Master of Science in Bioethics Harvard University, Rotary Club of Ipswich-Rowley, District 7930, and Rotary Club of Red Deer East, District 5360, 2024-25
Reeana Tazreean earned a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Health & Society from the University of Calgary in Canada and will pursue a Master of Science in Bioethics at Harvard University. She worked in the Domestic Policy and Public Relations/Communications teams at UNICEF Canada and consulted as a Health Innovation Architect. Her research focuses on advancing postoperative mobilization within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery framework and examining health disparities. Her bioethical interest is investigating the ethical implications of global healthcare innovation co-created with youth. She enjoys creative writing, spin cycle classes, and acting in her free time.
Are you excited? I certainly am. Preparations are finishing off, and I am dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.
Where: It is at the Badlands Community Facility (BCF), 80 Veterans Way in Drumheller.
For our event, the BCF will provide free parking. You can safely ignore the ‘you must pay for parking ‘ signs.
When: Registration opens at 9:00 am on Saturday. Opening ceremonies are at 10:00 am. The last speaker of the day finishes at 4:30 pm. Giving you time to return to your hotel and freshen up before heading back to the BCF for the evening. The cocktail reception starts at 5:30, with dinner at 6:00, followed by the evening entertainment, with the last call at 10:30.
You will be welcomed back on Sunday at 9:00 am. The program will end at around 2:45 pm.
Bus Transportation: After freshening up on Saturday, you can get a ride back to the BCF for dinner and the evening festivities. No need to drink and drive. School buses will be circulating between the four advertised hotels (Ramada Inn & Suites, Sure Stay Inn, Canalta Jurassic Inn and the Quality Inn) and the BCF starting at 5:00 pm and going until 6:30 pm. They will be running again between 8:30 pm and 11:00 pm to return you back to your hotel at the end of the evening.
If you drove your car to the evening event, have been drinking and don’t wish to drive, no problem, leave your car and catch the bus back to your hotel. The buses will be circulating again between 8:00 am and 9:30 am on Sunday morning to get you back to the BCF for the day’s activities and to pick up your car.
Saturday Evening: Speaking of Saturday evening, we will have a DJ and a fun casino hosted by the Rotary Club of Drumheller.
The Blackjack and Crown & Anchor Tables will open at 8:00 pm. Game rules will be posted at each table.
Anyone who wants to join in the fun can pick up their complimentary packet of Funny Money ($20,000) at the table in front of the casino tables. Unlimited re-buys are available for a $20 no-receipt donation to The Rotary Foundation per additional $20,000 packet.
At any point, players may exchange their Funny Money for tickets to win the 5 prizes displayed at the front of the Casino. The exchange rate is $10,000 per ticket. You may immediately exchange your complementary packet for two tickets on the prize draws if you do not wish to play the casino games.
The tables will close at 9:30 pm, and the prize draws will be at 10:00 pm.
BRING YOUR BOOKS
We need help! The Rotary Club of Calgary is stewarding the Calgary Reads Big Book Sale again this year, and we are below our target for book donations -- but you can help! Bring your gently used books to the District Conference, and we’ll ensure they get to the Calgary Curling Club.
Drop off your books at the Big Book Sale sign in the House of Friendship. Here’s your chance to turn pre-loved books into re-loved books + support the important work of helping children learn to read!
What kind of books?
Gently used books across genres! + DVDs, CDs and audiobooks (no encyclopedias, readers’ digest, textbooks, magazines, etc…Learn more about what to donate and what not to donate
What do proceeds support?
Proceeds support the important work of helping children learn to read and get books of their own through organizations such as YW Calgary, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area, Book Bank and more!
Helping children become stronger readers has never been more important. Thank you for your support!!
We've all seen them! Video call disasters. People doing strange things and making odd noises during important video calls. It doesn't have to be that way. This post offers 4 tips that will dramatically improve your performance on virtual calls.
It’s back! From 2014-2018 I wrote 53 posts for Building The Rotary Brand. The District 5360 Learning Committee has asked me to bring back the series providing branding and marketing ideas for your club. BTRB will include relevant articles from before, plus fresh material addressing the challenges of today. Click to check out the topics that will be covered.
In this animated CBC short film, Chief Robert Joseph shares about his experience at Residential school, the reconciliation process, and the impact it has had in his life.
Reconciliation Canada online gatherings series hosted following the discovery of unmarked graves, discussing next steps with Indigenous leaders from across the country.
A feature length film from the National Film Board shares the story of two children who were taken from their homes and experienced many forms of abuse at residential schools.
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation, the Assembly of First Nations and Abacus Data share survey results that demonstrate the lack of understanding of Residential Schools across Alberta and the need for improved curriculum to share this knowledge in schools.
"Highway of Tears" by Director Matt Smiley, is about the missing or murdered women along a 724 kilometer stretch of highway in northern British Columbia.
The Native Women’s Association of Canada has created this website to tell the full story and help individuals learn more about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Canada. Includes mapping and database as well as training for various industries.
The TRC Calls to Action provide a road map for Canada to address the ongoing impacts of residential schools on Indigenous communities. They are an important first step for understanding what you, and the institutions you are part of, can do. Children and youth may want to check out Spirit Bear’s Guide to the TRC Calls to Action.
Specific resources, actions, and tools that individuals and groups can use to respond to the discovery of unmarked graves at residential schools across the country.
The Assembly of First Nations details up to date history and context of UNDRIP in Canada and explains why it is such an important document in the reconciliation process.
This video from Wiyasiwewin Mikiwahp Native Law Centre and Center for International Governance Innovation offers an overview on the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the Canadian Government and why UNDRIP is needed.
Free app available on Apple and Android devices. The app uses GPS or location services to allow audiences to take part in digital art galleries and other future activities within Calgary.
Fellow Rotary family, it has been a great month of visiting Rotary clubs with my wife, Pat. This is definitely a highlight of being the District Governor, as we are able to attend club meetings and meet so many wonderful people.
There is a common thread of members serving above self and doing fantastic projects in their communities and internationally. As an example, the 3 Rotary clubs in Red Deer recently collaborated with other service clubs and did 5 days of service for community needs. Each club has aspirations to increase membership with younger and more diverse members. Then, I was able to attend a Leadership conference with Rotary in Toronto a week ago, and there was a real focus on membership.
I have learned from clubs and the leadership meeting that if we want to attract new younger members, we have to change how our meetings are held. Young people do not want to sit in a meeting every week. They want to get out and do service and socialize more. Some clubs have switched to one business meeting, evening social, and service project each month. It has also been recognized that we need to be more open to families and children attending some of our meetings and events. Each club in our district can Imagine Rotary and how they can have a vibrant club that will attract new members.
#MoveforPolio
We have now completed 3 months of our Move for Polio project and with one more month to go until the end of the campaign, we really need everyone’s participation to meet our goals.
As a District, we now have 42,100 kilometres (once around the earth!) with a goal of 100,000 km; to record your kilometres click here.
More challenging, we are at $11,000 raised with a goal of $100,000 towards #MoveforPolio.
13 clubs are participating in the moving for polio, and we can certainly make our goal for both kilometres and funds raised if we all get involved. Let’s get sponsors for our movement, and as we put a big push on for the month of October, to accumulate kilometres and reach the fundraising goal. CLICK TO DONATE.
My wife and I enjoy biking, so we take our bikes with us whenever we visit clubs and have found some amazing bike trails in Medicine Hat, Lethbridge and Red Deer. We also rented bikes and went on some trails along Lake Huron while we were in Toronto. Our physical health and emotional wellness is certainly being strengthened as we exercise in the beautiful outdoors.
Inspiring Events
Seeing the ongoing focus on Ukrainian refugees and Indigenous relations from clubs in our district continues to be fantastic. Many clubs are assisting refugees with household goods, adjusting to regulatory and licencing requirements and language training as they arrive.
