— An evening where ordinary acts of kindness lit up the galaxy —
Vancouver, June 8, 2025 – Against the picturesque backdrop of the Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club, the Rotary Club of Vancouver Centennial (RCVC) proudly hosted its 20th Anniversary Celebration alongside the inauguration of its 2025–2026 Board of Directors.
Two Decades of Dedication to Community Service
The celebration officially commenced with the Canadian national anthem.
RCVC President Nancy Fan, under the theme Light of Fireflies, delivered a heartfelt review of the club’s impactful initiatives over the 2024–2025 year.
From Canada Day street service to coastal clean-up campaigns, from art auctions for wildfire relief to a live symphony fundraising concert, the club has made a tangible difference. These efforts, including a CAD 19,000 donation to polio eradication and Lions Gate Hospital, have earned admiration across the community.
A special highlight was the growing impact of RCVC’s Interact Club. Over the past year, young members raised funds for a hospice, and in May, their mini fire truck donation project received recognition from District 5040. These youth-led initiatives embody Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
In a solemn handover ceremony, presided over by District Leader Dean Hsieh, incoming President Jessica Lu took the oath of office.
In her inaugural address, Jessica expressed gratitude to MLA Teresa Wat, District Governor Drew (2024–2025), Dean (2026–2027), and District 5040 leaders including Nancy Eidsvik, John Berry, Suna Yee, and Greg Muirhead, as well as members from partner Rotary clubs for their guidance and support.
She outlined three key priorities for her term:
Deepening local volunteer service
Expanding international humanitarian collaborations
Strengthening youth leadership development
With a focus on supporting vulnerable communities, the club will host monthly senior home visits and lead new community care initiatives.
The evening also featured a touching 20th anniversary video, revisiting milestones from RCVC’s founding in 2005 to its present achievements — from clean water projects and ceramic filter production to establishing the first Mandarin-speaking Interact Club in the Chinese-Canadian community.
Charity Auction: Love in Action
The charity auction raised funds that will be fully donated to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, supporting critical care for children with life-threatening illnesses. Guests enthusiastically bid on unique items, turning goodwill into tangible impact.
President Jessica Lu remarked, “Every contribution carries love and hope. We will continue to work alongside our community to bring light to children in need.”
The evening ended on a warm and celebratory note — with a toast to 20 years of service, the ceremonial cutting of the 20th anniversary cake, and a shared vision for the decades ahead.
