Another Great Club Meeting- Were You There?
Doug McMillan
The May 13, 2025 meeting of the Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown was attended by approximately 75 members and guests and had a Calgary Stampede theme. If you were unable to attend, you missed a great event which made us proud to be Calgarians and Rotarians!
Following President Joe Fras opening the meeting and an enthusiastic “O Canada” by those present, Michael Colborne’s invocation reminded us to be mindful of opportunities to help others and recognized the contributions of the Calgary Stampede to our city and Rotary Club.
Steve Allan introduced dignitaries from the Stampede (some Past Presidents of both the Stampede and of our club) and City of Calgary as well as Alpha House. Front of the house volunteers were thanked by Joe, and Michael Broadhurst introduced members with recent birthdays (see above in COG).
Our newest member of the club is Berti Kawooya who was introduced by her son Daudi as his “best friend”. Berti’s picture as well as impressive background and successes are described in more detail in the story below.
NEW to the club meeting were the “mini- auctions”- ably and amusingly handled by honourary member Frank Hall. Dinner for two, four Stampede Rodeo tickets, a Banff Springs Hotel night for two with breakfast, 3 nights in a Canmore condo, a Rocky Mountain scene painting and a gift certificate (all donated) resulted in $3600 for Alpha House. For similar future auctions, you need to be present to bid.
Vern Kimball introduced guest speaker Joel Crowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede who spoke about not only the 10 day event but other aspects of the Stampede which include two ranches (one for kids and one raising the best bucking horses in the world). The Calgary Stampede was established the same year as the City of Calgary was incorporated (1884) and includes a 117 year history of involvement of Treaty 7 First Nations.
This year the Parade Marshal will be Shania Twain who will also have a separate show July 5, 2025. New to the rodeo this year is a Ladies Breakaway Calf- roping event. Other attractions will include the RCMP Musical Ride, Nashville North, and the Rotary Dream Home lottery. Don’t forget the Stampede Bowl (July 3 this year- Stampeders vs the Winnipeg Blue Bombers) and the Calgary Surge basketball July 9, 2025.
Joel showed the site plan which includes the BMO centre where the 2025 Rotary Convention will be held, a new events centre (which will allow Calgary to be on the circuit for the top world entertainment performers) and three future hotels along with improved site access and egress.
It’s hard to capture all the events related to the Calgary Stampede and the contributions to the city (economic impact currently being reassessed but in 2019 was $540 million of which half came during the 10 days of the Stampede).
Links between the Calgary Stampede and our club have benefitted many over the last 110 years. Attend both to truly experience Calgary!
Following the presentation by Joel Cawley, the triumvirate of George Brookman, Vern Kimball and Steve Allan presented Paul Harris awards to Joel Cowley, Stuart O’ Connor, Will Osler and Dana Peers.
President Joe closed the meeting with his regular quote (see above in COG) noting that our next meeting May 27, 2025 will feature as speaker Mark Garner, Executive Director of the Downtown Association. Your Rotary colleagues hope you will attend!
FOR MORE PICTURES, CONTINUE READING..........
