Recent News

July 30, 2021

For Immediate Release

What a difference Calgary Rotarians are making.

Nearly 50 years ago, members of Calgary Rotary Clubs banded together to create the Calgary Rotary Clubs Foundation.

There are now twelve Rotary Clubs within the City of Calgary, each one a member of CRCF.

Over the years, Rotarians and friends of Rotarians have supported CRCF by making monetary gifts both large and small, allowing the fund to grow to over $56 million. The Foundation is managed by Rotarians who are responsible for choosing the investment portfolio and other day to day operations. The cost of running CRCF is below 1% due to the volunteer efforts of the Board of Directors. Funds donated are therefore maximized for their intended purpose.

Jim Davis, current Chair of CRCF, is pleased to report that this year member clubs will receive over $2.4 million to support many charities within the City of Calgary and beyond, as directed by each clubs membership.

The Clubs support a multitude of initiatives for all ages and needs, such as new infrastructure for facilities at the Association of the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured, Ronald McDonald House, and the Mustard Seed.

The Rotary Mattamy Greenway forms one of the largest pathway networks in the world with many hundreds of km of trails surrounding the City of Calgary. Rotary Challenger Park is a model of community inclusiveness where persons with disabilities can play next to and with their able-bodied peers.

Rotary was pleased to be part of the effort to complete Rotary Flames House, Alberta’s first pediatric hospice, and the Rotary Bethany Atrium for seniors.

To support our bright young stars of tomorrow, two Calgary Rotary clubs have a Stay-in-School post-secondary scholarship program that assists many high school graduates who may not otherwise be able to continue their education.

There are many smaller initiatives too, such as the Never Too Late program that provides no- cost academic, social and emotional support to adult learners who want to become a high school graduate. The list is extensive and not every contribution can be noted here.

Jim Davis, a long serving Rotarian commented, “choosing the right charity is important so that maximum impact can be attained, and the resources are used wisely.”

The past two years have been difficult for many charities who raise funds for their good works. That is why the Calgary Rotary Clubs Foundation is so important to the twelve Rotary Clubs as they are guaranteed annual disbursements allowing them to continue supporting many citizens of Calgary.

To connect with a Rotary Club go to: CalgaryRotaryClubsFoundation.ca

Each club has a website that has contact information that will allow you to ask about support, to make a donation, or to seek information about joining a Rotary Club.

Where there is a need - Rotary is there.

October 29, 2020

For immediate release:

The Calgary Rotary Clubs Foundation is pleased to announce that Member Rotary Clubs in Calgary were recently the recipients of over $2,340,000 from the contributions and investments managed by the Foundation on behalf of all the clubs.

Jim Fitzowich, Chair of the Calgary Rotary Clubs Foundation, said the funds are critical for use by our clubs in support of Calgary non-profit agencies and individuals in need. “The COVID pandemic has underscored how important community is for our social, education and health-related causes. Calgary Rotarians are proud to come together in service to those who need financial assistance,” Fitzowich said.

The Calgary Rotary Clubs Foundation was started in 1972 and through the generosity of Rotarians who made gifts both large and small, the fund has grown to over $55 million.

Fitzowich said the Foundation, through our participating clubs, is involved in all quadrants of the City. “Our involvement covers a wide range of needs. From helping seniors with access to medical equipment to a comprehensive stay-in-school program for children in need, Calgarians can count on Rotary,” Fitzowich said.

Each of the 12 Calgary Rotary Clubs is able to use the funds as directed by their membership to support charities of their choice.

During these uncertain times, much of the fundraising efforts for many organizations have been curtailed and the CRCF funds were very important to Rotary clubs so they could continue their good works.

Jim Fitzowich reported that through the ongoing contributions of Rotarians and the careful management of the funds on behalf of participating clubs, the Foundation funds are in good order and performing well despite the economic uncertainty in world markets. A similar amount is expected to be awarded to Calgary Rotary Clubs next year.

