Gratitude in Action – Marlene Doherty
Our own Marlene Doherty delivered an inspiring presentation on gratitude, service, and the life-changing impact of Rotary.
Marlene shared how gratitude goes beyond being thankful—it is about recognizing the goodness in our lives and expressing appreciation through kindness, humility, and service.
A highlight of her presentation was her personal journey with Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign. Following 37 years of teaching, Marlene travelled to Ethiopia in 2015 to participate in a National Immunization Day, helping administer life-saving polio vaccine drops to children. A moving encounter with a young child profoundly influenced her commitment to polio eradication and led her to become a Rotarian.
Today, Marlene serves as District 5360 PolioPlus Chair and will begin her appointment as an End Polio Now Coordinator in July 2027.
She also expressed gratitude for the fellowship, dedicated volunteers, engaging speakers, fundraising efforts, and generosity that make the Rotary Club of Calgary Heritage Park such a special club.
Marlene’s message was a powerful reminder that gratitude is best expressed through action. Her story beautifully reflects Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” demonstrating how even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference in the lives of others—and in our own.
