Rotary Club of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada

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Serving Lethbridge Since 1918

The Rotary Club of Lethbridge has been serving our community for more than a century. Founded in 1918, our club brings together people from diverse professions who share one common goal: making a meaningful difference - locally and globally.

We meet weekly, support hands-on service projects, and work alongside our sister clubs - Lethbridge East and Lethbridge Sunrise - to magnify our impact. Visitors are always welcome.

  • Founded: 1918

  • Members: 80+

  • Meetings: Mondays | Noon | Sandman Signature

  • Focus: Community, Youth, International Service


SERVICE ABOVE SELF THROUGH THE DECADES

1910s–1920s | Building Foundations

  • Supported soldiers’ families and war memorials

  • Hosted Christmas events for hundreds of children

  • Helped establish Lethbridge’s first public library with a 3,000-book drive

  • Invested in parks, playgrounds, camps, and recreation

1930s–1940s | Service in Times of Challenge

  • Ran the local ice arena and exhibition events

  • Purchased ambulances and supported the Red Cross

  • Led war bond drives, Victory Loans, and relief efforts

  • Launched traditions like the Rotary Christmas Carol Festival

1950s | Community, Culture, and Youth

  • Sponsored track and field meets, baseball tournaments, and curling bonspiels

  • Planted trees along North Parkside Drive and 16th Street

  • Brought cultural programming to the community, including musical variety shows and Shakespeare performances

  • Supported rehabilitation initiatives and helped establish a historical cairn in Galt Gardens

  • Continued hands-on service focused on youth, recreation, and community pride

1960s | Youth, Arts, and Public Engagement

  • Launched youth-focused initiatives including exchanges and “Something for Young Minds” programs

  • Hosted the Spring Choral Festival and public barbecues at the Exhibition Grounds

  • Supported Camp Inupsi with facilities and improvements

  • Encouraged leadership and communication through public speaking programs

  • Strengthened Rotary’s public presence through arts, culture, and fellowship

1970s | Growth, Scholarships, and Community Traditions

  • Expanded youth exchange programs and launched student scholarships

  • Introduced long-standing fundraising traditions including steak fries and chicken barbecues

  • Helped develop Rotary Park in West Lethbridge

  • Supported the Salvation Army and hosted youth forums

  • Deepened Rotary’s role in community building and youth development

1980s | Health, Education, and Global Reach

  • Supported Alberta’s 75th Anniversary legacy projects

  • Helped fund and operate the Public Library’s “Books on the Move” program

  • Donated to Meals on Wheels, the Food Bank, and local health initiatives

  • Supported hospital trauma care and post-secondary expansion

  • Introduced PolioPlus, strengthening Rotary’s global humanitarian impact

1990s | Partnerships and Lasting Impact

  • Supported Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Club, and Navy League initiatives

  • Contributed to major hospital equipment, including MRI support

  • Continued tree planting, scholarships, and youth exchanges

  • Strengthened partnerships with UNESCO and the University of Lethbridge

  • Focused on sustainable community development and long-term impact

2010s | Community Building and Global Connection

  • Continued strong support for youth exchanges, scholarships, and leadership development

  • Advanced local and international service projects aligned with Rotary International priorities

  • Strengthened community partnerships and volunteer engagement

  • Focused on peacebuilding, education, and service leadership

  • Maintained Rotary’s relevance through evolving community needs

2020s | Resilience, Innovation, and Hope

  • Adapted service and fundraising through unprecedented global challenges

  • Continued supporting health, youth, and community initiatives

  • Embraced new ways to connect, engage, and serve

  • Reinforced Rotary’s commitment to service above self in changing times

  • Positioned the club for continued impact into its second century

 

For over a century, the Rotary Club of Lethbridge has evolved with its community — responding to need, building partnerships, and turning service into lasting impact.

 

OUR CLUB’S CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

Rotary in Lethbridge is a proud record of fun, fellowship and fundraising, and of people support and development. It’s sharing and caring and making positive differences in our community through the years and in the lives of those around us by a Club who believes in putting SERVICE ABOVE SELF.