Speakers

Ilona Boyce founded the Heartland Agency in 1995 after a long career with the government in the area of Children’s Services.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work.

She has been a recognized advocate in her field, and has received the Early Childhood Professional Association Service  Award in Alberta. She has been a recipient of both the Woman of Vision Award in Calgary as well as the Mistress of Modern Award sponsored by Alberta Treasury Branch.

Ilona has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Calgary Drop In and Rehabilitation Centre as well as volunteer Chair for  the EvenStart  Children’s Foundation of Calgary.

Ilona’s professional goal has been to  advocate for all children, regardless of their circumstance , to ensure that each child is given the benefit of an “even start” in life.  While working  toward this goal, Ilona has developed a variety of programs for both children with exceptional challenges as well as those children who simply need care while their parents work.

Ilona has studied brain development, the effects of trauma on brain development and what makes for healthy children.  She has built this knowledge into both the Heartland and Evenstart programs.

She has also spent time studying children’s environments, seeing these environments as the “third teacher”.    Ilona looks forward to a time when these environments are reflected in all their programs and facilities.

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

Chris Davis joined the Rotary Club of Calgary West in August 1994 and is a past president of our Club. Over more than three decades, Chris has contributed to Calgary West through his leadership, service and community involvement.

Professionally, Chris is an experienced municipal and development lawyer with broad connections throughout the Calgary community through his work, politics, community volunteerism and the arts. While principally based in Calgary and the surrounding region, his legal work has also taken him to Fort McMurray.

With his extensive professional and community experience—and his long history with Calgary West Rotary—we’re pleased to welcome Chris as today’s guest speaker.

🍂 Happy Thanksgiving from Rotary Club of Calgary West! 🦃

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to pause and appreciate the people, places, and little moments that make our lives special.

We’re grateful for our members, volunteers, friends, and community partners who continue to make a difference through service, fellowship, and giving back.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, relaxing, and delicious Thanksgiving filled with good food, good company, and plenty to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving Day from all of us at the Rotary Club of Calgary West!

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.