2025-2026

Congratulations to recipients of this year’s District Awards. See why these nominations were recognized for best practices in service to our Clubs and the District. There were so many excellent nominations reflecting the outstanding talent and achievements among our clubs and our members.

Outstanding Club of the Year Award Recipient

Reasons Rotary Club of Vancouver received the Outstanding Club of the Year Award.

  • Membership results are excellent with 24 new members before year end, including six former honorary members and two Rotaractors. Average age for the 40 to 49 years group has increased and for the 70 plus years dropped significantly in recent years period.
  • Not only are membership results excellent, how they were achieved was creative and committed to the Rotary Action Plan priority of Expand Our Reach.  total contributions to The Rotary Foundation of $32,523 was generous, exceeding the club’s goal for Polio Plus by a significant amount.
  • Service projects include 12 throughout the Lower Mainland with some emphasis on supporting women and children. Among those are the Stay In School Scholarship Program and the 40-year program now having achieved over 770 Cochlear Implant surgeries for children and adults and nearing completion of the $6 million project of Balance and Hearing Centre and a new St. Paul’s Hospital.
  • It also supports projects in six countries in Africa, Asia and Central America for a total of $40,000.
  • The social media followers for the club’s Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook total 6000.
  • Its Real Contest engages members in a creative way.
  • RC Vancouver is not only an excellent role model for other clubs -- being the oldest and largest club in the District -- it promotes service at the committee an international level in so many ways. As noted, the transformation of the club is also significant. The club addresses fully all four priorities of the Rotary Action Plan.
     

Rotarian of the Year Award Recipient

Reasons Bill Hellyer received the Rotarian of the Year Award

  • In his 36 years with Rotary, mainly with Rotary Club of Prince George Yellowhead, Bill seems to have been involved, if not led, in most areas of the club, including as president, in service above self as his club has delivered service to his community.
  • Bill has also served District 5040 in various capacities as committee and board member and leader, providing insight advice services.
  • In all 8 terms of references for this award, Bill has been a top achiever.
  • Bill Hellyer is an outstanding role model Rotary spirit and values at the club community level and the District and provincial level.
     

Public Image Award Recipient

Reasons Rotary Club of Whistler received the Public Image Award 

  • The Rotary Park in Cheakamus has been a highly visible public image initiative, with strong Rotary branding across physical features such as logos, a concession shed billboard, interpretive panels, and future shade sails in Rotary colours.
  • The project was promoted through a coordinated communications strategy that included Facebook and Instagram posts, website updates, member bulletins, posters, Google Maps, and local partnerships.
  • Community outreach included events with local organizations and a heavily promoted grand opening.
  • The initiative significantly increased Rotary’s visibility, strengthened brand consistency and online presence, supported membership growth, and built media and community relationships.
  • The Public Relations for the project had some influence in attracting 5 new members, 22% club growth and strong local engagement.

  • RC Whistler demonstrated a comprehensive Public Relations plan for the Rotary Park with positive outcomes and impacts as a role model for clubs.

    Don Evans People of Action Award Recipients

Reasons Angela Cao has received a Don Evans People of Action Award.

  • Angela Cao was nominated for this award because of her sustained Rotary leadership and broad community impact, including Rotary Club of Vancouver Centennial President (2022–2023), Youth Advisor (2023–2024), and Community Chair (2025–2026).
  • Angela is a compassionate, action-oriented leader whose service has created meaningful local and global impact.
  • In Club & Youth Service she guided the Interact Club in launching online charity concerts during COVID-19, raised funds for Canucks Place Children’s Hospice, mentored youth, and strengthened collaboration between Rotary and Interact members.
  • In Community Service she built partnerships with Frog Hollow Neighbourhood Community Centre, organized volunteer and fundraising efforts for seniors, supported Indigenous cultural education, and contributed to causes including Richmond Hospital, Burnaby General Hospital, and Food Bank BC.
  • In Vocational Service, as an accomplished financial professional she uses her professional role and media presence to promote ethical leadership and community health awareness.
  • In International Service: She supported humanitarian efforts such as preparing food packs for Syrian refugees and remained active in international youth-related initiatives.
  • Angela’s various contributions to her club and community exemplify the spirit and values of Rotary making her a good candidate for the Don Evans People of Action Award.

Reasons Rotary Frank Havies received a Don Evans People of Action Award.

