Alway great to hear what is happening at Massey Theatre from Jessica Schneider, Executive Director.
They are celebrating 75 years in our community this year!
President
President Elect
Secretary
Treasurer
Immediate Past President
Rotary Tower Director
Membership Director
Public Relations Director
Club Administration
Youth Director
Welcome to The Rotary Club of New Westminster, proudly serving our community since 1928.
At our club meetings we are fortunate to have interesting and engaging speakers. We welcome guests, so check out our schedule!
We recently had a presentation by Rotarian Rob Stewart (Medical Services Lead) and Dr Lauren McBride (psychosocial Services Group Lead). 
The Invictus Games were held in Vancouver and Whistler from Feb 8-17. Sports included wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair curling, sitting volleyball, indoor rowing, swimming, alpine skiing, skeleton, cross-country and biathlons.
537 competitors and about 1,500 “Friends and Family”, from 23 nations, attended the Games. The patron of the Games is Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
Planning for Invictus Games Medical Services took about 9 months. At Games-time we had 240 medical volunteers, covering first aid, therapy (physiotherapy, massage therapy and chiropractic), physicians, nurses, and first responders. Included in the team were 55 members of the Psychosocial Services Group, comprising mental health professionals (Psychologists and Counsellors), members of the Edgewood Health Network (peer support), members of the Canadian Armed Forces’ Occupational Stress Injury Social Support group (peer support and consultation), and 19 PADS (Pacific Assistance Dog Society) accredited facility support dogs and their human handlers. The PSG team stressed a “trauma-informed” approach to providing care and weee affectionately known as the “purple vests” (because that is what they wore over their yellow uniforms).
During the Games, the Medical team provided medical (not including the PSG team) services to over 600 people, including 60 physiotherapy services and 123 massage therapy visits. In addition, the PSG team recorded about 6,000 encounters (mostly involving the PADS dogs.
The Games went very well. There were no serious injuries; the Medical Services program was extremely well received by the Invictus Games Foundation, Competitors, Friends and Family and Nations representatives; and the PSG team was applauded for integrating trauma-informed care into the training for all Medical Services personnel.
In many senses, participating in these Games was a ‘game-changer’ of sorts: we all were deeply touched by the strength and courage of the Competitors and their supporters, and we were left with moving stories and memories that will stay with us forever.
At a recent meeting Past District Governor Del Paterson, presents Jen Arbo, Chair of KidSport New Westminster with a $10,000 donation supporting youth sports in New Westminster. Just one of the many organizations we share our fundraising funds with.
By supporting KidSport we all win. When kids have access to sport they improve in school, become stronger leaders, create safer communities, ignite inclusivity and fuel healthy habits for life.
With great pleasure we welcomed our newest member Raven Thiara!
We were pleased to welcome our newest member this week!
Joanna Jackson-Farley invited by Michael Crean, was inducted by Assistant Governor Ron Shaw.
Despite the cold weather, the eye clinic provided services to 26 clients in need of vision care. Clients were welcomed by the smiles of volunteers, creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere from the moment they arrived. While waiting for their turn, they were able to grab a hot cup of coffee and snacks. The eye exams were conducted by Dr. David, Dr. Warren, and Dr. Ramirez, who generously shared their skills and expertise, ensuring that each client received quality care. The clients were incredibly grateful, sharing heartfelt words about how much this opportunity meant to them. At the end of their visit, clients were happy to receive care packages, which further added to their gratitude. The Douglas staff played a key role, going above and beyond to assist clients with warmth and compassion, making sure their needs were met. This was a well-coordinated event, thanks to the dedication of our amazing volunteers, doctors, and staff. Seeing the smiles on the clients’ faces and hearing their words of appreciation made it all the more rewarding. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event such a success!
As Rotarians we fundraise and donate to many causes. We also connect with community partners. We had a great evening of fellowship touring The Royal Westminster Regiment and the Museum. Join us at a club meeting to learn more about us!
Meet our newest member Lila Day who was inducted and welcomed by Past District Governor Del Paterson and our President Jaimie McEvoy.
We welcome guests to our meetings to learn about our club activities and how to become a Rotarian.
