It surprises you when a stranger across the table becomes a lifelong friend. It surprises you when a small project in one neighborhood ripples outward in ways you never imagined. And it may surprise you when you realize that the person Rotary has changed most … is you.
That is why this year, we are called to harness the change within ourselves, to look to the future, and to Create Lasting Impact.
Now, I want to be clear about what those words mean. Change is only the beginning. Impact is what endures. We must think of the long-term impact of every project. How can a new water system contribute to the long-term health of a community? Can residents help other communities build their own? How can a new classroom be part of a wider strategy to improve education in the area? That is the sort of thinking we need.
As we prioritize impact, we must also consider how our actions can contribute to peacebuilding. Peace does not happen by accident. It must be built deliberately and strategically. As you plan your next project, ask yourself: "How does this create the conditions for peace?" Consult the Pillars of Positive Peace to learn how we can bring the world one step closer to peace in everything we do.
The more you change your community and the world, the more you will change. Don’t just tell people about the projects you have run or the funds you have raised. Tell them how Rotary has shaped who you are. Those personal stories open doors, inspire new members, and remind all of us why we are here.
Storytelling is also an excellent way to recruit new members and raise funds. We need more people standing with us and more resources if we are to end polio, spread peace, and have a lasting impact on the world. We have set a goal of increasing membership to 1.25 million Rotarians and more than 125,000 Rotaractors by 2030, just in time for Rotary’s 125th anniversary.
Sit down with your club and look back over your accomplishments in the last few years. Find your best year. Maybe it was a record year for new members. Maybe you reached a fundraising milestone. Maybe you completed a project that the whole community is still talking about. Once you find that year, I challenge you to do better than your best.
In these ways and more, we will Create Lasting Impact across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Thank you, my dear friends. Now let’s get to work.
YINKA
President, Rotary International
Rotary Theme for July
Rotary is committed to improving maternal and child health by ensuring that mothers and children have access to quality healthcare, education, and essential resources. Despite significant progress, every day more than 700 women die from preventable complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, and nearly 4.9 million children under the age of five die each year, most from preventable or treatable causes such as complications of premature birth, pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria.
Through local and international projects, Rotary supports prenatal and postnatal care, trains healthcare workers, provides vaccinations and life-saving medical equipment, improves nutrition, and expands access to clean water and sanitation.
By partnering with communities around the world, Rotary is helping reduce preventable deaths, improve healthy pregnancies and childhood development, and give every mother and child the opportunity to survive and thrive.
For more than 27 years, the Rotary Club of Edmonton West has partnered with healthcare professionals and local organizations in Guatemala to improve the lives of children and their families. Through annual medical missions, volunteer teams provide eye exams, prescription glasses, surgeries, family medicine, and other essential healthcare services to children who would otherwise have little or no access to medical care.
By restoring sight, treating illness, and supporting children with disabilities, the club is helping young people lead healthier lives and creating brighter futures for families and communities.
Edmonton West Rotarians Creating Lasting Impact
July has been a busy and rewarding month for the Rotary Club of Edmonton West as we continue Creating Lasting Impact in our community and beyond. From hands-on volunteer projects and community partnerships to supporting local organizations and hosting our successful Golf Fundraiser, our members have been living Rotary's motto of Service Above Self.
Every project, every volunteer hour, and every dollar raised helps strengthen our community and improve lives both locally and around the world. Thank you to our dedicated members, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who make this work possible.
Together, we are creating meaningful change—one project, one partnership, and one act of service at a time.
The Rotary Club of Edmonton West Advocating for Peace
Peace is more than the absence of conflict—it is built through understanding, compassion, and service. The Rotary Club of Edmonton West is proud to support Rotary's mission of promoting peace by fostering connections, strengthening communities, and investing in projects that create hope and opportunity. Whether through local initiatives, youth leadership programs, international partnerships, or humanitarian service, our members are helping build a more peaceful world. By working together and embracing diversity, we are creating lasting impact and demonstrating that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.
A Proud Moment for Our Club and District
Canada Day was especially meaningful for the Rotary Club of Edmonton West as we celebrated a milestone that our club has helped champion for many years. On July 1, members gathered at Edmonton City Hall as Edmonton was officially recognized as an International City of Peace. The ceremony marked the culmination of years of dedication by Rotarians who believe that peace is built through service, understanding, and community action. A highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of the Peace Pole, bearing the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in multiple languages—a lasting symbol of hope, respect, and unity. We are incredibly proud that our club played a key role in bringing this vision to life. This achievement reflects our commitment to creating stronger communities, fostering understanding, and leaving a legacy of peace for future generations.