  • Frank (“Happy Frank”) is portrayed as an exceptional Rotarian whose energy, leadership, and dedication have significantly strengthened his club, District 5040, and the broader Rotary community.
  • As Membership Chair, he helped grow club membership by 30% and is now leading efforts to expand corporate memberships.
  • He has played a major role in fundraising and community service, such as the club’s successful Whisky Tasting fundraiser, which netted $15,000.
  • He also secured a District Grant for the Buddy Bench/Food Security Project, which placed five benches in local schools and provided Christmas food hampers to families in need.
  • He is deeply involved with the Chatelech Interact Club, attends meetings regularly, and supports its events despite not being on the Youth Committee.
  • He also fosters cooperation among neighboring Rotary clubs, contributes to multi-club events, and is known for his enthusiasm, near-perfect attendance, and warm welcome to guests and members alike.
  • His prior Rotary work in Grande Prairie, including support for international aid to Honduras.
  • Frank’s achievements in membership and fundraising and giving back to the community and youth exemplifies the spirit and values of Rotary making him a good candidate for the Don Evans People of Action Award.

Reasons Manish Karki has received a Don Evans People of Action Award.

•        Manish Karki Manish Karki is nominated for his outstanding service, leadership, and lasting impact within Rotaract HOPE 604 and the broader Rotary community. 

  • His commitment to service is deeply personal: after receiving a “Jhola” bag of school supplies as a student in Nepal, he later dedicated himself to giving back by bringing the Jhola Bag fundraiser to Canada to support underprivileged children.
  • In the club, he has been a key leader, notably organizing a successful Club Officers Training Session (COTS) for multiple clubs.
  • In vocational and youth service, he has mentored young leaders and promoted Rotary values through practical leadership development.
  • In community service, he has supported both education and member fellowship through initiatives like the Jhola Bag project and club hiking activities.
  • Internationally, he has helped connect Nepal and Canada through service and cultural understanding.
  • Manish as a passionate, action-oriented leader whose journey from beneficiary to benefactor exemplifies “Service Above Self.”
  • Manish brings his international perspective and strong sense of giving back to the community, including those new to it, and exemplifies the spirit and values of Rotary and is a good candidate for the Don Evans People of Action Award.

Reasons Patrick McCurdy received a Don Evans People of Action Award

  • Patrick McCurdy has revived the Rotary Club of Whistler Millenium’s Youth Exchange program (STEP) after a period of inactivity, including recruitment, interviews, home visits, and compliance.
  • He enhanced meeting quality, attendance, and member connection and strengthened the weekly club programming with high-quality speakers.
  • Increased member engagement and supported Rotary’s Five Avenues of Service.
  • Provided steady leadership, mentorship, and continuity during transition periods.
  • Improved Club operations and community engagement through consistent service.
  • Expanded youth access to international Rotary opportunities.
  • Raised Rotary’s community profile through respected civic leadership.
  • Brought distinction to Rotary as a past Whistler “Citizen of the Year”.
  • Advanced Rotary’s mission through practical, sustained leadership.

Reasons Nolan Nicholson has received a Don Evans People of Action Award.

  • Nolan Nicholson has made an exceptional impact in just his second year as a member of the Rotary Club of Prince George Downtown, earning the Club’s Rotarian of the Year for his outstanding service, leadership, and dedication.
  • He has taken on numerous club responsibilities, helped drive the successful transition to Rotary STOMP, secured strong sponsorship support, and significantly raised Rotary’s profile through creative promotion and community engagement.
  • He played a key role in shifting the club’s fundraising strategy and contributed significantly to major events, including the success of the Atlantic Kitchen Party (Lobsterfest).
  • Boosted Rotary’s visibility in the community through a high volume of social media promotion, involving newer members in promotional videos, and inspiring wider sharing and engagement from members and friends.
  • He has also strengthened the Club’s culture and participation and showed that Rotary service can be visible, engaging, and fun.
  • Nolan’s enthusiasm, reliability, and willingness to go above and beyond make him a truly deserving award candidate.

Reasons Ron Suzuki has received a Don Evans People of Action Award.

