Latest news with #PaulP.Harris
Calgary Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Peace pole, House of Friendship and more: What to know about the Rotary International Convention in Calgary
Article content Rotarians and community leaders from around the world will assemble in Calgary this weekend for Rotary's largest annual gathering. Article content The annual Rotary International Convention is returning to Calgary for the first time in nearly 30 years, taking place at the BMO Centre from Saturday to Wednesday. Article content Article content More than 15,000 Rotary members and participants from more than 120 countries will unite to celebrate humanitarian service, cultural exchange and global peacebuilding. Article content Article content As Rotary members take in the city, Calgarians should expect a vibrant wave of visitors in traditional dress exploring the city centre. Article content Article content To accommodate the event, CTrain service will be increased for the length of the convention, running every seven minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes outside of peak hours. Article content Calgarians can also expect heavier traffic downtown, at Calgary International Airport and along the city's key routes. Article content To mark the occasion, the Calgary Tower will glow red and yellow on Saturday and Sunday to honour Rotary's fight to eradicate polio worldwide. Article content Then, the tower will be blue and gold from Monday to Wednesday in honour of the organization's broader mission to promote health, peace and prosperity. Article content Article content Established by Chicago attorney Paul P. Harris in 1905, its worldwide membership now exceeds 1.4 million. Article content According to its website, Rotary International's mission is to 'provide service to others, promote integrity and advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through our fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.' Article content Calgary falls under Rotary District 5360, which comprises 13 clubs in the city and more than 40 across the wider region. Founded in 1914, the Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown was one of its first clubs in the country. Article content Clubs in Calgary have contributed to projects such as the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway, a 138-kilometre urban pathway that encircles the city, Calgary Rotary Challenger Park and the Rotary Flames House.
Calgary Herald
14-06-2025
- Health
- Calgary Herald
Keenan: Canadian men are sad; Can clubs cheer them up?
A 2025 study by the Canadian Men's Health Foundation revealed that stress and depression levels among Canadian men have increased. Of the 2,000 men sampled, 64 per cent reported moderate-to-high stress levels, and 23 per cent were at risk of severe depression. The study found that one in two Canadian men 'are at risk of social isolation.' This figure went up to 73 per cent for men who live alone, 67 per cent for men aged 19-29, and 59 per cent for racialized men. Article content Article content One natural solution to the isolation problem is to participate in pleasurable activities with friends. I've written about the Men's Shed Movement before, which originated in Australia and is now thriving in many countries, including Canada. It provides a place for men, primarily older ones, to hang out with peers, chat and do projects like woodworking. Article content Article content Article content In a sense, the Rotary Club was the original men's shed, founded over a century ago. On Feb. 23, 1905, Paul P. Harris, a Chicago lawyer, invited three buddies over to exchange ideas and form meaningful friendships. Article content Fast forward to 2025, and Rotary International has over 46,000 clubs around the world, with a total of 1.4 million members globally. It's no longer a boys' club. The Rotary Club of Calgary, of which I am a proud member, has recently had two consecutive female presidents. Article content They join an amazing lineage, which includes James W. Davidson, who served as the club's president from 1919 to 1920. Often called 'the Marco Polo of Rotary,' he travelled the world, establishing 32 Rotary clubs in 15 countries, including Greece, Egypt, Malaysia, Singapore, and even the city of Jerusalem, which today brings together Jewish and Arab youth to help build peace. Article content Each year, the keenest Rotarians travel to an annual convention. This year, it's in Calgary. More than 15,000 will descend on the BMO Centre and Scotiabank Saddledome from June 21 to 25. While most events are for members, there are some open to the public, such as the House of Friendship exhibition hall. Full details are on the website Article content Soon after its founding, Rotary evolved from a social organization to a service club. The organization's motto is 'Service Above Self.' A good example of how doing good for others can improve one's mental health comes from Australian Rotary Health (ARH). This Rotary-linked charity has become one of the largest independent funders of mental health research in Australia. Rotarians there proudly note that 'since 1986, over $55 million has been invested in the health of all Australians.' In 2023, they narrowed their funding focus to 'the mental health of children aged 0-12.'
