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. 

Forty-eight members, spouses, and guests attended the Rotary Club of Calgary West’s Presidential Celebration & Appreciation event, “Chris & Tell: A Rotary Year to Remember.” Hosted at the home of Tim and Linda Anderson, the afternoon celebrated President Chris Ritter’s year of leadership with fellowship, stories, laughter, and reflections on a successful 2025 -2026 Rotary year.

The Rotary Club of Calgary West received a thank-you letter from the CanLearn Society for its $5,000 donation to the Wordplay Program. This contribution supports individuals with learning and literacy challenges, helping them build skills and confidence. The gift will positively impact learners of all ages, reinforcing the Club’s commitment to education and community support.

Rotary Club of Calgary West members and guests gathered at Blowers & Grafton on March 11 for a fun-filled Trivia Night. The event featured friendly competition, laughter, and great fellowship, bringing members together for an engaging and social evening.

Summary - 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.