March is here, and for Rotary International, that means celebrating Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month — a time to shine a spotlight on one of the most transformative areas of our work.
This month is an opportunity to reflect on The Magic of Rotary and the profound impact we create when we come together with determination and purpose.
Years ago, I experienced this magic firsthand in the Dominican Republic. When a group of members helped people install water filters, three children watched with amazement as dirty water entered one end of a filter and clean water emerged from the other. When we paused the demonstration, one child tugged at my sleeve and pleaded, “Show me the magic again.”
To them, it felt magical. It was also the result of countless hours of effort — planning, transporting, and installing the filters — alongside local partners who were dedicated to making clean water accessible. In that moment, I realized that what seemed like a small act could change residents’ lives. That is The Magic of Rotary.
This story is a testament to the incredible potential of our global family to create change. Water projects exemplify our reach, our partnerships, and our unwavering commitment to improving lives. Consider Rotary’s work with USAID. That partnership has enabled us to work with communities and governments to improve access to sustainable water and sanitation services for thousands of people in the Dominican Republic, Ghana, the Philippines, and Uganda.
Partnerships remind us that Rotary’s impact is amplified when we work together. Through our strategic alliance with the United Nations Environment Programme, we’re advancing the Community Action for Fresh Water initiative. This program equips Rotary members with the tools and resources to protect, restore, and sustain freshwater ecosystems.
When we make use of Rotary grants and advocate for clean water in our communities, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond individual projects.
As we embrace the spirit of the month, I encourage every Rotary member to seek out new partnerships. Collaboration multiplies our efforts and helps us reach more people in need.
Whether it’s joining forces with local organizations, forming alliances with international agencies, or mobilizing your community, every step we take together brings us closer to a world where everyone has access to clean water and safe sanitation.
The Magic of Rotary shines brightest when we work in harmony with others to create lasting good. Together, we can turn dreams into realities that transform lives and communities. The result may feel like magic at times, but we know it’s from the power of our collective commitment and compassion. Let’s harness this magic to make a difference this month and beyond.
Rotary Theme for March
Clean water and sanitation is a human right. When people, especially children, have access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, they lead healthier and more successful lives. We don’t just build wells and walk away. Rotary members integrate water, sanitation, and hygiene into education projects. When children learn about disease transmission and practice good hygiene, they miss less school. And they can take those lessons home to their families, expanding our impact.
At least 3,000 children die each day from diseases caused by unsafe water, which is what motivates our members to build wells, install rainwater harvesting systems, and teach community members how to maintain new infrastructure.
While very few people die of thirst, millions die from preventable waterborne diseases, providing the impetus for our members to also improve sanitation facilities in undeveloped countries.
What are we doing to help?
Our members, Al and Fred Al and Fred have been involved with a drilling project in Zimbabwe. This project can be looked at as a “test” or “introduction” with our Club possibly participating in other projects in the same geographic area.
This initiative came to us from our connection with the Silhe Sizwe Community Organization. Our club has been involved with this group for a few years, building stands for their Marimba Band and helping in their community garden. Silhe Sizwe now has the funds to drill the well, funds from our club will provide the infrastructure
needed for the project including a pump, piping, elevated water tank, solar panels, batteries, electrical connections, etc. We will be partnering with the Rotary Club of Bilawayo on this project.
Supporting our Local Community
Edmonton's Food Bank
Great job Edmonton West Rotarians! Working hard to make our community a better place!
Hello, dear sponsor Bruce and members of the Rotary Club of Edmonton West.
To begin, I want to thank you for the help you've provided me over the past few months and thank you again for the food pantry, as it has been a great help to me and my family. I am very pleased to write to you again and tell you what I have done these past few days.
Reading your letters, I have learned that this is new to you and that at first, many members were unsure of the impact your support would have on this club.
I would also like to let you know that second-quarter report cards will be issued soon, and I am eager to know my grades and also to know that I didn't get bad grades so that my mom can be proud of me and you can be proud of me too.
I would like to share with you some of the activities I do to help others who need some kind of support.
Over the past few months, I've helped several people with their daily activities, such as sweeping, washing dishes, or sweeping their yards. I've also helped their children with their elementary school homework and made sure they actually needed the help.
Finally, I want to thank you again for the food you provided me, and I hope you have a wonderful April.
With love, Cristian.
Sent from my iPhone
Meeting Updates
District Governor Visit
District Governor Brian Edwards will visit our club on April 7. He will speak to the Club about his year so far and what's happening in the District.
Weekly Meeting at Grandview
The fine folks at Grandview Extended Care have invited us to have a weekly meeting at their facility. This will be on May 26 at 12:00 pm. It will be good to hear from Jacqueline Futoransky and Terry de Visser on what they have going on and their plans for the future.
Save these Dates!
31st Rotary Integrity Awards
Our club has selected Crystal Kootenay Thompson, President of the Indigenous Congress of Alberta Association, and Dr. Abdullah Saleh, Pediatric Surgeon and Chief Executive Director, Innovative Canadians For Change.
The gala is always inspirational and an event not to miss! You can enjoy great company, music and fine dining as we learn about how our local heroes and their contributions are making a difference in our community. Sign up Now!
Annual Golf Fundraiser
This is one of our biggest fundraisers and brings our club unrestricted funds that we can use for the many organizations that we support. We need all members to contribute to this event. Here's what you can do:
Donate 2 bottles of wine - give these to Lorne
Obtain auction items - also give these to Lorne
Volunteer to help on the day. Annie will send out an email shortly for volunteers to sign up.
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