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.

The Rotary Club of Calgary West has committed $10,000 CAD to the Nepal Orphanage Equipment Project in partnership with Child Haven International, supporting 100 children at the Kathmandu Home in Nepal. Funded through a $7,500 District Community Development Grant and a $2,500 club contribution, the project strengthens education, nutrition, and vocational skills training. Enhancements include a new E-Library, a peanut butter grinder to improve nutrition and reduce costs, and expanded tailoring training with electric sewing machines and a full-year trainer. The funds have been received, and the project is now underway.

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.

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.

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.

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.