It was a truly inspiring day and a reminder that together, we can create lasting impact. RI Director Marty Helman along with our Mayor Knack, Chief of Police Warren Driechel, DG Jeanette Bancarz along with musicians, District Peace Committee members, Rotary Club of Edmonton West along with Councillor Elliott, Councillor Parmar, MacEwan VP Cindie LeBlanc, District Rotarians, family and friends gathered in our beautiful City Hall to learn, celebrate and acknowledge the importance of peace education and peace action in our communities!!
Rotary Club of Edmonton West Changeover Meeting
We celebrated another successful year of service at our annual Changeover Meeting, where we reflected on the accomplishments of the past year and welcomed new leadership, President John, for the year ahead. It was an evening of fellowship, recognition, and gratitude as we thanked our outgoing President Lorne and Board of Directors for their dedication and celebrated the volunteers whose commitment made such a positive impact in our community and beyond.
As we begin a new Rotary year, we have much to celebrate. Last year, our club met or exceeded 13 of our 17 strategic goals, demonstrating the dedication and commitment of our members. Highlights included securing a $70,000 grant for our Guatemala medical mission, setting aside $20,000 for a future community impact project, supporting Kiva micro-loans, providing $5,000 toward humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, continuing our partnership with Variety – the Children's Charity, and launching exciting initiatives such as Go Baby Go adapted cars and Volt Hockey. These accomplishments reflect our commitment to making a lasting impact both locally and internationally.
We were delighted to induct former member Ken Brander back into the Rotary Club of Edmonton West and are thrilled to welcome him back to our Rotary family.
This year, we are building on that momentum by encouraging every member to become even more involved. Whether it's identifying a new community project, participating in Youth Exchange, supporting Kiva micro-loans, inviting a guest to a club meeting, volunteering at our golf fundraiser, completing the Rotary West Bingo Card, or recommending a speaker or community partner, there are countless opportunities to contribute. Together, we will continue to grow our impact, strengthen our club, and live Rotary's theme of Creating Lasting Impact.
Community Service
Highway Clean-Up
Our intrepid Rotary Club of Edmonton West volunteers braved the hordes of mosquitoes to clean up our stretch of Highway 16!
The good news! There wasn't much litter to collect, and that's something to celebrate. A big thank you to everyone who is disposing of their trash responsibly and helping keep our highways and communities clean.
Every small act makes a difference. Together, we're proud to do our part in keeping Alberta beautiful.
Tree Planting with Root for Trees
**Growing a Greener Edmonton, Together!**
What a fantastic morning volunteering with the City of Edmonton's **Root for Trees** program!
A huge thank you to our Rotary members, family, and our wonderful **Friends of Rotary** who came out to lend a hand. Together, we planted **nearly 100 trees and shrubs**, helping to expand Edmonton's urban canopy and create a greener, healthier city for generations to come.
Every tree planted makes a difference—providing cleaner air, supporting wildlife, reducing urban heat, and making our neighbourhoods even more beautiful.
Many hands truly do make light work. Thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves to serve our community!
The Rotary Club of Edmonton West is proud to support organizations that make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. This month, Club member Lorne Proctor presented a $5,000 donation, along with two boxes of essential personal hygiene items, to support YESS. These contributions will help provide basic necessities while offering dignity, comfort, and encouragement to young people facing challenging circumstances.
Annual Golf Fundraiser
A Perfect Day on the Greens!
Blue skies, sunshine, and great company made for the perfect day at the Rotary Club of Edmonton West's Annual Golf Fundraiser at Cougar Creek Golf Resort. We were thrilled to welcome golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners for another outstanding day of golf, fellowship, and fundraising.
Our annual tournament is one of the club's signature fundraising events, bringing together people who share a passion for giving back to the community. Every golfer, sponsor, auction donor, and volunteer played an important role in making the event a success. The funds raised will support Rotary projects that improve lives locally and around the world.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our organizing committee, chaired by Spencer Mueller, our dedicated volunteers who worked behind the scenes, our generous sponsors, and everyone who came out to support this incredible event. Your enthusiasm, generosity, and community spirit are what make this tournament such a success year after year. Together, we are truly creating lasting impact.
No golf tournament would be complete without an exciting live and silent auction, and once again Lorne Proctor did an outstanding job organizing both. Through months of planning, securing incredible auction items, and coordinating every detail, Lorne helped make the auction a highlight of the day. His hard work and dedication not only created a fun and engaging experience for our guests but also helped raise vital funds to support the Rotary Club of Edmonton West's charitable projects. We are incredibly grateful for Lorne's leadership, enthusiasm, and countless hours of volunteer service that continue to make our tournament such a tremendous success.
**Growing a Greener Edmonton, Together!** 
