It has been an eventful year!  It began with a change of leadership and ended with a restructuring of how things are done as we considered the future.   Key initiatives for the year included the restructuring of the Career Opportunity Awards and the contribution of $250 000 to ensure that students will benefit from this award from years to come.  Beginning in August 2026, the club also made a commitment to contribute  $25 000 each year for 5 years.  Annette Eby assumed the leadership of the Wetland Legacy Project from Gloria Beck, ensuring that we will be ready for future developments.  Rotary After 5 provided opportunities each month for members to join together in fellowship.  Black Tie Bingo had a very successful year and raised over $150 000 for community projects, locally and internationally.   Over $55 000 was shared with local community organizations.  We continue with our relationship with the Red Deer Rebels for the next 3 years.  The Belize Literacy Project was able to bring 3 team members to Canada to share the story of how our support is changing the lives of students for generations to come. The new board is ready to go and continue the work that Rotary does to serve others. 

 

Jim Foster, a 3 time winner of this award, is well known for his comments that are aimed at ensuring that procedures are followed. We appreciate his keen wit and attention to details.

 

Aliesha Shuparsky was recognized for her work on the Host Hospitality Night sponsored by the 3 Red Deer clubs.  She ensured that the international visitors had a great time at Camp Hector.  The social committee is gearing up for the Westerner Days activities and planning more fellowship events for the upcoming year. 

 

Robert Lampard, as club historian, is a font of knowledge and is called upon frequently to provide background for many Rotary milestones.  His knowledge of Rotary, both locally and internationally, is highly regarded.  Robert was instrumental in organizing the post conference symposium on James Wheeler Davidson, a Calgary Rotarian who was instrumental in establishing over 20 Rotary clubs across the world during the 1920's.  This  symposium attracted speakers from many parts of the world and the presentations will be made available in print form in the near future.  Robert has been described as a gentleman who is persistent  and passionate about history, service, and Rotary and we are grateful for his contributions.

 

Phil Hyde willingly assumed the role of interim co-president and continued to ensure that the club went on to successfully achieve the goals of planned initiatives.  He played a key role in the forming of the succession committee and in ensuring that the Career Opportunity Fund continues to be funded appropriately  in the years to come.  Phil has been a mentor to many, willing to share advice and be a sounding board for upcoming board members.  We thank him for his wisdom over the years. 

 

Garth Olsen has worked behind the scenes for over 30 years to serve others.  Numerous committees have benefited from his quiet leadership and words of wisdom This year during preparations for Black Tie Bingo, Garth was asked to assume a short term leadership role at a brief notice. He ensured that the committee continued to work together, resulting in one of the most successful fundraisers in recent years.    Garth is a true example of "Service Above Self".

 

Presentation of this award will take place at the July 7 meeting.

Darcy Mykytyshyn is a leader at the club and district level.  During the past year he assumed the role of interim co-president for the club and worked tirelessly on ensuring that club initiatives were successful, leadership plans were in place for the upcoming years, and that members were active.  He served on the RI Host Committee as co chair of the Marketing and Communication committee.  Everyone knew Darcy at the convention!  He is the District Governor elect for 2026-27 and will serve the district well.  Darcy assumed the chair of the club International Service committee and was tireless as a spokesperson for international service projects, navigating the competitive bureacracy channels with ease.  On his trip to Belize he enthusiastically engaged the Rotary clubs across the country and continues to be a strong advocate for literacy.  He promotes a culture of international work among clubs.  Darcy is an enthusiastic Rotarian who ensures that members are engaged and are encouraged to use their gifts and talents to serve others.  He is well deserving of this honor.