  • Ron has been a member of Rotary Club of Vancouver Sunrise for 10 years period and in that time he has made many contributions to his club and community and to the District with his inspirational leadership.
  • One of Ron's most significant contributions to his club is the annual Hoop A Thon which has now caught on in other clubs.
  • For the District he has been the champion of multi-club polio walks and participation in gay pride parade both in Vancouver.
  • Ron served as District Rotaract chair, visiting existing and emerging clubs and always available and present.
  • Ron Suzuki is an outstanding role model of Rotary spirit and values at the club and community level and the District and provincial level period

District Governor Award Recipients

Reasons Chris Browne received a District Governor’s Award

  • Chris Browne, of the Rotary Club of Richmond, is receiving a District Governor's Award for all his contributions in making our first 5040 Club Leaders Forum (Presidents Elect Learning Seminar) in March such a success not only for PEs but for club leaders who are Secretaries and Treasurers.
  • He provided accommodation for those from out of town at a reduced rate at his hotel, Accent Inn Burnaby, and arranged transportation for all those members to and from the Forum venue.
  • He has also supported at minimal cost multiple District learning and planning sessions at his hotel in recent years.
  • As a two-time Past President of Richmond Rotary, he played a major role in reviving a struggling club, growing membership, rebuilding trust, and helping create the strong organization it is today.
  • He has provided strategic leadership and governance, strengthening decision-making, financial stewardship, and long-term sustainability.
  • Chris has made a broad impact by uniting committees, building community partnerships, mentoring future leaders, and raising Rotary’s visibility and effectiveness.
  • His contributions have been recognized through multiple Paul Harris Fellow honors and district-level awards for leadership, innovation, and service.

Reasons Kaz Kadono received a District Governor’s Award 

  • District Treasurer Kaz Kadono has not only done what was required of his position of responsibility, he has gone above and beyond to provide a template for others taking on that role.
  • Kaz's support of, and participation on, the Finance Committee and our District Board of Directors has been invaluable especially in creating a template in addressing the major challenge for District Governor Elects in creating their budget with clarity and fiscal responsibility.
  • He has provided prompt service at all times and developed the District's first comprehensive, user-friendly manual for the role.
  • He has taken on a significant responsibility and streamlined it for the benefit of those who follow.
  • An excellent legacy and role model of Service Above Self.

Reasons Lynda Rocha received a District Governor’s Award (posthumous).

  • Starting with Rotary in 1991 in Kitimat then transferring to Rotary Club of Squamish, Lynda continued to demonstrate her leadership and influence in many capacities in service above self including president and secretary.
  • District She has made various events possible and led a major club fundraiser. District Linda has served many years as a District leader and achiever in various areas of youth including Interact and chair of the District Youth Committee
  • District She also served on two or three District golf conference committees
  • In all 8 terms of reference for this award, Lindas has been a atop achiever
  • Linda Rocha is an outstanding role model of Rotary spirit and values at the club and community level and at the District and provincial level.

 

Other Award Nominees Honourable Mention

Rotary Club of Prince George Downtown is recognized for its nomination for Outstanding Club of the Year Award

Summary of strengths and contributions:
•    With a membership of 35 at the start of the year and a goal of 40, the club well exceeded its goal with 44 for 26% growth.
•    The club’s target for contributions to The Rotary Foundation for End Polio was US$1,500. It exceeded that goal by US$305.
•    The club’s target for Annual Fund contribution was US$6,000 and it exceeded that goal.
•    A wide range of service projects have been achieved by the club, including five school breakfast programs, scholarships and bursaries, the multi-club Hoop A Thon, including not only Rotary, but Rotaract and Interact members.
•    Youth programs are a particular strength: Youth Exchange; RYLA; Adventure in Citizenship; Adventures in Health Care; the club’s new Adventures in Technology. It also supports a teenager in Kenya to stay in school
•    Five social events in the year have contributed to the strength of the club in addition to the fellowship in service projects.
•    The collaboration of the club and the three other clubs in Prince George in various Rotary and community projects is a great strength as well.
•    During the year RC Prince George Downtown has demonstrated that it is vibrant and highly productive in service above self, generous in its donations to TRF, collaborative as it Unites for Good with other clubs and fun with its regular socials. It is a good role model for our District clubs.

