Summary

October is Rotary’s Community Economic Development Month, highlighting the importance of helping people build skills, access resources and create sustainable opportunities for themselves and their families.

The Rotary Club of Calgary West contributes to this work through its international projects and fundraising efforts. One example is the Servigua Microfinance initiative in Guatemala, which provides small loans to Indigenous entrepreneurs, primarily women, helping them expand businesses, increase incomes and strengthen their families’ financial resilience.

The article emphasizes that economic development creates benefits that extend beyond the initial investment—supporting greater self-reliance, stronger communities and opportunities for future generations.

Through fundraising activities such as the Big Book Sale, casinos, bingo, the Stampede Breakfast and other initiatives, Calgary West Rotarians turn local effort into global impact.

Summary

Calgary West Rotary was represented by President Don Edie, Gord Cox, and Les Morgan at the Foothills Country Hospice Naming Ceremony on September 16.

Our club contributed $10,000 toward furnishings for the Hospice's new resident rooms as part of its expansion from 8 to 16 beds. The Calgary West representatives toured the facility and saw firsthand the impact of the furnishings on residents, families and staff.

Representatives from the Rotary Clubs of Stampede Park, Okotoks and High River also attended. Additional clubs contributing to the project were Heritage Park, Centennial and Sarcee.

Together, the participating Rotary Clubs contributed an impressive $95,850 toward the project—a great example of Rotary Clubs working together to support their communities.

Summary

Calgary West Rotarians enjoyed a beautiful sunny afternoon at Wintergreen on September 9 for the Club’s annual Golf Championship. Dan successfully defended his championship with a round of 97, while Marvin took Low Net with a 73 and added a 300+ yard drive on #11. The day wrapped up with trophies, dinner and plenty of fellowship at Rockies Tavern & Grill in Bragg Creek.

The remaining golfers had a great time but, after careful consideration of the Four-Way Test, have chosen not to have their scores published. Some scorecards are best left between the golfer and the golf gods!

Summary

Our seasonal fruit and produce fundraiser successfully raised approximately $900.00 for Club community initiatives while delivering 177 lbs of farm-fresh fruit—valued at $765.00—directly to the Calgary Food Bank. Led by Gord Cox and Terry Felton, the drive relied on community support and volunteer efforts from Drew Turnbull, Scott Sword, and Bob Pearson to process and distribute orders and deliver fresh fruit to the Calgary Foodbank.

Summary

The Rotary Club of Calgary West has received a heartfelt thank-you from McMan Calgary following the Club's $10,000 donation to its Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program. The contribution will help ensure youth and families can access life-changing mental health support regardless of their financial circumstances. Coming just days after guest speakers Simone Brown and Jennifer Topiwala presented on adolescent mental health, the letter reinforces the significant impact Rotary's investment will have on young people across our community. 

Summary

Our annual Calgary Stampede Parade Breakfast & Seating and Seating-Only events were another tremendous success, thanks to the incredible efforts of our volunteers, members, and event partners. From early morning setup through cleanup, everyone worked together to provide guests with an outstanding parade experience. Special thanks to Seating U for the bleachers, SS106 Aperitivo Bar for the delicious breakfast, and Mr. P Potty for the portable facilities. Most importantly, thank you to every volunteer who helped make this signature Rotary fundraiser such a memorable success.

Summary

Several members of the Rotary Club of Calgary West participated in a tour of Calgary Meals on Wheels on June 19. Members gained valuable insight into the organization's operations, learned how thousands of nutritious meals are prepared and delivered throughout the city, and asked numerous questions about programs, volunteers, and community impact. The tour highlighted the important role Calgary Meals on Wheels plays in improving food security and supporting vulnerable Calgarians.

Summary

Members of the Rotary Club of Calgary West volunteered and provided funding for a community BBQ lunch at the Indigenous Honor Ceremony held at Seton YMCA during National Indigenous History Month. The event brought together Elders, families, youth, and community members to celebrate Indigenous culture, traditions, and achievements while fostering understanding, connection, and community spirit. 

Summary

The Rotary Club of Calgary West received a thank-you letter from Jean Claude Munyezamu acknowledging the club's $5,000 donation to Umoja Community Mosaic. The funding is being used to purchase additional sewing machines for the Women's Community Sewing Program, which has expanded to four locations across Calgary. The program provides women with opportunities to learn new skills, build community connections, and increase self-confidence. Rotary's support is helping Umoja continue its mission of fostering inclusion, belonging, and opportunity for newcomers and families throughout Calgary.

Summary

Members of the Rotary Club of Calgary West participated in the 2026 Highway Cleanup under the leadership of David Impey. Volunteers worked in teams along a three-kilometre section of highway, collecting 17 bags of garbage and several larger discarded items. One of the most unusual finds was a wallet containing valid identification and credit cards, which was turned over to authorities. The annual cleanup once again demonstrated the club's commitment to community service and environmental stewardship.

Summary of the 2026 District 5360 Conference

• Event Overview: The 2026 District 5360 Conference was held at the Pidherney Event Centre in Red Deer, Alberta, from May 1 to May 3, 2026.
• Themes: The weekend's official themes included "Unite for Good" and "Celebrate Rotary, Connecting Communities, Leading with Purpose".
• Attendance: The event drew approximately 440 Rotarians from across the district, which included a contingent of 14 members from the Rotary Club of Calgary West.
• Fellowship: Attendees experienced a strong sense of community, with Rotarians treating each other as "good neighbours" united by a commitment to service.
• Agenda Highlights: The schedule included a community round dance by the Storm Riders, a memorial for lost Rotarians, and the introduction of District Governor-Elect Darcy Mykytyshyn.
• Keynote Speakers:
  • Chandra Crawford: The Olympic gold medalist spoke about high performance, the discipline required to achieve success, and her charity empowering young women.
  • Tareq Hadhad: The Syrian entrepreneur behind "Peace by Chocolate" spoke about leadership, compassion, and the welcoming spirit of Canadian communities.
  • Nanton Motivational Speaker: An internationally sought-after speaker born without arms or legs who has traveled to more than 150 countries shared a powerful message about overcoming extraordinary challenges.

Calgary West Takeaway: The conference inspired Keith to view Rotary not merely as a well-resourced organization, but as a community powered by the collective willpower of its members. This shared determination is the driving force behind Rotary's local and international impact.

Summary - Members of the Rotary Club of Calgary West participated in a Habitat for Humanity Build Day in Chestermere alongside Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta. Volunteers spent the day assisting with construction activities to help provide affordable housing opportunities for local families. The event showcased teamwork, community spirit, and Rotary’s ongoing commitment to service and strengthening communities through meaningful partnerships.

The Rotary Club of Calgary West joined 10 other Calgary Rotary Clubs in supporting HomeSpace Society’s renovation projects at Crescent Heights and Cliff Bungalow affordable housing buildings. Rotary funding helped complete more than $163,000 in critical upgrades, including parking lot reconstruction, door and window replacements, flooring, painting, drainage improvements, fencing, and safety enhancements. The renovations improve safety, comfort, and dignity for vulnerable Calgarians living in supportive housing.

Summary - Members of the Rotary Club of Calgary West enjoyed a guided nature walk at Carburn Park in partnership with Nature Calgary. The outing provided an opportunity to explore local trails, learn about Calgary’s natural ecosystems, observe wildlife, and enjoy fellowship in a beautiful outdoor setting. The event highlighted the importance of environmental appreciation, wellness, and community connection.