attendance. He did give a date but it is sometime in November. 
 
Pathways dinner and dance fundraiser is November 8th at 6 PM. Continental Restaurant. 
 
 
 
 
OUR THURSDAY BREAKFAST MEETING IS ACCESSED THROUGH THE LINK BELOW.
 
 
Rotary Club of Richmond Sunrise is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
 
 
Zoom Meeting Rules 
 
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)Bake some pumpkin pie. 
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 are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit!" Will Durant via Joyce.
 
 
   VISITORS     
 
 
Harvey Kooner
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND 
CLUB BUSINESS
 
The Foundation Luncheon is November 9th. Details to follow? Or not.
 
Speaker
 

Speaker Recap: Harvey Kooner – The Victor Ghirra Toy Drive

Harvey Kooner joined us to share the inspiring work of the Victor Ghirra Toy Drive, guided by the belief that “giving liberates the soul of the giver.”

Back-to-School Backpack Event

  • This year marked the 3rd annual back-to-school event, providing children with a strong start to their school year.
  • Supported by community partners such as Sunrise, Riverside Banquet Halls, and others.
  • Over the last three years, 50–85 children have been helped.
  • Kids received gift cards, balls, hoodies, backpacks, and bags of groceries.
  • Helping Hands contributed groceries rescued from local stores.
  • Families supported include those in foster care, immigrant and refugee households, single-parent families, and food bank users.
  • The goal is to reach even more families, especially those in Richmond, while also partnering with KidsPlay to expand outreach.

The Victor Ghirra Toy Drive

  • This December marks the 19th annual Toy Drive, taking place Sunday, December 14th, from 12–2 PM at Riverside Banquet Hall.
  • Over the years, the drive has collected more than 53,000 toys, now reaching children not just locally but also in India, the Philippines, and Ukraine.
  • It is supported by an extensive network of donors and community organizations, and the toys brighten the lives of countless children worldwide.

Upcoming Breast Cancer Fundraiser

  • October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Harvey is spearheading a special fundraiser with his kids.
  • For every $25 donation, you’ll receive cookies, with funds going directly to BC Cancer.
  • A $100 donation will provide a takeout dinner for two, available on select dates in December.
  • Donations will be collected at a few community locations between October 1–17.

Closing

Harvey expressed his thanks to Rotarians for their ongoing support, reminding us that together we can help those most in need, both in Richmond and far beyond.
 
 
 
SERGEANT At Arms Tidbits
 
Susan – A tough week as her mom took a fall, but thanks to Peachy Home Services, the support is in place. Between hospital visits, organizing help, singing hymns and attending the 100th Chamber of Commerce Gala, she’s been running a marathon of her own.
 
John – Grandkids come first, especially when severe asthma sends them to Children’s Hospital. After nights on oxygen and ventilators, the boys are finally home. John entertained one with “awful reality cartoons,” while the healthy sister milked her at-home privileges. Add cataract surgery to the mix, and he’s not sure if seeing all of us more clearly will be a blessing or a curse.
 
Bobby – Sunshine for once! Attended a Tourism Richmond mingle at Britannia Shipyards—part history, part heritage, all about keeping community connections alive. Seems like wherever Bobby goes, people recognize him from past events. A good reminder of the power of showing up.
 
Dalbir – Echoing Bobby’s point: staying connected is everything. The Sunrise name still carries weight in Richmond, and Dalbir is all about getting the word out and building those bridges.
 
Garth – Celebrated Richmond’s “Farm of the Year” winners, complete with honorary lifetime memberships for past presidents. Meanwhile, his wife’s Morocco-bound while their grandson starts preschool. Between daycare permits and Pemberton skies clearing just in time for events, Garth’s juggling it all with his usual good humor. None of this makes sense so E O and E.
 
Debbie S. – Feeling the sting of summer’s end.
 
Elena – A whirlwind of milestones: celebrated her grandson’s 3rd birthday and her own 16-year cancer-survivor anniversary. Marked it with an epic two-week trip to Mexico packed with nonstop festivities.
 
Jeanette – Watching the Philippines weather more hurricanes than anyone should have to.
 
