Calgary West Rotary welcomed a group of inspiring young people to its September 28 meeting, highlighting two of Rotary’s important youth programs: the Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneur Camp (RAYEC) and Rotary Youth Exchange.
Guests and Visitors
The meeting welcomed several guests and visitors, including Carrie Taylor from Inclusion Alberta, who has recently become involved with the Club's Inclusion Alberta initiative. Other guests included visitors connected with the RAYEC and Youth Exchange presentations.
The Club also welcomed Maria Fernanda’s host family and supporters who came to hear her presentation.
Learning Entrepreneurship Through Experience
The Club-sponsored RAYEC participants shared what they learned during the week-long camp held August 9–15. The camp brings together youth ages 13 to 15 from across Rotary District 5360 to learn about entrepreneurship and business.
Participants were divided into small teams and challenged to create and operate their own businesses. They developed products, created business plans, learned about marketing and customer service, negotiated loans and interest with bankers, and ultimately sold their products at a final Business Day.
Aiona Delday, a Grade 9 student, described her team's business, which produced wreaths, candy bags, bookmarks and stickers. Their innovative bookmarks even contained seeds that could be planted after the book was finished.
Beyond the business lessons, the camp included recreational activities, team building, a talent show, campfires and other activities that helped participants make new friends and build confidence.
From Camper to Youth Leader
RAYEC also demonstrated how the program can continue to develop young leaders. Ariana Singh and Valentina Alejandro shared their experiences as returning youth leaders after previously attending the camp as participants.
Ariana, now in Grade 12 at Sir Winston Churchill High School, explained how her experience as a camper pushed her outside her comfort zone and gave her the confidence to return as a youth leader.
Valentina, attending her fifth RAYEC with three years as a camper and two as a youth leader, described the program as one of the most formative experiences of her life.
The youth leaders help campers develop their business ideas while encouraging them to make their own decisions. They also participate in leadership training that includes team building and the “True Colors” personality exercise, helping participants understand their own strengths and how they work with others.
One of the strongest messages from the presentation was that RAYEC is about much more than business. It develops confidence, creativity, leadership, teamwork and friendships that continue long after the camp ends.
A Quiet Champion for Youth
A special thank-you goes to Marie Rickard, who arranged for our RAYEC participants to join us and share their experiences. Marie has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support our Youth Committee and engage Club members in our youth programs. She does this quietly and modestly, often redirecting recognition toward the young people and the programs themselves. Her dedication is a wonderful example of service above self, and our Club is fortunate to have her commitment and care helping young people discover their potential.
So, on behalf of Calgary West Rotary: Thank you, Marie, for everything you do for our youth programs and for the many young people you help connect with Rotary.
Welcome to Maria Fernanda
The Club also had the opportunity to meet its current Rotary Youth Exchange student, Maria Fernanda, who recently arrived from Brazil.
Maria, 17, comes from a small community near São Paulo and is attending William Aberhart High School during her exchange year. She shared photographs and stories about her family, friends, school, music and her involvement with Interact in Brazil.
Maria has a strong interest in music and plays guitar and piano. She also enjoys singing, dancing, hiking and trying new experiences. Since arriving in Canada, she has already visited Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, attended an exchange-student orientation camp and begun meeting other international students.
She spoke warmly about her family and friends back home and the challenge of spending a year away from people she has known for much of her life.
The Club was encouraged to help Maria make the most of her exchange by inviting her to participate in activities, community service and fellowship opportunities throughout the year.
Welcoming Two New Members
A highlight of the business portion of the meeting was the formal induction of Maggie Lam and Allan Friesen as new members of the Rotary Club of Calgary West.
Membership Chair and Past President Chris Davis conducted the induction, emphasizing Rotary's opportunities for friendship, service, leadership and international connections. Members were reminded that welcoming and supporting new Rotarians is a shared responsibility.
Allan's sponsor is Rod McMahon.
We are pleased to welcome both Maggie and Allan to Calgary West Rotary!
A Little Music, A Lot of Comfort
New member Allan Friesen brought a special touch of warmth to the meeting when he gently played his harmonica to comfort a baby. His soft music offered a lovely moment of calm and was a heartwarming reminder that sometimes the simplest gestures make the biggest impression.
Club Business & Announcements
Penticton wildfire relief: The Club received a thank-you from the Rotary Club of Penticton for Calgary West's $2,000 donation supporting residents affected by the Bald Range wildfire.
Inclusion Alberta: Members were invited to stay after the meeting to discuss potential employers who might provide employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Carrie Taylor and Joyce Luke are involved with the Club's Inclusion Alberta initiative.
Ogden Hub visit: The previously planned Friday visit to Blue Flame was changed to a visit to the Ogden Hub, with Connie Jakab serving as the tour guide. Connie spoke to the Club earlier in September about social engagement and mental health.
ShelterBox: As is customary for Club guest speakers, Calgary West will make a ShelterBox donation in recognition of the youth presenters.
Youth involvement: Members were encouraged to look for opportunities to involve Maria in upcoming Club service activities, including Feed the Hungry.
Together, we continue to make a difference in our community and aroundthe world.
