When Anita McDonald was first introduced to the Rotary Club, she was just a high school student in her hometown of Athabasca, Alta.
“I was selected to go on one of their Rotary Youth Leadership Awards,” she recalled. “That weekend-long conference introduced me not only to the work Rotary does with youth, but also to what they do in their communities and internationally.”
That early experience made a lasting impression. As she moved through life-- whether travelling or settling into new communities-- she consistently saw the Rotary Club’s presence.
“Whether it’s been a central clock they’ve put into a downtown square or the spray park in Drumheller, in every small town in Alberta, you see the club.”
After completing her post-secondary education, McDonald moved to Cochrane and opened Sunset Ridge Pharmacy with her husband in 2014.
“We have made Cochrane our home,” McDonald said. “We’re now raising a family here and the community has just been amazing.”
While settling into her new life, she returned to the idea of joining the local Rotary Club-- a move she said she “actively fell” into.
“They welcomed me with open arms,” she noted. “Being a Rotarian and part of a Rotary Club gives me the opportunity to have impact in every aspect of life.”
McDonald was drawn to Rotary’s balance of local and international work.
“It’s amazing what they can do. With clubs and huge projects around the world, Rotary provides opportunities to give back-- not just through fundraising but also through time and hands-on effort. That was really important to me.”
Through the Rotary Club of Cochrane, she has raised thousands of dollars through signature fundraisers such as the Monumental Tournament of Aces and has contributed to community initiatives like highway clean-ups, school barbecues and playground installations.
She eventually took on a leadership role, first with Club Service, organizing meetings, meals, special events and socials.
“A big aspect of Rotary is building leadership,” she explained. “As a young professional in Cochrane, it was a great way to meet other people, connect with professionals and grow my leadership skills.”
This year, after a decade of service, McDonald was selected by a committee of past and current Rotary presidents to serve as the club’s next president.
“I felt very honoured the club believed I was ready to take that on,” she said. “I know they’re there to support me, and I’m looking forward to the year.”
McDonald officially begins her term in July, taking over from outgoing president Keith Johnson. She’ll step into a busy role overseeing club projects across Rotary’s five ‘Avenues of Service’ — including community, international, vocational, youth and club service.
Local projects like the Monumental Tournament of Aces fall under the Community Service, while programs such as the Rotary Youth Exchange fall under Youth Service.
One of McDonald’s goals is to strengthen and expand partnerships with other local groups.
“I’d love to see more collaborative projects so we can multiply our impact,” she said. “There are several organizations that have already approached us about working together.”
While the club continues its long-term efforts — like the Trails Project, which aims to connect Cochrane with Calgary and Canmore via active pathways--McDonald hopes to engage residents in identifying new initiatives.
“We’re always looking to the community for suggestions,” she said. “There may be needs out there we’re not aware of. I’d really appreciate hearing from people.”
Anyone with a project idea can email [email protected].
Before the new board begins its term, the club will attend the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary and take a brief summer break. McDonald’s leadership will officially begin at the President’s Handover Party on July 8, marking the start of the Rotary Club of Cochrane’s new year.
