Speakers

Launching Rotary Foundation Month

November is Rotary Foundation Month—a time to learn more about how The Rotary Foundation turns the generosity of Rotarians into meaningful, sustainable projects that improve lives in our communities and around the world.

This lunch meeting will provide an opportunity to learn more about the Foundation, its importance to Rotary, and the many ways Rotary members and clubs can support its work.

Join us as we launch Foundation Month and celebrate the difference Rotary can make through the power of giving and service.

Ron Barmby is a Professional Engineer with a Master’s Degree. His four-decade geoscience career took him to over 40 countries on five continents. It involved most of the technical disciplines also used in climate science and net-zero technology; including classical physics, thermodynamics, geology, paleoclimatology, computer modelling, satellite remote sensing, metallurgy, economics, and statistical methodology. His first book, Sunlight on Climate Change: A Heretic’s Guide to Global Climate Hysteria, led to world-class scientific experts sharing their research, enabling Ron to author Sunset on Net Zero: A Heretic’s Guide to the Futile CO2 Target. 

Visit from District Governor Darcy Mykytyshyn

We’re pleased to welcome District Governor Darcy Mykytyshyn to the Rotary Club of Calgary West for a special lunch meeting.

Join us for an opportunity to hear from our District Governor, learn more about Rotary’s priorities for the year ahead, and connect with our District leadership.

Foundation Month Wrap Up & Awards

Join us as we wrap up Rotary Foundation Month with a look at the important role The Rotary Foundation plays in supporting Rotary’s work locally and around the world.

The meeting will also include our Foundation Month Awards, recognizing members who have demonstrated their commitment to the Foundation and the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self.

This week's meeting will provide Club Committee reports and the Story of one of our Club Members.

Deputy Chief Asif Rashid, M.O.M. has served with the Calgary Police Service since 2001 and currently leads the Bureau of Investigative Support. Throughout his policing career, he has held a variety of leadership roles, including District Commander, Duty Officer in the Real Time Operations Centre, and Superintendent of Strategic Planning and Partnerships. He has been instrumental in advancing community-centred policing, anti-racism initiatives, and innovative crisis response programs that connect individuals experiencing mental health and addiction challenges with the most appropriate community supports.

Born in the United Kingdom to refugee parents before immigrating to Canada, Deputy Chief Rashid holds an Honours degree in Sociology and Criminology and a Certificate in Professional Management from the University of Calgary. He is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police and remains actively involved in community service through several not-for-profit boards and advisory committees. In recognition of his leadership and service, he has received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

An Educator & Entrepreneur

Ed has spent 40 years as a teacher, administrator, university researcher, author and public speaker. His learning methods reached more than 50,000 students and teachers, and his books include Helping Boys Learn, KEEN For Learning and Literacy Through Drama.

During that time he has always run businesses. Over the past year he has applied AI across his own businesses, cutting his workload by about 60%. He now shares what he has learned with other owners.

"I'm not a tech guy. I make complicated things make sense."

Farai Tonzani is a Senior Development Officer at the Calgary Public Library Foundation, where she builds relationships with donors and community partners to advance literacy, learning, and community connection. With nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, program management, and community impact, she is passionate about connecting people and causes to create meaningful and lasting change. As a Rotarian first in Zimbabwe before joining the Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown, Farai brings her commitment to service and community development into both her professional and volunteer life. Farai holds an MBA, a Bachelor of Laws, and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering and travelling to new places, exploring different cultures, and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds.