Inside the 14th Annual International Women’s Day Luncheon
The 14th annual International Women’s Day Luncheon brought inspiration and community impact to a packed house on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the historic Murrayville Community Memorial Hall. Organized by the four Rotary Clubs of Langley, the sold-out event rallied local leaders around the global theme, “Give to Gain”. Through powerful storytelling and massive fundraising efforts, the afternoon truly showcased how mentorship, advocacy, and generosity build a more equitable future.
An Inspiring Homecoming Keynote
RCMP Superintendant Raina Siou
This year’s keynote speaker was RCMP Superintendent Raina Siou (Officer-in-Charge of the B.C. Operational Communications Centre). For Siou, speaking at Murrayville Hall was an emotional homecoming. She recalled standing in the exact same hall at a craft fair when she was five years old, shortly before her family lost their home due to economic collapse and severe health hardships.
“I look back at that five-year-old that was standing here in this Murrayville Hall… and then it was yanked from her,” Siou shared. “I’m so grateful I was still able to achieve my full potential, but that was only through people that gave.”
Recognizing Our "Unsung Heroes"
Rather than taking to the streets in protest, Langley’s Rotary Clubs utilize the luncheon to actively spotlight the positive, life-changing work of local women. Out of six phenomenal nominees, Shruti Chamoli, Chair of the Langley Volunteer Bureau, was named the 2026 Unsung Hero. Chamoli was recognized for leveraging her 20 years of HR expertise to champion pay equity and anti-racism while scaling the bureau to support over 75 non-profits with 4,200+ volunteers.
The event took time to honour all six exceptional finalists who have gone above and beyond for the Langley community:
- Shruti Chamoli (2026 Unsung Hero Winner)
- Dr. Kathleen Stephany
- Kim Snow
- Lara Petrie
- Diane Summers
- Margaret Ann
Raising Over $10,000 Through “Give to Gain Action”
True to the “Give to Gain” theme, attendees opened their hearts and wallets during the event’s interactive fundraising activities. The highly anticipated Silent Auction raised over $3,500, featuring generous donations from local businesses. Guests also eagerly participated in a lively 50/50 draw, keeping the energy in the room high while funding vital causes.
Between the fundraising intervals, guests were treated to a beautiful classical music performance by Lily Taylor and Estelle Chin from the Langley Community Music School.
Every dollar raised from ticket sales, the 50/50 draw, and the silent auction directly benefits organizations working on the frontlines of women’s recovery and youth empowerment in our backyard:
The Rotary Clubs of Langley extended a heartfelt thank-you to all the sponsors, volunteers, nominees, and guests who made the afternoon an overwhelming success.
About International Women's Day
International Women's Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for advancing gender equality. IWD has been around for well over a century, with the first IWD marked in 1911.
IWD is a specific day dedicated to the advancement of women worldwide.
Marked by millions of people on March 8, IWD provides an important platform to engage with communities, reflect on progress, and commit to positive action. Participation in IWD ensures progress toward equality remains on the global agenda and positive action prevails.
IWD has a long and powerful history of collective action, with many groups, countries, and bodies having actively contributed to its evolution.
Today, IWD is a highly visible worldwide occurrence with significant mainstream awareness, marked by groups worldwide in a wide variety of ways.
Remember, all IWD activity is valid. IWD is a movement. It belongs to all groups, everywhere. That’s what makes IWD so inclusive, not exclusive.
The 2026 IWD theme is Give To Gain, emphasizing the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it’s intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise. #GiveToGain #IWD2026
About The Rotary Clubs of Langley
The Rotary Clubs of Langley are part of a global network of people who like to roll up their sleeves and get things done. Locally, they support community projects that make Langley a better place to live, from youth programs and scholarships to food security, health initiatives, and support for seniors. They also partner with schools, nonprofits, and local organizations to tackle real needs, not just talk about them. Beyond Langley, Rotarians contribute to international projects such as clean water, disease prevention, and disaster relief. Members come from all walks of life, but they share a common goal: service above self. Along the way, there’s plenty of camaraderie, connection, and the satisfaction that comes from making a tangible difference, both close to home and around the world.
The Langley Rotary Clubs Charitable Foundation (LRCCF), established in 2012, serves as the charitable arm of the Rotary Clubs of Aldergrove, Langley, Langley Central, and Langley Sunrise. It supports initiatives that strengthen communities, develop leadership, and create lasting, community-driven change grounded in equity and opportunity.
For the past 14 years, Langley Rotary has proudly hosted the International Women’s Day event celebrating women’s achievements, amplifying important conversations, and fostering connection, leadership, and positive change within our community.
Nominate an Unsung Hero
To recognize and celebrate the women in our community, we encourage you to nominate an Unsung Hero. This Unsung Hero is someone who has gone above and beyond. A woman who has displayed devotion and care to the community near and far and to those in need. This special person does this good work without expecting any praise or recognition.
Deadline for submission is February 21 2027.
2026 Sponsors
Interested in becoming a sponsor? To make this event truly impactful, we invite you to support us through a monetary sponsorship OR a gift of merchandise/services for our Silent Auction. Your business will be recognized online before the event and highlighted during the luncheon, ensuring excellent visibility.
If you would like to contribute, please contact Shannon Lee at shannonlee@shaw.ca for more information.
This year’s sponsors include:
John Campbell Rotarian
Nominate a Woman in Your Community
Do you know a woman who has displayed devotion and care to the community near and far and to those in need? Nominate your community’s Unsung Hero by February 21st.
@2026 Rotary Clubs of Langley. All Rights Reserved.