Latest news with #RotaryClub
CTV News
14 hours ago
- General
- CTV News
‘A surge of pride': How a local club is helping others with proceeds of Canadian patriotism
A central Alberta organization is using Canadian pride to help others. CTV News Edmonton's Marek Tkach reports. According to a recent Angus Reid Institute survey, national pride is on the rise – and it's helping a local club do more to help others in other countries. John Carle, a member of the Rotary Club of St. Albert, runs the organization's flag program and said this year is shaping up to be one of the best. The program, which costs $63 a year, sees the club deliver and install Canadian flags at people's homes for a week at a time for the Victoria Day, Canada Day and Labour Day long weekends. 'People just get really excited to see them. And it's just a great patriotic thing that raises money for our club,' Carle said. The program has been running for upwards of 15 years. Carle said interest dipped after the COVID-19 pandemic but is bouncing back in a big way. 'The convoy has definitely affected people's opinion of our flag, but everyone's right back in it,' he added. 'There's great patriotism out there right now, which really makes people want to have that flag on their lawn. 'And we're just so appreciative for the community support.' Rotary Club Canadian Flag Canadian Flags from the Rotary Club of St. Albert can be seen on June 27, 2025. (Marek Tkach/CTV news Edmonton) More than 600 flags are going up on local lawns this year, raising about $36,000 for charitable Rotary Club programs like international education and vaccination campaigns. 'Being able to tie the patriotism of our Canada flag with the great stuff that we do locally and internationally, it's just awesome,' Carle said. Joe Roe, a research associate at the Angus Reid Institute, said the institute has been tracking national pride since 2016. In December, the number of people who said they were proud or very proud to be Canadian had dipped to 58 per cent. That was up to 79 per cent in June. 'In the wake of Donald Trump's threatening of the 51st state, there's been somewhat of a surge of nationalism and a surge of pride,' Roe said. 'It's somewhat bounced back to the point where now more Canadians are saying they're proud to live in Canada.' Elbows Up Dartmouth Protesters cheer at the Elbows Up rally at Alderney Landing in Dartmouth, N.S., on April 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Riley Smith (Riley Smith/The Canadian Press) In Alberta, the sentiment is lower with just 56 per cent saying they were proud or very proud Canadians. Only Quebec was lower, at 54 per cent. 'With a lot of criticism in Alberta for the Liberal government … I think there's a lot of people here that are maybe a little bit more pessimistic about the direction the country is going and I think that plays into the pride as well,' Roe explained. St. Albert resident Rudy Steinke falls into the 56 per cent and will be sporting a Rotary Club flag this weekend. 'Canada is the best country there is, so why would we not, you know?' Steinke said. 'When you see what's happening in the rest of the world, and you look (at) the kind of life that we live here and everything else, there is no life better than ours. 'So it's a good, good country.' With files from CTV News Edmonton Marek Tkach
CTV News
2 days ago
- General
- CTV News
High River Rotary Club unites community through Canadian flag display
In a powerful show of patriotism and community spirit, front lawns across High River are flying the Canadian flag as part of a unique initiative organized by the local Rotary Club—and it's all for a good cause. In a powerful show of patriotism and community spirit, front lawns across High River are flying the Canadian flag as part of a unique initiative organized by the local Rotary Club—and it's all for a good cause. The program, which sees residents 'rent' a Canadian flag for $50 a year, has quietly grown into a town-wide tradition. Volunteers install dozens upon dozens of flags at homes three times a year—over the May long weekend, on Canada Day and again for Labour Day—each time transforming neighbourhoods into seas of red and white. 'We kind of set a very small goal when this first started in 2019 of selling 50 flags, and back then, we actually sold 100 flags in the first year,' said Damian Boyle, chairman of the Canadian Flag Program. 'And then this year—believe it or not—we've got 607 flags out right now.' While the program raises money for local and international charitable projects, its deeper impact is more personal. 'It's a massive expression of Canadian nationalism or patriotism within a small town in Alberta,' said Boyle. 'Canadians aren't always known to be overtly patriotic, but we give them the chance to display their patriotism. That's what it's all about.' In a powerful show of patriotism and community spirit, front lawns across High River are flying the Canadian flag as part of a unique initiative organized by the local Rotary Club—and it's all for a good cause. In a powerful show of patriotism and community spirit, front lawns across High River are flying the Canadian flag as part of a unique initiative organized by the local Rotary Club—and it's all for a good cause. James Young, a newer resident of High River, was one of many drawn to the initiative for its unifying power. 'Last year, I think there were maybe 12 or 14 flags here on my street. Today, there's 40 all lined up in a row,' he said. 'Our national pride is catching on big.' The response, organizers say, is almost entirely organic. 'We don't advertise. It's all word of mouth,' said Boyle. 'A lot of it has to do with neighbours—you'll see some streets in this town where every house has got a flag on the front lawn.' In a powerful show of patriotism and community spirit, front lawns across High River are flying the Canadian flag as part of a unique initiative organized by the local Rotary Club—and it's all for a good cause. In a powerful show of patriotism and community spirit, front lawns across High River are flying the Canadian flag as part of a unique initiative organized by the local Rotary Club—and it's all for a good cause. And behind every flag is a small army of volunteers—nearly 45 people helped power the project this year, from longtime Rotarians to locals who just want to contribute. Jerry Coackwell, a Rotary member for 35 years, called it one of the most memorable initiatives he's ever worked on. 'It builds our club, brings us all together as members and gives us a sense of purpose,' he said. 'When you pound that flag into the ground and you see the result of it, it makes you very proud to be a Rotarian and a Canadian.' Dianne Fedosa, a newer Rotary member, echoed that sentiment. 'When you stand back or you're driving away, you just feel a great sense of accomplishment and being very patriotic to our Canada,' she said. Even those not directly affiliated with the club, like Lana Ottewell, a friend of the Rotary Club of High River, say they feel a strong connection. 'As a proud Canadian, it's just amazing to have a flag in front of my home and to be able to help the Rotary Club and all that they do within High River and within the world, actually,' she said. The $50 donations fund a wide array of charitable efforts, with about $26,000 net this year going to local charitable initiatives. 'That money will go towards supporting a bus in town for seniors and disabled residents, food bank donations, youth scholarships,' said Boyle. 'It also helps fund international projects—from an ophthalmology clinic in Burundi to sanitation projects in Central America.' Knowing it's for a good cause means so much more for people like Young, who told CTV News that it all comes back to values. 'I think that we need to always celebrate our heritage,' he said. 'The people that made this land free don't get forgotten about, and we don't quit on them.' With more flags flying than ever before ahead of Canada Day celebrations next week, the message is clear: 'In High River, patriotism is alive, well and proudly on display,' said Boyle. For more information or to sign up, visit the Rotary Club of High River's website.
