The westerner

0Past President (2024/25) Rod McMahon did an excellent job as a stand in for President Don during his absence. 

• Important announcement – next meeting is at the Delta Hotel Calgary South

Bob Pearson led us in O’Canada, which was a little shaky but got through it in ½ the time

Farid Bedwany is our A/V operator and Mike Carlin our reporter. Club set up/take down was handled by Ron Brookes & Scott Sword

Past President Rod

• Presented Mona Wasfy presented her with her Paul Harris Award/Pin #4

• Thanked Saba, our sever at the Grey Eagle who does a fantastic job, every week                     

Saadat Keshavjee introduced our guest speakers with his usual grace and style. 

Taman Padda, Coordinator, Guest Experience – Volunteer Operations at Calgary Airport Authority, leads volunteer engagement initiatives that enhance the guest experience, supports recruitment and program development, and fosters strong connections between volunteers and the airport community. Caitlin Thomas, Accessibility Programs Coordinator at Calgary Airports, leads initiatives that identify and remove barriers to equal access, implements innovative solutions, and facilitates meaningful dialogue as Chair of the airport's Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Happening at YYC Airport

Their presentation included what “Guest Experience” truly means at Calgary Airports, offering a behind the scenes look at the dedicated teams driving accessibility, volunteer engagement, and guest focused initiatives that create meaningful moments for every traveller. As proud champions of our region, we connect local and global communities by delivering exceptional experiences that make YYC the airport of choice. Attendees will gain insight into how these programs, people, and values come together to shape a welcoming, world class journey for all who pass through our airport. 

The speakers emphasized that “guest experience” is more than customer service — it is a holistic, airport wide philosophy that shapes how travellers feel from curb to gate. YYC positions itself as a proud regional ambassador, connecting local and global communities through exceptional service.

Key Meeting Takeaways

Measuring Success: YYC measures passenger satisfaction using Airports Council International's global Airport Service Quality (ASQ) benchmarking survey, placing high in national scores among Canadian airports.

• Accessibility Leadership: YYC launched a 3-year Accessibility Plan focusing on universal design, quality assurance audits, & standardized staff training across all Canadian airports.

• Hidden Disability Support: Lanyards and pins for the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program are available for travellers who may need extra time, support, or patience during their journey. Pins are provided to those in need and allows volunteer staff to approach and assist when require

• Pre Board Pals (therapy animals for guest comfort)

• Aira App (support for visually impaired travellers)

• Enhanced washrooms, mobility support, and service animal accommodations

Rod McMahon expressed the thanks of the club, followed by many questions. Together, the speakers demonstrated how YYC blends people, programs, and community values to deliver a welcoming, inclusive experience for every traveller passing through Calgary (19+million -2025) — a message closely aligned with Rotary’s commitment to service and accessibility. In gratitude for their presentation, the club is donating to ShelterBox disaster relief in honor of Taman and Caitlin.

Announcements

• Terry Felton

o Fruit Fundraiser Success: Terry extended extraordinary kudos to Gord Cox for all his technical & organizational work. The “system” is now set up for next year as well as other projects we may pursue. Other notables include Terry for his leadership & Mike, Drew, and Scott. The project yielded a profit of $900 – and enabled the donation of 177 pounds of fruit (valued at ~$900) to the local food bank. Great job team.

o Casino Volunteers Needed: Additional volunteers are still required to fill remaining shifts for the upcoming casino fundraiser on August 23rd and 24th.

• Bill Quinney had several announcements;

o Copelan Manzer our representative and Community Partner with Inclusion Alberta will be returning to U of C to get her Masters Degree. Our thanks for all you do and good luck in your future endeavors.

o Bill would like a volunteer to join him on the Steering Committee. The job is not onerous and the committee only meets only 4 times a year 

o Thirdly, on the 25th Anniversary of the partnership, the Department of Assisted Living & Social Services decided to put out to tender many of the things Inclusion Alberta does for those with Developmental Disabilities. I am pleased to share that Inclusion Alberta will continue to receive the funds required to maintain the Rotary District 5360 partnership.

• Farid Bedwany wanted the group to know that the Calgary Airport Authority did not charge any funds for the use of the airport facilities when Calgary hosted the Rotary International Conference. Other International Airports charged upwards of $10,000 and kudos to our airport authority.

• Darren Gierson advised applicants were updated that hosting/exchange plans for next July are being reviewed after receiving high interest and application numbers.

Past President Rod closed the meeting promptly at 1:00pm

Mike Carlin

Reporter