March 2022                                                               

Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education are basic necessities for a healthy environment and a productive life.

Did you know...

  • Worldwide, 2.2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water.
  • More than half of the global population does not have access to safe sanitation.
  • Three billion people do not have access to handwashing facilities with soap.
  • Still, 673 million people practice open defecation.

When people have access to clean water and sanitation, waterborne diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families.

Through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, Rotary’s people of action mobilize resources, form partnerships, and invest in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change.

Club News

 
February 23 was Rotary’s 117th Birthday. That day is also called World Understanding and Peace Day. On February 23, 1905, little did Paul Harris and his three friends realize what they were starting when they met in room 711 of the Unity Building in Chicago. We have come a long way, since then, but we still have a long way to go to achieve goodwill, peace, and understanding among all people of the world. 
 
Happy 67th Birthday to Us!
 
It was also our Birthday. The Rotary Club of Edmonton West, sponsored by the Edmonton Downtown club, was admitted to membership in Rotary International on February 23, 1955 with 21 charter members. Ben Lang was our charter President. 
 
We received a lovely email from a Rotarian in India:
 

Dear Immediate Past President David Weir, 

This is Suren Poruri, Assistant Governor, RI District 3150, from India.

Your rotary club of  Edmonton West  was chartered on 23-Feb-55, which is today. 

I would like to extend my warm wishes to you and to all your club members on this joyous moment.

Rotary is the only organization which has global foot print and is working towards happy communities across the world with it's noble initiatives.

Thanks to our rotary club founder Rtn Paul Harris, we are able to make a difference in the communities where we live.

Thanks and regards,

Suren Poruri

Assistant Governor

District Best Club President for year 2017-18

Secunderabad West 

RI district 3150

Member Spotlight

Jim Spalding joined the Rotary Club of Edmonton West in 1982. As we know, Jim has a passion for cars, and was featured in the AMA Insider Magazine.
 
Click the link below to read the article.
 
 
https://amainsider.com/my-first-car-reminiscing-on-the-effort-and-reward/
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Ann Orsini
March 14
 
J P Poirier
March 14
 
Annie Mueller
March 15
 
James Johnston
April 24
 
Spouse Birthdays
Annie
March 15
 
Join Date
Vicky Grabb
March 15, 2004
18 years
 
Mike Ryan
March 17, 1998
24 years
 
James Johnston
April 1, 1986
36 years
 
David Weir
April 11, 2016
6 years
 
Ken Brander
April 11, 2016
6 years
 

Edmonton Food Bank

For many years Edmonton West Rotarians have volunteered their time at the Food Bank Warehouse. From sorting donated food to building hampers we have provided a total of 635 hours of service and donated food and items. 
 
"There would be no Food Bank without our volunteers."
Marjorie Bencz, Executive Director
 
I am very grateful to everyone who has donated their precious time to this wonderful organization. The Edmonton Food Bank has recognized our efforts in a letter.
 

395 Air Cadet Squadron

 
Our club has supported the 395 Squadron since 1983. The sponsor financially supports the activities of 395 air cadets. The Rotary Club of Edmonton West has received the Top Sponsor Award from the Alberta Provincial Committee during it’s tenure with 395 Squadron.
 
Sponsoring Committees work in partnership with cadet corps and squadron staff to ensure the viability of the unit.  Their support is intended to complement the resources available from the Canadian Forces.  
 
Effective Speaking Competition ~ A Quote from one of the Air Cadets
"The national competition was an incredible experience. I had the opportunity to meet some of the most effective speakers I have ever met, and the experience gave me the opportunity to learn and grow even more by watching the incredible speeches of these talented cadets from all across Canada. I believe the amount of sheer talent in a group of such young individuals truly speaks to the Air Cadet program as a whole. The National Effective Speaking Program gives young people so many opportunities to grow, learn new skills, and face our fears through all it has to offer, and it clearly pays off."
 
The Director is looking for three Judges for their Effective Speaking Competition (Virtual) on 23 April. Ken did this last year and said it was very enjoyable. It's virtual so you can participate from the comfort of home.

If you are interested please contact:

Rick Morrissey
President
395 Squadron Parents' Association
587-521-0325
rsmorrissey@shaw.ca

How Can You Help?

The honor of being a Rotarian can only be enhanced by serving as a Board Member, Club Director or Club President.

As a leadership development organization, Rotary depends on its members to take on the challenge of leading their Rotary Club to continue the good work we do as Rotarians. 

As our club emerges from the pandemic restrictions we are moving forward in many directions. There are a core group of members who have held this club together through the challenges of zoom meetings and have worked hard to keep members engaged, and for this, we thank them. Without their strength, and dogged commitment we would not be here today. 

