Stories

Robbie Burns Day Rotary Club of Okotoks 2026

2026 Fuse 33 Makerspace Visit

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.

2026 Bingo Fundraising Kicks Off

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.

2026 Welcoming the New Year With Family & Friends

The Rotary Club of Calgary West welcomed 2026 with a well-attended New Year’s Day gathering at Sandy Beach Park. Members, families, and friends enjoyed coffee, hot chocolate, snacks, and plenty of fellowship. A heartfelt thank you to Barbie and David Hames and the Social Committee for organizing a warm and enjoyable way to start the year together.

2025 Pinebrook Christmas Brunch

The Rotary Club of Calgary West celebrated its annual Christmas Brunch on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Pinebrook Golf and Country Club. Organized by the Social Committee—Linda Anderson, Barbie Hames, Debbie McMillan, and Philippa Gear—the festive event featured great food, lively fellowship, and a fun interactive gift-box game that kept everyone engaged. A special highlight was a beautiful Christmas carol performed in a native language by Club member Elizabeth Dop and her friend Marta, making the morning a warm and memorable start to the holiday season.

Rise to Shine Education Foundation

In January 2023, the Rotary Club of Calgary West partnered with the Rise to Shine Education Foundation in Kenya to help transform the futures of bright, vulnerable youth in the Lake Region of Kenya. Guided by Club Champion Jenny Yu, the project provides full four-year high school scholarships—including tuition, boarding, uniforms, books, and transportation—to students who would otherwise be unable to continue their education.

The club currently supports three students: Melvin , Fredrick , and Gloria. Two began in 2023, and one joined in 2024. Each semester, they share academic updates, allowing our club to follow their progress and celebrate their achievements. Last year, our Interact Club proudly contributed $350 toward the Rise to Shine Project, demonstrating the commitment of young Rotarians to global education and service.

More than a scholarship, Rise to Shine creates a powerful ripple effect: many graduates continue to college or university, secure employment, and eventually sponsor another student in need. Through this sustainable model, Calgary West Rotary is helping build stronger families and healthier communities—one student at a time.

Feed the Hungry 2025

On November 2, 2025, the Rotary Club of Calgary West participated in its 11th annual volunteer shift with Feed the Hungry from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., led by Steve Strang. Club members, partners and guests joined in a full day of service to support Feed the Hungry’s weekly Sunday meal program — helping to prepare, serve and clean-up for the many Calgarians in need of food and community. This work aligns with our Club’s mission to serve with dignity, respect and commitment.

0 Comments

Children's Cottage Society Visit

On Oct 31, 2025, the Rotary Club of Calgary West visited the Children’s Cottage Society from 10:00–11:30 a.m. Club members and guests were divided into two groups and toured the facility, guided by Rae Fehr (Director of Development) and Lisa Congo (Director of Crisis Support Programs). The visit provided insight into CCS’s mission to support children and families through crisis, early-years programming, and family supports — aligning closely with our Club’s values of service and community support.

0 Comments

Rotary Club of Calgary West Attends “Cocktails for the Cottage”

On October 9, 2025, Rotary Club of Calgary West members Chris Ritter, Chris Estrella, and Garfield and Cheryl Ganong attended the Children’s Cottage Society’s “Cocktails for the Cottage” event. The group toured the facility with Paula Bannerman, promoted the Select, Sip & Savor Wine Raffle with Rae Fehr, and shared raffle QR code cards with guests — a great evening of fellowship and community partnership.

Coffee at Blue Flame Kitchen and a Tour of ATCO's Modular Viva Home

On October 3, 2025, Calgary West Rotarians, visiting Rotary presidents, and Cam Heke, Vice President of Stakeholder and Community Engagement at Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta, gathered at ATCO’s Blue Flame Kitchen for coffee and discussion on affordable housing before touring a Viva modular home with Matt Vermunt, ATCO’s Director of Residential Development.

Rotary Club of Calgary West 2025 Annual Golf Championship

The Rotary Club of Calgary West held its Annual Golf Championship on September 24, 2025, at Wintergreen Golf Course. Ten Rotarians participated. Dan Doherty won Low Gross (90), and Steve Strang won Low Net (75). Following the game, members enjoyed a clubhouse meal where trophies were presented. Over the 2025 golf season, members played 13 rounds across 10 different courses, wrapping up another season of fun, fellowship, and friendly competition.

