I am glad to be a part of this club and community. I am honored to be a part of bringing about a shared vision that is true, fair, done in goodwill, and beneficial. A vision that centres upon integrity, commitment, fellowship, and fun.
When asked what Rotary is, I now have a clearer answer. The Rotary Club of Chestermere is a club and a community builder.
As a club, we are a group of good people dedicated to a cause. Like any strong club, we have a board, members and committees. Our members have expertise and spirit. Our team extends to honorary members and Friends of Rotary. We meet and plan. We complete tasks and carry out projects. Together and with our neighbours. We recognize, and we celebrate. We hangout and share meals together. We do so with pride. For we are people of action.
As community builders, we work with and for the community to advance its wellness. To this work, we bring so much to the table. As Rotary, we operate with a backing of numbers, recognized expertise, and extensive outreach to local, national, and international communities.. We carry out community service, conduct fundraising, participate in and contribute to events, manage and support volunteers, connect community leaders and agencies, and advocate and recognize good work. For we serve beyond self.
We are here. Service. Edible Forest. Bike park. Lifejacket Loaner Station. Bike recycling. Candidacy forum. Habitat for Humanity Build. Sponsorships, such as the Go Girl program, Chestermere Historical Society, and Chestermere Boxing Club . We have a street sign. And we will be here. Non-profit hub. Bike for Bricks.
As a club and community builder, we sustain a vision shared by the club and community. Chestermere is a city built upon a lake, parks, and paths. It is a community of neighbours with big hearts, strong backs, nimble hands, and hugging arms.
In the coming year, in commitment to this vision, the club will ready itself. It will work to build its operations, tap into its expertise, use tools for best practices, make partners, and secure members. Equally, in the coming year, the club has declared in its action plan that it will boost its contributions to the community and its presence. To do so, we will grow our membership, provide onboarding and training, contribute to community events, showcase speakers, establish partners, raise funds, carry out projects, and celebrate accomplishments (over dinners and at mixers).
It is a commitment. Hard to make. Hard to complete. And cannot be done alone. As all good things truly are.
To the past, let us clap our hands. To the future, let us all shake hands.
Carey Hilgartner
President, Rotary Club of Chestermere