Members and their guests gathered for our annual Christmas fellowship event at the Vancouver Golf & Country Club.
A lovely evening including delicious food and carolling. We brought gifts to share with seniors in our community.
At Thursday’s meeting Abigail, presented our Club President Jaimie McEvoy a banner from the Rotary Club of Bregenzerwald Austria. She recently returned from a one year youth exchange. Maxine thanked Jeremy for his terrific presentation about how our Rotary Foundation makes a difference.
Members stopped by Share Family & Community Services to hear about the wonderful work they do with children and to see a piece of equipment we donated. The pacer provides essential benefits to the children such as adjustability for growth, specialized features, durability, safety, customization options, and peace of mind for families.We had 3 interesting speakers this September.
We caught up on Zoom with our former exchange Student Muki who returned home to Vienna, heard from Gloria, one of our newer members as she presented her "Who's Who" chat, and Mike treated us to a a presentation about his most recent sailing adventures.
Rob thanks Gloria for her presentation. (photo by Gabor Gasztonyi)
Mike presents to a full house.
Thank you to all of our members and friends of Rotary who helped our club achieve our goals!
Past Co-Presidents Gaby Gasztonyi & Louise Perry.
Congratulations! Your club has earned the Rotary Citation, the most significant award a Rotary club can achieve, for 2023-24. This past year, your club demonstrated a commitment to achieve its goals, which ultimately helps strengthen Rotary and shape our future.
Sincerely,
Gordon R. McInally
2023-24 RI President
Congratulations! Your club has earned the Rotary Citation, the most significant award a Rotary club can achieve, for 2023-24. This past year, your club demonstrated a commitment to achieve its goals, which ultimately helps strengthen Rotary and shape our future.
Sincerely,
Gordon R. McInally
2023-24 RI President
We love learning about our members.
Rick Folka presented his Who's who (member classification talk) at our meeting this week.
He has an impressive resume in the accounting field.
During Covid we held an online Pet Show fundraiser called Power of Pets. The funds we raised were donated to Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) so we were a naming sponsor for a puppy.
We are delighted to announce that
Fabulous Fraser III has got a job!
He passed his pre-placement testing and has been matched with a client. Fraser has been supported by an incredible village whose dedication deserves equal recognition:
School of Origin: Brigadoon Service Dogs
Puppy-Raiser: Cynthia Hlynski
Advanced Sitter: Marley McGonigle
Naming Sponsor: Rotary in New Westminster
We had a wonderful summer social hosted by our generous members Rick & Maxine. Beautiful weather, delicious food with great company! Yes, Rotarians do have fun.
Members gathered together, to say thank you to our outgoing presidents Gabor Gasztonyi & Louise Perry and welcomed our newest President, Jaimie McEvoy. He was installed by Bob Crawford along with the board of directors for 2024-2025.
The theme is The Magic of Rotary. We look forward to a wonderful year under the leadership of Jaimie.
We were so pleased to have our District Governor Drew Antrobus and member, Past District Governor John Berry welcome our newest member Vick Vashisht.
We look forward to having him serve our community with us!
Photo courtesy of Gabor Gasztonyi
We recently said goodbye to our outstanding Youth Exchange Student, Muki.
Thank you to all the host families and councillors that supported him. This wonderful program can't happen without you!
He has arrived safely home with his family in Vienna. All smiles!
We recently made a donation to Honour House Society to replace the mattresses to ensure the first responders, military personnel and their families have a comfortable night's sleep during their stay at Honour House.
Since it opened in 2010 Honour House Societyhas provided over fourteen thousand night stays for our heroes in uniform, free of charge.
Co-President Gabor Gasztonyi presents Curt Appleby with our cheque.
With the upcoming graduation season, we congratulate and celebrate the youth in our community who have worked hard and will be recognized with a scholarship or bursary.
The Rotary Clubs in New Westminster are proud to support the many outstanding students with one of our Rotary scholarships and bursaries.
“We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.”
We enjoyed a terrific presentation this week from Mari Kato and three Japanese students from Focus Education Services.
We are seeking sponsors, prize donors and golfers for our annual Pot of Gold Golf Tournament on July 16th.
It's a great way to enjoy the day with friends, business contacts or make some new ones!