CHAIR’S REPORT JUNE 27, 2023 

The Calgary Rotary Clubs Foundation (CRCF) is a registered foundation whose main purpose is to manage a Capital Fund for participating Calgary area Rotary Clubs. The CRCF makes predictable, annual distributions on a pro rata basis to the community service funds of Rotary Clubs or directly to another charity as directed by individual Clubs. I am pleased to report the CRCF Board of Directors has approved a record aggregate distribution of $2,644,484 for the philanthropic work of member Clubs. After distributions, the CRCF has $56,748,858 in net assets. Further details are available in our February 28, 2023, audited financial statements. 

Much of the work of the CRCF is done by committees and I would like to acknowledge the contributions of all those that served on our Investment, Audit, Governance, and Communications Committees. 

Led by Mark Starratt, chair of the CRCF Investment Committee, the CRCF Capital Fund has done well in the face of uncertainty and volatility in the financial markets. The diversification of the investments within the Capital Fund performed well and as expected. Our mortgage and infrastructure funds added value while our balanced funds struggled to meet expectations. On the recommendation of the Investment Committee, CRCF directors, 

• Approved updates to the CRCF Investment Policy Statement, 
• Discontinued the use of the fund custodian as this function was expensive and redundant, and 
• Reviewed the reporting provided by Investment Managers. 

The ongoing, diligent governance by the CRCF Board of Directors and its Investment Committee, the expertise of the Investment Managers and the use of expert consultants from time to time, ensure the Capital Fund will continue to provide stable and secure funding to member Clubs. 

The Audit Committee led by Stan Peloski, held an auditor review process, and ensured a smooth transition to our new auditor, Grant Thornton. In his capacity as Treasurer, Stan Peloski ensured that monthly statements were prepared on an accurate and timely basis and all cheques were produced in accordance with approved authorities. 

The CRCF Governance Committee led by immediate, past-chair, Jim Davis had a very productive year. 

• Terms of Reference for CRCF Board Committees were either updated or created, 
• Position descriptions for officers were updated, 
• A skills matrix for directors was developed, 
• The major donor policy was reviewed and enhanced, and 
• A Director Annual Orientation was initiated. 

The Communications Committee, led by Neil Fraser, 

• Launched a new and improved website last summer, 
• Created and distributed through individual Clubs, CRCF logoed shopping bags to every Rotarian to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the CRCF, and 
• Continued the CRCF pin recognition program for donors. 

Of note, and on behalf of the Stampede Park Club, Neil Fraser announced major donations to the CRCF from Sherry and Steve Austin and the estate of W. LeSourd. Approximately, eighty percent of the capital fund is attributable to major donors, and we are grateful to previous major donors for the following, 

• Mahood Endowment – Calgary Downtown
• Stella Endowment – Calgary Stampede Park
• Brawn Family Endowment – Calgary Stampede Park 
• Snuggs Endowment – Calgary Stampede Park 
• McNabb Endowment – Calgary North
• Watson Endowment – Calgary North
• Hauser Endowment – Calgary North
• Pallesen Endowment – Calgary Heritage Park 

Of course, we are also grateful for the many smaller donors whose combined contributions account for about twenty percent of the capital fund - almost $12,000,000. 

One of the objects of the CRCF is to encourage Rotarians and others to give or bequeath money or other assets to the CRCF. The CRCF engaged Bespoke Social Profit Solutions (Bespoke) to conduct a communications audit to gain a better understanding about how local Rotarians perceived the CRCF and how it related to the fundraising being conducted within each Club. The audit confirmed that the CRCF is known and appreciated for managing the Capital fund on behalf of participating Clubs. It also confirmed that Rotarians would appreciate more communication about the CRCF and the impact that Rotarians can have through gifts to the CRCF. Rob Brookwell, Joe Fras and Sandra High provided guidance and support to Bespoke through the audit process and many Board members were active participants in the development of key messages and preparing the CRCF to meet Rotarians’ request for additional information in future years. 

