We welcomed Matt Cassidy,president and chair of the Red Deer Homeless Foundation. This foundation seeks to provide a coordinated response to the issue of homelessness in Red Deer. During the past few years, the discussion has begun to change from looking at what is often a short term fix to a more sustainable process and solutions. The report of the 2024 Homeless Task Force indicated that one of the main issues was scarcity in affordable and non market housing that met the needs of the community- it is hard to go “home” when there is no where to go home to! Community education was key as they examined the causes of homelessness, the ways in which we discuss issues, and who is affected. Shelters, outreach teams, housing programs, and frontline workers are all doing their best to support people in crisis. But despite all this good work, homelessness continues to rise.
The goal of the foundation is to provide a more wraparound model in which community services work together to provide a support network that is collaborative, not fragmented. The foundation is not a direct service provider but desire to bring the community together by strengthening coordination, supporting shared understanding, and helping align efforts toward a more effective and integrated homelessness response.
Matt shared information about Project Nexus. This is a community led integrated infrastructure solution where there is access to housing, health and social agencies under one roof. It is a system that helps people move from homelessness to stability faster. Project Nexus is a not-for-profit, public-value-focused initiative. Goals are aligned with City housing and homelessness strategies and support provincial housing, health, and social reform objectives.
The City of Red Deer has announced that city council will consider a rezoning application for the property at 7740 40 Avenue (old Peavy Mart site) at first reading on Feb. 3 that would enable future shelter use. A group of local philanthropists has stepped forward to secure an option to purchase the site, and if finalized, would be owned and operated by the Red Deer Homeless Foundation. The location provides room for needed integrated infrastructure for emergency shelter, health and mental health care, recovery-focused supports, housing intake and navigation, Indigenous-led and culturally informed services, and employment and life-skills supports,
For more information: https://homelessnessreddeer.com
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Meeting Update
President Brett Mauthe led the meeting with Vince Morelli as Sarge.
The singing of our national anthem was led by the musical duo of former mayor, Ken Johnston, and current mayor, Cindy Jeffries.
Vince shared a story of his father, born Jan 12 1932, who demonstrated commitment to his responsibilities as he kept a crucial generator functioning during adverse conditions. A very inspiring story.
Guests of Rotary
Guest speakers: Matt Cassidy, Ryan Krutzfeld, Linda Yargeau
Mayor Cindy Jeffries
Tara Lodewyk
Holly Morelli: guest of Vince Morelli
Visiting Rotarian
Jim McSween: Rotary Club of Sylvan Lake
The Early Bird Gets a Great Deal for Dis-Con 2026
May 1 - 3, 2026, in Red Deer
This year's conference promises to be a dynamic weekend with Rotarians and Friends coming together to Celebrate and "Unite for Good"! And- it's being held here at the Pidherney Centre!
Watch for details coming soon, including fantastic speakers, interesting breakout sessions, presentations and awards, fun and fellowship events.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT EXPIRES FEBRUARY 14, 2026
DISCOUNT CODES: (enter code at check out - when you register)
Early Bird Discount of 15% (only on full registration)
First Time Attendees Discount of 30%
Note: only 1 discount can be applied per person. Enter code at checkout.
Youth / Student/Rotaract Full Registration - $199.00 (No discounts permitted)
Friday Night "Duelling Pianos" only - $40
Saturday Evening Gala only - $100.00
Happy/Sad and other Fun Things
Duane Evans: Celebrating the birth of his first grandchild, Clark Robert Evans, born on January 1. The whole family is thrilled and enjoying their new status.
Leigh Sands: Thoroughly enjoyed the New Year’s Eve jaunt to Vegas to see the Back Street Boys in concert. While golfing there, a selection of Rotary golf tees was discovered- they quickly disappeared into the hands of club members! Disappointed not to have made the cut for the finalists for the Kinsmen lottery- next year!
Erin Peden: As the guest speaker today was discussing the Homeless situation in Red Deer, she shared facts about Red Deer housing in the past, including 1883 being the date in which Leonard Gaetz built his first house here. She also shared that Bridges Community Living has approx 500 families and individuals waiting for affordable housing. The Community Foundation of Central Alberta recently received a donation of $500 000 for bursaries for students from Penhold Crossing High School to attend post secondary school. Copies of the recent community report from the Community Foundation of Central Alberta were shared on tables- great source of information regarding the work done in our community.