September 30th is recognized as the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. We hope that all District 5360 Rotarians took time to commemorate this date and even wear an orange shirt to promote "Every Child Matters.”
As a Rotarian and person of action, consider having conversations with friends, families or colleagues about Reconcili-Action. Pat and I attended a Pow Wow at the Lethbridge Exhibition, and we were heartened to see thousands of Indigenous people from across our District, Saskatchewan, and Montana gather to celebrate their culture and dance to share their talents.
New and members on the move
A warm Rotary welcome to our new and members on the move over the past month:
First Name
Last Name
Club
Alan
Hrehirchuk
Calgary at Stampede Park
Lynn
Fabrick
Drumheller
Heather
Harty
Lethbridge
Rita
Zentner
Lethbridge
Raquel
Austin
Lethbridge Sunrise
Val
Boehme
Raymond
Darryl
Gibb
Raymond
Trevor
Hamon
Raymond
I am very pleased to see the goals of many clubs to grow membership and welcome new members into their clubs. We welcome all new members for the month of September.
On July 4th there was an estimated 3833 newly arrived Ukrainians in Alberta. Canada is receiving approximately 500 more every day. Statistics on the number of Afghan refugees is equally staggering.
Rotarians in our District are putting out the Welcome Mat for newcomers adjusting to Canadian life.
Here is what we can support you, and your club with:
RI President Jennifer Jones and DG Steve Leavitt cut the ribbon for Move for Polio 2022 at Rotary Challenger Park on Friday, July 8, 2022, and celebrated Community as Rotarians, Umoja and Komcan enjoyed games, face painting and a BBQ.
All Rotary clubs in District 5360 are invited and encouraged to join Move for Polio 2022. We’re requesting a club champion to email Marlene Doherty to sign up.
I would like to thank everyone who has registered for the District Conference and am very pleased to announce that we will be holding a FINAL DRAW PRIZE on Sunday, May 1st.
David Wartman from the Rotary Club of Calgary West has very generously donated a pair of 2022 – 2023 Season Tickets to the Calgary Civic Symphony Orchestra (Value $300). We will also be including a dinner for two ($200).
If you have already registered then you are in the draw but if you need a final nudge then register before May 1st (www.discon5360.ca ) and you will be in. Registrations close on Friday, May 6thso don’t wait.
Also, we know there may be some hesitation about attending this in-person event so we will be making masks available at the Registration desk and there will be a designated a “Mask Only” section in the Auditorium.
Looking forward to a wonderful day of fellowship as we “Support the Environment”.
On February 17, 2022, at 4 pm, Rotary District 5370 is hosting the “Ecosystem of Indigenous Business webinar”.
Rocky Sinclair from Slave Lake and Terry Coyes from St. Albert will share what works in creating an ecosystem that supports Indigenous businesses and communities in Alberta. Our District Rotarians are invited to join this Zoom meeting.
Welcome District 5360 Family of Rotary: Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors and EarlyActors.
Move for Polio: August 1st
Thanks to all clubs and members participating in “Move for Polio – End Polio Now,” the District fundraiser runs from July 1st to October 24th.
As of August 1st, we have raised over $8,500, with 28 Clubs collaborating and 64 members making pledges. The top three clubs are Calgary West ($2,675), Medicine Hat ($1,975) and Sylvan Lake ($1,500). Our target is $100,000, and remember, for every dollar raised, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation matches it with $2 more.
You are supporting a terrific cause and doing something to help your mental health and wellness. You decide what you do. It could be walking, running, swimming, yoga, fishing or gardening - it’s up to you. If you like the sound of this, then bring along a family member or friend and show them that Rotarians are “People of Action.”
Want to get your club involved? Reach out to your membership and have your club identify a Club Champion. This fundraiser is going to be a bundle of fun and all for a great cause.
Email Marlene Doherty the name of your Club Champion or if you have any questions.
Membership and New Club Development Month
The key theme of RI President Shekhar Mehta in the Rotary year 2021 / 2022 is “Each One, Bring One”, each Rotarian bring a family member, friend or colleague to a Rotary event. It is critical that we show potential Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors and EarlyActors that we are People of Action. So how can we do that? Well:
EACH ONE, BRING ONE to a Fundraiser
EACH ONE, BRING ONE to a Community Event
EACH ONE, BRING ONE to a Fellowship Activity
EACH ONE, BRING ONE to the District Conference
And
EACH ONE, BRING ONE to a Rotary Meeting
EACH ONE, KEEP EVERYONE in your Club
Let non-Rotarian see what Rotary is all about. There are millions of people who are Rotarians at heart but just don’t know it. They may want to join one of our current clubs or be part of a new type of club, be it a satellite club, a cause based club or an Eclub. For more information on the different types of clubs contact District Membership Chair Cory Tretiak (cory.tretiak@gmail.com). It’s up to us to share Rotary with non-Rotarians and show them we are People of Action.
Each One, Bring One – New Member Roll Call
On behalf of District 5360 I would like to welcome the new Rotary members for July:
Nicole Kimpton, Rotary Club of Cochrane Young Professionals
Miles Miller, Rotary Club of Cochrane Young Professionals
Nicole Parks, Rotary Club of Cochrane Young Professionals
Courtney Sproule, Rotary Club of Cochrane Young Professionals
John Barlow, Rotary Club of High River
Dave Matson, Rotary Club of Okotoks
Patricia Neuman, Rotary Club of Calgary at Stampede Park
Evan Shea, Rotary Club of Lethbridge
John Taylor, Rotary Club of Pincher Creek
Tracey Vavrek, Rotary Club of Calgary Heritage Park
Vince Vavrek, Rotary Club of Calgary Heritage Park
Jack Yates, Rotary Club of Calgary Fish Creek
Keith McBeath, Rotary Club of Lethbridge East
Fred Clemens, Rotary Club of Canmore
Let’s give a big ROTARY WELCOME to these new members. If I missed anyone please let me know and I will include them in the next newsletter.
Zone Interact Convention
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Calgary East, the Zone Interact Convention will be held from March 10 - 13, 2022 at the Best Western Premier Hotel, Calgary. Early bird registration closes on October 15, 2021. Six Interact students and one chaperone will be allocated to each District in Zones 28 and 32 during this early bird period. Visit the convention website for additional information and to take advantage of the early bird rate. Clubs may reserve a convention spot now and select the student who will attend later.
Yours in Rotary
Martin
Martin Parnell Rotary International District 5360 DG
Learn more about the Move for Polio Campaign, this year's new Rotary theme, and welcome new members to our district! Click the link to watch the update.
District Governor Mary Turner updates members on her year in office. Highlights include information on District Designated Funds (DDF), Global Grants, upcoming June meetings, including District AGM (quorum still needed), Mary's year-end Zoom party, and the final Board meeting of the year.
Connect with someone today with a random act of kindness.
Tell someone you are thankful for them.
Pick up that Hallowe’en candy wrapper that has peeked through the snow.
Pay for the order of the person behind you in the drive-thru.
Encourage a new thought or idea at your Rotary Club.
Try something new, give yourself a goal and Celebrate your success.
Let me start with a personal thank you to you, for your dedication to Rotary, for going above and beyond and for shining a light for others to follow.
Updates from District: Club Leadership Training
How are you doing with preparing to lead your club or get to know Rotary better? The Club Leadership Training sessions held two Saturday mornings and two Wednesday evenings providing you with flexibility were very well attended. However, you may have not been able to attend – not to worry there are resources on the My Rotary Learning Center for you to brush up. Open an account. Go to ‘MyRotary.org” open an account, then go to the Learning Centre and choose a course you are interested in. It is a massive library of online resources, right from preparing a speech to fundraising tips and tricks.
