The Rotary Foundation's Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for business people and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country's culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas.

The Rotarian selected to lead the team is Mayfield Rotarian Marilyn Mucha. Team members have been selected and they come from 4 different locations in our District - Athabasca, Edmonton, Grande Prairie and St. Albert. This exchange will take place to District 4530 in Brazil in April 2010.

The National Philanthropy Day awards are dedicated to the celebration of all donors, volunteers, and organizations that have chosen to give in the spirit of Philanthropy.

Association of Fundraising Professionals Edmonton and Area Chapter  held their event this year, on November 12 at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton to celebrate the philanthropic achievements of the entire community and in particular the individuals and groups that were nominated for a "Heart & Soul Award".

In the category of "Service Club", the Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield was declared the winner as nominated by Compassion House Foundation (CHF) for their exemplary efforts in fundraising with the 'Fork it Over" event that has raised a total of nearly $ 500,000 over the last nine years that has been split between CHF and Rotary projects. 

The photo features Grant Dewar ( Mayfield club President), Mike Brandingen ( FIO committee) and Barb Walker (CHF Past President)

Mike Brandingen, the club's Rotary Youth Exchange coordinator has announced the selection of a new recruit from Victoria Composite High School to go abroad for the 2010/11 school year.  Evannia Miciak, a 17 year old succeeding in the application and interview process to be sponsored by our club.  Her interests include music ( she plays violin) and culinary arts which will hopefully lead to her opening her own bakery in the future. She doesn't care where she goes next year but her country will be confirmed in March at the District orientation weekend.  We hope to be seeing Evannia at our upcoming Christmas Brunch on Dec 6.