Kalamalka Rotary

We are people of action who see the challenges facing communities and through service make a direct and lasting impact...
Dream Auction
40th Anniversary Ruby Gala Event

The 40th Annual Dream Auction was a great success, thanks to the support of sponsors, entertainers, volunteers, and guests. A special thanks to Kal Tire, our Primary Sponsor

The event featured generous contributions from several sponsors including:

🛋️ Bannister Automotive Group for sponsoring our luxurious VIP room.
💻 Watkin Motors for sponsoring our Silent Auction.
🏆 Acera Insurance for the fabulous Pick of the Litter.
🍸 McElhaney Vernon for sponsoring the Cash Bar.
🍷 Nixon Wenger for the Wine Bottle Tags.
🧥 Harper Wealth / Wellington Altus for the complimentary Coat Check.

The Vernon Prestige Lodge and Conference Centre provided excellent service, performances by Andrew Allen and Jordan Perkins kicked off the event, while Feet First capped off the night with live music. Vintage Origami’s stunning decor added to the magical atmosphere. The event’s success was also due to the dedicated volunteers who helped with every aspect of the evening.

Thank you to everyone for making this milestone event unforgettable

Don’t forget to save the date – Nov 15, 2025, for next year’s event.

 

Latest News and Events

Message From the President – July 2025

Driving Change: Why We’re Still Here – And Why It Still Matters

Good afternoon, everyone—familiar faces, new members, returning friends, and those of you who bravely wandered in because someone promised a hot lunch and good company.

I’m Brian Reid, and I’m honoured to be stepping up again as your President for 2025–26. This marks my second consecutive term—third, if you rewind a little further. And let’s not forget my four-year tour of duty chairing the Dream Auction, plus a few golf tournaments and more auction item collections than I care to count.

But I’m not here because I like running meetings. I’m here because I believe in this club. Because Rotary has given me more than I could ever put into words: purpose, perspective, and above all—friends.

This year, I want us to talk honestly about what we’re up against. Not just Kal Rotary, but every club out there trying to figure out how to keep the spirit alive when the playbook keeps changing.

Let’s Be Clear About the Field Conditions

We’re not in a post-pandemic slump. We’re in a new era of expectations, pressures, and priorities. Here are the realities we’re navigating:

  • Time Poverty – Our calendars are full, our phones never stop buzzing, and showing up for anything outside of work and family feels like a luxury.
  • Tap-and-Go Generosity – People are giving—but it’s faster, digital, and often detached from real community.
  • Social Fatigue – After a few years of isolation, some folks never rejoined the huddle. Habits changed, and some still haven’t come back.
  • Generational Gaps – Young professionals want flexible, meaningful engagement. If it looks like bureaucracy or feels outdated, they’re out.
  • Budget Scrutiny – With every dollar under review, people are asking, “Is this membership giving me more than it’s costing me?”
  • Skepticism of Institutions – Legacy and logos don’t cut it anymore. We earn trust now through transparency, impact, and connection.

 

So, Why Are We Still Here?

Because the value of Rotary isn’t in the parking pass or the chicken parmesan. It’s in the growth we experience, the relationships we build, and the difference we make—locally and globally.

Let me break it down:

  • One weekly lunch → Confidence, clarity, and communication skills that travel with you back to your job, your family, your life.
  • A little sweat equity → Friends who show up when life knocks you down.
  • Showing up → $500,000 raised in 2  years. That’s what we do.
  • A name tag → A quiet badge of credibility. Rotarians are known for showing up with integrity.
  • Family time here → A legacy of service your kids will remember.
  • A Rotary mindset → A belief that we’re stronger when we lead with compassion, not ego.

 

Driving Change: Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes

Here’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about:

“You can’t change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.”

It sounds like a riddle, but it’s a call to action. If you want to build a better culture, don’t wait for someone else to model it. Be the one who invites, shows up, and follows through.

If you’re a sporadic attender and feeling disconnected—come more often. Let people get to know you. If you’re a long-timer and wondering why some folks are missing—send the first text. Make the call. Ask them to lunch.

Nothing changes if nothing changes.

We don’t need to overhaul everything. We need to recommit to the pieces that work:

  • Showing up with heart
  • Leading with fun
  • Inviting others in

 

Play Together. Serve Together. Stay Together.

Whether it’s our TEAM Minglers, Dream Auction, golf tournaments, hikes, or packing backpacks, this club thrives when we blur the line between service and joy.

If your best friends are in Rotary—you know exactly what I mean. If they’re not—maybe it’s time to widen the circle.

Let’s bring our families again. Let our kids see what community looks like. Let’s reclaim the magic we had before the world got busy and distracted.