A few throw back photos from past years. Join us! Hope to see you at Mayfair Lakes!
Our meeting this week showcased 2 of the youth programs that our club supports. We had an inspiring presentation from Aiden, the recipient of The Grasby Family Bursary and celebrated 2 birthdays. Our exchange student Muki & our guest Sue. We were delighted to have Sue & Earl representing the Grasby family join us.
Rotarian Rick thanks Jeni, Regan & Serena from Metro Vancouver for their informative presentation about the Annacis Water Supply Tunnel project. Interesting speakers is just one reason to get involved with Rotary!
photo courtesy of Gabor Gasztonyi
Our 4th annual Bevies & Bites was a terrific success! We welcomed 300 guests and together we raised $15,000. Thank you to everyone who participated! A big shout out to our bevies and bites donors and our presenting sponsors!
Several members and spouses travelled to Uganda in January to visit some of our international partners and projects including the Uganda Hearing Centre in memory of our member Dr. Irwin Stewart.
This project was executed in partnership with Makerere University Hospital & Hear His Voice Uganda. The project is pioneering an early intervention program for deaf & hard of hearing children, diagnosis & treatment of children with hearing loss, promoting advocacy for the welfare of deaf children as well as creating awareness for abilities & needs of children with hearing loss.
It received funding from our Rotary Foundation Global Grant program.
They returned and shared a wonderful presentation to our club members and guests. This is just one of the many ways our club and members Create Hope in the World.
Welcome to our newest member James! Assistant District Governor Ron was on hand to induct him.
Thank you to Rick for introducing him to our Rotary.
What makes a great meeting? Welcoming our newest member Gloria and presenting another Paul Harris Fellow level award to Gerda! 
And of course fellowship among friends!
Muki, our youth exchange student from Austria, enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with the Stewart families.
He enjoyed the food, games and received some gifts!
At our final meeting for the year we held our Annual General Meetings and presented a membership plaque to Sheila Kirk.
We also took the opportunity to thank the Garth, the owner at Boston Pizza and his team for providing us with a great space and service during our club meetings.
Several members along with their guests enjoyed a Christmas Light Bus Tour to check out some beautiful light displays in the Tri-Cities area.
Thanks to the Transit Museum Society for the comfortable ride!
Several members including our President Gaby and our newest member Rick volunteered to ring the bells supporting the Salvation Army.
Our Foundation Chair Jeremy, presented John and Nancy Milne with a Paul Harris Fellow at our Christmas dinner
for their generous support of the Rotary Foundation and community service.
photo courtesy of Gabor Gasztonyi
Our Interact, Rotaract & Rotary Clubs partnered up to spread JOY to seniors in our community.
With the help of the Rainbow Chorus Choir, we brought the gift of music with cards and delivered reindeer bags to many delighted seniors to brighten their holiday season.
It was a terrific day with youth and seniors!
We had a great club meeting to end November which is Rotary Foundation Month.
Our Immediate Past District Governor John Berry presented our club with several certificates including a MAJOR DONOR LEVEL 4 for total giving for the 2022/2023 Rotary Year.
Our members are very generous supporters of our Rotary Foundation making sure we continue to Create Hope in the World.
Our District Governor Shirley-Pat Gale visited our club to deliver a very inspirational message.
She also had the pleasure of inducting our newest member Rick Folka who was introduced to Rotary by Mike Crean.
And our Past District Governor John Berry was on hand to thank Shirley-Pat
Interested in community service and opportunities to learn leadership skills? We are always seeking more helping hands to help us continue our good work in the local and international communities.
We also exchanged club banners with a visiting Rotarian, Adrian joining us from the South Tyler Rotary Club, Texas.
It takes a village to raise a child, or in our case continue to participate in The Rotary Youth Exchange Student Program. We are so fortunate to have partners such as the Royal City and Burnaby Metrotown Clubs who share the financial and host family obligations with us. We enjoyed a wonderful presentation from Muki about his home country Austria and his family.
Photos courtesy of our Co- President Gabor Gasztonyi
Several members and friends of Rotary volunteered as poppy taggers for New Westminster Legion Branch 2.
Thank you to our volunteers and the folks that stopped by with donations.