The highlight of the year is Our District Conference on May 1st
I am extending a very personal invitation to you, our members to come and join us at our District Conference. This is the one event that draws us together for fun, fellowship and connection with each other. This year our Earlyacters, Interacters and Rotaracters will be alongside us on our journey of Navigating a New World.
If there is one thing that you do this year outside of your club meeting the District Conference is it. It is free for our Earlyacters, Interacters, Rotararcters and Friends of Rotary. For Rotarians, the cost is $20.00. Registration is open. Go to our District Website, or google, “Rotary District 5360 Conference”, and register today!
Come together with the family of Rotary across our District, learn from our Interactive Speaker engagements, grow your ideas as we journey together to make a lasting impact locally and globally through the power of Rotary.
Here is a challenge: REMAKE ROTARY TODAY for TOMORROW!
Paul Harris wisely said, “This is a changing world; we must be prepared to change with it. The story of Rotary will have to be written again and again”.
How are you REMAKING your ROTARY experience? Now is the time to think about what you want to not continue when we get back to meeting in person, and What do you want to try brand new? Close your EYES and picture your perfect Rotary club – what does it look like? What do you want to change to make it look like your mind’s eye? Is your club relevant, and responsive to our current environment? What are you ready to put away, and what new things are going to be a part of your refreshed club?
I can’t wait to hear your plans! It starts with a conversation in a safe and comfortable place, where diversity of thought is supported and encouraged!
Rotary International PODCAST featuring our DISTRICT for the Rotary world!!
A Final message in a local District 5360 Podcast produced by Rotary International with special thanks to Linda Morris for agreeing to this opportunity😊
As the world faces COVID-19, we are here to provide a platform to bring our communities together. We are taking action against this pandemic by providing updates, sources important information, and building a platform of unity. Find all of this and more on People of Action.
Learn more about the impacts to our communities and the inspiring response to Covid-19 through the lens of the Community Hubs Initiative, with our partners at United Way of Calgary and Area, and the City of Calgary.
Keynote Speaker
Karen Young
President & CEO, United Way of Calgary and Area
Karen Young joined United Way of Calgary and Area as vice president and chief operating officer in 2014. On April 26, 2016, United Way’s Board appointed Karen as president and chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2017. Karen came to United Way from The City of Calgary where she served for 26 years as an award-winning leader. As the director of Community and Neighbourhood Services at The City, Karen led change management, strategic planning and policy, partnership management, funding and grant programs, financial administration, community relations, and program development initiatives.
The COVID-19 Community Response Fund is a collaboration with The City of Calgary (including the Calgary Emergency Management Agency), and United Way of Calgary and Area, to support community agencies who are working diligently to keep Calgarians safe and well.
In this interactive workshop participants will be introduced to the Positive Peace Index, a framework for measuring peaceful societies from the Institute of Economics and Peace (IEP). IEP is a strategic partner with Rotary International. Workshop attendees will walk away with an understanding of the eight pillars of positive peace and how the eight pillars related to Rotary’s six areas of focus. Participants will identify their own indicators for each pillar of positive peace and develop the ability to use the framework to design initiatives and projects for promoting positive peace in their communities and internationally. Strategies for funding Rotary’s peace initiatives will be examined at the workshop. A variety of positive peace resources that are available to support Rotary and Rotaract clubs will be introduced.
Everyone attending the workshop is encouraged to complete the Rotary Positive Peace Academy prior to the workshop. www.RotaryPositivePeace.org/
Participants: Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors
Facilitators: Chris Offer - Rotary Peace Centers Committee and Rotary Positive Peace Activator
Rotary establishes peace center at Makerere University
Inaugural 2021 class will focus on shaping peace and development in Africa
KAMPALA, Uganda (9 January 2020) — From human rights violations to the impacts of climate change, Rotary and Makerere University are offering a postgraduate certificate program to peace and development leaders who are from or who have worked in Africa to address the underlying challenges to peace in the region.
The year-long program in Peacebuilding, Conflict Transformation and Development will emphasize issues and solutions that are of particular relevance throughout the African continent and beyond. Hands-on experience will complement coursework that addresses topics including human rights, governance, and the role of the media in conflict. Other studies will focus on refugees and migration, as well as resource and identity-based conflicts.
Is your Club not able to issue registered charitable receipts for cash donations?
This informative webinar features Janeen Webb, Vice President Donor Engagement at The Calgary Foundation. She gave an overview of the available support the Foundation could offer through their Flow-Through Fund structure and answer questions about whether this might be the right fit for your Club.
Originally recorded January 28th, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
AFP Calgary & Area Chapter is proud to present the 23rd Annual National Philanthropy Day® Generosity of Spirit™ Awards being celebrated in Calgary, November 14th.
National Philanthropy Day® brings community together to celebrate some of the most committed, generous individuals in our city and region. They are visionary, passionate and committed to fixing a challenge or a series of challenges to make the world better
This year, we honour philanthropists in five categories for their gifts of time, talent, treasure and energy to make our communities, and our world, better. These individuals and groups take small and large steps, every day, to make changes that improve the world for the people and agencies they support in numerous ways. The ripples that their efforts make have a massive impact.
Doc Seaman Individual Philanthropist Award: Glen Rempel Outstanding Philanthropic Family: Crist Family Outstanding Group Philanthropist: Rotary Clubs of Calgary Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist: Suncor Outstanding Lifetime Philanthropist: Randy and Claudia Findlay
In addition, we are proud to honour professionals who work in the fields of fundraising and community investment, helping support the work of non-profit organizations.
Outstanding New Fundraising Professional: Cicely Patrick Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Lorie Abernethy Hazel Gillespie Community Investment Leadership Award: Kristen Brown
These recipients will be honoured at this year’s annual celebration at the Bella Concert Hall at Mount Royal University. The reception and awards presentation will be held Thursday, November 14 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
District 5360 is pleased to introduce the two 2019-20 recipients of its Global Grant Scholarships. Global Grant Scholarships fund graduate education in the Rotary Foundation’s areas of expertise. For more information on District 5360’s Global Grant Scholarships, click here: https://www.rotary5360.ca/page/global-scholarship-funding.
We are looking forward to seeing those who have registered for our Regional Learning Days, full of interactive workshops that will help us build healthier and more vibrant Clubs this Saturday, October 27.
There is time to register if want to join in as well.
When registering please note which sessions you will partake in.
Vibrant Clubs/Membership
“Shoot the Puck” or “What is the Elephant in the Room” - Discussing Various Membership Types and why some types work for some Clubs and not for Others (AM)
“The Club of Tomorrow” - Working with Young Professionals and Rotaractors designing a Club (PM)
Communications/Social Media Strategy
“Telling Our Story - How many lives are we Impacting” (AM/PM)
Global Grants
“Gathering what we need” (AM)
“Writing the Grant” (PM)
Planning & Tools
“From Plan to Action” - Bringing your Strategic Plan to Life (AM)
“Let’s Get Connected” - ClubRunner and My Rotary website navigation (PM)
University of Geneva (Rotary Club of Lausanne and District 5360), 2022-24
Kaitlyn is passionate about the many biological, social and political factors that influence health worldwide. She is particularly interested in newborn, child, and maternal health, with a special interest in how changing global landscapes can impact this essential demographic. She will pursue a Master of Science in Global Health at the University of Geneva and intends to intern at one of several NGOs located within Geneva during her studies there.
Before this, Kaitlyn received her Bachelor of Health Sciences degree from the University of Calgary, majoring in Biomedicine (Honours, First Class). Her passion for global health was sparked when she was selected to participate in the first-ever Cumming School of Medicine Uganda Global Health Field School in 2019. There, she worked directly with rural community members and local stakeholders to identify health concerns and develop solutions.
