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Rotaract SAIT

Rotaract SAIT recieved their charter from District Governor Manon Mitchell on April 7. The event was very well attended by Rotary and Rotaract members from Calgary clubs including Calgary North (the sponsor club), and Rotaract University of Calgary who provided much support in forming the new Rotatact Club. The Rotary Club of Calgary North provided the attached link to see more photos of the event.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DW5ZAwOGrDz/?igsh=MW1hanJvOGVnb2x2bg==

New Members

Danny Arthur was inducted as a member of Calgary East Rotary on March 19.

Murli Dharan was inducted as a member of Calgary East Rotary on March 19.

Princess Chidi was inducted as a member of Calgary East Rotary on March 26.

We started the year at 28 members and with the induction of 3 new members during March we now have 38 members in the Rotary Club of Calgary East.

Community Kitchens

20 members of the Calgary East and other Calgary Rotary Club volunteered to bag produce at Community Kitchens. Through the Good Food Box Program, anyone can purchase boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable price. The program offers a hands-up approach, opposed to hands-out and the boxes are assembled by dedicated volunteers.

Miss Vicky Visits Calgary East

Rotarians Lee Harman and Winston Conyers are on the move in a classic 1931 Ford Victoria "Miss Vicky" raising funds and awareness to end polio once and for all. Miss Vicky has conquered the 10,000 mile Peking-to-Paris Endurance Rally and tackled 7,500 miles from Anchorage to Cabos San Lucas, a journey that perfectly matches Rotary's determination and endurance in the fight agianst polio.

January Volunteers

6 members and prospective members of the Calgary East Rotary Club volunteered with members of other Calgary Rotary Clubs to bag produce at Community Kitchens. Through the Good Food Box Program, anyone can purchase boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable price. The program offers a hands-up approach, opposed to hands-out and the boxes are assembled by dedicated volunteers.

10 members of the Calgary East Rotary Club volunteered at casinos to support partner organizations, Calgary Rotary Challenger Park and Vecova. Challenger Park is an all inclusive barrier free park in NE Calgary where people of all abilities can play. Vecova is a charity providing inclusive, people centered services that help individuals live with dignity, purpose, and independance.

Indigenous Committee

Cam Stewart was honoured to share a meaningful gifting moment with Christine Rendell, whose leadership and dedication to Indigenous relations and reconciliation have had a lasting impact within Rotary and across Southern Alberta.

As past District Governor for Rotary International District 5360 Inc., Christine’s passion and vision inspired the creation of the District's Indigenous Relations Committee, helping to lead important conversations and meaningful change. She also founded the Calgary East Rotary Club's Indigenous Relations Committee, prioritizing learning, relationship-building, and community-driven projects.

This blanket was offered in gratitude, for her compassion, strength, and unwavering commitment. Christine’s leadership continues to guide my work and the work of so many others within Rotary and beyond.

With thanks and respect. Hand to heart!

Holiday Celebration

A big thank you to Diego and Rosa for hosting the Rotary Club of Calgary East's holiday celebration. The evening was cold and snowing which was fitting for a festive event. Everyone enjoyed the variety of pot-luck dishes to go with the roast chicken and roast port prepared by Rosa and the Chilean Pisco Sour's prepared by Diego.

Kettle Volunteers

Rotarians from Calgary East have volunteered for the Salvation Army Kettles since 1976. We don't have records of volunteering every year in the last in the last 50 years but still a remarkable achievement! Thanks to the 14 volunteers who did two hour shifts at Marlborough Mall on November 28 and 29. The Salvation Army serves community and shelter meals, provides food hampers and toys at Christmas, provides food and clothing and provides beds for men, women, and families in need.

St. Rose of Lima School Playground

St. Rose of Lima School in the Rundle community has never had a playground since being converted from a High School to a K-9 School. The Rotary Club of Calgary East partnered with the Rundle Special Fundraising Society, St. Rose of Lima School, Calgary Parks Foundation, Government of Alberta, and Totem to secure the funds for a playground. The playground was constucted in September and was dedicated on November 21. Dignitaries and Calgary East Rotary members attended the dedication along with all the students and teaching staff. The playgroung is recognized as a memorial for Jim and Betty Smith, deceased members of the Calgary East Rotary club who were dedicated to supporting youth. Jim and Betty's family attended the dedication and cut the ribbon to officially open the playground.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity held the ground breaking ceremony at Dawson's Landing in Chestermere on November 12. The Rotary Club of Calgary East is partnering with Habitat for Humanity for a build day on June 13, 2026. We will provide at least twelve volunteer to help with the construction of 24 new affordable homes in Dawson's landing. In addition to our volunteers we contribute $5,000 towards the constuction materials. Working families who could not otherwise own a home pay no down payment and the monthly payments are typically capped at 30% of the household income. We previously volunteered for a build day at Livingston 24 in the northeast community of Livingston and are looking at opportunities to volunteer at the ReStore.

Readers & Leaders

We recently became a sponsor for the Readers and Leaders program with a $6,000 contribution. This is a rebrand of the "It's a Crime Not to Read" program started by our Rotary club, the Calgary Public Library and the Calgary Police Service in 2001. Police officers, fire fighters and first responders read to grade 3 students. The program connects students with books, reading, life-long learning, and positive community relationships.

Polio Event

Rotary District 5360 held a social in support of Polio at the Alexander Center Society Dance Hall on November 1. The keynote speaker was Ramesh Ferris who is the District Governor for District 5370 and a polio survivor. Everyone was inspired when Ramesh shared his powerful polio story. After we heard from Ramesh, we had a Zoom call with Mike McGovern, Rotary International's Polio Chair and had a update on the current Polio campaign. We enjoyed light snacks, Iron Lung Ale, and music from William Friedson and hjis jazz band.

Care close to home

Portable kidney failure treatment will keep patients in Labrador in the remote communities they love

Passport clubs offer ticket to flexibility

Passport clubs keep people in Rotary without weekly meetings over a meal.

Progress report: Partners for a Malaria-Free Zambia

Rotary and partners deploy health workers to confront malaria and more through the five-year-old Partners for a Malaria-Free Zambia program.

Nobel Peace laureate Malala Yousafzai to speak at the Rotary Convention in Taipei

Nobel Peace laureate Malala Yousafzai to speak at the Rotary Convention in

A Rotarian works to dispel myths about polio vaccines

A Rotarian works to dispel myths about polio vaccinesDiana Maria PirgaRotary Club of Türkiye Evrensel, District 2430Digital community engagement specialist, UNICEF PakistanI was looking for

Calgary East Meeting with Guest Speaker
Calgary Plaza Hotel

Apr. 23, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Calgary East Meeting with Guest Speaker
Calgary Plaza Hotel

Apr. 30, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Calgary East Business Meeting
Calgary Plaza Hotel

May 07, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Calgary Reads Big Book Sale
Calgary Curling Club

May 09, 2026
4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Calgary East Meeting with Guest Speaker
Calgary Plaza Hotel

May 14, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Salvation Army Kitchen Attendant
Centre of Hope

May 21, 2026
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Calgary East Meeting with Guest Speaker
Calgary Plaza Hotel

May 21, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Community Kitchens
Community Kitchens

May 26, 2026
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.