One of the ways we support our community is to provide volunteers and financial support to @dontgohungryfoodprogram
A big turnout at our evening meeting tonight. We always enjoy new member classification talks. Tonight we heard from Bijoy and Neha. Chu thanked them and presented our Four Way Test coin.
Guests are welcome!
One of the many reasons to join Rotary is the meetings! We have visitors from other clubs and countries stop in and share their stories and have presentations from other community groups! This week we heard from Sarah from the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce and exchange club flags with Sunil from India.
Guests are alway welcome! Check out our meeting schedule.
We are back after our reduced Summer schedule.
We enjoyed exchanging club banners with Rotarian Clayton Lam who visited from Rotary Club of Hong Kong South and had a terrific presentation from Steve Rutledge sharing the Adopt a Village in Laos project.
Learn more at
We welcomed our new Exchange Student Muki, from Austria at our Summer Picnic at Queen's Park. We look forward to a terrific year hosting him.
Thank you to our host families! We can't do it without you!
The Rotary Club of New Westminster in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Kololo in Kampala, Uganda, are currently implementing a teaching program at the Dr Irwin Stewart Rotary Memorial Hearing Centre in Kampala, Uganda. The clinic and programs are operated and administered by our partner, Hear His Voice Uganda. Currently a Vocational Training Team consisting of a speech therapist, Rosie Gardner from Dublin Ireland, and an Audiologist Selma Karsan of Vancouver, are in Uganda training staff and clinicians and working with hearing impaired children to build resources and skills for the hearing disabled community of Uganda. The program will last three weeks and has been very well received and supported thanks to this very effective partnership.
Our club members work hard to raise funds and were delighted to share some of it with the vulnerable seniors in our community. 
We recently provided funding to the Seniors Services Society to purchase fans for distribution to seniors in our community to help keep them cool during the hot temperatures.
We appreciate all the ways SSS supports our seniors.
Learn more about them at http://www.seniorsservicessociety.ca
Perfect weather for a lovely evening of fellowship.
Thank you to our generous members Rick and Maxine for hosting.
Thank you to our generous sponsors, golfers and volunteers for making our 27th Annual Pot of Gold Golf Tournament a great success last week at Mayfair Lakes!
Our beneficiaries appreciate it so much.
And thank you to Gabor Gasztonyi for capturing these stellar images.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a member of your local Rotary Club is making new friends!
Several members gathered together for a sushi making class with Rotarian Ron Suzuki (Vancouver Sunrise Club)
Our first meeting for the CREATE HOPE in the WORLD theme chosen by Rotary International President Gordon McInally.
Co-Presidents Gabor Gasztonyi and Louise Perry are looking forward to another great year for our club!
At our Installation event we said a BIG Congratulations and thank you for their service to our member/District Governor John Berry, his wife Pat, Club President Laurie Stewart and her husband Jamie for their terrific leadership and support in the Rotary Year 2022/2023.
Our President Laurie and District Governor John welcome our two newest members!
We look forward to serving with Neha and Bijoy!
Congratulations to the Youth Committee of both Rotary Clubs in New Westminster who received The Adult Ally Award at The New Westminster Youth Awards last night. This award recognizes an adult mentor or service club who provides support and services to youth.
3 members of the youth committee attended the event.
Supporting youth in our community is a top priority for our clubs!
Photo courtesy of Natalia Botero. nataliaboterophotographer@gmail.com
Several members and guests gathered at our District 5040 Conference in Vancouver. The theme was Connecting Clubs with Communities.
We we inspired by many wonderful keynote speakers and heard about some terrific projects happening in our district.
There was some terrific entertainment throughout the weekend as well.
Congratulations to Nancy Eidsvik who received a District Governor Award from DG John Berry and Louise Perry who was recognized as Rotarian of the Year!
Special thanks to the Rotary Rabbit (Bunny) who kept us all on time!
And finally a big thank you to our photographer Gabor Gasztonyi!
Rotary Arua Prison Mattress Project - District Grant # 2341394
In an effort to ensure that prisoners in Arua have a more dignified stay, we partnered with the Arua Rotary Club to purchase 300 mattresses and covers. This will allow those who are incarcerated to no longer sleep on the floor, and provide a small modicum of dignity during their stay in the facility.
