We celebrate the recipients of the 2026 Rotary Career Opportunity Fund. Erin Peden, Executive Director of the Red Deer and District Community Foundation, shared that since 1997 448 students have been awarded $792 000, recognizing that while talent is everywhere the opportunity to advance in education  is not always available to all.  The impact of this fund has a long term impact in our community.   Each recipient received $5 000 to be used to further their studies.

Students are selected on the basis of financial need, evidence of leadership and motivation, and academic achievement.  The Rotary Club of Red Deer believes in  investing in people.   These bursaries have  enabled these students to pursue further education that may not have been available to them- it is life changing for many.

Thanks to the support of school counsellors, administrators, and parents the 2026 recipients are: 

Lindsay Thurbur High School:

  • Dahlia Charafeddine (RDP)Bachelor of Biological Sciences
  • Aurora Hammond (U of A) Bachelor of Arts (Music)
  • Lena Paterson (U of A) Bachelor of Science
  • Pamee Louise De Guzman (RDP)  Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences)
  • Kira Lightbown (U of C) Bachelor of Science (Engineering)

Notre Dame High School

  • Summer Bell (RDP) Bachelor of Biological Sciences
  • Dalton Powell (Uof A)Bachelor of Biological Sciences
  • Haley Oster ( U of C)  Bachelor of Science (Physics)

Hunting Hills High School:

  • Blake Gervais (U of A) Bachelor of Science (Engineering)
  • Evan Gervais (U of A) Bachelor of Science (Engineering)

St. Joseph's High School

  • Ekaterina Bolgova (U of A)Bachelor of Science Mathematics)

Candy Nwigwe, graduate of Lindsay Thurber High school and  a recipient of a bursary 10 years ago, has gone on to graduate from U of C with a degree in Math and Computer Science.  She is currently a senior analyst with Amazon, focusing on AI.  She reminded all that this award is more than just money.  It is recognition of their character and commitment to their community along with academic achievement and leadership qualities.  She challenged the students to continue to lead, be involved, and to show up demonstrating their leadership qualities.  Candy reiterated that receiving this award and the impact of Rotary can be life changing.

We congratulate all the recipients and look forward to hearing of their successes in years to come. 

Meeting Update

President Brett Mauthe hosted the meeting with Laura Snape as Sarge.  It was noted that the amount of women at meetings was growing larger- YES!!!
 
Visiting Rotarians
Bryan Wilson: Rotary Red Deer East
 
Guests of Rotary
Friends, family, and educators in support of Career Opportunity Fund recipients
Dr.Yasmine Soliman: guest of Donna Purcell
 

Happy/Sad and other Fun Things

Darcy Mykytyshyn: Oldest son, Sam, is now 16 and will be taking his drivers test on June 2.  
Tony Judd: Reminder of the 100 Men Who Care meeting on June 1 at the Hideout- this is a great way to network and provide support for local charities and non profit organizations. Tony is very honored to have his business nominated for the Chamber of Commerce small business of the year award.
Dagmar Knutson: Enjoyed the Corked Half Marathon in Penticton and exploring the wineries.  
Leigh Sands: Celebrating her last birthday in the 30's.  
Jerry Pasman: Recently celebrated his granddaughter's 4th birthday as her favorite location- Troubled Monk.
Harvey Maskowitz: Just returned from a month in Europe and visiting Amsterdam and the tulip festival, a Rhine river cruise, savored the port tasting in Lisbon and the sights of Barcelona.  Harvey and Carole are leaving soon for a 28 day cruise from Boston to Iceland.  Is he vying to take over the role of “holiday taker extraordinaire” from Steve Chow? 
Donna Purcell: Continuing to advocate for a law school for Red Deer and will be pitching it to Red Deer DRIVE.  She also introduced Dr. Yasmine Soliman, a local  neurologist who attended the District Conference and is very keen to learn more about Rotary.

Community & Project Updates

Rotary Clubs of Red Deer Blood Challenge

Rotary Clubs of Central Alberta has a team event planned for blood donors! Consider joining us by making a blood donation on June 3rd  BOOK YOUR BLOOD DONATION APPOINTMENT HERE and then come and have a great time of food and fellowship at the Croffle House!  If you cannot donate blood, come support the cause and join us at the restaurant.

Everyone welcome, bring a friend... challenge everyone around you to support the blood giving lifeline :) 

We will be gathering from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

Local Croffle House
7150 50 Ave
Red Deer, AB T4N 6A5
Canada

 
 
Rotary Branches Out
Dagmar Knutson reminds all of the event on June 6.  Volunteers and supporters always welcome.   We will meet at McKenzie Trails at 9 am. to set up. Let us know you are coming registering HERE    This is a great event for all ages and a wonderful opportunity to introduce youth to service and increase awareness of being an environmental steward.

June 1, 2026

 

From the Executive

July 2/26. 11:45 a.m-2:00 p.m.  Join the Rotary Clubs of Red Deer at an impact Tour meeting with incoming Rotary International Director, Marty Helman   We will gather at Mattie McCullough Elementary School.  
Upcoming Events
Sept 21st - Club Meeting - Rotary International Foundation - Gerry Winia
Sep. 21, 2026
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Sept 28th - Club Annual Meeting - Annette Eby
Sep. 28, 2026
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Rotary Social: Autocross Race October 4, 2026
Oct. 04, 2026 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (UTC-06:00)
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Dan Murdock
September 3
 
Jean Stinson
September 6
 
Lisa Mackey
September 14
 
Shelley Allarie
September 20
 
Join Date
Donna Purcell
September 3, 2021
5 years
 
Dan Murdock
September 7, 2016
10 years
 
Adriana LaGrange
September 11, 2018
8 years
 
Thelma Maris
September 15, 1997
29 years
 
Annette Eby
September 19, 2023
3 years
 
John Binder
September 20, 2024
2 years
 
Brett Mauthe
September 21, 2021
5 years
 
Vangi Willington
September 21, 2021
5 years
 
Jay Kern
September 23, 2025
1 year
 
Robert Mast
September 24, 2001
25 years
 
Executives & Directors
President
Annette Eby
 
President Elect
Scott Robinson
 
Treasurer
Ron Moisey
 
Secretary
John Binder
 
Rotary Foundation
Gerry Winia
 
Member Experience
Dean Williams
 
Fundraising
Leigh Sands
 
Public Relations
Judith McIntyre
 
Community Engagement
Jenn Whalen