Scott Robinson introduced Peter Lacey and Alan Churgis, co chairs of D.R.I.V.E. (Developing Regional Implementation, Ventures and Entrepreneurship.
Red Deer D.R.I.V.E. is an emerging, arms-length, non-profit economic development association built to attract investment, support local business growth, and strengthen the region’s long-term prosperity.
This initiative is powered by collaboration between business leaders, industry innovators, and the City itself, working together to grow Red Deer’s economic momentum.
Mayor Cindy Jeffries shared that the city desires to become more pro-active in attracting economic development. In the past there has been an emphasis on land acquisition and development. DRIVE is focused on building businesses and economy. Red Deer’s current economic development department within the city administration structure cannot keep pace with today’s economic challenges or tomorrow’s opportunities. While regions invest heavily in business attraction, talent recruitment, and coordinated growth strategies, Red Deer risks falling behind without investing in a unified, professional economic development approach.
DRIVE will be an independent organization but is open to support from various levels of government.
Membership is sought in DRIVE - composed of individuals from a wide variety of business sectors. For more information checkout https://www.reddeerdrive.ca/.
Join the organizations, leaders, and innovators who are stepping forward to shape Red Deer's next decade of growth by building a stronger, more competitive, future-ready Red Deer.
Meeting Update
Annette Eby hosted the first meeting of 2026 with Patricia Arongo as Sarge. Annette reminded all that we all play avital role in our Rotary community. There are so many possibilities for what the future year will hold.
Guests of Rotary:
Reg Radford: guest of Garth Olson
Mayor Cindy Jeffries: guest of Bruce Buruma
Tara Lodewyk: guest of Bruce Buruma
Allan and Nancy Chegus: guest of Rotary
Rick Polutnik: guest of Gerry Winia
Peter Lacey: guest of Rotary
Don Oszlli; guest of Rotary
Dan Nielsen
Adam Goodwin
Register Early for Rotary District 5360 Conference: May 1-3 at the Pidherney Centre.
Get ready for an unforgettable Rotary District Conference! Inspiring speakers, time to connect and reconnect with Rotary friends, and moments to celebrate all we’ve accomplished this year. You’ll leave inspired, re-energized, and ready for your next Rotary adventure. Register today
Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect!
Friday night kicks things off with pure fun and entertainment as we present Dueling Pianos from Las Vegas.
Following an inspiring opening ceremony, enjoy outstanding keynote speakers, plenty of time to connect in the House of Friendship, and a beautiful Gala Dinner celebrating the leaders of our district.
On Sunday, we’ll continue with more engaging speakers, our meaningful Commemoration Ceremony, and close the conference with a powerful and traditional Indigenous Round Dance.
Speakers will be announced in the coming weeks—stay tuned!
Save big! Use either of these discount codes for savings:
EB15 for 15% off for Early Bird savings (until February 15) or
FIRSTTIME for 30% off if this is your first District Conference.
Happy/Sad and other Fun Things
Victor Maris: Thanks to all who helped out at the Dec 27 Rebels Game- it was very busy with a pot of $32 000
Donna Purcell: Sharing news of a Go Fund Me to support Zoe Longman, a member of the firm, whose mother Jamie Summers passed away in a hiking incident in Peru.
Scott Robinson: New Years celebrations resulting in a marriage proposal. Congratulations Scott and best wishes as you embark on this new chapter.
Darcy Mykytyshyn: Sam's skiing season is completed for the year as he cracked his tibia while skiing at Canyon. Sam is enjoying the extra TLC. Darcy is off to "DG school" (other wise known as the RI Assembly to learn more about his upcoming role as District Governor so will be away for a week.
Angela McKenna: Red Deer Christmas Bureau is holding its annual Christmas Bottle and Book Drive on January 10. Sale will be held Janurary 24 and 25. A great organzation to support.
Vince Morelli: Apology dollars for missing 50/50 shift. Reward dollars to whoever he traded a shift at some point in the next few month. Are you the lucky person?
Dawna Allard: Loved having family home over the holidays. Missing her 12 year old grand daughter who wanted to stay in Canada. Invited those who participated in the Salvation Army Kettle campaign to a Volunteer thank you event on Jan. 14. Contact Dawna for more details.
Robert Lampard: Shared background to Rotary's involvement with the Salvation Army. (See blurb under Community events in this newsletter) Announced the establishment of a chair in medical history at the Cummings School of Medicine at the University of Calgary.
Community & Project Updates
Rotary and the Salvation Army in Red Deer
In 1943 the Rotary Club of Red Deer was asked for wartime help to fundraise for the Salvation Army Home Front Appeal. The club accepted the challenge and began what is now an over 80 year long relationship, surely the longest in our community.
In the first year the club raised $1780 for the Appeal. That amount was followed by $1869 and $2354 in the next two years.
When the wartime fundraising program ended, the Army, not surprisingly, asked the club if they would continue to contribute to the now named Salvation Army Red Shield campaign. The club again accepted the request and soon was raising $4000 per year for the Army. That program continued into at least the late 1950s.
In 1958, after the Beck family donated land on Pine Lake to the Army for a camp, the Army came to the club asking for help to build the camp. Contractor Arne Armstrong of the club drew up the first sketches for what is now an extensive set of camper and staff residences, a Manor building, a health facility and much more. It contributed another $1750 toward building the first facilities.
Sometime in the 1960s or early 1970s the club altered their contribution and joined the Xmas Kettle program. There were lots of cold nights of jingling, before the high traffic establishments accepted the club fundraisers and were allowed to jingle inside.
The clubs annual Xmas contribution to the Kettle program has continued now for over 50 years.
During the over three-quarters of a century the club has raised close to $100,000 for the Army, another example of the generous spirit of Red Deer especially at Christmas time.
economy. 
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In 1943 the Rotary Club of Red Deer was asked for wartime help to fundraise for the Salvation Army Home Front Appeal. The club accepted the challenge and began what is now an over 80 year long relationship, surely the longest in our community.