You will notice on this newsletter that we have links to TikTok videos. Many thanks to our new member Umama for bringing us into this world. In such a short time you have embraced Rotary, volunteered your time and made a significant impact within our club. Thank you so much!!
RI Presidential Message
In President Stephanie Urchick's June 2025 Newsletter, in photos and words, she talks about her wonderful experiences this year and says that we must look toward the future. She recognizes our collective action in eradicating polio. She talks about the Presidential peace Conference and our Peace Fellowship program. She notes that the Four-Way Test and our spirit of inclusivity — we will remain a beacon of light even in the darkest times and that the Rotary Action Plan will serve as a guide. She says that all of us are The Magic of Rotary as we continue to bring lasting change to the world. .............
THE BEST IS YET TO COME
Dear family of Rotary,
I have had so many wonderful experiences over the past year, but as comforting as it might be to dwell on the past, we must look toward the future.
We are closer than ever to ending polio, but that does not mean we can relax. We still have a promise to keep to the children of the world and their families, and we will only fulfill that promise through fundraising, advocacy, and the power of our collective action.
I was amazed at the capability and commitment of the peacebuilders at the Presidential Peace Conference earlier this year. Our Peace Fellowship program and our many other peace initiatives bring healing to a divided world, but they need our support to remain effective and relevant.
Amid a worldwide loneliness epidemic, Rotary offers friendship, purpose, and belonging. If we hold true to our ideals — to The Four-Way Test and our spirit of inclusivity — we will remain a beacon of light even in the darkest times.
The Action Plan can serve as a guide to make our clubs and districts simply irresistible, but it is up to us to take that advice and put it to use.
Family of Rotary, there is nothing we cannot achieve when we come together and work toward a common goal.
You are The Magic of Rotary, and I can’t wait to see the lasting change you bring to the world.
Stephanie Urchick
President, Rotary International
Rotary's Theme for June
Rotary Fellowships are independent groups that share common interests. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends all over the world, and:
Share a common interest in recreational activities, sports, hobbies, or professions
Further vocational development with others in the same profession or field
Enhance your Rotary experience by exploring new opportunities and making connections around the world
Each fellowship functions independently of Rotary International – establishing its own rules, dues requirements, and administrative structure. Membership is open to Rotarians, their family members, as well as participants and alumni of all other Rotary and Foundation programs. This now means that Interactors, Rotaractors, as well as Youth Exchange students, are eligible along with anyone who has participated in a Rotary-sponsored program.
Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends all over the world.
Fellowships must have an international scope, with active members in at least three countries. You can find a list of fellowships on Rotary.org.
Fellowships cover a huge range of topics and hobbies. From golf to wine tasting, from recreational vehicles to beer or bird watching. You can find a Fellowship that fits your lifestyle and add it to your vacation plans.
Community Service
Sport Central
Sport Central Association is an Alberta based Charity founded in 1991. They collect gently used sports equipment, refurbish & repair it, and then distribute it to kids ages 4-17 who may not otherwise have access or opportunity. They serve kids from Red Deer, up to the northern border of Alberta. They collect equipment for over 20 different sports and recreational activities: Bicycles (pedal, run, & tricycles), Badminton, Baseball, Softball, Basketball, XC Skiing, Figure Skating, Football, Golf, Hockey (Ice, Ball, Inline), Lacrosse, Leisure Sports (skateboards, scooters, & sleds) Ringette, Roller Skates, Rollerblades, Rugby, Snowboarding, Soccer, Tennis, and Volleyball.
Darryll, Umama and I had a brilliant experience volunteering with John Younie from the Northeast Rotary Club. We learnt how to prepare donated bikes for the technicians. You can see from the sheer number of bikes how generous Edmontonians are. John is very passionate about this organization and volunteers regularly. To hear why click the link...https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMSxYrL2y/.
Our next volunteer event at Sport Central will be on Tuesday September 16th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
Highway Clean Up
Our incredible team of garbage pickers making our stretch of Highway 16 spick and span. Thanks to the Sunday Rotaractors for giving us a helping hand.
