First there was one. Then there were two
The Rotary Club of Cochrane was chartered more than 30 years ago, on May 17,1991. The club have completed a number of community projects since then, including the joint Rotary/Lions Bow Rivers Edge Campground, an extension to the Cochrane Library, Rotary Park, and the upcoming Calgary to Cochrane Trail. The club's work also includes international projects and programs for Cochrane youth.
Over the years, the town of Cochrane has grown from 14,000 residents in 2005 to 32,000 in 2022. With that growth comes the opportunity for a second Rotary club.
At the Rotary 5360 District Conference held on May 14 at the Alliance Church, I had the pleasure of welcoming over 300 Rotarians and guests from across southern Alberta to our corner of the world.
The theme was “Supporting the Environment,” and we had 10 speakers share their stories and expertise. At the end of the day, I had a surprise announcement. We had only heard the day before, on May 13, that a second Rotary club in Cochrane had been approved and chartered by Rotary International. It was a thrill to welcome Ryan Baum, President of the Rotary Club of Cochrane Rocky Mountain, to the stage.
The new club had been operating as a satellite club to the main club for more than two years. During that time, they have made a positive impact on the community. In 2020, in hopes of lifting the spirits of Cochranites and fundraising for our local community, they hosted a series of drive-in movie events. Together, with the tremendous sponsorship and support from various community businesses and the citizens of Cochrane, they were able to raise $60,000 in their inaugural year.
As a result of the COVID pandemic, the local food bank in Cochrane was overwhelmed and desperately needed to expand their facility. The $60,000 contribution was the final financial support they needed to complete that project. The expansion helps the Cochrane Activettes food bank serve more families in need and will have a lasting effect for years to come.
This year, the new club is hosting the Rocky Mountain Charity Golf Classic on June 20 at the Bearspaw Golf Club. They will be joined by fellow sport, music and media celebrities including: Curtis Glencross, Lanny McDonald, Jordan Eberle, Brendon Morrison, Jamie McCoun, John Cornish, Jock Wilson, Natasha Staniszewski, John Morris, Ben Hebert, and Mike Cvik. The money raised will go to the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation children’s summer camp program.
If you would like to learn more about the Rotary Club of Cochrane Rocky Mountain and the Rocky Mountain Golf Classic, please go to rockymountainrotary.com
© 2022 Martin Parnell