0 Comments

Kingdom Coffee Visit

The Rotary Club of Calgary West visited Kingdom Coffee on Friday, September 12, 2025. Owners Jesse and Steph Singleton shared their inspiring story, led a tour of their roastery, and highlighted how their business integrates charitable work into its mission. The visit was both informative and uplifting, offering members a unique look at how values-driven entrepreneurship can create meaningful community impact.

0 Comments

RAYEC 2025

Empowering Future Leaders: The RAYEC Story

The Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp (RAYEC) is a transformative, week-long summer experience for 60 youth aged 13–15 who are eager to learn about business and entrepreneurship. Campers gain hands-on experience in marketing, financial planning, and business development—culminating in a real-world “Business Day” where they launch and operate their own ventures using actual loans from bankers.

RAYEC is completely free for participants, thanks to generous donors and sponsors. In addition to business learning, campers enjoy recreational activities and mentorship from trained youth leaders.

An exciting part of the program is the Youth Leader Program, where 10 former campers (ages 16–18) return as volunteer leaders. These young adults undergo specialized training to mentor campers and guide team activities, making a lasting impact as role models.

By donating, supporters help cover critical costs such as accommodation, meals, transportation, and training resources. Contributions also expand access for youth in Indigenous and rural communities, where entrepreneurial education is often out of reach.

Every donation fuels a young person’s dream—and plants the seed for tomorrow’s changemakers.

Join the Calgary West Rotary Club in building a brighter future through youth empowerment.

0 Comments

2025 Annual Calgary Stampede Parade Breakfast and Seating Event

Event: Rotary Club of Calgary West Annual Calgary Stampede Parade Breakfast & Seating
Date/Time: Friday, July 4, 2025 | 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Downtown Calgary along the Stampede Parade route at 738 9^th Ave SW
Highlights:
- Hearty Stampede breakfast served by volunteers and Rotary youth exchange students
- Prime parade viewing from bleacher seating
- Fundraising through breakfast ticket sales and Rotary-branded cowboy hat sales
Purpose: Fundraiser to support Rotary programs and community initiatives
Outcome: A successful, fun-filled event celebrating community, western heritage, and service above self.

2025 Set-up for Calgary Stampede Parade Breakfast & Seating Event

On July 3, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., Rotary Club of Calgary West members and friends gathered downtown to set up for the Calgary Stampede Parade Breakfast and Seating event. Setup tasks included organizing the breakfast and seating areas. Bleacher seats were professionally pressure washed by “Seating U.” The team’s effort ensured everything was ready for a successful event the following morning.

0 Comments

Highway Cleanup 2025

A large group from the Calgary West Rotary Club set out to to cleanup our designated 3 kilometer section of the north side highway #1. The group met at 9:00 AM on Saturday May24, 2025 in the parking lot of Calaway Park and received instructions from David Impey. David provided the volunteers with bright orange garbage bags and led smaller groups to assigned sections of the highway for cleanup. The cleanup completed at approximately 11:00 AM and some of the group got together for a bite and some fellowship at the Cav-Ok Grill located at Springbank Airport.

The Community Kitchens Chronicles

"Gratefully Supported" is a tribute to the Rotary Clubs of Calgary for their long-standing support of the Community Kitchen Program of Calgary. Highlights include the Rotary Club's global mission to create lasting change and acknowledges their contributions, including funding major purchases like a 5-ton truck, a multi-use printer, and convection ovens.

Calgary West Members Enjoy a Build Day with Habitat for Humanity

13 Calgary West members and some family members spent Nov 1st on a H4H build day in Livingston which is on the north part of the city. By all accounts everyone came away with a deep appreciation for what Habitat does in assisting families be able to afford their own home. It is truly amazing what they do and the organization of the construction that day was outstanding.

More Photos

Days of Giving - Service and Fellowship

On Monday December 20/21 Calgary West Rotarians” kicked COVID to the curb” as they prepared baskets and boxes of items to THANK and show their appreciation to the Rockyview Seniors Health team and the Acute Geriatric Units healthcare workers.

