It’s customary for a Rotary president in the final month in office to recap the past year on this page, and I am proud of all we have achieved together. But I want to focus on our future, and that begins with polio.
We have reached an astonishing 3 billion children with the polio vaccine, and we have averted an estimated 20 million cases of paralysis. But it’s not enough. We must continue supporting the End Polio Now campaign to reach zero cases and keep our promise to the world’s children.
Polio is not our only global commitment. In fact, Rotary has been working toward global peace even longer. Spreading Positive Peace through service projects and Rotary Peace Centers around the world is more important than ever.
We must also continue to build peace from within, and that begins with supporting mental health and wellness among our fellow Rotary members and the communities we serve. Rotary has an opportunity to help build a global mental health system that currently does not exist, and I urge all members to consider joining the Rotary Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives to keep up the momentum we began this year.
It’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve as your president. You have given Heather and me memories we will cherish forever. I look forward to our continued friendship and our collective commitment to Create Hope in the World.
World Environment Day
World Environment Day takes place every year on 5 June. It is the United Nations’ flagship day for promoting worldwide awareness and action for the environment. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest global platforms for public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people in more than 100 countries. It is the “people’s day” for doing something positive for the environment. This year, the theme for World Environment Day is Air Pollution. Millions of people will participate in activities around the world to take action to improve the quality of the air we breathe. The day is celebrated in countless ways, with everything from beach clean-ups to tree planting. It is a great opportunity to contribute as part of civic society.
Environmental Sustainability Rotarian Action Group asks us to educate and inspire Rotarians around the world to take action for the environment, and to bring attention to the important role the environment plays in Rotary’s six areas of focus. The Rotary Club of Edmonton West organized two events to improve the environment.
Adopt a Highway Annual Clean Up
Another Highway clean up done and dusted. Thanks to Rotarians and Rotaractors for giving their time to volunteer on a beautiful Sunday morning.
By removing litter, we contribute to the preservation of ecosystems and the protection of vulnerable species. Cleaner surroundings also result in improved air and water quality, promoting better health for both humans and wildlife. Well done Rotary!
Root for Trees
Summer has arrived. It was a lovely, but hot afternoon to plant trees with Root for Trees. Volunteers from Edmonton West, YEG Passport and MacEwan University Health Centre planted trees and shrubs in the Cameron Heights Neighbourhood.
Root for Trees is the City of Edmonton's volunteer tree-planting initiative dedicated to expanding our city's urban forest through community-led tree planting. The Root for Trees program helps to expand Edmonton’s urban forest by planting trees for Edmontonians by Edmontonians.
Root for Trees plays a critical role in the landscape management process of naturalization. Over time, these grassy areas are planted with trees, shrubs and wildflowers and brought back to a more natural state, resulting in economic, environmental and quality of life benefits.
Purolator Tackle Hunger
The rain, sun, clouds and hail didn’t dampen our smiles or our enthusiasm. Volunteers from Edmonton West and Edmonton Northeast Rotary Clubs, MacEwan University Health Centre and MacEwan Rotaract collected food and monetary donations for the Edmonton Food Bank at Purolator Tackle Hunger.
We are always impressed with the generosity of the fans. Thank you, Edmonton! The first Purolator Tackle Hunger CFL Game Day Food Drive of 2024 was a success. Together with Edmonton Elks Football Club and fans, 22,868 pounds of food was collected for the Edmonton's Food Bank.
I want to thank and recognize all of our outstanding volunteers who support our hands-on service projects. We could not be an active and engaged Rotary Club without our dedicated volunteers.
Service Above Self, the Rotary motto is alive in our Rotary Club. Rotary Club Members volunteer on so many levels, highway clean-ups, the food bank, committees that support and raise funds for important projects and stepping up to be on the Board of Directors. Many members volunteer at the District and Zone level and I thank you for your commitment. Our volunteers support local organizations such as Boyle Street Community Services, Hope Mission, Root for Trees, Grandview Extended Care, Sinkunia Community Organization, The Zebra Centre, Ronald McDonald House, and the 395 Air Cadet Squadron. Our international projects have had many members commit their time and energy to improve the lives of others in Mexico and Guatemala.
Rotarians live volunteerism! Thank you! I would also like to recognize the friends and family members of Rotary, when we have a call for additional volunteer help, the family and friends of Rotary step up to help out.
Volunteers are the roots of strong communities. Just like roots are essential for trees to bloom, volunteers are essential for communities to boom. Thanks to volunteers, our communities grow strong and resilient. Even the tiniest volunteer effort leaves a profound and lasting trace in a community, much like tree rings that appear over time.
Thank you for being a ROTARY VOLUNTEER!
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Ed Schultz
June 2
Ben Doz
June 5
John Donner
June 8
James Spalding
June 16
Fred Kraft
June 29
Darrel Ripley
July 6
Darryll White
July 24
Spouse Birthdays
Samar El-Srouji
July 28
Anniversaries
Alastair Sanderson
Alastair
July 3
Join Date
Joseph Lizotte
June 1, 1993
31 years
Lorne Proctor
June 1, 1984
40 years
Darrel Ripley
June 30, 2012
12 years
Sherry Holmes
June 30, 2001
23 years
James Spalding
July 1, 1982
42 years
Jackie Hobal
July 5, 1999
25 years
Bert Andrews
July 23, 2009
15 years
Richard Dickinson
July 27, 1987
37 years
Changeover Meeting
The Rotary year is coming to a close. This years theme "Create Hope in the World" gave us much to think about. Rotary helps create the conditions for peace, opportunity, and a future worth living. By continuing what we do best, by remaining open and willing to change, and by keeping our focus on building peace in the world and within ourselves, Rotary helps create a more peaceful world — a more hopeful world. Rotary can Create Hope in the World.
A Special Thank You to our outgoing President Vicky. Under your leadership the club hit many of our goals. It has been a fun and productive year. Vicky, thank you for your service, and we look forward to having you as Immediate Past President for 2024/25.
The Changeover was our last meeting at the University Club. Vicky recognized them for being gracious hosts and for their excellent service. It was lovely to see so many people at the event, despite the change of date.
Edmonton West Golf Fundraiser
We are still looking for 1 foursome to complete our golf fundraiser. Do you know any friends, associates, or co-workers who would like to participate in our fundraiser.
Cost for a foursome: $1000
or a Hole Sponsor that includes 1 foursome: $1700
Let's Fill it Up!!!
Upcoming Events
The Northern Lights Rotaract Club is holding an event on September 14 to raise funds for members to participate in Project Amigo. There will be more information sent out soon. The event sounds like a lot of fun!
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