A group of local Rotations had a wonderful evening of Reconciliation through Art. This amazing evening was led by Diana Frost, of Colouring it Forward ( CIF Reconciliation Society). We were led through an exercise to explore what reconciliation means to each of us and actions we can take to be involved and move forward on our truth and reconciliation journey.
CIF Reconciliation Society delivers art-based workshops and events that provide education on Indigenous ways of knowing and promote healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. We organize art exhibits on the theme of Truth & Reconciliation, language apps and an annual Orange Shirt Day Walk and Event called Pokaiks the Children.
Rotary Club of Calgary is a Proud supporter of Disabled Sailing Association Alberta
The 25th anniversary edition of RAYEC (Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp) was another resounding success.
In 7 days, at the wonderful Eagles Nest Ranch south of Elkwater, Alberta, 59 youth campers (13-14-15), 7 Youth Leaders (previously campers) and 23 volunteers from Rotary, from Community Futures and from “Friends of RAYEC” completed “the entrepreneurship program” and returned home safe, sound and healthy. And “richer” in many ways for the experience.
David Eaton of the Rotary Club of Monterrey Metropolitan (Mexico) spoke with us in his volunteer role as a champion of MOMA Hope: Protecting the Biological Corridor. The Monarch Butterfly’s population has declined by 90% in the past 20 years, due in large part to habitat destruction. There are 3 routes for the butterflies northward: one along the east coast which has virtually disappeared; one up central US to Canada, primarily Ontario and Manitoba; and the third up the west coast, mostly ending in parts of the US. Climate change is altering the areas where they can live, so more are now appearing in parts of southern Alberta. The migration and life cycle of the Monarch Butterfly is unique. While they follow the butterfly life cycle (egg, larvae or caterpillar, pupa or chrysalis, and adult butterfly), these four generations are actually four different butterflies going through these stages during one year, each one living only a few weeks, ending up in Canada in summer and winter in Mexico. The exception is the super butterfly (one in four) that lives 8 months, flying all the way from Canada to Mexico
More Pictures on next page
The Rotary Employment Partnership is a partnership of Alberta Rotary Clubs, Inclusion Alberta and the Government of Alberta. The Partnership creates meaningful employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities by working with Rotarians to reach out and utilize the capacity of the business community to hire and retain employees. Through the Partnership, Rotarians advocate for the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in the workforce. Rotarians and Rotary Clubs make excellent partners given their long-term commitment to improving community life.
11 Rotary Clubs in Calgary collaborated to help Community Kitchens replace a stolen 5 -ton reefer delivery truck. Together the 11 clubs gathered funding that represented almost 30% of the total value of a replacement truck.
58 campers, 10 youth leaders and 24 volunteers from Rotary, Community Futures and “friends of RAYEC” (past campers, former CF and Rotary) attended the 24thoccasion of RAYEC, held at Eagle’s Nest Ranch in the Cypress Hills in August.
After reviewing the business plans, $6,000 of loan and float money was approved by the team of bankers from Servus Credit Union. The local Community Futures office provided the funds to the business teams.
At the conclusion of the Business Day on Saturday, when all the families came to pick up their campers, all the loans were repaid with interest and fees, garage sale bills were paid, table rental and office costs were paid.
In the end each camper went home with money jingling in their pockets – anywhere from $20 to $120 per camper and some teams made donations to charity on top of that.