I am grateful for the personal contributions and efforts of all CRCF Board members and want to express partiicular appreciation to the individuals named above who have chaired our committees and provided strong leadership to CRCF through their many hours of volunteer service. In addition, I would like to thank and recognize, 

• Rob Brookwell, as Vice-Chair for his thoughtful counsel and support and leading the CRCF’s multi year records’ management project, and 
• Andrea Serink, who in her first year as CRCF Secretary, seamlessly ensured that our meetings were scheduled, resourced, and minuted in accordance with our by-laws. 

And thank you to Tracy Nelson, for so promptly and professionally, doing the CRCF’s accounting and financial reporting and providing administrative support to the CRCF as requested from time to time. 

Two members of the Board have completed their terms and have been very active contributors to CRCF. Our thanks to Mark Starratt and Neil Fraser. We also recognize the contribution of Marlene Doherty, who left the Board during the year to focus on her Club responsibilities and we welcomed Joe Klassen to the Board. 

It has been my honour to Chair the CRCF Board of Directors this past year. I look forward to this next year under Chair, Rob Brookwell, who will continue to guide the CRCF for the benefit of Calgary’s Rotary Clubs and the Calgary community. 

Vern Kimball June 25, 2023 

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR, 2022 

The CRCF is a registered foundation whose main purpose is manage a capital fund for the twelve participating Calgary area Rotary Clubs. The Foundation makes predictable and sustainable annual distributions to its member clubs, who in turn use those funds to support Rotary’s Avenues of Service projects. I am pleased to report the Board of Directors has approved a record aggregate distribution of $2,530,157 to its members and has a record $59,119,237of net assets (after distributions). Further details are available in our February 28, 2022 audited financial statements. 

This has been one more year of uncertainty and volatility for our Member clubs, including in the capital and investment markets. CRCF Board members are highly qualified and dedicated, contributing their knowledge and skills in our governance and fund oversight. The professionalism and resiliency of the directors, in partnership with our expert Investment Managers and consultants, guided the Foundation through another successful year.   

Shortly after our fiscal year, we placed our infrastructure commitment which completed the CRCF’s multi- year diversification plan for fund investments. The Investment Committee also completed a thorough review of our existing portfolio managers and recommended a change to the Board, which approved replacement of one investment manager. The transition was completed in January 2022. 

I am grateful for the personal contributions and efforts of all CRCF Board members, and want to express particular appreciation to the following individuals who have chaired our committees and provided strong leadership to CRCF through their many hours of volunteer service: 

• Rob Brookwell, as Club Secretary for his thoughtful and diplomatic guidance; 
• Jim Fitzowich, as past Chair, for his counsel and support; 
• Neil Fraser, and the Communications Committee for the ongoing work with the CRCF recognition program and his efforts in the redesign and launch of our new website; 
• Vern Kimball, for accepting the role of Vice-Chair and that of our Chair for the coming year; 
• Stan Peloski in his first year as Treasurer has made the transition as seamless as possible for the Foundation; 
• Mark Starratt, and the Investment Committee, for their leadership in managing our portfolio and the significant changes during the past year. 

And thank you to Tracy Nelson, for administrative support to CRCF Members, adapting and improving our processes during the pandemic, ensuring our work is completed efficiently and effectively; 

Two members of the Board have completed their terms and have been very active contributors to CRCF. Our thanks to Don Dart and Jim Fitzowich. We also recognize the contribution of Bev Tonkinson, who left the Board during the year to focus on her Club responsibilities and we welcomed Rob Wolfson to the Board. 

It has been my honour to Chair the CRCF Board of Directors this past year. I look forward to this next year under Chair, Vern Kimball, who will continue to guide the CRCF for the benefit of Calgary’s Rotary Clubs and the Calgary community. 

Jim Davis June 7, 2022 

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR, 2021

I have had the honour and the privilege to serve as Chair of the Calgary Rotary Clubs Foundation (CRCF) for 2021.

