The Calgary Foundation has added a new face to their Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown membership portfolio.  Daudi Kawooya is a Grant associate with the Foundation.  He proactively develops and maintains relationships with charities and other community-based organizations, so he has a broad understanding of community and voluntary sector issues and priorities.  

Daudi is originally from Uganda.  His mother, Berti, was a diplomat so Daudi had the opportunity to live in different areas of the world – Denmark, England, Kenya and Uganda – and experience various diverse cultures.  He came to Canada at the age of 12 and has lived here for 22 years, becoming a Canadian citizen in 2023.  He is a graduate of Royal Roads University with a degree in Professional Communications.  He also studied Public Relations and Communications and has led numerous successful fund raising campaigns as well as community outreach projects.

Outside of work, Daudi starts his day at the gym, where he started a men’s group called the Spartans in Training,to create a community in which men support one another in their exercise efforts and in their challenges in life.  Through his work and personal knowledge, he realized that the number one killer of men in western culture is suicide and as men grow older, it can be harder for them to develop friendships.  He also enjoys reading and spending time with his friends.  Now, he would like to volunteer more in the community.

Welcome to our Club, Daudi.  We’re so pleased to have you with us.

Diane Macdonald

We are excited to invite you to the University of Calgary Rotaract Spring Fling 2025 on Friday, April 4th, from 6:00pm to 9:30pm at the Cardel Theatre! This event will be a fantastic evening featuring a talent show, guest speakers, a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, raffle prizes, and a 50/50- all in support of the Trellis Society.

 Purchase a Ticket:

• We are offering a Rotarian/Rotaract Buddy Deal for $58, which is designed to encourage mentorship and networking between Rotarians and Rotaract students. This ticket provides admission for a Rotarian and a student, fostering connections and shared experiences. 
• Standard General Admission is $35.

Purchase Your Tickets Today: Rotaract Spring Fling 2025

 Join the Talent Show:

• Do you have a special talent? We are looking for volunteers to perform at the event! Whether it’s music, comedy, magic, or another skill, we’d love to see you on stage.
• If you or someone you know is interested, please reach out!

Thank you for your ongoing support, and we hope to see you at Spring Fling!

Lindsay Marczak

Big Book Sale Volunteering

Let’s roll up our sleeves for childhood reading! 

As stewards of Calgary Reads Big Book Sale, we get to play several key roles in ensuring a successful sale—and more proceeds that bring books and reading help to children who need it most. 

That includes: 

Right now, we’re ready for members to sign up to be a part of team volunteer days led by Dennis Tran!

Please consider joining us for one of these two team volunteer events: 

Stuff-a-Truck at Melcor YMCA

Saturday, April 26 

9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Sign up here

Sorting & Setting Up Books at Calgary Curling Club

Sunday, April 27 

1-5 pm 

Sign up here

We’ve got room for 10 volunteers for each event. If you’d like to be a part of the fun and the impact, please add your name via the clubrunner links above and sign this waiver.

Thank you Dennis for leading these two team volunteer events! 

To learn more about volunteering, donating books and shopping the sale, visit www.bigbooksale.ca. We’d be so grateful if you could help spread the word so others know how they can treasure hunt for pre-loved books while helping children become stronger, thriving readers. 

Steacy Pinney

Major Donations Report for March

RCCD’s Support for CARYA and Ruth’s House…(Major Donations Committee)

RCCD invested $22,000 in two projects by CARYA and Ruth’s House.  The projects came through Rotary Helps YYC.  The Major Donations Committee reviewed both applications and recommended that the Club support these projects.

CARYA’s  $25,000 project installs a chairlift in its Bowmont Commons.  The request falls under the mental wellness education area of focus.

This project was supported by the Centennial, North Club and RCCD: $2,000, $4000 and $19,000 respectively. This project will make the facility accessible to all as CARYA offers its mental wellness and education programs to families and individuals in the Bowness community.

The site is an old building that was once the Bowness City Hall before being annexed by the City of Calgary. Carya leases the building from the city and conduct a series of programs at four locations in the Montgomery and Bowness communities – the Awaken Church, the Bowness Community Association building, the Montgomery Community Association building and this building.

There are two programs delivered there -Elder Friendly Communities which focuses on Aging with Purpose 60+ and Families in Community which has programs including childcare, counselling for people facing many problems, unpacking emotions (dealing with feelings), building resilience, dealing with hoarding and relationships with your adult children.

Ruth’s House’s request for $10,000 is to develop a “Garden of Hope” at its shelter for women and their children fleeing domestic violence. The program serves primarily African Canadian families.The program falls under the mental wellness area of focus.This project was supported by North Club ($2,000), the Heritage Club ($5,000) and RCCD ($3,000)

The Garden of Hope Renovation at Ruth's House Emergency Shelter is an initiative aimed at providing women and children escaping domestic violence with a serene and restorative outdoor space. The vision for this project is to create an inviting garden that facilitates both physical and emotional healing, enabling residents to reconnect with nature and find peace amidst challenging circumstances.

This renovation will feature a carefully curated selection of furniture, play equipment, plants, and decorative elements-  each chosen to contribute to a soothing and safe environment. The garden will include comfortable seating areas, child-friendly play structures, and vibrant plant life,- all strategically placed to foster a sense of tranquility and safety. Sensory elements, such as fragrant flowers, calming sounds, and tactile materials, will be incorporated to engage residents with their surroundings in ways that promote relaxation and mindfulness.

Franco Savoia

For the Second year in a row we (Bob & Madeleine, as members of the Royal OverSeas League) have had the opportunity to attend Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey in London.

The "Day" is amazing with performers from across the Commonwealth, poems, motivational statements and prayers from our diverse community. Pomp and circumstance at its best!

Also for the second time, the RI President (Stephanie Urchick 2024-25) has been staying at the ROSL Clubhouse in London. So not only were we in the same space as the King (plus 1,500 others) but at the Club with Rotary "royalty".

Next morning, during a chat with Stephanie at breakfast, she shared that during her team’s time "at Parliament" they were urging the UK government to continue their funding of Polio Plus. She also reminded me of the importance of individual Rotarians to contribute. Hmmmm. Did she mean me?

And did you know that Rotary has a permanent "ambassador" to the Commonwealth?

Finally, here is a portion of the Affirmation we all read aloud at the Abbey:

"We affirm our desire for peace among all peoples and nations, and our belief in justice for everyone, everywhere...

We affirm our commitment to empowering young people in every part of our Commonwealth...

United in kinship and common purpose, we cherish the rich tapestry of thought, culture, tradition, and experience which strengthens our bonds..."