Michael – After a run of back-to-back concerts (Bollywood night, Cyndi Lauper, Bryan Adams, Ice Cube!), he and his wife suddenly find themselves bored without live music. On the bright side, the kids are back in school, and Air Canada sent him $150 for a dented suitcase—a small but satisfying win.
 
Maryam – Balancing duty, teaching, and adjusting to winter mode. Asking Michael to take over her claim against Air Canada. 
 
Marg – Between Lions games, entertaining the last round of guests, and a curling outing, it’s been full but fun. Unlike others, she loves the changing seasons and wouldn’t trade BC’s beauty for anything.
 
Joyce – Deep in the binge-watching zone.
 
Lawrence – Grateful for the rain (because otherwise, no one goes to the theatre!). Shared a magical “FlyOver Iceland” experience that impressed even his wife. Compared her enthusiasm to Donkey from Shrek—which we are absolutely never telling her.
 
Brian – A funny family tale: his brother “accidentally” drafted an email asking friends to donate socks and underwear for his new house. Brian wonders… how much are we all spending on undergarments?
 
Sandra – Reflected on Yom Kippur: 24 hours of fasting and forgiveness. Also had a trip to the wine regions (with balsamic vinegar tastings!) and even caught some Formula 1 action. Cooler temps had locals complaining, but Sandra loved every bit.
 
Pat – Kicked off bowling season—two games in before the body started protesting. Tea and crumpets to recover.
 
Chris P. – A transformative week. Inspired by a book (Buy Back Your Time), she hired his first-ever business coach—an investment in becoming “Chris 10.0.” On the work front, went above and beyond for a vulnerable client, even caring for her blind 14-year-old dog while she was hospitalized. A story of trust, compassion, and community at its finest. On the lighter side: judging the BEA Awards youth category, prepping for Vegas, an Eagles concert, and a bougie dinner at “Bizarre Meat.”
 
Debbie T. – Still missing her beloved tuxedo cat, but has filled the house (and heart) with two playful tuxedo kittens. Also shared regatta drama: her team got slapped with a 10-minute penalty but still powered through. Wrapped up with high praise for Craft Brewery’s food, service, and atmosphere.
 

MEANDERINGS    

 
Details on how to donate to cookies for a cause. Bobby is looking into whether or not you can donate your cookies and meal to families benefitting from the Back to School Backpack event. We wish Harvey, Kamal, Mya and Josh the best and our thoughts are with them. 
 
Hi Bob 
 
Here's the information for the Rotarians, thank you for emailing them.  Campaign is from Oct 1st to 17th, I'll make sure to bring the cookie boxes to Riverside for pick-up when they are ready.  Thank you! 
 
💗 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 💗
 
In June, our family was shaken — my wife Kamal was diagnosed with breast cancer. She’s now in a year-long journey of treatment, and we’re staying hopeful every step of the way.
 
Our kids, Mya & Josh, wanted to turn this moment into something meaningful for others and give back. They’ve teamed up with award-winning baker Raveena Oberoi @ravthechef of Just Cakes Bakeshop @justcakesbakeshop to raise funds for the BC Cancer Foundation.
 
🎗️ Donate $25 or more and receive a 6-pack of delicious cookies from Just Cakes Bakeshop — a sweet way to support cancer research and care.
 
Let’s stand with families facing cancer and help fund life-saving work. 💕
 
 
 
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
 
Third Thursday of every month will be a projects meeting.
 
November 20th Club AGM.
 
Friday, May 1st, 2026; Rotary Gala.
 
 
 
 

 TODAY'S CHUCKLEs     

 
 
Pin on Smileys
Jeanette caught on candid camera.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Maryam Bawa
October 5
 
Danilo Salcedo
October 6
 
Malcolm Brodie
October 11
 
Micheal Ghirra
October 22
 
Spouse Birthdays
Malcolm Brodie
October 11
 
Anniversaries
Bobby Ghirra
Neeta Ghirra
October 23
 
Join Date
Dick Wagner
October 2, 1992
33 years
 
Christina Pughe
October 7, 2003
22 years
 
Jeannette Patacsil
October 24, 2022
3 years