Meeting Highlights: Youth Leadership, Community Support, and Climate Action

January 13, 2026
Our meeting highlighted youth leadership, community support, and an informative presentation on climate action.
 
The Club presented the Leaders of Tomorrow Award and a $500 cheque to Aleena Manoj from Semiahmoo Secondary School, recognizing her leadership and contributions to her school and community. A $1,500 cheque was also presented to SHER Vancouver LGBTQ Friends Society, received by Karu Sahota, in support of their ongoing programs and services.

Our guest speaker was Larisa Lensink, Climate Policy Advisor with the City of Surrey, who spoke on the City’s Climate Change Action Strategy. Larisa outlined Surrey’s goal of reducing community greenhouse gas emissions to net zero before 2050 and shared how the City is advancing practical, locally driven climate solutions.

Larisa Lensink is the Climate Policy Advisor with the City of Surrey, leading the implementation of the City’s Climate Change Action Strategy. She has worked in local government sustainability and climate action for the past ten years in Halifax, North Vancouver and now Surrey, and is passionate about advancing local solutions to the climate crisis. She holds a Master of Resource and Environmental Management from Dalhousie University and a Bachelors of Environmental Science from UBC.

We were also pleased to welcome and induct Kym Bailey-Cook as a new member of our Club.

Announcements

  • Rotary Fieldhouse Warehouse
    Members received an update on the status of the Fieldhouse Warehouse, including ongoing discussions and next steps to secure long-term storage space that supports Club operations and community programs.

  • Club Annual General Meeting – January 27
    Our AGM will take place on January 27. The Chair of the Nomination Committee, Anthony, will circulate a ClubRunner notice with the proposed slate of officers for the 2027–28 Rotary year. At this time, there are opportunities for President-Elect and Treasurer. Members interested in serving, or with questions about these roles, are encouraged to contact a member of the Nomination Committee.

  • Coldest Night of the Year Walk – Saturday, February 28
    The Club is participating in the Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk, starting at Memorial Park, White Rock Beach, with 2 km and 5 km routes available. Muhammad Syed is serving as Team Leader and has shared a ClubRunner link for members to sign up to walk or sponsor a participant.

  • Nature Celebrators Club Multicultural Fundraising Gala – Saturday, January 24
    Members are invited to support the Nature Celebrators Club at their Multicultural Fundraising Gala on Saturday, January 24. Event details and ticket information are available in This Week in Rotary (BITW).