Not long ago, in a small health center in the village of Aaye in southwest Nigeria, a woman arrived in labor carrying twins. The facility was short-staffed. The nurse midwife in charge was not present.
A community health worker stepped forward. She had participated in Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria, a Rotary Foundation Programs of Scale initiative. And though she was not formally trained as a midwife, she was equipped with essential emergency obstetric skills.
Hours later, both babies had been delivered, one at the health center and the other at a general hospital, where the mother had been referred after complications were quickly identified. The newborns and their mother were alive and safe.
Women around the world face similar circumstances every day — moments when the difference between life and loss depends on well-trained medical staff and reliable systems and procedures.
Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria exists to increase the chances that those moments end in hope. By strengthening health systems and training frontline workers, this program helps communities protect mothers and children even when circumstances are difficult.
This work reflects the very heart of Rotary service. Service is not only what we do when conditions are ideal. It is what we do when systems are strained, resources are limited, and the need is urgent. It is the commitment to prepare people before a crisis arrives and to stand with communities when it does.
Maternal and child health is not an abstract goal. It is deeply personal. It is a mother who survives childbirth. It is a newborn who takes a first breath. It is a family that remains whole because someone was trained, ready, and cared enough to act. Rotary understands that service means investing in people and systems long before they are tested.
Programs like Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria show what is possible when Rotary brings together local knowledge, global partnerships, and sustainable solutions. By working alongside health professionals and local leaders, Rotary helps ensure that lifesaving care does not depend on luck or location.
The story of the mother and her twins is at its core a story of service. It is a reminder that Rotary’s impact is measured in human moments when people step forward to help others in their most vulnerable hours.
When we Unite for Good, service becomes more than an ideal. It becomes a lifeline for families, a source of strength for communities, and a promise that Rotary will continue to go wherever help is needed most.
April is Environment Month
Environmental sustainability is a growing priority for Rotary International and its members around the world. Recognizing that healthy ecosystems are essential to thriving communities, Rotary added the environment as one of its key areas of focus—encouraging clubs to take action on issues like climate change, conservation, and pollution.
From local tree-planting initiatives and river cleanups to global projects that protect water sources and promote sustainable agriculture, Rotarians are turning awareness into action. These efforts not only improve natural spaces but also support public health, biodiversity, and long-term community resilience.
The Rotary Club of Edmonton West continues to lead by example—partnering with Root for Trees to plant native trees and shrubs, helping expand our urban canopy and strengthen the health of our local environment. In addition, the club proudly cares for a 3 km stretch of Highway 16 through regular litter cleanup efforts, contributing to a cleaner and more welcoming community.
By working together, we can make a meaningful impact today and help ensure a healthier, more sustainable environment for future generations.
Together, we are people of action—protecting our planet, one project at a time. 🌱
Volunteering in the Community
Ronald McDonald House ~ Home for Dinner Program
❤️🍽️ Giving back, one meal at a time
A group of Edmonton West Rotarians had the privilege of volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, preparing and serving dinner for families staying at the Edmonton House.
It was an afternoon filled with teamwork and laughter, as we prepared the meal. For families going through challenging times, a warm, home-cooked meal can mean so much—and we were honoured to be part of that comfort.
A special thank you to Fred for the delicious recipe, that helped make the meal extra special! 👨🍳
National Volunteer Week
During National Volunteer Week, we take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible individuals who make our work possible. At the Rotary Club of Edmonton West, that means all of you—our dedicated members, along with your families and friends—who give so generously of your time and energy.
Your commitment to service is the heartbeat of our club. Whether you are organizing events, supporting local organizations, lending a hand at community events, or quietly helping behind the scenes, your contributions never go unnoticed. It is your willingness to step forward, again and again, that allows us to make a meaningful difference both locally and beyond.
What makes our volunteer efforts even more special is the spirit in which they are carried out. Volunteering together is not just about the work—it’s about the connections we build along the way.
Through shared experiences, we form strong bonds, lasting friendships, and a deeper sense of community. These relationships are the foundation of who we are as Rotarians.
Your boundless energy, compassion, and dedication is inspiring. You embody the Rotary motto of Service Above Self in every project you take on and every life you touch.
Thank you for everything you do. During volunteer week, and every week, we celebrate you.
Award from Boyle Street Community Services
The Rotary Club of Edmonton West was honoured to receive a Volunteer Appreciation Award from Boyle Street Community Services, recognizing the impact our members have in supporting this organization.
Our volunteers are proud to contribute to an organization that fosters a culture of respect, dignity, and inclusivity. Through the annual Thanksgiving event we support, our members have the opportunity to connect meaningfully with the community, learn from one another, and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
This recognition reflects the spirit of service that lies at the heart of Rotary. It also highlights the strong alignment between Boyle Street’s vision of a community where all people are valued and supported, and the mission of Rotary International to create lasting change locally and around the world.
We are grateful for this honour and for the continued opportunity to volunteer alongside such an inspiring organization.
The Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO) hosted a vibrant volunteer recognition and recruitment event at West Edmonton Mall on April 25, 2026, bringing community spirit to one of the city’s busiest public spaces.
Held at Centre Stage in Phase I, the pop-up fair marked the conclusion of National Volunteer Week 2026 (April 19–25) and embraced this year’s theme, “Igniting Volunteerism.” More than 40 non-profit organizations took part, connecting with shoppers and visitors while showcasing a wide range of volunteer opportunities—from youth mentorship and senior support to animal services.
The event highlighted the vital role volunteers play in strengthening communities, while also responding to a recent decline in volunteer participation. By hosting the fair in a high-traffic location, ECVO aimed to engage new audiences, spark interest, and make it easy for people to learn how they can get involved. The District Rotary booth featured Bruce and Umama, who were on hand to engage with attendees, share insights about Rotary initiatives, and encourage community involvement.
Ultimately, the initiative celebrated the collective impact of volunteers across Edmonton and encouraged residents to take part in meaningful, community-driven work.
Edmonton is an International City of Peace
Along the historical trading route of the Saskatchewan River in Canada, the City of Edmonton embraced PRACTICAL COEXISTENCE due to the diversity of its inhabitants -- and now it rises to a City of Peace. "This multicultural spirit is woven into the fabric of daily life. European, Asian, Indigenous, and African communities all contribute to Edmonton’s vibrant identity," explains new ICP Liaisons and Rotarians Ingrid Neitsch, Past District 5370 Governor (photo shown), and Jeanette Bancarz, District Governor Elect.
Edmonton Rotary West helps two service projects each month. Unity and Partnerships are Key, engaging community leagues, schools, nonprofits, and institutions to promote peace initiatives that succeed "through public awareness and global city of peace networks including creating community spaces for peace dialogue."
Rotarianism for Cities of Peace highlights the work of community peacebuilders around the globe. Positive Peace, Positively, through Service. Congratulations to the citizens of Edmonton!
Our annual golf fundraiser plays a vital role in supporting the work we do throughout the year. A key highlight of this event is our silent and live auction, which depends on the generosity of our members.
Each of us has a network of businesses we know and support—this is a great opportunity to reach out and request donations. Whether it’s a gift card, service, or unique experience, every contribution makes a meaningful impact.
Please take a few moments to connect with your contacts and help us build an incredible auction. Together, let’s make this our best golf fundraiser yet.
