Membership News Mar 15, 2026 (Mar 15, 2026)

At our next meeting, we will welcome Ranti, who will speak about the work of the Afro-Caribbean Food Bank and the importance of culturally appropriate food in addressing food insecurity. She will also share how community partnerships, such as Rotary, play an important role in strengthening support systems for vulnerable families.

Members who would like to support the food bank are encouraged to consider making a donation. Monetary contributions are especially helpful, as they allow the organization to purchase culturally appropriate staple foods and respond quickly to families’ needs. Food donations are also welcome, including items such as red or brown lentils, rice, beans, cooking oil, cereal, eggs, milk, and meat.

You can learn more about the Afro-Caribbean Food Bank and make a donation here.

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, Mark Lindsay shared more about his journey and what inspired him to embrace change, overcome challenges, and bring his talents and expertise to Rotary. It was a great opportunity to learn more about his story, and we’re pleased that he is now stepping into the role of Membership Director.

We were happy to welcome Victoria Celi as a new member of the Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield. Victoria has been supporting the club with communications since 2023, and she is excited to now be an official member and to become more involved in volunteering and other opportunities within the club.

We also had two special guests, Sonar Najati from Eastglen Rotoract Club and Patrick LaForze from Rotary Edmonton South.

RCEM’s Impact in Uganda

A recent article from The Globe and Mail highlights a Ugandan–Canadian initiative that is improving health care for mothers and children in rural Uganda. This work began through the vision of Dr. Zaheer Lakhani, who believed that an exchange program between medical professionals in Alberta and East Africa could advance health care in both regions.

With the support of the Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield, that vision became a reality. Over the years, RCEM has helped sponsor more than 100 exchanges of medical and nursing professionals between Canada and East Africa. These collaborations have strengthened local health systems and inspired additional programs that continue to support communities today.

The results are better care, stronger local capacity, and improved health outcomes for many mothers and children. We invite you to read the full article to learn more about the impact of this initiative and the role our club has played in supporting it.

A foundation Moment

HOW DO DISTRICT GRANTS HELP AT HOME?

A Rotary club in the United States used an US$3,000 district grant to purchase food and personal care items for a local food pantry that saw a 50% increase in need. A Rotary club in India is using a district grant to provide hygiene kits and training to girls who might otherwise miss school when they are menstruating. The project aims to help 40,000 girls.

Clubs worldwide use district grants to support similar short-term projects in their communities. Every club has the opportunity to create positive change their community with grants from The Rotary Foundation, one project at a time.

FIO Partnership update

The Rotary Club of Edmonton Sunrise has declined to partner on FIO this year but has expressed support for our efforts. Carisa also connected with WINGS of Providence, who appreciated the opportunity but have declined to partner this year, as their Make Believe Gala in November is scheduled close to the FIO date. They did share interest in exploring a potential partnership for future events.

These updates and other planning details for this important event will be discussed at our next FIO planning meeting on March 19. Members are welcome to join and can review the agenda here.

Impact Stories

RCEM & IMPACT Support Hope Mission

On Saturday, March 7, members of RCEM and IMPACT joined forces with other Rotary clubs in St. Albert for Stop Hunger 2.0, hosted by the Rotary Club of St. Albert at the Salvation Army.
Across two shifts (morning and afternoon), more than 160 volunteers came together to package over 70,000 meals. Read more…

Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities

Members Anniversaries