MSc in Bioscience (Cell Biology, Physiology, and Neuroscience)
University of Oslo (Rotary Club of Calgary Olympic, District 5360, and The Oslo International Rotary Club, District 2310), 2022-24
Lindsey is passionate about investigating the pathological mechanisms of disease to develop effective therapies and preventative treatments. She was awarded a Rotary Global Grant Scholarship to pursue a Master of Bioscience specializing in Cell Biology, Physiology, and Neuroscience at the University of Oslo in Norway. During her Master’s, she worked with the Cell Therapy group at the Oslo Cancer Cluster, focusing on profiling humanized chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies for osteosarcoma. CAR T cell therapies, innovative "living drugs" engineered to mobilize a patient's immune cells against cancer, hold significant promise for enhancing patient outcomes.
Robert Falconer MPhil/PhD in Social Policy London School of Economics and Political Science (Rotary Club of Northwick Park, District 1130, and Rotary Club of Calgary Heritage Park, District 5360), 2023-24
Robert Falconer’s research focuses on the impacts of public policy on public attitudes and behaviour towards marginalized groups. He is particularly interested in the adoption of the made-in-Canada Private Refugee Sponsorship model by other countries and the potential effects this program has on sponsors themselves and their social networks of non-sponsor friends and family. He is pursuing an MPhil/PhD in Social Policy at the London School of Economics (LSE) and intends to pursue an academic career in public policy.
Robert has established an early track record of publications on public policy and migration to Canada and worked as a researcher for the University of Calgary School of Public Policy. He has provided expert commentary to the media on these subjects and has testified before federal and provincial committee meetings on the same issues. He looks forward to providing policymakers, media, and the public with a practical voice on the policies that create welcoming communities for all Canadians, new and old.
Christopher Klune MA in Education Policies for Global Development / MA in Social Policy (Dual Degree) Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona / University of Bremen / University of Cyprus (Rotary Club of Barcelona, District 2202, and District 5360)
As an undergrad and teacher, Chris developed a deep passion for education, teaching, and learning. His experience as a K-12 teacher abroad and in Alberta revealed the multi-layered and complex factors influencing education systems and student learning. He became interested in how public policy, technology, and education systems interact to help or hinder school communities in pursuing engaging and equitable learning for all students. As such, he once again needed to become a student and is pursuing a dual Masters of Education Policies for Global Development and Social Policy as part of the Erasmus GLOBED program, where he will study at three universities: the Autonomous University of Barcelona, the University of Bremen, and the University of Cyprus.
Before this, Chris worked as a teacher in Jordan and on three school boards in Alberta. He also worked in the nonprofit and international development sectors with the Breakfast Club of Canada and the Aga Khan University in Nairobi. He has volunteered with several global organizations like the World Economic Forum and the United Nations Sustainable Solutions Network. He was an active community member as an undergraduate at the University of Calgary, where he received his Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts in History.
University of Oxford (Rotary Club of Canmore and Rotary Club of Faringdon and District), 2020-21
Sari Ohsada is passionate about exploring environmental justice issues in diverse geographies and understanding the challenges and opportunities for societies to pursue just or fair transitions. Just Transition is a broad concept concerned with how transitions to a low carbon economy are inclusive, recognizing the different burdens and benefits that individuals and societies face.
Sari was awarded a Rotary Global Grant Scholarship in 2020 to undertake her MSc degree in Environmental Change and Management at the University of Oxford. There, she researched on Just Transition framings around Alberta’s thermal coal phase-out and its implications for equity and justice. Following her year, Sari received Distinction on her paper and presented her personal reflections at the 2022 Rotary District 5360 Conference in Cochrane (link). She donated the speaker honorarium back to ShelterBox, a humanitarian aid charity providing emergency shelter and supplies to thousands of families worldwide following the disaster.
Dominic Igbelina MSc in Global Health Policy London School of Economics and Political Science (Rotary Club of Calgary Heritage Park and Rotary Club of Hendon), 2020-21
Dominic has a strong passion for addressing challenges in the area of disease treatment and prevention. He received a Global Grant Scholarship to support his Master of Science (MSc) degree in Global Health Policy from the London School of Economics (LSE). The MSc program helps students develop deeper and conceptual understandings of global health issues, as well as the analytical skills to provide viable solutions to shared health concerns.
During his scholarship period, Dominic researched pharmacotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic treatment modalities for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. He also supported rare disease research in juvenile dermatomyositis and idiopathic myopathies in his capacity as Study Coordinator for the Juvenile Dermatomyositis Cohort Biomarker Study and Repository (JDCBS), based out of the University College London.
Ahmed Ali Masters in Business Administration in International Business with a Concentration in Emerging Markets MIB Trieste School of Management (Rotary Club of Calgary Heritage Park, District 5360, and Rotary Club of Trieste, Italy), 2019-20
Ahmed Ali is a passionate and community-driven leader who has pursued a career supporting and developing community capacity in different parts of the world. Before his educational and career pursuits, he began by giving back to various non-profit organizations, such as the Edmonton Africa Centre and Big Brothers and Big Sisters. His drive to see marginalized communities thrive and display their resiliency led him to create several programs, including a youth basketball league, incorporating mentorship by connecting young people with excelling professionals and postgraduate students in the African Canadian community in Western Canada.
With an interest in the holistic approach to social systems, Ahmed pursued the study of the development, structures and human social behaviour. His progressive academic pursuits began in Canada's capital by studying at the University of Ottawa and completing an Honours Bachelor of Social Science with a sociology specialization. He advanced his community engagement knowledge by working in outreach positions and direct service roles that worked alongside various vulnerable populations. He was able to develop an empathetic approach by working with newcomers to Canada, racialized youth and persons experiencing homelessness. It was within these complex experiences that challenged Ahmed to pursue a Master of Social Work Degree at Sir Wilfrid Laurier University, where he completed a concentration in Community, Planning, Policy and Organizations.
Mairéad Whelan MSc in Water Science, Policy, and Management, University of Oxford (District 5360 and Rotary Club of Faringdon and District, England), 2019-20
Mairead Whelan’s academic interests lie in the intersection between water, the environment, and population health. She is especially interested in global health, and how clean water, water scarcity, and climate change influence the spread of water-related illness and zoonotic disease. While at Oxford, she focused her learning on water management and infectious disease, contributing expertise in public health to a highly interdisciplinary program and faculty. She studied at Green Templeton College, a graduate college founded with a focus on health, humanitarianism, and social sciences. Aside from completing her classwork and enjoying the beautiful city of dreaming spires, Mairead also volunteered to mentor high school students in Oxford thorough their A-level research courses and was a member of the Oxford Union Debate Society. Mairead was set up to do fieldwork in the Ebro Basin in Spain and also complete her MSc dissertation fieldwork in Ghana evaluating the water, sanitation, and hygiene health conditions in live marketplaces when the COVID-19 pandemic hit – a very unconventional scholar experience! Although the situation meant cancelling these plans, Mairead re-routed her dissertation to focus on helping with the pandemic response effort and completed her analysis on how equity in access to water, sanitation, and hygiene may be impacting the dispersion of COVID-19 cases in the developing world.
Brandon McNally, MA in International Relations, Leiden University, The Netherlands (Rotary Club of Lethbridge East and Rotary Club of The Hague International), Global Grant Scholar, 2018-2020
Brandon McNally received a Global Grant Scholarship for his Advanced MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy from Leiden University in The Netherlands. The program provides training in the areas of mediation and negotiation while providing an in-depth study of the areas which affect the international realm (such as law and the economy). Throughout the program, Brandon focused on evaluating the connection between the environment, peace and conflict. He researched topics ranging from climate change and terrorism in West Africa, geoengineering governance, and the environment as a factor inducing cooperation between Pacific island countries. Brandon participated in two internships, the first with an international consulting firm and the second with a social enterprise that is developing a device to bring connectivity to rural off-grid Africa households.