Aliesha Shuparsky: Enjoyed a Saturday with a Reiki session, walking around Riverbend Golf Course and feeding the birds. A great way to recharge your soul for the start of the week! Kudos to all who came out to Rotary After 5 at Redz. We had over 15 members and guests in attendance, enjoying fellowship and great food. Next month we head to the bowling alley! Watch for details for this event taking place at the Gutter on Feb 12.
Zainab Mohamoud: Excited about the annual Afro Caribbean Festival taking place in August. Tickets will be available on EventBrite.
Ross Fletcher: Appreciative for all the thoughts from club members in honor of his grandson,Nathan. It was wonderful that some were able to attend the celebration of life held recently.
Diane McDonell: Continuing New Years greetings to all, but especially to Garth Olson, who also had a recent birthday.
Ken Johnston: Enjoyed being a kid again as he attended a knife making class sponsored by Twisted Steel. Recommends this activity to all
Bruce Buruma: Celebrating that he has been able to attend 2 Rotary meetings in a row. We will be seeing more of him as council meetings are being held now on Tuesdays.
Robert Lampard: Correction to previous week Flash- the chair in medical history is at the University of Alberta, not in Calgary.
Membership News
First reading for Dan Nielsen,sponsored by Dwayne Holland. Dan is a former member of this club and Innisfail. We are pleased that he has chosen to rejoin us.
Rotarian of the Month
Garth Olsen presented the award to Adele Poratto, chair of the Rotary Seniors Christmas Concert. This is an excellent outreach activity that provides much joy to the Red Deer community and provides an opportunity to showcase local talent.. This year nearly 500 people attended and were delighted by the offerings. More than 25 club members volunteered to provide support on the buses, help getting in and out of the facility, create a program,usher, obtain refreshments, and help with logistics. They were supported by youth from Youth HQ- a great way to provide an opportunity for multi age interactions. The committee was formed of Adele Poratto (chair), Judith McIntyre (volunteers and busing), Gerry Winia (refreshments),Annette Eby (back stage), Daria Zmiyiwsky ( emcee), Shelley Dalueg (coordination with facilities), Debbie Valyear (general support in all areas). Thank you to all involved for being involved in such a rewarding community service project.
Community & Project Updates
Coldest Night of the Year
Mark Saturday, February 28 to participate in this 2K or 5 K walk to support the Mustard Seed and the Red Deer Food Bank as we support local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness- because it’s cold out there! Register at https://cnoy.org/register/reddeer and join our team- Rotary Club of Red Deer. We have been challenged by Rotary East and Sunrise- we won the challenge last year! The event starts at Central Middle School at 4 p.m. and concludes at 7 p.m. after we have walked the trails of Red Deer and shared a meal together.
Rotary After 5
An enthusiastic group gathered at Redz Scratch Kitchen on Thursday, Jan 8 to enjoy an evening of fellowship, conversation, and great food. Mark your calendars to join us for bowling at The Gutter on Thursday, Feb 12. More details to follow.
integrated infrastructure solution where there is access to housing, health and social agencies under one roof. It is a system that helps people move from homelessness to stability faster. Project Nexus is a not-for-profit, public-value-focused initiative. Goals are aligned with City housing and homelessness strategies and support provincial housing, health, and social reform objectives. 
recent community report from the Community Foundation of Central Alberta were shared on tables- great source of information regarding the work done in our community.
opportunity to showcase local talent.. This year nearly 500 people attended and were delighted by the offerings. More than 25 club members volunteered to provide support on the buses, help getting in and out of the facility, create a program,usher, obtain refreshments, and help with logistics. They were supported by youth from Youth HQ- a great way to provide an opportunity for multi age interactions. The committee was formed of Adele Poratto (chair), Judith McIntyre (volunteers and busing), Gerry Winia (refreshments),Annette Eby (back stage), Daria Zmiyiwsky ( emcee), Shelley Dalueg (coordination with facilities), Debbie Valyear (general support in all areas). Thank you to all involved for being involved in such a rewarding community service project. 
Mark your calendars to join us for bowling at The Gutter on Thursday, Feb 12. More details to follow.