The CRCF is a registered foundation whose main purpose is to manage a capital fund for the 12 participating Calgary-area Rotary Clubs, who are its shareholders. The Foundation makes predictable and sustainable annual distributions to its member clubs, who in turn use those funds to support Rotary’s many philanthropic endeavours. I am pleased to advise that the Board of Directors has approved a record aggregate distribution of $2,433,096 to its members, and has a record $56,379,660 of assets (after distributions). Further details are available in our 2021 Audited Financial Statements.

2020 to 2021 has been a period of tremendous anxiety, change and volatility, including the capital and investment markets. It is not by chance that the CRCF has achieved its performance over this period. CRCF Board members are highly qualified and dedicated, contributing a variety of skills for fund oversight and direction. The 2020-21 year was like no other, and the professionalism and resiliency of the directors, in partnership with our expert Asset Managers and Consultants, steered the Foundation successfully through these stormy waters.

The CRCF is continuing its multi-year diversification of fund investment to include new portfolios which ensure the continued growth and endurance of the fund, while balancing risk with investment returns above industry benchmarks.

I am deeply grateful for the personal contributions and efforts of all CRCF Board members, but want to express particular appreciation to the following individuals who provide exemplary service through their many hours of volunteer service:

• Mark Starratt, and the Investment Committee, for their leadership and efforts in not only managing our portfolio during the past year, but also in its ongoing improvements;
• Tracy Nelson, for administrative support to CRCF Members, going above and beyond, especially during pandemic times, to ensure our work is completed efficiently and thoughtfully;
• Don Dart, Treasurer of the CRCF, for his many years of leadership, proficiency, and work ethic. Thanks to Stan Peloski in his new role as Treasurer as part of the Treasurer succession plan;
• Melanie Gaston, as past Chair, for her invaluable guidance and willing support;
• Jim Davis, current Vice-Chair, who becomes Board Chair at the June 2021 AGM;
• Rob Brookwell, as Club Secretary, whose firm hand and guidance has kept the Board on track;
• Vern Kimball, for taking on the role of Vice-Chair;
• Neil Fraser, and the Communications Committee for the ongoing work in Fund Development, but also the creation of the CRCF recognition program and new media outreach initiative.

Special recognition is given to Melanie Gaston who will leave the Board this year, after an extra year of service, and for her past contributions not only as Chair, but Chair of the Governance Committee and many years of service as Club Secretary. We recognize Melanie as Chair Emeritus.

I have full confidence in the new CRCF Executive Committee, led by incoming Chair Jim Davis,who will continue to guide the CRCF to future prosperity to the great benefit of the Calgary’s Rotary Clubs and the City of Calgary.

Yours Truly, 

Jim Fitzowich 

June 15th, 2021

CHAIR’S REPORT 2020

The Calgary Rotary Clubs Foundation (CRCF) provides every Rotary Club in Calgary the opportunity to contribute to a capital fund, creating regular and enduring contributions, which permit those clubs to support various projects and organizations. Each Calgary Rotary Club may be represented on the Board of Directors of CRCF, which stewards and preserves fund capital, optimizing community impact for each participating club.

CRCF Board members are highly qualified and dedicated, contributing a variety of skills for fund oversight and direction. 2020 was a year like no other, and the professionalism and resiliency of the directors ensured that, even while learning to work with new technologies, the CRCF and the fund it manages, continued to grow and thrive. The Board confidently and capably steered the CRCF through a potentially volatile market in the early days of the pandemic, to strong results. Over the past year, CRCF accomplished a diversification of fund investment to include new portfolios which will better ensure the continued growth and endurance of the fund, while balancing risk and the availability of regular returns for distribution to member clubs and their respective investments in their communities. Progressing meeting efficiencies, through the adoption of streamlined meeting and governance processes, supported the work of the Board.

