LOL, Rotarians are hardly socialist. As a matter of fact, most Rotarians are successful business owners or managers who are at a point in their career where they can afford to donate their time or money to give back to their community. Many, many prominent Calgary business leaders (including the Flame's own Ken King) are Rotarians.
Rotary is a non-religious, non-political global network of 1.2 million members who donate their time, business acumen and money to make positive, lasting change in their communities. Some examples of local Calgary Rotary projects include:
Rotary Flames House
https://www.ahpca.ca/hospice-rotary-...-for-children/
Rotary Challenger Park:
http://www.challengerpark.com/about/who-we-are/
Rotary Mattemy Greenway:
http://www.parksfdn.com/greenway/
In addition, local Rotary Clubs fund hospitals, schools, scholarships, seniors centres, hospices, parks, etc. (the Rotary Dream Home lottery during the Stampede provided funding to 29 local charities last year). Worldwide, Rotary is credited for "almost" eradicating polio (we'll do it soon).
Being the member of a Rotary Club gives everyday Calgarians an avenue to give back to their community and make meaningful contributions to their city.
After reading this thread it's clear we can do a much better job promoting the great things Rotary does in the community, and hopefully hosting the Rotary International Convention in our city will help raise awareness in Calgary. I honestly believe if everyone in our city was aware the difference Rotary made in the world (and saw how easy it was for them to help) everyone would want to join.
Go Flames!!!