Stories

Summary

Our annual Calgary Stampede Parade Breakfast & Seating and Seating-Only events were another tremendous success, thanks to the incredible efforts of our volunteers, members, and event partners. From early morning setup through cleanup, everyone worked together to provide guests with an outstanding parade experience. Special thanks to Seating U for the bleachers, SS106 Aperitivo Bar for the delicious breakfast, and Mr. P Potty for the portable facilities. Most importantly, thank you to every volunteer who helped make this signature Rotary fundraiser such a memorable success.

Summary

The Rotary Club of Calgary West has received a heartfelt thank-you from McMan Calgary following the Club's $10,000 donation to its Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program. The contribution will help ensure youth and families can access life-changing mental health support regardless of their financial circumstances. Coming just days after guest speakers Simone Brown and Jennifer Topiwala presented on adolescent mental health, the letter reinforces the significant impact Rotary's investment will have on young people across our community. 

Summary

Several members of the Rotary Club of Calgary West participated in a tour of Calgary Meals on Wheels on June 19. Members gained valuable insight into the organization's operations, learned how thousands of nutritious meals are prepared and delivered throughout the city, and asked numerous questions about programs, volunteers, and community impact. The tour highlighted the important role Calgary Meals on Wheels plays in improving food security and supporting vulnerable Calgarians.

Summary

Members of the Rotary Club of Calgary West volunteered and provided funding for a community BBQ lunch at the Indigenous Honor Ceremony held at Seton YMCA during National Indigenous History Month. The event brought together Elders, families, youth, and community members to celebrate Indigenous culture, traditions, and achievements while fostering understanding, connection, and community spirit. 

Summary of the 2026 District 5360 Conference

• Event Overview: The 2026 District 5360 Conference was held at the Pidherney Event Centre in Red Deer, Alberta, from May 1 to May 3, 2026.
• Themes: The weekend's official themes included "Unite for Good" and "Celebrate Rotary, Connecting Communities, Leading with Purpose".
• Attendance: The event drew approximately 440 Rotarians from across the district, which included a contingent of 14 members from the Rotary Club of Calgary West.
• Fellowship: Attendees experienced a strong sense of community, with Rotarians treating each other as "good neighbours" united by a commitment to service.
• Agenda Highlights: The schedule included a community round dance by the Storm Riders, a memorial for lost Rotarians, and the introduction of District Governor-Elect Darcy Mykytyshyn.
• Keynote Speakers:
  • Chandra Crawford: The Olympic gold medalist spoke about high performance, the discipline required to achieve success, and her charity empowering young women.
  • Tareq Hadhad: The Syrian entrepreneur behind "Peace by Chocolate" spoke about leadership, compassion, and the welcoming spirit of Canadian communities.
  • Nanton Motivational Speaker: An internationally sought-after speaker born without arms or legs who has traveled to more than 150 countries shared a powerful message about overcoming extraordinary challenges.

Calgary West Takeaway: The conference inspired Keith to view Rotary not merely as a well-resourced organization, but as a community powered by the collective willpower of its members. This shared determination is the driving force behind Rotary's local and international impact.

Summary

Members of the Rotary Club of Calgary West participated in the 2026 Highway Cleanup under the leadership of David Impey. Volunteers worked in teams along a three-kilometre section of highway, collecting 17 bags of garbage and several larger discarded items. One of the most unusual finds was a wallet containing valid identification and credit cards, which was turned over to authorities. The annual cleanup once again demonstrated the club's commitment to community service and environmental stewardship.

Summary

The Rotary Club of Calgary West received a thank-you letter from Jean Claude Munyezamu acknowledging the club's $5,000 donation to Umoja Community Mosaic. The funding is being used to purchase additional sewing machines for the Women's Community Sewing Program, which has expanded to four locations across Calgary. The program provides women with opportunities to learn new skills, build community connections, and increase self-confidence. Rotary's support is helping Umoja continue its mission of fostering inclusion, belonging, and opportunity for newcomers and families throughout Calgary.

The Rotary Club of Calgary West joined 10 other Calgary Rotary Clubs in supporting HomeSpace Society’s renovation projects at Crescent Heights and Cliff Bungalow affordable housing buildings. Rotary funding helped complete more than $163,000 in critical upgrades, including parking lot reconstruction, door and window replacements, flooring, painting, drainage improvements, fencing, and safety enhancements. The renovations improve safety, comfort, and dignity for vulnerable Calgarians living in supportive housing.

Summary - Members of the Rotary Club of Calgary West enjoyed a guided nature walk at Carburn Park in partnership with Nature Calgary. The outing provided an opportunity to explore local trails, learn about Calgary’s natural ecosystems, observe wildlife, and enjoy fellowship in a beautiful outdoor setting. The event highlighted the importance of environmental appreciation, wellness, and community connection. 

Summary - Members of the Rotary Club of Calgary West participated in a Habitat for Humanity Build Day in Chestermere alongside Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta. Volunteers spent the day assisting with construction activities to help provide affordable housing opportunities for local families. The event showcased teamwork, community spirit, and Rotary’s ongoing commitment to service and strengthening communities through meaningful partnerships.

Forty-eight members, spouses, and guests attended the Rotary Club of Calgary West’s Presidential Celebration & Appreciation event, “Chris & Tell: A Rotary Year to Remember.” Hosted at the home of Tim and Linda Anderson, the afternoon celebrated President Chris Ritter’s year of leadership with fellowship, stories, laughter, and reflections on a successful 2025 -2026 Rotary year.

The Rotary Club of Calgary West received a thank-you letter from the CanLearn Society for its $5,000 donation to the Wordplay Program. This contribution supports individuals with learning and literacy challenges, helping them build skills and confidence. The gift will positively impact learners of all ages, reinforcing the Club’s commitment to education and community support.

Rotary Club of Calgary West members and guests gathered at Blowers & Grafton on March 11 for a fun-filled Trivia Night. The event featured friendly competition, laughter, and great fellowship, bringing members together for an engaging and social evening.

Summary - The Rotary Club of Calgary West has approved funding to build another home in Cambodia, continuing its commitment to international service and sustainable community impact.

Through a $6,900 CAD grant to Bracelets4Buildings / Carpenters4Cambodia, the project will construct one safe, permanent home for a family in need in Siem Reap.

The initiative not only provides housing but also strengthens the local economy by:

• Hiring and training Cambodian foremen and labourers

• Purchasing materials locally

• Keeping income within the community

Construction is expected to begin in the coming months. Updates, including photos of the build and the key-turnover celebration, will be shared once underway.

This project reflects Rotary’s commitment to measurable, transparent impact — building dignity, security, and opportunity one house at a time.

Members and spouses attended the Millarville Skijor Showdown at the Millarville Racetrack, enjoying an exciting day of high-speed skijoring, western hospitality, and Rotary fellowship. The event combined winter sport and community spirit, providing a fun and engaging outing for all who attended.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.