Brandon obtained a BA in Political Science with a minor in Religious Studies from The University Lethbridge.
Aneel Brar, PhD in Medical Anthropology, University of Oxford, UK (Rotary Club of Red Deer East and Rotary Club of Faringdon & District) Global Grant Scholar, 2018-2019
Aneel Brar received a Global Grant Scholarship to fund the second year of his PhD studies in medical anthropology at the University of Oxford. His work focuses on disempowered women in rural Rajasthan, India—specifically on how social forces become embodied as illness among pregnant women and young mothers. Aneel’s objective as a medical anthropologist is to translate lessons from research into policies and programs that reduce structural violence and advance health equity.
Greetings from Japan! It has been quite a world wind moving around different hemisphere, climates, seasons and cultures, just as I got used to Australia. The internship in Melbourne was very enjoyable and successful with exciting results, lots of sunshine and a bit of sunburn. I learned how to perform cranial surgery by replacing a piece of skull with a window and how to genetically modify neurons to be activated and deactivated by shining a light through the window. The project was part of a PhD thesis, focusing on examining the computational power of the signal-receiving ends of the neurons called dendrite. Previously, dendrites were thought to only receive and package the information for processing downstream. I observed that activation of the dendrites do not improve the associated behaviour, yet inactivation induces the behaviour, contrary to what we hypothesized.
This demonstrates the previously-considered local sensory perception model to be too simplistic, and there are more complex processing power at play in both dendrites and the sensory pathway. The picture attached illustrates the areas in the brain that process sensory perception and were genetically modified to respond to light. The bright white-green area is where I injected viruses that add a new genetic code for a light controlled switch, and the expression goes through the nerve fibres all the way to the opposite hemisphere of the brain in multiple layers. Furthermore, I discovered Australian are the more relaxed versions of Canadian, and sometimes even more friendly. Perhaps it’s the nice weather and plenty of vitamin D. They have much better public infrastructures such as well-maintained public washroom in every big park, free outdoor gym facilities in the parks, and often-free-to-use gas or electric BBQ grills. Therefore, of all the countries who claim to love BBQ more, I have to give the title to Australia, especially when Christmas and New Years dinners were BBQ for me (admittedly, it felt out of season).
The Second Chance Art Sale was a fundraising sale of used art run by the Rotary Club of Calgary Heritage Park on April 14, 2018.
During February & March this year we asked Calgarians to donate pieces of wall art that they no longer needed. We were very fortunate to have LaZboy and Digital Post stores as partners. They allowed their stores to be donation collection sites.
When we opened the doors on Saturday, April 14 we had 1400+ pieces for sale. The art was priced very affordably. There were a handful of special items with a $200 - $300 price tag but most pieces were under $50.
We were delighted to be well supported by local Rotary clubs. Many Rotarians scoured their attics and basements for pieces to contribute and we thank them for doing that.
We haven’t crunched the final numbers yet but we exceeded the sales goal we set ourselves. The SCAS committee is hopeful that RCCHP will make this an annual event.
Jay (Yuan) Wang, MSc in Molecular Biosciences in Neuroscience, Interdisziplinären Zentrums für Neurowissenschaften (IZN), Universität Heidelberg, Germany (Rotary Club of Calgary Olympic and Rotary Club of Heidelberg-Schlöss), Global Grant Scholar, 2017-19
Jay Wang was born in China and grew up in Calgary. He received his Bachelor of Health Sciences, majoring in Biomedical Sciences, from the University of Calgary in 2014 with First Class Honours. A recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Student Leadership, the RBC Students Leading Change Scholarship, and the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada Scholarship, Jay has a passion for science, learning, volunteerism, community services and global development. From collecting minerals and fossils to astrophotography, there are not many scientific fields that he is not interested in. Starting research in high school, he has experience in both medical and astrophysics research. Nothing fascinates him more however than the brain! Jay held a Global Grant Scholarship from District 5360 to study Master of Neuroscience at Heidelberg University, Germany; the Rotary Club of Heidelberg-Schloss was his host club.
Leah Schmidt, MPhil in Multi-Disciplinary Gender Studies, University of Cambridge, UK (Rotary Club of Calgary and Rotary Club of Cambridge South), Global Grant Scholar, 2017-2018
Leah is an MPhil student in Multi-Disciplinary Gender Studies at the University of Cambridge (Queen’s College), where she studies feminist approaches to international relations and security studies, with a focus on theorizing embodied subjects under violence. Leah has worked with Amnesty International, Global Affairs Canada, and the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations (NYC) and is a passionate advocate for politicalized marginal identities.
In her previous professional experience, she has supported research on the national American Women’s Rights policy blueprint for the 2017 Federal Presidential Administration under the National Organization for Women; spent three years leading queer advocacy and safe space creation as Coordinator of the University of Calgary Student’s Union Q Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity; was selected as the Girls and Young Women’s Advisory Council Representative under Status of Women Canada; and served as a post-secondary representative for the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women and the Disabled Woman’s Network of Canada. She has also served in various conference leadership positions for the National Collegiate Conference Association (National Model UN), University of Calgary High School Model UN, the national Political Science Students’ Association, World Health Organization Simulation, and has led the University of Calgary Model United Nations Team to rank in the Top 50 North American Teams, among involvement with numerous other student clubs and organizations.
Rotarians in District 5050 are part of the official hosts for the Conference, along with Rotary Zones 24 and 25 - across Canada and along the West Coast from Alaska to California (including all of our Pacific Northwest PETS Districts).
Just $250.00 for Friday's evening event plus all day Saturday including lunch and coffee breaks!
Welcome to another Rotary year! Our journey continues ...
First off, I want to thank Neil Berg for all he has done in his year as our District Governor. I’m not sure he noticed it, but I was shadowing him off and on throughout the year, watching and learning – at the District Board table, during his “official” visits and at special Rotary events. It was truly an amazing experience, as everyone I talked to was appreciative of Neil’s presence, his availability, his caring for the club and the members, his knowledge, his advice, and ever so important, always thanking everyone for what they are doing for Rotary. And he did all this and his day job as well. Thank you, Neil for all you do for Rotary!
Secondly, I want to thank the District Leadership Team (Club Presidents, District Board, District Administrator, Assistant Governors and District Committees/Sub-Committees) for a job well-done! We certainly have a lot to be proud of, so we need to make sure we take a little time out to celebrate all of our successes and major achievements in a year where our focus was on “Rotary Serving Humanity”.
Thirdly, I want to thank all of the Rotarians in our District who responded to our member survey earlier this year. You have spoken and now our Clubs and District leadership must respond. We know our work is cut out for us, but we are committed to responding as we owe it to you, our District 5360 Rotarians.
Moving forward, I’m honoured, grateful and excited to be serving as your District Governor for 2017-2018. I look forward to meeting as many Rotarians and prospective Rotarians as I can, getting to learn about all of the great things our clubs are doing to make a difference and by helping our clubs and district grow and become more vibrant.
Our RI Presidential theme for this year is “Rotary: Making a Difference.” District 5360 Rotarians and their families and friends have made a difference, are making a difference and will continue to make a difference in their clubs, their communities and their world. I’m confident of that.
Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation will continue to focus on three strategic priorities for 2017-2018 –
Support and Strengthen Clubs,
Focus and Increase Humanitarian Service and
Enhance Public Image and Awareness.
During the year they will also be rolling out a draft of a new strategic plan aimed at Rotary’s next 5-10 years. Some of you may be asked to provide your feedback on what you see, so I encourage you to let your voice be heard, just as many of you did when you responded to our member survey. I’m excited to see that Rotary has finally developed a “Vision” statement for the organisation.
“Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” I would be interested in hearing what you think.
In closing, I want to congratulate and thank all of our 2017-2018 Club & District leaders for serving, for leading and for helping Rotary Make a Difference. Let’s have another great Rotary year!
And there is no more important issue in Rotary today, at least in North America, than membership. Rotary International has developed a North American Regional Membership Plan, which includes:
1. Engagement & retention, and
2. Attraction.
Seems simple enough, right?
Rotary International convenes a meeting of representatives from each District in the world every three years to review our constitution and bylaws. This latest Council on Legislation this spring enacted some of the most sweeping changes ever, allowing for innovation that allows Clubs to vary their meeting times, define what even constitutes a meeting, and to expand their pool of prospective members.
Because of these changes, membership just became a lot more flexible – clubs now have greater flexibility in when, where and how they meet and the types of membership they can offer. A Club can now:
Structure meetings however they like, as long as it meets twice a month. Socials and service projects can count for attendance as meetings. Meetings can be online or in-person.
Set their own attendance expectations – either relaxed or tighter. The Club is still expected to report attendance to District.
Offer different types of membership: corporate, family, associate or younger people. And surely there are others.
Can offer membership to a Rotaractor perhaps at a lower financial or time commitment. A Rotaractor can now join a Rotary Club without giving up their Rotaractor membership.
Retention and engagement are the two sides of the same membership coin. We do a pretty good job of attracting new members; where we could be better is in retaining those members. We would suggest that retention is a measure of the level of engagement of members and the expectations that are set when a new member is inducted.
One great new idea: the start-up of regular meetings of Club Membership Chairs in specific geographic areas to exchange ideas and take action, is being contemplated by Membership Development Chair Tony Knight and his team. If you‘re interested in this concept, let him know.
Our Zone Coordinator led a webinar late last month which outlined these COL changes, some mandatory and most optional. Some of you were able to listen; if you missed it, the webinar was recorded and is available at Great Ideas to Share. We would really encourage every Club President and every Club Membership Chair to invest the one hour to give it a listen.
Our communities can only benefit from more Rotary and more of you the Rotarian; and to do that we will continue to need more willing hands, more inquisitive minds and more caring hearts as we serve humanity.
We were touched by the heartfelt letter from a Rotaractor in last month’s District Bulletin (eBulletin-July2016) about experiencing a polio victim first hand. They are among us! It is certainly not too early to start thinking about what you and your Club are going to do to publicise World Polio Day on October 24 in your local community.
One thought: last year, the major junior Western Hockey League’s Red Deer Rebels provided discounted game tickets to Rotarians and others and the Club contributed a portion of the sales proceeds to PolioPlus.
And of course, it is never the wrong time to say: thank you for all you do for Rotary and for being a Rotarian who Serves Humanity.
Only 10 days left to Order Strawberry Shortcakes! Deadline February 5, 2016!
Strawberry Shortcakes
Valentine’s Fundraiser 2016
For the Rotary Club of Calgary West
Cakes will be DeliveredThursday, Feb 11
Online ordering is now available!
Celebrate Valentine's Day with a treat for your friends, family and co-workers. Acknowledge someone you love. Bring a little bit of sweetness into someone's life.
On Thursday, February 11, 2016, Rotarians from Calgary West will be delivering delicious home-style strawberry shortcakes to businesses and homes in Calgary and Airdrie. There is a minimum purchase of 6 cakes ordered to receive free delivery! At $6.00 per cake, this makes an affordable and fun gift for all.
Please note: Deliveries this year will be on Thursday, Feb 11 (to accommodate recipients who will be away for the Family Day Weekend)
Deadline to Order: Friday, February 5, 2016
Funds raised by Valentine’s 2016 Strawberry Shortcakes will be used to support the charitable projects of the Rotary Club of Calgary West including Habitat for Humanity, Homes of Hope, MotiveAction, NSTEP, 1835 Recovery Acres, Feed the Hungry, Hearts and Hands Foundation, PolioPlus, Youth Partnerships Programs, Malawi Girls on the Move School, Unlocking Potential Foundation, Micro-Credit Programs in Honduras and many others.
Thank you for any support you gave us in the past. I look forward to receiving your orders. Please pass this e-mail on to friends, family and business associates.
The Rotary Club of Raymond expresses appreciation to the community's support of their Annual Community Carole
Festival Sunday Dec 13th Participants contributed 520 Pounds of non perishable food items, which were delivered to the Standoff Food Bank the following day by Rotarian Val Boehme. Food Bank volunteers, Carol and Diane Bird extend appreciation to the Raymond community for this support, as they work to assist families in need in their community
Also collected at the Carole Festival were 14 cases of reading books for the Standoff Library, opened recently by their Parks and Recreation Department - the first Public Library on a First Nations Reservation in Alberta. The books will be presented to the Library at a Pow Wow in Standoff in January.
The goal of the Rotary Club was to have a good cross section of the community participate in the Carole festival. This was realized as school, youth, community and several different denominations contributed musical numbers, which were warmly received by the 5-600 people in attendance.
Numbers have dropped since the start of this Rotary year, in part due to significant "clean up" by some clubs, however as can be seen we do have work to do for the second half of the year . Congratulations to those clubs who have increased membership, in particular great work from the Canmore, Coaldale and Medicine Hat Clubs.
Many people are involved in preparing for the arrival of Syrian Refugees. There are lots of needs and a group in Rotary has been meeting to discuss and gather information to see if there are ways Rotary can assist. Perhaps your club is already making its own plans – there are many ways to assist.
One immediate need, is for STORAGE SPACE. Zarifa Hneidi has been one of a number of people receiving donations of clothing and furniture, but has run out of space to store additional items. What is needed - a large warehouse or similar facility in or near Calgary where the current items can be stored, and with capacity to accept the many donations available of furniture and household equipment.
DO YOU HAVE A SUGGESTION? Perhaps your company has some additional space or a spare, unused warehouse? The Committee overseeing some of these activities would look after keeping it secure, being there to receive items after the initial things have been put in storage. They also have access to vehicles that can move things around.
The person to contact with your offer or other suggestions is:
Zarifa Hniedi, zhniedi@gmail.com or phone her at 403-608-1391. Zarifa and Rotarian Ghada Al Atrash are good friends and connected through the Syrian Women’s Club of Calgary. Ghada is working to create other ways that Rotary might be able to get involved in helping the refugees.
Keep in mind that Zarifa can’t accept more clothing or other items at this time. She has no place to store them.
Why not combine your winter vacation with a Rotary Project Fair where you can find dozens of interesting Rotary projects being promoted by the 150 Rotary clubs in Colombia. Visit Cartagena on February 5-7 to experience this historic city and connect with many Rotary Clubs that can engage you in English.
With the vastly improved security situation and the Peace Accord that is in the process of being ratified, Colombian Rotary Clubs are working hard to reduce the inequality between urban and rural, wealthy and poor populations. Help support their projects and encourage them in their work towards peace.
Discover the historic Cartagena and the beaches but most of all the warm friendly Colombians. If interested, please connect with Bob Wiens of Rotary Club of Calgary South who will be attending this fair. For further information please go to:
IS AWESOME !! Where else can you access club member contacts, build a website and newsletter and store documents and photos for everyone's use.
And now there is a presentation to back up the above statement ! Complete with step-by-step instructions on how to access ClubRunner - Club version, ClubRunner - District version and how they all connect and synchronize with Rotary International.
Rotary Clubs of Okotoks and Drumheller have stepped up and enjoyed a lively presentation complete with questions and answer portion. Please email for presentation reservations if you feel your club members would benefit from increased access to information.