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Jersey rural lane named island's prettiest in competition
A rural lane with a "delightful ambience" has been named the prettiest in Jersey in an annual Jersiaise said the judges were impressed by the natural and rustic feel of Rue de l'Épine in competition looks at the mix of trees and shrubs, wildlife, wildflowers and the sensitivity of said no pesticides were used in Rue de l'Épine and it had a range of wildflowers and wildlife as well as a variety of species in the hedges, trees and banks. Parishes were asked to nominate asked nominate one lane for the competition and this year 10 out of 12 parishes took judging panel was made up of four rangers, two from Infrastructure and Environment, one from the National Trust for Jersey and one from the Rotary Club de la Manche. Last year's winner was La Rue de Conet in St Brelade.
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Maharashtra: Rotary Club distributes rolling drums in Khed; inaugurates solar project at Borghar's Shashwat Institute
PUNE: On behalf of the Rotary Club of Nigdi, 100 rolling drums were distributed to the villagers of Kharoshi, Valad, and Avhat (Tehsil Khed) for water transportation. Additionally, a solar energy project was inaugurated at the Anand Kapoor Training Center of the Shashwat Institute in Borghar (Tehsil Ambegaon). The institute runs a hirda and spice processing center for the tribal community, which struggled to pay electricity bills, said a statement issued by the Rotary Club. Therefore, the Rotary Club installed a solar energy project. Present at the event were Club President Suhas Dhamale, Service Director Ashwin Kulkarni, Jayant Yewale, Sonali Jayant, Dhanashree Kulkarni, Shashwat Foundation Trustees Suresh Rajwade, Ashok Adhav, Pratibha Tambe, Sumant Singh, Sulatai Gawari, and other dignitaries. The villagers were delighted to receive the rolling drums, as these would greatly assist in making their lives easier and more comfortable, expressed President Mr. Dhamale. On the occasion of World Environment Day , tree planting was carried out in the Borghar area, added the statement.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Diabetes Mobile Unit recognised with honourable mention from prestigious Global University Network
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain is pleased to announce that the Diabetes Mobile Unit has received an Honourable Mention from the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities and the MacJannet Foundation in recognition of the outstanding contribution of this initiative to community health engagement and student leadership. The Diabetes Mobile Unit is a long-standing, collaborative initiative between the RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, the Bahrain Diabetes Society and the Rotary Club of Manama, with the valued support of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health. It aims at promoting public health in the Kingdom of Bahrain through a multi-sectoral approach encompassing education, research, and community outreach. Launched in 2012, the programme has empowered over 7,700 children from schools affiliated with the Ministry of Education across the Kingdom of Bahrain with improved health literacy, awareness of healthy lifestyle choices and diabetes prevention strategies. It also serves as a dynamic platform for preparing our medical and nursing students as future leaders in health promotion. The MacJannet Prize for Global Citizenship, administered by the Talloires Network and the MacJannet Foundation, celebrates university initiatives that exemplify civic engagement and social responsibility. The Honourable Mention places RCSI Medical University of Bahrain among a select group of global institutions recognised for innovative community initiatives that strengthen the role of higher education in addressing societal challenges. Professor Kathryn Strachan, Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery and Community Engagement Lead at RCSI Bahrain, commented: 'As a University deeply committed to shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for all, we are very grateful to the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities and the MacJannet Foundation for recognising the Diabetes Mobile Unit with an Honourable Mention. This joint initiative is a prime example of successful partnership between public and private institutions in tackling global health challenges, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes at the community level. We look forward to expanding this impactful programme further and empowering more families in the Kingdom of Bahrain with the knowledge and tools to improve their health outcomes.' The Talloires Network of Engaged Universities is a global coalition of 443 universities in 91 countries, united in their commitment to developing socially responsible student leaders who engage meaningfully with their communities. RCSI Medical University of Bahrain remains committed to advancing healthcare education, research, and community service through strategic partnerships in the Kingdom of Bahrain and beyond. For more information, please visit About RCSI Medical University of Bahrain RCSI Medical University of Bahrain is a constituent university of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), which was established in Dublin, Ireland, in 1784. RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, an independent private university, opened its doors to a cohort of 28 medical students in 2004. Today, the purpose-built campus is home to a student body of more than 1,600 across the Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery and Postgraduate Studies and Research. It is a not-for-profit health sciences institution focused on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health worldwide. For more information, please visit