While I am grateful for the personal contributions and efforts made by each member of the CRCF Board, I express particular appreciation to the following individuals:

• Tracy Nelson, for administrative support to CRCF Members, going above and beyond, especially during pandemic times, to ensure our work is completed efficiently and thoughtfully;
• Penny Leckie, as past Chair, for her invaluable guidance and willing support;
• Mark Starratt, and the Investment Committee, for their thought leadership, and efforts in moving our portfolio forward;
• Don Dart, as Treasurer of CRCF, for leadership, proficiency, and work ethic behind the scenes, in what can often be a thankless job which includes dozens of small, time-consuming and critical tasks;
• Jim Fitzowich, for taking on the role of Vice-Chair as a relatively new Board member (he didn’t know what he was getting himself into, and for sticking with it through to Chair, I am especially grateful);
• Sadaat Keshavjee for all of his varied contributions to the Board, on the executive and through his tireless work on the Communications Committee;
• Neil Fraser, for all of his work and diligence in progressing first the Gift Acceptance Committee, but also for his continuing and tireless efforts to improve CRCF’s donor experience and recognition.

Special recognition is given to Tally Abougash, Ben Kormos, and Jeff Cuell who have left the Board this year and who each offered valuable support and contributions to the CRCF during their terms of service.

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as Chair of CRCF. I am so grateful for the tremendous learnings I have received from so many of the accomplished Members on the Board, past and current.

I have full confidence in the successor executive, including Chair Jim Fitzowich and Vice-Chair Jim Davis, who will continue to guide the CRCF to future prosperity to the great benefit of Calgary’s Rotary Clubs and the City of Calgary.

Yours Truly, 

Melanie Gaston 

December 31, 2020

CHAIR'S REPORT

The Calgary Rotary Clubs Foundation (CRCF), provides every Rotary Club in Calgary the opportunity to build a capital fund, with combined efficiencies, which will endure, and which will create a stream of cash flow to fund projects, into perpetuity. Every Rotary Club in Calgary is entitled to representation on the Board of Directors of CRCF. The Board provides stewardship and ensures capital is preserved for the respective Rotary Clubs, to optimize their greatest possible impact in the community.

Members of the CRCF Board represent a matrix of skills. Each Member is highly qualified and extremely dedicated. Over the past year, Members combined their passion and vision to achieve the following:

• A comprehensive review of CRCF’s auditors. On completion of the review, it was recommended CRCF continue with its existing auditors.
• Registration on CanadaHelps website. This simplifies online donations and provides donors the ability to make monthly contributions.
• A shift in the focus of CRCF’s annual report. The focus has changed from financial information to focusing on the impact being made by Calgary Rotary Clubs with distributions received from funds invested with CRCF.

Specific financial information about CRCF is available at www.calgaryrotaryfoundation.ca, so details are not provided in this report. Please visit the website and learn about impact being achieved in Calgary through the respective Rotary Clubs’ participation in financial accomplishments of CRCF.

While I am grateful for the efforts made by everyone connected to CRCF and its Board, I want to express particular appreciation to the following individuals:

• Tracy Nelson, for administrative support she provides readily and pleasantly to CRCF Members.
• Don Dart, as Treasurer of CRCF, for leadership and extensive work undertaken during the review of CRCF’s auditors.
• Saadat Keshavjee, as Past Chair, for his guidance and wisdom, as well as for his leadership on the Communications Committee.
• Neil Fraser, as Chair of the Gift Acceptance Committee, for substantial efforts and diligence to improve CRCF’s donor experience, and for his vision and efforts to improve CRCF’s reporting.
• Melanie Gaston, for her utmost professionalism over numerous years as CRCF’s Secretary.

Special recognition is given to Walter Chayka, Bruce Fenwick, Lorne Larson and Roger Frayne who are at the end of their respective terms. Each of these gentlemen has made a unique difference to CRCF during their term of service.

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as Chair of CRCF. I am grateful for lessons I have learned from accomplished Members on the Board and for relationships I have formed with representatives from the breadth of Calgary’s Rotary Clubs.

I have full confidence my successor, Melanie Gaston and her successor, Jim Fitzowich will implement appropriate strategies to ensure CRCF thrives into the future. Their vision combined with that of other accomplished Board Members will enhance returns of CRCF and permit all of Calgary’s Rotary Clubs to make Calgary a greater community for all of us.

Yours truly,

Penny Leckie 

September 17, 2019