Club News

June 30, 2026

Ross Birney, CPA, CA, recently retired from Raymond James Ltd., where he worked as a Financial Adviser for more than 20 years. A graduate with Honours in Commerce from the University of Manitoba, Ross began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Calgary before moving to the Semiahmoo Peninsula with his family in 1996. In retirement, he enjoys sipping scotch, riding his motorcycle, and planning his next trip to Europe. Drawing on his extensive experience providing objective, unbiased advice to clients, Ross spoke on the topic “Financial Planning in Uncertain Times.”

Ross’s presentation focused on the importance of investing in the right places, choosing the right investment vehicles, and working with the right advisors. He emphasized that Canada represents only a small portion of the global investment opportunity and encouraged investors to think beyond individual stocks and local markets. Ross highlighted the value of low-cost index-based investing, the importance of staying invested rather than trying to time the market, and the tax advantages associated with capital gains. He also cautioned against high-risk individual stocks and fad investments, reminding members that good advisors should communicate proactively and be measured by whether they can outperform a relevant index after fees.

June 23, 2026

Our guest speaker, Sarah Macey, Community Access Coordinator with REACH Child and Youth Development Society, thanked the Rotary Club for its generous support and shared an overview of REACH’s work with children and youth with developmental disabilities. Since 1959, REACH has grown to serve approximately 1,400 children across Delta, Surrey, White Rock, and parts of Langley through assessments, therapy, counselling, supported childcare, family navigation, and equipment-lending programs.

Sarah highlighted the growing need for autism supports in South Surrey and for specialized equipment for children under three, before many government-funded programs begin. Mobility devices, therapy beds, adaptive toys, and other supports can help young children build independence, confidence, and essential skills during an important stage of development. She also noted that earlier access to the right equipment and services can make a meaningful difference for both children and their families, and encouraged Rotary members to consider helping REACH meet these important community needs.

June 15, 2026

Leslie and Michael Bonshor spoke about the strong connection between economic opportunity, community wellness, and improved health outcomes in First Nations communities. Leslie has led major reconciliation and Indigenous health initiatives, while Michael has worked for more than 25 years in Indigenous business and economic development. James warmly introduced the couple and shared how their friendship began through community soccer and continued through family activities and Leslie’s monthly “W5” gatherings.

Leslie described how their work in the Kwantlen community grew from a small health initiative into a successful primary-care model addressing trauma, addiction, racism, and unequal access to care. Michael explained how economic partnerships, including a long-term commercial development with Mercedes-Benz, have created sustainable community revenue. Together, they showed that strong wellness supports, cultural pride, and economic opportunity are essential to helping First Nations communities thrive.

June 9, 2026

At this week’s Rotary Club meeting, members welcomed Guest Speaker Kym Bailey-Cook, who gave a presentation on the topic “My Life.”

Members also enjoyed a short presentation from John Lusted, President of the Semiahmoo Rotary Club, who shared information about two important initiatives being led by their club. John spoke about the Semiahmoo Rotary Club’s Canada Flag fundraising program, a community-focused initiative that helps raise funds while encouraging residents and businesses to proudly display the Canadian flag.

June 2, 2026

Award-winning photographer, author, filmmaker, and Rotarian Gabor Gasztonyi shared an update on the global fight to eradicate polio. A former District 5040 Polio Chair and past president of the Rotary Club of New Westminster, Gabor has long been involved in Rotary’s efforts to eliminate the disease and support rehabilitation programs for polio survivors, particularly in Ethiopia.

Gabor reported that while vaccine-derived poliovirus remains a challenge in some under-immunized regions of Africa, overall polio cases continue to decline. Only seven cases of wild poliovirus have been reported worldwide in 2026—three in Pakistan and four in Afghanistan. He also highlighted the ongoing work of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and the importance of continued vaccination efforts to achieve a polio-free world.

Club Executives & Directors
President Elect
Co-President
President
Past President
Secretary
Foundation
Treasurer
Membership
Fundraising
Youth Services
International Chair
Club Services
Community Services
Welcome
 

 
We are currently meeting for lunch at the Rotary Field House in the South Surrey Athletic Park on Tuesdays at 12:00pm, we are also broadcasting on Zoom. Please contact us for the Zoom link, or if you would like to attend the in person lunch meeting.
 
Speakers
Club Business Meeting
Jul 14, 2026
Members Only
Trevor Halford MLA
Jul 21, 2026
Constituency Update
Anna Glibka, Together SSWR Society
Jul 28, 2026
Community Mental Wellness
Don Seitz - District 7680 CART Chairman
Aug 04, 2026
Coins for Alzheimer's Research Trust (CART)
White Rock Youth Ambassadors
Aug 11, 2026
Hopes & Dreams
Ernie Klassen MP, South Surrey-White Rock
Aug 18, 2026
Constituency Update
Navpreet (Navi) Toor - Rotaract Club of Surrey
Aug 25, 2026
Insights from a Young Rotarian
Dean Rohrs, D5050 Rotary Foundation Committee
Nov 03, 2026
The Rotary Foundation
Book Sale News
 
Book Donations
are welcome at the Rotary Fieldhouse in the South Surrey Athletic Park
 
Donations of books in good condition are welcome. We cannot accept magazines, textbooks, encyclopedias, manuals, or damaged books. Thank you for your understanding.
 
Books can be donated 24/7 at the Blue Bin on the North side of the Rotary Fieldhouse, located at 2197 148 St, Surrey, south of the Surrey Eagles Hockey Arena.  Large donations can be dropped off Monday mornings 9-11.  We can help you unload directly into the book warehouse and not fill up the bin.  If you need help picking up a large donation of books, we can help.  Contact us at rotaryclub.booksale@gmail.com for assistance.
Club Executives & Directors
President Elect
Co-President
President
Past President
Secretary
Foundation
Treasurer
Membership
Fundraising
Youth Services
International Chair
Club Services
Community Services
Current Board until July 1st, 2027/28
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