Now it's your turn to step up and help to keep the momentum going. Here's where we need help:

  • Meeting set up
  • Golf Fundraising Event
  • Treasurer
  • Foundation Chair
 
So..don't wait to be asked. Put up your hand and say, "I love my club and I want to help."

George Grover Leadership Scholarship

At the last meeting our guest speakers were former Edmonton West Rotarian Ron Hutchinson and Honourary Member Jerome Martin, who both played an important role in making the Grover Scholarship fund one of the most important endowments administered by the University today, together with a recent scholarship recipient who spoke to the Club about their studies and the importance of the scholarship in supporting their academic endeavours.
 
The Rotary Club of Edmonton West is proud to have created one of the largest scholarship funds available to University of Alberta students. Here is its story, and what the George Grover Scholarship looks like today.

History of the Scholarship 
Upon the death of Rotarian George Grover, a well-respected member of the Rotary Club of Edmonton West, Rotarian Dave Turner believed that the high ideals and ethics held by George should be remembered in a suitable manner.

George was a retired Real Estate Professional, so David contacted Rotarian Art Jones, predecessor to Rotarian Ron Hutchinson in both membership with our Rotary Club and in the position of Executive Director of the Edmonton Real Estate Board, to discuss a suitable
project. They decided that a scholarship fund to assist in the education of real estate professionals would be suitable. Art agreed to contact the Edmonton Real Estate Board, the real estate industry, including the three professional associations of that industry the George had belonged to, plus the Grover family, to see if there was interest in developing the scholarship memorial.
Upon receipt of immediate, positive interest from all contacted parties, Art and David approached the Board of Directors of the Edmonton West Club to determine if the Club would spearhead the project. A committee was quickly formed. Rotarian Jerome Martin,
then an Associate Professor with the Department of Extension of the University of Alberta (real estate studies were offered by that Department) approached the Dean, Dr. Don Weideman, and the process began in earnest. By the time the scholarship program was documented and implemented, funding of about $65,000 had been raised. This was sufficient to fund 4 to 7 annual scholarships to real estate professionals in an amount of $400.00 each.

Scholarships were granted for several years, but then the real estate studies course ceased to be offered by the University of Alberta, and quietly the scholarship fund became inactive.

The George Grover Scholarship Today
 
Six years ago, David Turner wondered aloud about what had happened to the fund. He approached Jerome Martin, who enlisted Ron Hutchinson to assist in locating the fund. It had been well managed by the University of Alberta Administration and had grown to nearly $500,000.

A new committee of interested stakeholders, anchored by Ron Hutchinson, worked to develop a replacement scholarship offering. It was decided that all students of the University of Alberta would be eligible, so long as they were registered in second year programs or above. The successful applicants would have to excel in their community service activities (give something back to the community) and have reasonably high academic achievement.

As of 2021, the Scholarship Fund has grown to nearly $716 thousand and this enables the University to award scholarships worth more than $25,000 each year. The number of recipients and size of the awards has varied each year. We have been told that the George Grover Leadership Scholarships are second only to the Peter Lougheed Scholarship for monetary value of awards given by the University of Alberta.
 
 

Let's Play Pickleball

 

HOW FUN IS THAT!!!!!

HAVEN'T YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO TRY IT!!!!!

The new sport with a funny name is one of the fastest-growing sports in North America, and it’s gaining footholds around the world as well. It’s a hybrid sport that has a lot in common with tennis, table tennis, and badminton. It’s actually much more than just a sport, it’s often a social gathering and a fun activity. People of all ages can not only play pickleball easily, but they can play someone of any age. It's not out of the ordinary to see seniors and kids on the same court! 

When: Saturday April 23rd
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Where: Crestwood Curling Club, 14317 96 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 0C5
Cost: About $20 per person depending on how many sign up

Email Annie or sign up on ClubRunner.

See you on the court!
Upcoming Events
Volunteering at the Food Bank
Edmonton Food Bank Warehouse
Mar 22, 2022
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
 
Let's Play Pickleball
Crestwood Curling Club
Apr 23, 2022
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
 
Preparing a Meal at the Hope Mission ~ Full
Hope Mission
Apr 30, 2022
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
 
View entire list

Golf Fundraising event

 
28th Annual Rotary Club of Edmonton West Golf Fundraising Event! 
Thursday July 28th, 2022 @ Cougar Creek Golf Resort
 
This is a very important fundraiser for our club and we are asking our members to help make the event a success.
 
Why are we raising funds? The restrictions of the pandemic have depleted our funds. There are many local and international organizations that count on our donations to do vital work in their communities. If we want to continue our good works we need funds.
 
How can you help? Organization by the golf committee is well underway and we are now at a critical stage where we require all our club members to step up. We need auction items! Reach out to clients or the businesses you frequent. If you don't ask you don't get! 
 
