Youth Centres of Calgary - Forest Lawn Grand Opening
Grand Opening of Youth Centres of Calgary - Forest Lawn - A success partnership
 
On September 12, 2024, after several months of negotiations with the City of Calgary and the work of many to restore the old house, the new Youth Centres of Calgary (YCC) Forest Lawn home was officially opened with great celebration. This is a partnership between our Rotary Club and YCC. Thanks to the generous bequest by past honorary member Marmie Hess, we were able to support the purchase of the house situated across the street from Valley View School, one of our "Stay in School" program schools. 
 
 
 
 
Welcome to
The Rotary Club of Calgary (Downtown)
 
Welcome to The Rotary Club of Calgary's website. Our club, consisting of over 130 dedicated members, boasts a rich history of local and global impact. Dating back to 1914, we take pride in being the home club of James Wheeler Davidson, who played a pivotal role in chartering 27 Rotary clubs worldwide. We invite you to explore our site to learn more about our mission and activities.
 
At our core, we are PEOPLE OF ACTION who collaborate with communities in Calgary and across the globe to address challenges and foster positive change.
 
Are you someone who aspires to be a catalyst for change? Do you have a passion for making a difference but are unsure where to begin? If so, we invite you to join us at one of our weekly meetings, either in person or via Zoom. We warmly welcome you to become a part of our Rotary family as we work together to create a brighter future.
 
Expectations
At our club, we acknowledge the fast-paced nature of today's business world. In response, we have evolved our expectations over the years to align with the busy lives people lead. We encourage our members to engage in club activities that hold personal significance to them, allowing participation in any of the following areas:
  • Youth Service (Mentorship, Youth enrichment programs, Arts)
  • Community Service (Education, Mental Wellness & Food Security)
  • Early Childhood Literacy
  • International Service 
  • Club Service 
  • Vocational Service 
While we achieve great things collectively through sharing our talents and our time,  members are also expected make a philanthropic contribution to the Calgary Rotary Clubs Foundation and/or The Rotary Foundation. This provides Rotary with the resources to give support to communities, both locally and abroad.
 
Benefits
Becoming a Rotary member connects you with a diverse group of professionals who share your drive to give back. Through regular meetings and events, you’ll:
  • Catch up with good friends and meet new ones
  • Discuss your community’s needs and develop creative ways to meet them
  • Connect with other citizens who care and are changing the world
  • Expand your leadership and professional skills
Make a difference in the world, in your community and in yourself!
 
 
Upcoming Events
To Join In person meetings you must purchase tickets by Friday evening before a Tuesday meeting. Click on the event title.
 
Here is the ZOOM information for Tuesday ZOOM Meetings:
What's it all about?
What's Rotary?
 
 
Some Myths about Rotary
 
How do I volunteer in Rotary?
 
 
 

 

Our Club's Activities
Strong and Sassy
Franco Savoia
On Thursday June 13, 2024 the Arnica Foundation held a celebration of its work at Juno House to recognize donors.  Arnica is a wildflower found in Alberta that has demonstrated healing qualities. Our club continues it's strong relationship with Arnica.
Bread, The App – Now  a reality
Franco Savoia
In 2020, during the early months of Covid, RCCD and other Clubs donated to increase the supply of emergency food. Resulting from a conversation with Meaghon Reid and our own club member Steve Allan, Vibrant Communities Calgary, commissioned a study on accessing emergency food.  The report, released in 2021 outlined 11 recommendations. Here’s how this evolved into “BREAD” the App!
Sizzling Success: BBQ Event Hosted by Our Club at West Dover School
Manon Mitchell
On June 14th, West Dover School, one of the six schools in our Stay in School program, held its year-end festival. From experience, we know that offering a BBQ is a surefire way to encourage more kids and their parents to attend. This year was no exception. Our team of Rotarians cooked and served around 450 hamburgers and hotdogs. A big thank you to all our volunteers who helped prepare and serve the food. A lot of fun was had by all. Great job, team!
Playground Images Now Available
Bill Redmond
 
I received a wonderful email from Liz Ballendine from the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation. You may recall that our club recently approved funding to build a playground adjacent to the Rotary Flames House. 
 
In her email Liz states:
"Hot off the press, here are the first concepts/ideas for our Rotary Flames House playground.
As you can see, it will be colorful, functional, safe and more private for the kids and the siblings to enjoy."
 
 
The Rotary Employment Partnership
How Rotarians Make it Happen
Rotarians open the doors of business for people with intellectual disabilities. People get jobs as organizations become inclusive employers. Last year our Coordinators were introduced to 75 prospective employers in District 5360. These introductions resulted in 35 new jobs for people with developmental disabilities. Building connections between the Partnership and business is how Rotary does its part. 
 
 
Our Vision
The Rotary Club of Calgary is committed to improving the quality of life in the communities we support, and for our partners and Club members. It is a sustaining community investor, inspiring others towards service and philanthropy, a model for the values of Rotary within the communities we serve locally and internationally.
Our Mission
The Rotary of Calgary provides unique opportunities for community service by allowing like-minded members to use their skills, experience, and resources to make a difference in the lives of others.
Our Values
Service  - we support the less fortunate in our own city and globally through volunteerism and philanthropy
Fellowship - we build mutual trust and friendship among members who share common values
Diversity - we recognize how significantly stronger we are when we celebrate our differences and respect one another.
Integrity - we do what is right, knowing that we can achieve more together by being open and honest.
Leadership - we feel the pulse of our community and listen while engaging with its leaders and change-makers.
 
 
 
 
Proudly Presenting Our Corporate Members