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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.