Events

Happy Labour Day!

Today we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and contributions of workers across Alberta and Canada who help build strong communities every day.

Labour Day is also a wonderful opportunity to slow down, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the final long weekend of summer. Whether you're relaxing at home, exploring the outdoors, or gathering for a barbecue, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

From all of us at the Rotary Club of Calgary West, thank you to everyone who works, volunteers, and gives back to make our community a better place.

Wishing you a wonderful!

Connie Jakab is the founder and CEO of Bravely Connected Communities, a non-profit solving the problem of disconnection in community. Connie has been working in mental health and resilience for over 25 years, focusing her efforts on how belonging creates resilience. She has worked in community, in schools, in homes, and in workplaces. She believes that the opposite of isolation is belonging, the opposite of poverty is community, and the opposite of addiction is connection. Communities that are connected are communities where their youth and families will thrive.

She is also a podcaster, a Certified Coach, and
Her motto is: 
I am brave
I show up when it’s hard
I love without walls
I forgive when it hurts
I rise through the storm

In a time when loneliness, burnout, and disconnection are deeply impacting our communities, this talk explores the powerful link between social engagement and mental health. Through a practical and hope-filled lens, Connie Jakab—founder of Bravely Connected Communities—will share how belonging, local connection, and community participation are not just “nice to have,” but essential for emotional wellness and resilience. Drawing from her work in community development, recovery, and grassroots leadership, Connie will unpack how simple acts of connection can reduce isolation, strengthen mental health, and help rebuild the kind of villages people are longing for. This session will leave attendees with both fresh perspective and practical tools for creating healthier, more connected communities.

You can connect with Connie everywhere, but most notably on the following platforms:

Website:  http://conniejakab.com

Brave Podcast

Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-brave-podcast/id1541917217

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1JnM4Srsy10dzEGyqFZ7Hv

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS_RF3t6bjWRSxHmkpEfFdg

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/connie-jakab-b-r-ed-6627b65a/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/conniejakab/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/richardleethai2/

Want to contact Connie by email?

Connie@conniejakab.com

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.

Our Youth Committee has arranged for our current Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) student to share their experiences with the Club and tell us about their time in Calgary so far.

We’ll also hear from three participants in this year’s Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneur Camp (RAYEC). They will share their experiences at the camp, what they learned, and some of the highlights and insights they are taking away from the program.

This promises to be an engaging and informative meeting—and a great opportunity to hear firsthand how Rotary’s youth programs are making a difference in the lives of young people.

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!

Updates from Club President Don Edie and the Club's Board Members.

Fall Club Assembly at 6:00 PM meeting to start around 7:00 pm, buffet opens at 6:15 pm.

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.