Rotary Club of Whistler is recognized for its nomination for Outstanding Club of the Year Award

Summary of strengths and contributions:
•    The club’s member retention rate of 100% and growth of 22% with five new members exceeding a goal of 22 is an excellent result for the year. 
•    The contribution of $2036 to End Polio was good, as was that for the annual fund of $1285. 
•    The Rotary Bike Plaza was a major achievement as a contribution to the community and as an enhancement to the local tourism industry plus a variety of other community service projects and fundraisers kept club members engaged and productive during the year. 
•    Donations to various community and international service projects is noted.
•    Youth Services has been a priority.
•    Facebook for the club is active in current and three news media features have provided a good opportunity in Public Relations, but the club website as “home base” is relatively out of date therefore counterproductive her Public Image.
•    RC Whistler is a good role model for its service projects and membership retention and growth. Donations to The Rotary Foundation are fair to good.


Rotary Club of Burnaby Metrotown is recognized for its nomination for Public Image Award

Summary of strengths and contributions:
•    RC Burnaby Metrotown built a strong public presence through a combination of digital communication and in-person community engagement.
•    The Public Relations action plan included a refreshed website, active social media channels, LinkedIn outreach, and a Google Business Profile to promote club initiatives, events, and membership opportunities.
•    The club strengthened visibility through newsletters, networking socials, and partnerships with local organizations and business groups.
•    Public Relations included support of the club's projects such as "Coats for Kids" and the "Menstrual Hygiene Poverty Fight Project", building stronger local partnerships in the process.
•    Results included a visible digital presence, community recognition, and increased engagement and positive feedback for long-running service initiatives like Coats for Kids and gratitude from international partners in Uganda.
•    Overall the club has assessed its Public Relations program as having built its Public Image by reflecting Rotary’s values by emphasizing accessibility, consistent branding, community service, and “People of Action” storytelling.
•    RC Burnaby Metrotown demonstrated a comprehensive Public Relations plan for building Public Image for the club overall and through its individual projects or fundraisers with positive outcomes and impacts as a role model for clubs.

Rotary Club of Tsawwassen is recognized for its nomination for Public Image Award

Summary of strengths and contributions:
•    The club strengthened its visibility through print, social media, and website outreach. 
•    It ran 20 paid newspaper ads promoting major community events such as World Polio Day and the annual Shred-a-thon, helping increase attendance. 
•    It featured in 20 newspaper articles or community-column mentions, along with multiple photo essays. 
•    133 posts were shared on social media using photos, videos, and updates that grew our audience to 1.5K Facebook followers and 200 Instagram followers.
•    Overall communications generated 221,759 views, including 69,166 organic views and 152,593 from advertising. 
•    Regular website updates on meetings, fundraisers, and projects also supported membership growth, helping attract 10 new members so far, with several more expressing interest.
•    Advertising generated turnout to events such as World Polio Day for our vaccine clinic and the annual Shred-a-thon. 
•    Continued updating of the website has assisted in our increase in membership – to date 10 new members with several more showing interest. 
•       RC Tsawwassen has demonstrated a comprehensive Public Image program throughout the year with good examples of Public Relations as role model for clubs.

Rotary Club of West Vancouver Sunrise is recognized for its nomination for Public Image Award

Summary of strengths and contributions 
•    RC West Vancouver Sunrise strengthened its public image through a focused digital communications strategy built around Instagram, Facebook, and storytelling. 
•    The club's 2025–2026 Strategic Plan -- giving member-driven direction to operations -- aimed to raise community visibility, improve online engagement, support membership growth, and reinforce Rotary’s “People of Action” message.
•    The club shared consistent content featuring events, volunteer efforts, youth programs, fundraisers, partnerships, and weekly club highlights. 
•    Outreach promoted initiatives such as "Rotary Ride for Rescue", Interact activities and "Youth Helping Youth", using branded visuals, photography, reels, captions, and sponsor recognition.
•    Public Relations targeted local residents, potential members, youth, and community partners across West Vancouver and the North Shore with website and social media promotion, event updates, community partnerships, public outreach, and visible event branding.
•    Social media reach grew from about 200 to 5,088, media mentions from 7 to 19, and membership inquiries from 4 to 7.
•    The club assessed that results included stronger visibility, expanded reach, improved engagement, greater awareness of Rotary’s support for rescue and humanitarian causes, and increased volunteer and community participation. 
•    RC West Vancouver Sunrise demonstrated a comprehensive Public Relations plan for building Public Image for the club overall and through its individual projects or fundraisers with positive outcomes and impacts as a role model for clubs.