Membership News April 2, 2023 (Nov. 17, 2024)

Collaborative Fundraising Proposal

The Rotary Clubs of Edmonton Mayfield and Edmonton Sunrise are exploring a collaborative arrangement to expand fundraising efforts, pool resources, and maximize the impact of our shared community and international service projects.

Members from both clubs came together for a brainstorming session focused on creative ways to generate unrestricted funds—essential to sustaining and growing our programs. You can check the details about restricted funds, unrestricted funds, and grants HERE. To move forward, we’ve drafted a Proposal for Collaborative Fundraising, which outlines potential events and strategies.

We Need Your Input!

Please review the proposal HERE and share your thoughts with Maureen by answering the following questions:

Would you like to see a “Fork It Over” or “Planes, Trains and Auctionable” type event annually or bi-annually? Why? What concerns would you like to share?
Of the four options proposed, which ones would you be prepared to support by helping on the planning committee, inviting participants, buying tickets and/or sourcing auction items?
Are there any ideas listed under Types of Auctions, Complimentary Tasting Experiences and Out-of-the-box Ideas that you think we should explore further?

Why Your Input Matters

The more funds we generate, the more lives we can touch—both locally and globally. But achieving this requires the collective support of our members and Friends of Rotary. Your feedback is vital to shaping a successful plan that reflects our club’s values and goals.

Thank you for taking the time to review and respond to this important proposal. Together, we can create events that inspire and make a meaningful difference.

Next Meeting

Our Rotary members are collecting socks to distribute to those in need this holiday season. Let’s make a difference together!

Please bring at least two pairs of socks to our next meeting on Wednesday, November 20, as this will be our final regular meeting until January.

A special thank you to Rose, who has kindly offered to deliver the socks to the appropriate facility.

For this meeting, we're thrilled to welcome Lori Farquharson Persaud, Executive Director, and Grace Kallal, Board Chari of the Fort Edmonton Foundation, who will present about their organization.

The Fort Edmonton Foundation is a charity in Edmonton consisting of local enthusiasts who have dedicated their time and expertise to the development and preservation of the history of Edmonton and surrounding region.

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 pleasure of welcoming Riley Carson, the winner of the Impact Challenge Award! Riley shared his inspiring nonprofit initiative aimed at increasing accessibility for Edmonton's disability community.

Using AI technology, Riley is developing a user-friendly, open-source platform designed to adapt to the evolving needs of the community. This innovative resource will empower individuals and organizations to navigate services and opportunities more easily, fostering greater inclusivity and accessibility across Edmonton.

We are proud to support Riley's mission and are exploring ways to collaborate to bring his vision to life. Together, we can help this groundbreaking idea make a lasting impact!

Upcoming Events

Join Us for the Lead with Seeds Wine Tasting and Fundraiser!

Susan and Roman invite you to the Lead with Seeds Wine Tasting and Fundraiser on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 7:00 to 10:30 PM at the Biera Event Space, Ritchie Market (9570 76 Avenue NW). This event is an opportunity to thank supporters and provide updates on the initiatives in Honduras.

Event Details:

Admission: $50 per person (covers wine)
RSVP: Please contact Roman and e-transfer your admission fee by the same date.

In addition to the admission, attendees are encouraged to make a charitable donation at the event or online through Canada Helps.

Your participation is vital for the success of the programs supporting families in Santa Rita and surrounding barrios. We hope to see you there!

Upcoming Rotary International Conference in Calgary

With the Rotary International Conference taking place in Calgary this June, District 5370 Rotarians are encouraged to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend.

To minimize travel costs, the District has decided to host two mini-conferences: one in Edmonton and one in Lloydminster. The Edmonton conference will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 24 & 25, 2025, at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) PIC Building. The conference will cover important topics including:

Human Rights
Indigenous Culture & Resilience
Community Service Agencies
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Registration is now open and our club will reimburse up to $350 per member to assist with expenses.

The Holiday Season Is Just Around the Corner

As the holidays approach, we are gearing up for two festive events: the Brightview Christmas Luncheon and our annual collaboration with SANTA YEG. These initiatives bring joy and community spirit to those in need during this special time of year.

If you’d like to spread some holiday cheer and volunteer for these events, please reach out to Rachel. Let’s make this season a memorable one for everyone involved!

Self-Care Corner

Winter is here, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to slow down. Staying active during the colder months is one of the best ways to boost your immune system and support your mental health.

Here are some ideas to keep you moving this winter:

Take a brisk walk in the crisp winter air or explore the beautiful local trails.
Try indoor fitness classes like yoga, pilates, or spin.
Go skating or skiing—outdoor activities are a great way to enjoy the season.
Dance it out with an group dance class or at home with your favorite playlist.
Volunteer for active roles—help with events, collect donations, or organize activities. We have tons at Rotary :)
Create a winter fitness challenge with friends or family to stay motivated.

Let’s make this winter a time for health, connection, and well-being. Stay active and keep those spirits high!

How can we tell our story?

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.