The Rotary Clubs in New Westminster are proud supporters of the Hyack Ambassador Program.
We are delighted that Miss Rotary, Jadyn Gibson was awarded the title of Miss New Westminster 2023!
We congratulate Jadyn and the other candidates and wish them a terrific year representing their city.
Event photos by Lydia Nagai Photography.
A great member classification from Rob Stewart at this evening's meeting.
John Berry thanks him and presents our Rotary Coin with the 4 Way Test.
Our member Nancy Eidsvik stopped in at the RC of Ladner.
She is holding the Rotarian of the Year Banner with Past President, Denis Denischuk and Peter Roaf.
Nancy received this special recognition in 2010-2011.
The banner is on the way to the upcoming District 5040 Conference where another Rotarian will receive this honour.
Club members had a meeting offsite at Massey Theatre to hear what is new and upcoming at this City of New Westminster Venue.
We had a presentation and a tour from the Executive Director, Jessica Schneider and enjoyed a light lunch from Green's & Beans Deli.
District Governor John Berry, and Nancy Eidsvik welcome our newest member Krista Ediger to the club!
Our exchange student from Sweden had a terrific time up at Whistler Blackcomb!
Our club co-sponsors an exchange student with the Royal City Rotary Club.
We are proud to sponsor Miss Jadyn Gibson. She was escorted into the recent President's Tea by Alan Wardle, a Past President of the Hyack Festival Association.
Photo credit: Paul Fuoco
Our members are very proud of the extensive scholarship and bursary program we provide to students graduating from New Westminster Secondary School.
On behalf or the clubOur President - Elect Gabor Gasztonyi accepted a certificate from MP Janet Routledge.
With thanks, we acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia to provide this program.
Several members supported the Annual Salvation Army Kettle Campaign again this year.
A great opportunity to serve our community while sharing fellowship.
Members of the Rotary, Rotaract and Interact Clubs of New Westminster joined together to decorate our Rotary Seniors Tower and sing some carols.
Members and their guests gathered for some Christmas cheer.
A lovely evening!
Our youth exchange student from Sweden is enjoying the outdoors with her host family and friends. Playing in the snow at Dog Mountain.
Thank you to the members and friends of Rotary that volunteered as poppy taggers in the community supporting the New Westminster Royal Canadian Legion.
Our exchange student and members of the morning club met Fin the Mascot for the Canucks at the New Westminster Firefighter's Charitable Society/Canucks Alumni Hockey game this past weekend.
She is the one that got away!
Member classifications make wonderful programs.
We recently heard from Rick Carswell.
We learned that not only does Rick have a degree in classical music and an accomplished career in banking he also ran his own business in making finely crafted furniture AND he has played in several symphonies, including the Russian Circus. Rick plays the trombone, the piano and the cello and he can read Treble, Bass, Alto, and Tenor clef music (which is not common).
Rick is a very active member of our club, volunteering regularly at Don't Go Hungry Food Support and hosting a social for our members.
Interact, Rotaract and Rotary Clubs joined forces to decorate our Rotary Tower for Halloween.
With sadness we share this news.
Our honorary member and Past District Governor David Kirk passed away recently.
Dave joined our club in May 1982, was President in 1990-1991 and served as District Governor in 2000-2001.
Our thoughts are with his wife Sheila and their family at this time.
We will remember Dave for his contributions as a Rotarian and to the community.
Rest in Peace Dave.
In the spirit of peace and reconciliation we donated these special memorial markers that were unveiled at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
The resting place of Chief Rhonda Larrabee’s
Ancestors are now recognized.
We are grateful to be included in this emotional ceremony.
Also we thank Stewart Monumental, Kearney Funeral Services and St. Peter’s Cemetery for their generous support.
Members our our local Rotary and Rotaract Clubs were delighted to present $10,000 to the hard working folks at the Don’t Go Hungry Food Support Program.
We raised these funds at our Bevies & Bites Fundraiser.
Thank you to all the volunteers that donate their time to help out every Saturday, including several of our members!
To learn more:
Service Above Self
New Westminster, BC
Canada