Each year at this time we request that clubs in the District consider presenting a candidate to be District Governor. A nominating committee of PDGs which I Chair will review all candidates and choose a qualified candidate to be presented as the District’s nominee at the Annual General Meeting of the District held during the District Conference in May, 2016. Since the person chosen will not serve until 2018-19, he/she will actually serve on the District Board first as DG Nominee and then as DG Elect.
As well as following the rules of choosing candidates as set out by Rotary International, we are also bound by the Bylaws established to govern our District by Industry Canada. Where there is a conflict, the Bylaws of Industry Canada prevail. The only significant point of difference is that a club, by resolution of the Club membership, can present an alternate candidate for District Governor at the AGM. When this happens there will be a vote. If no other candidates are presented by clubs, the nomination presented by the District Nominating Committee will be Acclaimed. Candidates presented by clubs must be submitted to the District Secretary at least 14 days ahead of the AGM to allow for information to be put together about the candidate for the membership. The Nominating Committee’s choice for the DG role in 2018-19 will be presented to the membership no later than February 1, 2016. Click to review the Bylaws of Rotary District 5360 Inc.. Refer to Number 7 and in particular 7(e).
A proposed Rotarian must have been a member for 7 years.
Must have served as a Club President.
The nominee must be approved by the Club’s membership and must agree to stand.
There are several other qualifications which can be reviewed in the District Bylaws mentioned above as well as by reviewing the Bylaws of Rotary International as mentioned above.
Please note: The RI bylaws prohibit any effort by a candidate, a candidate’s supporter, or any Rotarian to influence the selection process in a positive or negative manner, including but not limited to campaigning or canvassing. Our District Secretary will supply information on all nominees to voting members of the District.
I look forward to receiving your candidates for consideration by the Nominating Committee. We know there are many well qualified Rotarians who would do an excellent job as DG.
Join us in Calgary this Friday for World Polio Day
Join the worldwide Rotary family in celebrating World Polio Day this Friday in Calgary. The weather forecast looks promising so it’s a great day for a nice walk in great company.
Meet us just outside Banker’s Hall at 11:30 am and we’ll start our leisurely walk to City Hall where we will hear our Deputy Mayor André Chabot, Rotary District Governor Martin Harvey and a couple of Rotarians who have just returned from a National Immunization Day trip. Last year’s event was a blast and everyone had a great time laughing and chatting along the way.
Join friends and neighbours for a relaxed evening in rural southern Alberta and help raise funds for Los Amigos: a project which restores and donates ambulances, fire trucks and buses to Mexican communities.
Rotary Foundation Trustee Dr Monty Audenart passed away on January 21, 2015 in Red Deer, Alberta. Monty was well known to the Rotarians in our District. He asked that the following e-mail be sent out following his death.
“My Dear Friends,
This is just a short message to let you know that I have simply "Gone Home". While the Spirit is strong, and I would have loved to stay longer, I have had to lay my body down and walk through the next door. But then, life is really all about how we live it, and less about how long we live. I am lucky to have lived a grand life in the time that I had. I have been blessed to have a wonderful family, and so many good friends like you.
Thank you for being a part of my life, and for the many experiences and fun times we shared and the lessons you taught me. I will surely miss you, but I have faith that in due time we shall meet again. Please pray for my family, and know that I am not too far away.
Rotarians had a fabulous weekend connecting with Rotarians, learning about projects and opportunities to assist your community locally and internationally and hear about the effects of your good works.
Ever wondered ...
How you are going to fulfill your positions next year ?
How others seem to do it without effort ?
Who to contact when needing support ?
Well, all your questions will be answered in these fabulous Friday and Saturday Training Sessions which will cover all you ever wanted to know (and more !) about your upcoming commitments.
Register Here. Friday dinner is included for AGs PEs and SEs.
Registrants can bring a guest to Friday Dinner for $50, (select Add-On)
All Sessions at the Marriott Airport - Book your Room today if required.
We look forward to hosting a terrific bonspiel full of fellowship on and off the ice.
The first 40 teams registered and paid will be guaranteed entry into the bonspiel. Registration details are attached, so consider this
your notice that there will be a party going on in Downtown LA
(that’s Lethbridge Alberta).
The A&W Root Bear visits Lethbridge's Westminster School
The Rotary Club of Lethbridge Sunrise visits Westminster Elementary School once a month in support of the their breakfast program. Rotarians deliver A&W breakfast sandwiches and read a story to the children while they enjoy their meal. It warms the kid's tummies and the Rotarian's hearts. On November 26, the Root Bear joined the fun at the school!
The A&W Root Bear visits Lethbridge's Westminster School
If you can make it to the Yates Theatre in Lethbridge next Tuesday 2 December, then Huron Carole may turn out to be the best Christmas show that you've ever seen. Traditional tunes, fantabulous perfomances! Jaw-dropping great! All ticket sale proceeds go to three Lethbridge Area food banks: Interfaith Food Bank, Lethbridge Food Bank and Kainai Food Bank.
You or your club might already be a ShelterBox Hero! A ShelterBox Hero is any Rotary Club that makes a commitment to support ShelterBox in bringing emergency shelter to families overwhelmed by disaster. There are two ways to be a Hero:
Commit to provide at least 1 box/$1,200 per year for three years.
Contribute 3 boxes/$3,600 between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2015.
Rotary Club Heroes will receive a ShelterBox banner.
Make Dreams Real will be held in Calgary at the
Ramada Plaza Calgary Airport Hotel and Conference Centre on
Saturday, October 25th 3515 26 Street NE, Calgary.
This day-long event is hosted annually by District 5360 for all Rotarians in our District, and in particular for President Elects. Clubs are asked to extend an invitation and register youth from YEX, RYLA, RYPEN, Rotaract, Interact and other Rotary programs targeted at younger people. Their attendance will be sponsored by Servus Credit Union.
Every Rotarian is encouraged to attend!
This is a day of Rotary passion were we talk about the emotional impact Rotary makes in our communities and in the world. Cost is only $50 per person; President Elects registration fee is covered by District dues.
The Ramada Plaza Hotel has blocked rooms for those people coming to Calgary on Friday night at a rate of $129.00. These rooms are limited so please reserve early.
Please call Ramada Plaza Calgary Airport Hotel at 403.250.8855 or 1.888.233.6730 - Reference “Rotary International District 5360”
Registration is $350 per team, which comes out to $50 per person - less if you have alternates - and teams are guaranteed 4 matches throughout the tournament. We'll have kids activities (free!) and a barbecue (not so free!), so bring your family. The tournament will be held at the Inglewood Community Association Rink.
We've got less than 10 spaces left! or sponsor a team for $350.00. Or sponsor a team, contact Catie at Catelynne@gmail.com. Register online https://yycbubblesoccer.eventbrite.ca/
All proceeds from this event will go to the Rotary BizComp project providing microloans and mentorship for high school students to start their own summer businesses.
82nd Waterton Glacier
International Peace Park Assembly
Thursday 18th – Sunday 21st September 2014
Kalispell Montana
Rotarians and family members are invited to participate in the 82nd Waterton Glacier International Peace Park Assembly that will be held in Kalispell, Montana. The Rotary Clubs of Western Montana in the Flathead Valley have planned a very informative and entertaining program for all participants.
The highlights that follow are still in the process of being finalized, more detail is expected to follow.
In support of Casa Hogar Los Angelitos, an orphanage
in Manzanillo that provides abandoned and street children
with a safe, loving home, hope for the future and a second
chance at life.
Thorncliffe/Greenview
Community Centre
5600 Centre Street North
Calgary, Alberta
District 5360 Governor Pat Killoran speaks with QR77 talk radio in Calgary about Polio Plus, the contributions of Districts 5360 and 5370, and the matching support from the Province of Alberta.
Registrations are open until Wednesday night for this year's
Women in Rotary event celebrating International Women's day.