Rotary Youth Short Term Exchange 2022

The short-term exchange program (STEP) is a reciprocal family-to-family exchange for students between the ages of 15-19 at the time of the exchange. It offers students the opportunity to gain international understanding while becoming familiar with another culture. The exchange takes place over the summer months.

To apply: Online Application (Applications for the Summer 2022 Exchange Year are now open, with the caveat the exchange will only proceed if it is deemed safe to do so)

Thank You From Field of Crosses

Dear Volunteer Supporters of Field of Crosses,

For 11 days we honoured them, but we will never forget them. Thank you for the large role you played in fulfilling our commitment to our heroes who gave up their tomorrows for our today. The Field of Crosses memorial was their homecoming, our chance to call out a simple thank you and by your actions you joined the chorus.

Rotary - Visit to Blackfoot Crossing

On Saturday November 19th members of several Rotary Clubs and the District Indigenous Relations Committee were given an introduction to the Siksika Nation’s history at the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, the site of the signing of Treaty No.7 in 1877. A guided tour of the museum provided the start of a journey of learning about the historic events and the cultural value of the site for the Siksika Nation enhanced by the rich variety of the archaeological resources that reflect the long history of Blackfoot Crossing.

-Story by Christine Rendell, Photo Karen McKee

Stephen’s Backpacks Society : Project Hope

Providing families, previously homeless, with basic household needs as they move into their new dwelling units. The Calgary West Rotary Club donated $5,000.00 towards this project.

Rotary Club of Calgary West Citizenship Award Tim Fox

On Monday Nov 1, 2021 The Rotary Club of Calgary West presented our Citizenship Award to Tim Fox. Calgary West Rotary members were asked to submit worthy candidates for consideration of the Rotary Club of Calgary West Citizenship Award which would be recognized through presenting the individual with a Paul Harris Fellowship.

Community Hockey Skills Competition Program

Calgary Rotary West is proudly sponsoring our

Community Hockey Skills Competition Program

for Ages 11 -17, all skill levels. This is a Free community event that can be held at your local arena during your regular ice practice time.

Find out who is the:

• Fastest Skater

• Best Puck Handler

• Hardest Shot

• Most Accurate / Passer Shooter

Short Video on Event:

https://youtu.be/8niVoYDpDiE

For booking or more information please contact:

Chris Ritter

403 613 8060

chris@ceritter.ca

Get to know Codingville!

(Canada Only)

Codingville.ca is a FREE game-based learning platform for introducing the foundational skills and logic around coding!

Featuring three unique journeys appropriate for grades K-3, 4-6, and 7+ that give youth the opportunity to learn and apply coding concepts in both block and text based languages. Each journey has a final project in which youth can build a game or app using their new understanding of coding.

Umoja Community Mosaic Cheque Presentation

During our weekly meeting on Monday August 9, 2021, Kurt Scherer, chair of Local Community Services presented a cheque from our club in the amount of $12,320 to Jean Claude at Umoja Community Mosaic. From LCS came $9,570 for a food security program and $$2,750 from youth budget for 10 notebooks. Jean Claude expressed his appreciation and acknowledged the long standing relationship his organization has with our club. He will be back in six months time to give us an update.

BC Fruit Fundraiser

On Thursday July 22, 2021 the Calgary West Rotary Club successfully completed our annual BC Fruit Fundraiser, previously named BC Cherries Fundraiser.

Duncan Stanners was our lead for the 2021 BC Fruit Fundraiser (previously known as BC Cherries Fundraiser). Duncan's team of supporting volunteers consisted of the Dohertys, President Marlene, Dan, Thomas and Riley, Judy Cochran, Terry Felton, Rod McMahon, Les Morgan, Gord Cox, Bill Quinney, David Williams, Linda Anderson, Malcolm Harrison, Don Edie, Bob Acton, Robyn Braley, Joe Klassen and the Stanners Laurie and Logan.

Local pick up and delivery day was Thursday July 22, 2021 at the Grace Presbyterian Church in downtown Calgary. This year Red Haven Peaches were added to the event and were very popular, selling 96 boxes! Additionally, the Lapin Cherries were also very popular selling 105 boxes. Approximate net proceeds raised: $8000.00

!!! Proceeds support programs and initiatives of The Rotary Club of Calgary West.

Thanks to all of our customers for their generous support of the 2021 BC Fruit Fundraiser.

Highway Cleanup 2021

A large group from the Calgary West Rotary Club set out to to cleanup our designated 3 kilometer section of the north side highway #1. The group met at 9:00 AM on Saturday July 24, 2021 in the parking lot of Calaway Park and received instructions from Clarence Buckley. Clarence provided the volunteers with bright orange garbage bags and led smaller groups to assigned sections of the highway for cleanup. The cleanup completed at approximately 11:00 AM and the group got together for a bite and some fellowship at the Humpty's restaurant located at the interchange of highways #1 and #22.

Move for Polio 2021

Move for Polio 2021 Campaign

Hey everyone, thanks for taking part in this amazing initiative to raise money for Polio eradication! Here are more details:

What?
Our goal is to raise $100,000 for Polio Plus alongside the 30 other Rotary, Rotaract and potentially Interact clubs that are also going to be participating.

When?
The initiative will run from July 1st to October 24th (World Polio day).

How?
To participate in the fundraiser, you can do pledge to do anything that makes you active - be it walking, running, swimming, hiking, meditating, skateboarding, etc.

Eventgroove
This year we're using Eventgroove, which is a fundraising platform that Rotary District 5360 has approved, to use for the Move for Polio initiative.

Click Here to Register On Our Eventgroove Page

RCCW & NSTEP Flower & Veggie Delivery Day

On Thursday May 27, 2021 The Rotary Club of Calgary West and NSTEP received, sorted and provided curbside delivery of previously ordered flowers and veggies. Thanks to all of our customers!

The Free Reading Program

The Free Reading Program

Is free for students in need and sponsored by donors who want to help make a change. Our program provides learners in reading levels K-6 with a comprehensive online studying tool, designed to reinforce fundamental reading skills. With over 3,500 activities accessible online, our program is used by over 300,000 students in 185 countries.

Click Here to Start!

CFS Newsletter "Never Too Late" Cover Photo

The most recent issue of CFS (Catholic Family Service) Newsletter cover photo is that of the Never To Late Grads taken on August 21, 2020.

Due to the pandemic, 11 students registered in the Never Too Late spring program resumed their learning online. An outdoor Graduation Ceremony was sponsored by Calgary West Rotary Club and hosted by Grace Church.

Read the full newsletter here.

Shelter Box Canada

Short term shelter for immediate need in an area of global need.

Food Bank Satellite Grace Presbyterian Church

The Emergency food Hamper program is the objective of the Calgary Food Bank’s satellite locations around Calgary. This allows individuals and families to pick up an emergency hamper as close to their home as possible. Calgary Rotary West members volunteer at the Food Bank satellite Grace Presbyterian Church.

Hope For Those Left Behind

As a member of Calgary West, Nketti Johnson-Taylor, is the champion for a project through the group ACED-Action for Community Empowerment and Development.

Fish Creek Tree Wrapping

On September 30, 2020 President Bill Fitzsimmons lead a group of 15 volunteers for three hours to wrap trees in Fish Creek Park to protect trees from the beavers.

Bethany Care Society

$100,000.00 Supporting The Rotary Atrium at Bethany Riverview in East Calgary.

Malawi Girls on the Move School (Atsikana Pa Ulendo)

Marie Rickard, Champion for the Malawi Girls on the Move School project, reported at our Feb 3/20 meeting.

South Sudanese Refugee and Orphans Project

Your Title Here

Khor Top spoke at our Feb 3/20 meeting.

Feed the Hungry

$5,000.00 Supporting the disadvantaged.

Connaught School Parents

$500.00 Supporting the purchase of baby diapers.

Calgary Reads

$500.00 Supporting the purchase of books. Reading sparks a lifetime of learning.

Alberta Computers for Schools

$2,000.00 To support the refurbishing of used computers.

School Project in Guatemala

Calgary West member, Steve Strang, presented on the status of the two school builds at our Feb 3/20 meeting.

Rotary Challenger Park

$1,000 annually in support of the Rotary Challenger Park Golf Tournament. Calgary Rotary Challenger Park is a barrier free conference and recreational facility that is accessible to all people regardless of their age or ability. But it is more than that!

Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter

$5,000.00. To support the building of a security fence. This is a collaboration with Calgary Stampede Park, Calgary East and Calgary Sarcee Rotary clubs totaling $30,000.00.