Robbie Burns Day, Community Spirit & Coldest Night of the Year

January 20, 2026
We enjoyed a lively and entertaining meeting featuring guest speaker Maureen Lyon and the Tam O’Shanter Dancers from the White Rock Scottish Country Dance Club, along with guests Abby Gemino and Janet representing Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) and Sources.
 
Maureen Lyon, who was born on the west side of the Isle of Lewis and whose first language is Gaelic, introduced us to the rich traditions of Scottish culture. The Tam O’Shanter Dancers, part of the White Rock Scottish Country Dance Club based in Vancouver, delighted members with two wonderful Scottish country dances, a recitation of Robbie Burns poetry, and a fun quiz about Burns’ life and works. Adding a personal touch, our very own Gordie Hogg shared that he is a descendant of Robbie Burns.
 
The presentation also included a dance demonstration, followed by a spirited opportunity for Club members to try Scottish country dancing themselves. The program concluded with a joyful sing-along of well-known songs written by Robbie Burns, as everyone joined hands to sing “Auld Lang Syne.”
 

We also received an update on the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY), including a short video highlighting the local Peninsula walk and community impact. Over the past 10 years, the Rotary Club of White Rock has proudly raised $88,000 through CNOY as both a team participant and sponsor.

If you’d like to support this important cause, you can donate here:
👉 https://cnoy.w-ith.me/WhiteRockRotaryClub

To join our Rotary team or support us through the team fundraising page, visit:
👉 https://cnoy.w-ith.me/JOIN-WhiteRockRotaryClub

Announcements

  • Club AGM: Our Club AGM will take place next week on January 27. Directors and Executive will present brief reports, and we will vote to elect Board members for Darryl Walker’s presidential year (2026–27), as well as the President-Elect for 2027–28. This is an important meeting—please plan to attend.

  • Coldest Night of the Year Walk: Saturday, February 28, starting at Memorial Park, White Rock Beach, with 2 km and 5 km routes. Team Leader Muhammad Syed has shared the ClubRunner link to sign up or sponsor a walker.

  • Nature Celebrators Club Multicultural Fundraising Gala: Saturday, January 24. Details are available in BITW.