August is Membership Month, but our commitment to growth and connection is year-round. When we focus on growing Rotary, we grow our ability to serve, to lead, and to bring lasting change.
Membership growth isn’t just about numbers. It’s about opening doors. It’s about inviting more people who are ready to give their time, talents, and hearts to a cause greater than themselves. When we welcome new members, we bring in fresh ideas and new energy. We expand our impact, strengthen our clubs, and ensure that Rotary continues to evolve with the world around us.
Remember, there is now great flexibility in fashioning nontraditional club models. I’m inspired when I see these innovative clubs thrive by offering new and prospective members more ways to connect and serve.
In Korea, the growth of satellite clubs has created opportunities for nearly 1,000 new members to find their place in Rotary. In Romania, the close collaboration between Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Interactors has built a pipeline of future leaders. In India, some Rotarians gather around a shared interest — whether it’s professional development or a passion for service — and those connections deepen their commitment and their joy in being part of Rotary. And we’ve seen cause-based clubs thrive in regions as diverse as Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe.
There’s a common thread: Where clubs are growing, membership is a priority and there is a willingness to try something new. Rotary is not limited to one structure or tradition. We are a global network of people of action, and that means there is room for many kinds of clubs, many ways to serve, and many paths into our organization.
This spirit of innovation is also guiding our efforts to reach new communities. In places where there has never been a Rotary club — or where a club once existed and faded — Rotarians are finding ways to grow Rotary. They are identifying areas of potential and building clubs that reflect the character and needs of their communities.
Every member plays a part in this journey. Whether you introduce a friend to your club, support a new meeting format, reconnect with program alumni, or simply share your Rotary story, you are helping our organization grow stronger and more vibrant.
No one owns a Rotary club. It is a gift we pass on to the next generation. When we nurture that gift, when we invite others to share in it, we ensure that Rotary continues to be a force for good.
Let’s prioritize membership growth — not just in August but every month of the year. Together, through friendship, creativity, and shared purpose, we will grow Rotary and Unite for Good.
August is Membership Month
August is Rotary Membership and New Club Development Month, a period dedicated to celebrating the people who power Rotary and to encouraging growth through new members and clubs. This month is both a celebration and an invitation to reflect, share, and look ahead.
The Power of Membership
Rotary thrives thanks to its global members—individuals united by the vision of service, friendship, and leadership. Each new member brings fresh ideas and energy, fueling Rotary’s ability to take on meaningful projects and make a real impact.
Stories and Impact
Rotarians around the world change lives every day, whether providing clean water, supporting education, or leading efforts to end polio. By growing membership, clubs extend their reach and strengthen their ability to serve.
Fostering Inclusion and Fellowship
Rotary values diversity and fellowship, creating welcoming spaces for all. Clubs can use Membership Month to host open events, invite newcomers, and strengthen community ties.
Growing Your Club
Key strategies for growth include sharing your Rotary story, celebrating diversity, offering meaningful service projects, and leveraging technology to connect members. Mentoring newcomers helps them succeed and feel valued.
Developing New Clubs
As communities evolve, so does Rotary. New clubs reflect local needs, and August is a great time to explore opportunities for club development, bringing Rotary’s mission to more people.
Honoring Members
Membership Month is also a chance to thank long-standing members for their dedication and inspire new generations with their stories and achievements.
Get Involved
Invite friends, share your Rotary experience, and participate in events. Every new member strengthens Rotary’s ability to create lasting change.
Conclusion
This August, let’s honor our members and welcome new faces. By coming together, we ensure Rotary’s legacy of service, fellowship, and positive change continues to grow.
Membership Update
Rotary Club of Edmonton West:
RCEW has 37 members, 13 women and 24 men.
Wayne Malouin is being inducted as a new member on August 25
Nancy Lavimizadeh has indicted that she wants to reconnect with the Club
Jeanette Bancarz will speak to the Club on September 22 about Companion Clubs.
District 5370:
On July 1 2024 the District had 1530 members (down 36 from the previous year). On
July 1 2025 the District had 1506 members (thus down 24 from the previous year).
In the last Rotary Year, the District had 191 new members ad lost 215 members.
There are 88 Rotaract Clubs in the District.
Our Newest Member ~ Wayne Malouin
Wayne Malouin was born and raised in Niagara Falls.
He attended the University of Guelph and where he graduated
with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1978.
Upon graduation, Wayne moved to Calgary where he basically
worked for two Oil and Gas production and process equipment
manufacturing companies.