The event this year focuses on Women Engaging and Changing Lives
Date: Saturday March 1, 2014
Time: 5:00 pm registration and fellowship
6:00 pm dinner and event start
Location: Elks Golf and Country Club 2502 6 Street NE Calgary
Cost: $50 (cash or cheque made to Rotary Club of Calgary Sarcee)
Jackie Hobal, past DG of District 5370, is flying in from Grand Prairie and is our inspiring guest speaker. As a Polio survivor and engaged Rotarian, she will share her amazing Rotary journey.
Come and meet DG Pat, DG Elect Garth and past DG Fran who will all be in attendance.
This event is also open to men! As research indicates, when men and women work together, their synergistic efforts equates to more productivity!
To ensure the right number of meals are ordered, please register by WEDNESDAY Feb 27; you can bring payment to the event.
The Rotary Club of Spruce Grove would like to welcome curlers in Districts 5360 and 5370 to the
53rd Annual
Curling Bonspiel
to be held February 20 to 23, 2014 in Spruce Grove, Alberta. Interested teams may visit this site to learn more about the event and to register a team. Only one registration is required per team. Details about team members will be asked during the registration process.
District 5360 is accepting donations to benefit those communities most affected by the flooding in Southern Alberta. Those wishing to donate to specific communities are invited to make their donations directly to the local Rotary Club, or to indicate their wishes when donating through the District. Please note that some clubs, including High River, are not in a position to issue charitable receipts at this time should one be required.
Attendance in person by at least one member from your club is required to qualify the club for District Grants, Global Grants and District Designated Funds (DDF).
For clubs interested in District Grants only, attendance by one or more club members can be in person or by webinar.
Training will be provided in the process of applying for grants and DDF online. A team from the Government of Alberta shall also be making a presentation on the requirements and process of applying for grants to support both local and international projects.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS - 15 OCTOBER 2013
Locations for the seminars in Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer are shown in the registration pages.
Waterton -Glacier International Peace Park Conference
Friday 13th - Sunday 15th September 2013
Waterton Alberta
A fellowship of cross-border Rotarians who share similar values about service, peace and building a better world for those who follow, celebrated where the world's first International Peace Park was created 81 years ago through Rotarian initiative.
What's happening to bring meaning and content to this fellowship weekend? Lots:
Kick-off Centennial BBQ, entertainment, keynote by Hon. Terry McMahon, and a celebration of a Century of Rotary in the Region (RCC Calgary hosting)
Golf, hiking, touring events of your choice
Parks Superintendent and Warden "State of the Parks" address plus Q&A
Rotary Peace Scholar speaker and program - Martha McManus & Garth Toombs
Exciting High Arctic Parks presentation - Ifan Thomas
Luncheon and RI speaker - Past RI VP and current Aide de Camp to RI president Monte Audenart
Saturday Dinner with
Parade of Flags by Youth Exchange Students
keynote address by Harvey Locke; cross-border environmentalist and author of a new book on Waterton
Crowshoe Peigan elder on Waterton and aboriginal history and culture
Music by Jason Barras - International classical guitar entertainer
Non-denominational Sunday service - Reverend Austin Fennel
Hands-Across-the Border ceremony - dignitaries, officials and Rotarians from four Districts
Lodges and campground under five minute walk from venue
We are pleased to share that today, on Rotary’s 108th anniversary, it was announced at the Vancouver Peace Forum that Canadian Rotarians have raised over $1.6 million for the Pennies for Polio initiative. Thanks to you, we have exceeded our goal of $1 million. This is a true testament to the continued interest and commitment of Canadian Rotarians to Rotary’s priority program. Our funds, as you know, will also be further leveraged by matching funds from the Canadian government and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. By doing this we have ensured vital financial support for global polio eradication activities and we have sent a clear message about the continued commitment of Canadian Rotarians to the goal of a polio free world.
Rotary International would like to thank United for their generosity and the opportunity to participate in United's 10 Million Charity Miles Giveaway. And thank you to everyone who voted for us. We couldn't have done it without your participation and persistence.
For the miles giveaway, we officially came in second place and will receive 2,501,338 charity miles from United. Rotarians will use the miles for humanitarian missions, such as transporting sick children to hospitals and National Immunization Days for polio eradication. Last year, Rotary received 2,488,070 charity miles from the giveaway. Miles aren't used for travel for RI staff or Rotary senior leaders.
The Rotary Foundation is now accepting applications for the world-competitive Rotary Peace Fellowship. The fellowship provides academic and practical training for individuals working on solving conflicts and building peace around the world.
The District Governor and the Nominating committee would like to announce that Martin Harvey, Rotary Club of Heritage Park, has been chosen to be District Governor for 2015- 2016. We have not received any challenges to this nomination. Congratulations to Martin Harvey on his nomination as District Governor. Martin will be confirmed at the AGM at the District Convention May 3rd to the 5th.
Martin Harvey announced as District Governor 2015-2016 31/1/13
In keeping with RI President Tanaka’s theme, our District 2490 (Israel) will hold our 1st. Annual International Youth Peace Camp aimed to enhance young “Leaders for Peace", who upon returning to their home communities, will become young ambassadors of understanding, goodwill and peace through community service.
Dear Friends throughout the Rotary world and beyond...
It has now been almost a week since Hurricane Sandy attacked New Jersey and New York. All of the six District governors in the area whose Districts were most affected have been in contact with one another, and I would like to give you an update on what has happened to each of our areas, as well as a list of both immediate and long-term needs as we know them now.
At Zones 24 and 32's director Bryn Sykes suggestion, we are all working together to get donated supplies to the right area. We are asking that cash donations be made to one fund, the Walter D. head Foundation if Rotary District 7490, c/o Calisto Bertin ( our DGN), Bertin Engineering, 66 Glen Avenue, Glen Rock, NJ 07452. By tomorrow, we will also have a way those who wish to do so can wire transfer money or donate on-line or using PayPal or other major credit cards. We will split whatever donations are given among the six affected districts, although we may decide to give more to those districts that are most affected( see below). That information will be on the website (created as part of a mufti-district PR grant we received from Rotary International): www.nynjrotary.org. We will keep that site updated with the latest information every other day., including foundations of individual districts.
Rotaract clubs around the district are facilitating a hands-on workshop in Calgary to teach Rotarians how social media can help achieve your Rotary club’s goals, in conjunction with the District 5360 Public Image and Training committees. All Rotarians are encouraged to attend.
In this workshop, we will:
Discuss marketing in a holistic overview
Discuss existing social media efforts by your club and around the district
Develop and practice hands-on skills needed to use social media tools effectively
October 24, 2012 is Polio Awareness Day. May I suggest that all clubs do a Walk throughout their communities with Rotarians and friends to raise awareness of the efforts you have all made towards the eradication of Polio?
If you remember we did do a walk during the conference in Collingwood last year. The clubs in the Collingwood District put it together with District 7070. It was most successful with about 250 who walked through the town.
Perhaps, you could ask your Mayor and Council to declare Polio week from the 21st to the 27th of October. At least six clubs have already done this and do have the support of their town.
The walk itself does not have to entail a great deal; just some action to bring attention to Rotary's goal to eradicate Polio.
William R. Patchett - patch@eagle.ca
District 7070 Foundation Chair
Past District Governor 7070 2006-2007
EPNC Zone 24
Ms. Kristina Larkin
Rotaract Club of the University of Lethbridge
Dear Rotaractor Kristina,
It is my pleasure to congratulate the Rotaract Club of the University of Lethbridge on its Rotaract Outstanding Project, “Siaqtuut – A Journey Together.” The members of the 2011-12 RI Rotaract and Interact Committee have selected your project as 2012 USA, Canada, and Caribbean Districts Winner to be recognized at this year's Rotaract Preconvention Meeting, 4-5 May at the Impact Exhibition & Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand.