
A global network of neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers.
The Rotary Club of Chestermere, founded in 2013, acts as a vital force for community service in the City of Chestermere. The club leads with a focus on the Rotary motto: “Service Above Self,” guiding its members toward meaningful projects that benefit both the local community and global causes.
“Rotary Club members meet regularly, either weekly or monthly, depending on the club’s structure,” said Karen McKee, president of Rotary Club Chestermere. These members not only pay dues to support their club’s activities but also engage in fundraising efforts to finance their projects. “Our dues go to cover operational costs like insurance, Rotary International fees, and district dues,” she says, noting that the club keeps its membership fees affordable to attract a diverse range of members. The Chestermere club’s current 12 members range in age from 26 to over 80, reflecting a wide array of backgrounds and experiences.
Rotary began in 1905 when Paul Harris, a Chicago attorney, noticed a lack of public washrooms and other basic amenities in his area. He gathered a group of friends, realizing they could address these sanitation and public health needs by working together. They started meeting at each other’s offices, rotating the locations, which is how the name ‘Rotary’ came to be. This rotation of meeting places was the origin of what has become a global movement committed to service and community improvement.
One of the Rotary Club Chestermere’s recent signature projects is the Rotary Edible Forest, a unique initiative designed to promote food abundance and community engagement. The idea is to create a sustainable garden that serves both as a source of fresh produce and as a tranquil space for locals. “It’s about creating abundance and giving back in a way that’s open to everyone,” McKee explains. The Rotary Edible Forest features winding pathways, where anyone in the community can harvest fruit, berries, and herbs.
Diversity and inclusion are also at the heart of the Rotary Club of Chestermere’s mission. “It’s all about building bridges and understanding,” McKee emphasizes. Beyond local projects, the Rotary Club of Chestermere supports international initiatives, providing funding for education, health, and disaster relief programs worldwide.
The Club is excited to present “New Blood,” a powerful production featuring poetry, music, and a blend of contemporary and traditional dance, inspired by the life of Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman. The show, which tells the story of his experience in a residential school and his journey to reclaim his way of life and become chief, will be held at the Chestermere High School in the South Gym on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Performances take place at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Tickets are $10.00 each. The production is recommended for ages 8 and up.