Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 2nd. This meeting will feature a special presentation by Gordon Wilkes, who first attended one of our luncheons back in 1988.
In Gordon’s words: "The Mayfield Rotary Club took a chance by giving Dr. Wolfaardt and myself a $25,000 grant to start a new facial reconstruction unit at the Misericordia hospital. It has since developed into the internationally known craniofacial osseointegration reconstruction unit, treating patients from across Canada. This is one of the types of reconstructive procedures used by plastic surgeons in selected cases."
Gordon will deliver a fascinating presentation titled: “Plastic Surgery—What They Don’t Show You on Television!”
He will take us through the history of plastic surgery, from its origins in 800 BC to the advanced reconstructive techniques of the 21st century, offering insights into how the field has evolved over time.
We look forward to hearing Gordon speak at his second Mayfield Rotary luncheon, 36 years after his first visit!
For those who cannot attend in person, the Zoom login for the meeting is Meeting ID 780 222 3440 Passcode Mayfield
Last Meeting Recap
At our last meeting, we had the honour of hosting Carol Bahry and Barbara Olynyk, dedicated teachers from the Burundi English School located in the heart of Africa. They shared the inspiring story of how they have transformed the school over the past 13 years into a thriving educational institution. From 13 to 415 students with over 20 teachers today, their mission and commitment to making a difference left us all deeply moved.
A message from Rachel, who has accepted the Community Services Chairperson role!
I am thrilled to share that I have accepted the role of Community Services Chair for our Club! This opportunity means so much to me, and I am genuinely excited to dive in and continue Mayfield's legacy of positive impact. Please reach out if you would like to join me on the Community Service Committee.
I was drawn to Rotary, and this role in particular, because I am passionate about hands-on service work and opportunities to work closely with those we strive to empower. I believe that together, we can create meaningful change in our own neighbourhoods. I look forward to collaborating with all of you—Rotarians, local organisations, and our supporters—to continue our efforts in motion, as well as identify further needs to develop initiatives that support and uplift our community.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming projects and events you can get involved with, including the rollout of the Rotary Impact Challenge winning project, and Brightview Holiday Dinner, and Santa YEG.
Yours in Rotary,
Rachel Poelzer
Help Us Make Our 50th Anniversary Unforgettable!
We're gearing up for a monumental celebration of the Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield's 50th anniversary, which will coincide with the 2027 District Conference alongside District Governor Jeanette. We need passionate volunteers to help plan this extraordinary event.
If you're interested in being part of the planning committee and making this milestone one to remember, please reach out to Maureen to get involved!
Upcoming Events
District Awards 2023-24
Our club has been nominated for two awards at this year’s District Awards celebration! With the theme Inspiration – Recognition, this event is a fantastic opportunity for us to come together and celebrate our achievements.
We want to have a strong presence at the event, so please consider joining us for this special evening.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, October 4th
Location: St Albert Inn & Suites, 156 St Albert Trail, St Albert
Dinner: 6:30 pm, followed by the program
The Awards celebration is open to all Rotarians and Rotaracts.
Registration:
In-Person: $70
Online: $10
Let’s make sure our club is well-represented! If you're planning to attend, whether in person or online, please register here.
Fall Assembly 2024-25
The annual District 5370 Fall Assembly will be held both in person and virtually on
Saturday, October 5th.
Location: St Albert Inn & Suites, 156 St Albert Trail, St Albert
Time: Doors open at 8:30 AM; program runs from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM, including a light lunch
Registration Fees:
Presidents-elect: Free (fees covered through your club's PELA Training contribution)
Rotarians Attending In-Person: $60
Online Registration: $25
The Fall Assembly is open to all Rotarians and Rotaracts. Presidents-elect and their leadership teams are especially encouraged to attend as part of their PELA training. This is a great opportunity to gain insights, connect with fellow Rotarians, and be inspired.
If you are interested in attending, register here.
Last chance to confirm your attendance to the presentation hosted by Sunrise Club
The Sunrise Club is hosting a special event on October 9th, and we are invited! They are welcoming a doctor from Africa who is currently in Edmonton for training at the University of Alberta. He will be giving a presentation on how he plans to use the funding gift he received from the Sunrise Club and will share insights about his program back home.
Event Details:
Date & Time: October 9th, 5:30 pm
Location: Canterbury Foundation, 8403 142 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5R 4L3
Meal Price: $24 per person
If you'd like to attend, please email Brad Lohner to secure your spot. This is your last chance to confirm you will be attending.
Hold the date: Pints for Polio Event
We are excited to host a lovely evening in support of World Polio Day on Thursday, October 24th at the Canadian Brewhouse, 1320 Webber Greens Dr. This is a great opportunity to gather in fellowship and contribute to the global fight to end polio.
More details and a registration link will follow soon!
Others
Topic for Discussion: Changeover Event Timing
As we look ahead, we need to decide on the best timing for our Changeover Event. Two potential dates are on the table: early November or January 2025. We welcome input and ideas on which option would work best for the club.
Wakadogo Annual Report Highlights
A few years ago, we contributed to Wakadogo’s mission, and they’ve recently shared their Annual Report with us. Here are the key highlights:
Leadership: Two Deputy Headteachers were appointed from within the teaching team.
Counselling Program: A dedicated counsellor and a newly built counselling room provide support for students facing challenges like poverty, domestic violence, and health issues.
Music, Dance, and Drama: Students placed 2nd at a regional festival, using their talents to address social issues in the community.
Robotics Program: A partnership with Fundi Bots introduced students to robotics and STEM, fostering critical thinking and hands-on learning.
Vocational Training: Successful programs in tailoring, hairdressing, and soap production were extended through December 2024, preparing students for certification.
Hydroponics Project: Students are learning about sustainable farming and food security through innovative soil-less cultivation.
Wakadogo Forest Project: Over 1,600 trees have been planted to restore biodiversity and support climate action.
Healthcare: Acoyo Health Centre treated over 2,000 students and community members, with educational outreach programs to promote health awareness.
Financials: CAD $252,399 was raised, with no international admin costs, ensuring donations directly benefit the community.
If you are working on a project or event or if you want to share your Rotary journey with others, we want to hear about it. And if you attend an event, take pictures or videos and send them to Victoria. We will use these for social media and bulletin posts.
Are you an established professional who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship.
We invite you to join us at an upcoming meeting.
Club Information
Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m.
Chateau Nova Yellowhead
13920 Yellowhead Trail
Edmonton, AB T5L 3C2 Canada
We meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at noon at the Chateau Nova Yellowhead (and by Zoom for those who cannot attend in person), and the second Saturday at 10am by Zoom.