We also need GOLFERS! I have attached the brochure below so you can hand it out to friends, family and associates. Our tournament is known for its friendly, fun atmosphere for all levels of golfers. They will get a breakfast, dinner, registration gift and auction! 
 
To Do List for Members:
  1. Auction Items
  2. Get Golfers
  3. Volunteer on the Day
Download Files
Golf Fundraiser 2022 Brochure
Upcoming Speakers
Mar 21, 2022
John Donner and Guests
A Conversation about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Mar 28, 2022 12:00 PM
Felicia Mutheardy, City of Edm Corporate Economist
Update on the Edmonton Economy
Apr 04, 2022
Paul Hinman, Wild Rose Independence Party Leader
Alberta's Future
Apr 18, 2022
No Meeting - Easter Monday
View entire list

Jennifer Jones, Rotary International President
2022-23 showcases Canada to the Rotary world

 
I have news of great upcoming events that will occur late June into July 2022. Our Rotary International President-Elect Jennifer Jones 2022-23, with her husband Nick will be travelling across Canada stopping off at 13 hubs. Jennifer is the first woman ever to become the President of Rotary International! And she is Canadian!  
Jennifer Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership in her personal, professional, and Rotary life.  
 
We have had four meetings with Jennifer and her Cross Canada Tour Team to determine her vision, purpose and what she hopes to accomplish with the tour.  Her mission is to showcase to the world that Canadian Rotarians are People of Action!
 
To date, I have met with present and future Governors to share some ideas for July 9, which is Jennifer’s arrival for a day in Edmonton.  I was thrilled at the synergy and the many ideas that we will discussed and will follow up on.  
 
I have invited a group of Rotarians to form a core committee that will put into action a program inviting our family of Rotary to demonstrate that we really are People of Action. The plan is to extend an invitation to Rotarians in our District to gather your ideas and examples of doing good in our communities
 
As one of the chairs of the hubs, direction to us has been very clear that there are no borders for this tour and this is not a District event but a Canadian Rotary event with one of the hub stops in Edmonton.  We are the only province to have two hub stops. Calgary will be hosting the RI 2025 Convention so Jennifer will be making a stop there as well.  Calgary hub stop will involve the Calgary Stampede so the competition is on for us to make her stop in Edmonton over the top.
 
I hope you will embrace this exciting opportunity and be part of the Jennifer Jones Cross Canada Tour on July 9, 2022. Mark your calendars!
 
Warm Rotary regards, 
 
 
Betty L Screpnek, Director
The Rotary Foundation Canada
Chair, TRFC Program Committee
PDG District 5370 (2013-14)
RRFC, 24 West  2014-16

Ukraine
In response to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, The Rotary Foundation has created an official channel for donors around the world to contribute funds to support the relief efforts underway by Rotary districts and has designated its Disaster Response Fund as the main avenue for contributions.
 
In addition to support provided through the Disaster Response Fund, the Foundation is coordinating with partners and regional leaders, exploring effective solutions to the increased humanitarian needs.
 
More than 2 million people have fled Ukraine and are in dire need of emergency aid. The United Nations estimates that number could grow to as many as 5 million people displaced. Rotary clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work, some working on the ground to help displaced families.
 
The Rotary Club of Edmonton West is a Peacebuilder Club and as such we are part of a Rotarian movement creating energy and momentum for peaceful conflict resolution around the world. Peace is a cornerstone of our global mission and we stand with the people of Ukraine.
 
We have all been deeply troubled by the ongoing and escalating war in Ukraine. The humanitarian impact is severe, with one million people fleeing the country and in dire need of emergency aid. Vicky has kindly outlined our response to this crisis below.
 
RC Edmonton West has sent the following donations :
 
1.  $2,000 from RCEW Edmonton Community Foundation to Canada Ukraine Foundation
2.  $2,252 from Zen & Doreen Moisey RCEW Edmonton Community Foundation to Canada Ukraine Foundation
3.  $5,000 from D5370 Foundation for use of RCEW to Rotary Foundation Disaster Response Fund
4.  $5,000 from D5370 Foundation for use of RCEW to ShelterBox
5.  $5,000 from our General Account to D2232 in Ukraine for medical supplies
 
In addition, I know of two individual members who donated $250 each, one to Canada Ukraine Foundation and one to Rotary Foundation Disaster Response Fund; and there is another individual who is giving $10,000 to the Disaster Response Fund.  I am sure there are more that I don't know about.
 
The Board has also begun to think about the ways in which we might help Ukrainians who end up in Canada, in Edmonton.  
 
Vicky
 
In the weeks and months to come let us all think of how we can help people who come here. They will need all the support we, as Rotarians and Global Citizens, can give!
 
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