Root for Trees increases tree and shrub planting throughout the city with the help of corporations, local businesses, community groups, teams, families and individual residents.
The Root for Trees program helps to expand Edmonton’s urban forest by planting trees for Edmontonians by Edmontonians.
Edmonton West volunteers were joined by members of the Sunday Rotaract Club and together we planted 180 native species of shrubs and wildflowers to add biodiversity to the urban forest.
A sincere thank you is extended to all our casino volunteers for their dedication and hard work. Your efforts are crucial in helping us to raise the funds to support our involvement with community organizations. The time you gave is very much appreciated.
A huge thank you to Fred who worked tirelessly to fill all of the positions. You are a superstar!!
Upcoming Golf Fundraiser
Spencer has been working hard to gather hole sponsors and golf teams for our golf fundraiser. We are happy to report that we are FULL. Despite a challenging economic climate, Spencer was able to secure sufficient sponsorship. It definitely made the fundraising more difficult. We lost some major sponsors but due to Spencer's contacts these were backfilled.
Thank you to those members who have signed up to volunteer on the day. I will be organizing assignments at the beginning of July.
Lorne is still looking for wine!!! If you haven't already, please give Lorne your 2 bottles of wine or $50. We make a significant amount of money auctioning the wine tree.....so please donate!!!
Thanks to everyone who joined us aboard the Edmonton Queen! Great food, great company, and a great view of our beautiful river valley. Thank you to our host, the Rotary Club of Edmonton for inviting us. A special thanks to the owner of the boat, Eric Warnke, for sharing his story! https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMSxDmBfg/
Fireside at The Sea Change Brewery
We had a grand old time at the Sea Change Brewery. It just happened to be Quiz Night....we were quite confident at the beginning until we had to identify 90's alternative rock bands. Not quite our area!! But we rallied back and didn't come last. Great times, great conversations and great beer:). Thanks to President Darryl for organizing a fun evening.
2025 Rotary Integrity Awards Gala
It has been a distinct honour to be the host of the Rotary Integrity Awards for the past 3 years. It has given us the opportunity to meet and celebrate outstanding leaders in our community who have demonstrated Rotary values by their actions and commitments.
It's crucial to emphasize and celebrate integrity in the world today. Integrity, which encompasses honesty, strong moral principles, and consistency in actions, is essential for fostering trust, building strong relationships, and creating a more positive and ethical society. Celebrating integrity encourages its practice and promotes a culture where individuals are accountable, responsible, and strive to do what is right, and to improve the world around them.
The Integrity Awards Gala are a tangible example of Rotary's core values, particularly integrity, being put into practice. They demonstrate the organization's commitment to recognizing and celebrating individuals who live by these values, inspiring others to do the same.
Organizing an event requires a significant effort and meticulous planning. Many thanks to our dedicated committee. It was a great pleasure to work with Ingrid Neitsch and Bev Yee. We were a dynamite team!
The Rotary Club of Edmonton South will now take the reins for the next three years. We wish them all the best and look forward to the event in 2026.
Changeover is one of the great nights in the Rotary year. It is the time when you dress up, bring your partner and enjoy the Changing of the Guard as it were.
The Rotary Year starts in July, following the financial calendar. Towards the end of June a special night is organized to mark the end of a Rotary year and the beginning of a new one. It is a time when appreciation is extended to committees for the work they have achieved and maybe to members who have earned the respect of the club by the awarding of a Paul Harris Fellow Recognition or a certificate of appreciation. The Paul Harris Fellow Recognition is one of the highest awards the club can bestow on a member.
At the Changeover we will induct our new president, Lorne and thank outgoing President Darryll for the work they have done. It is also a time for Lorne to introduce to the club his new team that will carry the club forward for the new year and to give a brief overview of what the club should look forward to in the new Rotary year.
I encourage all members to attend and join with other Rotarians, family and friends. It is a wonderful experience not to be missed.
Join us on Monday July 7th at 5:30 at the Chateau Louis. Looking forward to seeing you there.
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