He then worked for 10 years running a company in Kuala
Lumpur Malaysia which had annual sales of $35 million USD with
a small staff of approximately 20.
Wayne retired in 2019.
He is married to Rob Dunseith’s sister. They have four children
and seven grandchildren between them.
Wayne and his wife split their time between Edmonton and
Quarteira Portugal with periodic visits to Central America.
His hobbies include the grand kids, cycling, golf, fishing, and
much more.
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Edmonton West!
Community Service
Grandview Extended Care
Our Rotary club built some benches for Grandview Capital Care a couple of years ago, but unfortunately the finish we chose had seriously deteriorated. The residents love these benches and they are used every day.
Our initial work bee to refinish the benches at the Grandview location was rained out, and the weather is still iffy. So, Al went to Grandview to pick up the benches and brought them back to his garage so they could dry out. We all met on Saturday morning (Aug 16) to get the refinishing done!
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Bruce Hobin
August 8
Bert Andrews
August 16
Wendy Boje
August 16
Spencer Mueller
September 10
Sherry Holmes
September 11
Bev Yee
September 19
Duart Berg
September 21
Spouse Birthdays
Kate Hobin
September 4
Anniversaries
Spencer Mueller
Annie
August 5
Joseph Lizotte
Nancy
August 10
Jackie Hobal
Wayne Hobal
August 19
Join Date
Bev Yee
August 14, 2023
2 years
Anne Mueller
August 16, 2010
15 years
Vic Rudkowski
September 15, 2014
11 years
Duart Berg
September 16, 2013
12 years
395 Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron
Rotary Edmonton West's partnership with 395 Royal Canadian Air Cadets is the Club's longest-running New Generations Service partnership dating back to the 1980s. Cadets have traditionally received training in flying and gliding, survival skills, physical fitness, public speaking, citizenship, and precision drill. They can form friendships which last a lifetime.
Brian Andrus is a longtime leader of the Squadron visited our Club to speak to our members.
395 Squadron Edmonton was formed on the 11th of April 1946 and received its Charter on the 3rd of July 1946 after operating for four months. This makes it one of a handful of squadrons formed right after the war had ended and the only one still active. Since then many changes in training, facilities, sponsors, and staff have been made. The Squadron strength built up to over 200 cadets during the 50’s and between 1968 and 1979 making it the largest in Alberta and Western Canada for quite a few years.
The first hanger/facility for 395 was the WW2 hanger on the former site of the Edmonton Flying Club. The second facility that 395 Squadron used was a hanger near the present day N.A.I.T. In 1958 the hangar was destroyed by fire and temporary accommodation was later established in a WWII HHut close to where the Edmonton Inn is now located.
As the Squadron had over 200 cadets parading as a wing with two complete squadrons, the new facility was not large enough. So in 1959, 395 Squadron created a sister squadron, 699 Jasper Place, by moving one whole squadron complete with staff to the west end. The Squadron made its third move to the now demolished Northwest Air Command Communication Building just across the street from the Hhut on Kingsway Ave. From these cramped quarters, the Squadron moved in 1962 to its present facility, known at that time as Building 42, Kingsway Recreation Centre and is known today as HMCS Nonsuch.
Air Cadets receive training in flying and gliding, survival skills, physical fitness, public speaking, citizenship, and precision drill. The majority of cadet training takes place at the local squadron during the regular school year, with a percentage of cadets selected for summer training courses at various cadet summer training centres located across Canada. 395 Squadron has a long and proud history since formation in 1946 of developing in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promoting physical fitness; and stimulating the interest of youth in the sea, land, and air activities of the Canadian Forces.
395 Squadron is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Edmonton West. They provide financial and moral support during our training year (September-June). Rotary Club started its sponsorship in September 1980. We are proud to continue supporting the Squadron. We will be presenting a cheque for $10,000.00 to the Squadron.
The Rotary Club of Edmonton West, sponsored by the Edmonton Downtown club, was admitted to membership in Rotary International in 1955 with 21 charter members.
Ben Lang was our charter President. Our membership, drawn from many walks of life, is generally around 50 members.
We are planning a special evening to celebrate our club. It will be an unforgettable event, so don't miss it!!
International Service Projects
John Blimke, former member of our club initiated this project in Costa Rica.
The community service project aimed to improve the quality of life of the locals, and provide opportunities to upgraded their skills to work in the beach tourist industry.
