District Conference 2026 - Red Deer

The Rotary Club of Calgary West has approved funding to build another home in Cambodia, continuing its commitment to international service and sustainable community impact.

Through a $6,900 CAD grant to Bracelets4Buildings / Carpenters4Cambodia, the project will construct one safe, permanent home for a family in need in Siem Reap.

The initiative not only provides housing but also strengthens the local economy by:

• Hiring and training Cambodian foremen and labourers

• Purchasing materials locally

• Keeping income within the community

Construction is expected to begin in the coming months. Updates, including photos of the build and the key-turnover celebration, will be shared once underway.

This project reflects Rotary’s commitment to measurable, transparent impact — building dignity, security, and opportunity one house at a time.

Members and spouses attended the Millarville Skijor Showdown at the Millarville Racetrack, enjoying an exciting day of high-speed skijoring, western hospitality, and Rotary fellowship. The event combined winter sport and community spirit, providing a fun and engaging outing for all who attended.

Members and friends of the Rotary Club of Calgary West enjoyed an engaging visit to Fuse 33 Makerspace on Friday, January 9, 2026. Hosted by Co-founder MariaElena Hoover, the tour provided insight into Fuse 33’s mission, facilities, and role in supporting creativity, innovation, and community learning. The visit highlighted the positive impact makerspaces have on entrepreneurship and community development.

Our Club kicked off its 2026 fundraising year with a successful Bingo event at the non-smoking Five Star Bingo Hall. This first-time venue continued our tradition of meaningful fundraising that supports our Club’s initiatives, while also providing a great opportunity for fellowship among members.

The Rotary Club of Calgary West welcomed 2026 with a well-attended New Year’s Day gathering at Sandy Beach Park. Members, families, and friends enjoyed coffee, hot chocolate, snacks, and plenty of fellowship. A heartfelt thank you to Barbie and David Hames and the Social Committee for organizing a warm and enjoyable way to start the year together.

The Rotary Club of Calgary West has committed $10,000 CAD to the Nepal Orphanage Equipment Project in partnership with Child Haven International, supporting 100 children at the Kathmandu Home in Nepal. Funded through a $7,500 District Community Development Grant and a $2,500 club contribution, the project strengthens education, nutrition, and vocational skills training. Enhancements include a new E-Library, a peanut butter grinder to improve nutrition and reduce costs, and expanded tailoring training with electric sewing machines and a full-year trainer. The funds have been received, and the project is now underway.

The Rotary Club of Calgary West celebrated its annual Christmas Brunch on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Pinebrook Golf and Country Club. Organized by the Social Committee—Linda Anderson, Barbie Hames, Debbie McMillan, and Philippa Gear—the festive event featured great food, lively fellowship, and a fun interactive gift-box game that kept everyone engaged. A special highlight was a beautiful Christmas carol performed in a native language by Club member Elizabeth Dop and her friend Marta, making the morning a warm and memorable start to the holiday season.

In January 2023, the Rotary Club of Calgary West partnered with the Rise to Shine Education Foundation in Kenya to help transform the futures of bright, vulnerable youth in the Lake Region of Kenya. Guided by Club Champion Jenny Yu, the project provides full four-year high school scholarships—including tuition, boarding, uniforms, books, and transportation—to students who would otherwise be unable to continue their education.

The club currently supports three students: Melvin , Fredrick , and Gloria. Two began in 2023, and one joined in 2024. Each semester, they share academic updates, allowing our club to follow their progress and celebrate their achievements. Last year, our Interact Club proudly contributed $350 toward the Rise to Shine Project, demonstrating the commitment of young Rotarians to global education and service.

More than a scholarship, Rise to Shine creates a powerful ripple effect: many graduates continue to college or university, secure employment, and eventually sponsor another student in need. Through this sustainable model, Calgary West Rotary is helping build stronger families and healthier communities—one student at a time.

On November 2, 2025, the Rotary Club of Calgary West participated in its 11th annual volunteer shift with Feed the Hungry from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., led by Steve Strang. Club members, partners and guests joined in a full day of service to support Feed the Hungry’s weekly Sunday meal program — helping to prepare, serve and clean-up for the many Calgarians in need of food and community. This work aligns with our Club’s mission to serve with dignity, respect and commitment.

On Oct 31, 2025, the Rotary Club of Calgary West visited the Children’s Cottage Society from 10:00–11:30 a.m. Club members and guests were divided into two groups and toured the facility, guided by Rae Fehr (Director of Development) and Lisa Congo (Director of Crisis Support Programs). The visit provided insight into CCS’s mission to support children and families through crisis, early-years programming, and family supports — aligning closely with our Club’s values of service and community support.

On October 9, 2025, Rotary Club of Calgary West members Chris Ritter, Chris Estrella, and Garfield and Cheryl Ganong attended the Children’s Cottage Society’s “Cocktails for the Cottage” event. The group toured the facility with Paula Bannerman, promoted the Select, Sip & Savor Wine Raffle with Rae Fehr, and shared raffle QR code cards with guests — a great evening of fellowship and community partnership.

On October 3, 2025, Calgary West Rotarians, visiting Rotary presidents, and Cam Heke, Vice President of Stakeholder and Community Engagement at Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta, gathered at ATCO’s Blue Flame Kitchen for coffee and discussion on affordable housing before touring a Viva modular home with Matt Vermunt, ATCO’s Director of Residential Development.