 

Thank You to the Believers

To every one of you who stuck it out, logged in during COVID, showed up for committee meetings, carried bins, laughed hard, and stayed committed—thank you.

This year’s executive is made up of familiar faces who keep saying yes. They’re not here for credit. They’re here for connection. And they’re here because they believe Rotary still matters.

Let’s give them a hand.

 

Three Things You Can Do This Month

  1. Block Thursdays noon–1PM. Call it “connection + purpose.”
  2. Say yes to one thing. Big or small—just engage.
  3. Bring someone in. A guest. A friend. A future Rotarian.

 

A Question to Close

When you look back a year from now, what Rotary moment—a friendship, a breakthrough, or a moment of service—do you hope you’ll be telling stories about?

Share it at your table. And let’s make it happen. Together.

Personal regards,

Brian Reid
President, Kalamalka Rotary 2025-26

📢 Calling all Qualified Presenters!

🎤 Share your expertise with Kal Rotary and make a meaningful impact in just 15 minutes!

Are you a skilled professional, expert, or enthusiast with valuable insights to offer? We cordially invite you to become a featured presenter at one of our upcoming Kal Rotary meetings.

🌟 Join us as a Presenter and:

🎯 Engage our Engaged Audience: Connect with a dedicated group of individuals eager to learn from your knowledge and experience.

🌱 Foster Knowledge Exchange: Cultivate a dynamic environment for sharing ideas and fostering personal and professional growth.

💡 Ignite Inspiration: Inspire our members to take action and create positive change within our community and around the globe.

🤝 Partner with Kal Rotary: Collaborate with like-minded individuals dedicated to making a lasting impact through Rotary.

📅 Flexible Scheduling: We understand the value of your time, and our meeting schedule can accommodate your availability.

📧 Get in touch with us today by emailing programs@kalrotary.ca. Together, let’s empower our community through your engaging 15-minute presentation! 🌈 #KalRotary #BeAPresenter #MakeADifference

🌟 Discover the Power of Rotary Membership!

🌐 Join us for a Kal Rotary Lunch Meeting – Thursdays from Noon to 1:15 PM.

Are you ready to be a part of something extraordinary? 🤝 Look no further! Kal Rotary invites you to experience the warmth and vibrancy of our friendly club during our engaging lunch meetings.

🗓️ Mark your calendars:   Thursdays from Noon to 1:15 PM.

📍 Location: Vernon Prestige Lodge, 3914 32nd Street, Vernon, BC.

💼 What to Expect:

✨ Empowering Connections: Forge meaningful connections with like-minded individuals who share your passion for community service and positive change.

🌱 Inspiring Presentations: Immerse yourself in captivating 15-minute presentations from experts, thought leaders, and enthusiastic members.

💡 Service Projects: Discover the joy of making a real difference through our impactful community service projects.

🌈 Friendly Atmosphere: Experience the warmth and camaraderie that defines our vibrant club – a place where everyone is welcome.

🍽️ Nominal Lunch Cost: Enjoy a delicious lunch while networking and engaging in thoughtful discussions. There is a nominal cost for the meal.

🤩 We can’t wait to show you the value of Rotary membership! Take the first step towards an incredible journey by joining our upcoming lunch meeting.

📧 RSVP today at programs@kalrotary.ca. and secure your spot! Let’s create a brighter future together, one lunch meeting at a time. See you there! #KalRotary #JoinUs #BeTheChange

Our Members

The Faces of Kal Rotary

Kalamalka Rotary is a vibrant group of 85 Rotarians of varying backgrounds, skills, knowledge and experiences.  What we have in common is our passion for improving the lives of others, in our community and around the world. 

If you enjoy the fellowship of like-minded people, who join together and make positive changes in people’s lives, join us!

Kalamalka Dream Auction

Fundraising for Families

Kalamalka’s main fundraiser is the Kalamalka Rotary Dream Auction which is held in November each year.  Since 1985, the Dream Auction has raised well in excess of  $5 million to help families in our community and around the world.

Starfish Backpack Program

Fighting Hunger in Schools

Kalamalka Rotary began the Starfish Backpack Program in 2016 to address food insecurity in the greater Vernon area.  The Program provides a weekend backpack of non-perishable, easy to prepare meals for two breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners, along with fresh fruit and snacks.   With the support of program sponsors, Partners and Supporters, we now serve over 240 backpacks in 20 Vernon and area schools.

Kalamalka Around The World

Our International Relationships

Rotary is dedicated to six areas of focus to build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever:

  • Peacebuilding and conflict prevention
  • Disease prevention and treatment
  • Water, sanitation, and hygiene
  • Maternal and child health
  • Basic education and literacy
  • Community economic development