The Rotary Club of Fernie held its first business meeting of 2026 on January 7. In addition to regular agenda items, members took time to reflect on and celebrate the club’s achievements and community impact throughout 2025.

Over the past year, Rotary’s efforts supported the Fernie community, the Elk Valley, and two international initiatives. Highlights from 2025 included:

• A sold-out 2025 Griz Pin fundraiser, continuing a Rotary tradition that spans more than 30 years.

• Feast for a Cause, the second annual sold-out long-table fundraising dinner featuring local chefs. The event returns on May 2, 2026.

• Canada Day celebrations in downtown Fernie, delivered through a new collaboration with the Lions Club, 3300 Club, Legion, Elks Lodge, City of Fernie, and Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nations.

• 50/50 ticket sales at Wednesday Night Socials and the Elk Valley Cruisers Show & Shine, helping fund Rotary’s annual scholarship program.

• Poppy sales in support of the Legion’s Remembrance Day ceremony.

• Participation in the Salvation Army Food Drive and Kettle Campaign.

• Hosting the 13th Annual Seniors’ Holiday Lunch.

• Financial support for a clean water project in Peru.

• Continued contributions to Rotary International’s polio vaccination program and the global eradication of polio.

Thanks to these successful fundraising initiatives, the Rotary Club of Fernie reinvested more than $45,000 back into the community in 2025. Supported organizations included Elk Valley Hospital, Cycling Without Age, Fernie and District Arts Council, the Salvation Army Adopt-a-Family Program, Chamber of Commerce Griz Days, and seven Elk Valley high school scholarship recipients.

The Rotary Club of Fernie expressed gratitude to the many volunteers and community partners who made these efforts possible and looks forward to expanding its impact in 2026.

To learn more about Fernie Rotary or get involved, visit www.fernierotary.org
.