‘Hope and Mental Wellness’ are the core themes of the upcoming Rotary International District 5550 Conference to be held in Moose Jaw in May. Rotarians from across the district, which includes Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northern Ontario will gather in the city for the two-day event.  

The Rotary Club is a worldwide organization with over 1.4 million members around the world, comprising over 46,000 clubs that live by their motto ‘Service Above Self’. These clubs focus on not only improving their local communities but also engaging in international efforts to improve the communities of others. 

The annual conference is typically held in the hometown of the current Rotary District Governor, and this is the second time Moose Jaw has hosted the conference in 25 years, according to Rotary District 5550 Governor, Sonja Susut. 

She is excited that Moose Jaw is hosting the conference. 

“People get to experience more of what’s available in the community. So, we’re hoping through this conference that we’re bringing people in from three different provinces, that they’ll stay for a while, maybe they’ll come early or stay for a while and experience what we have in Moose Jaw,” said Susut. 

The Moose Jaw Exhibition Company’s Convention Centre will be filled with guests and speakers, both local and international, in a gathering of club members from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Northern Ontario for a two-day conference with a focus on ‘Hope and Mental Wellness’.  

The conference kicks off with a keynote address from Della Feguson, of Journey to Hope, highlighting mental wellness for individuals and the community. 

Among a wide assortment of speakers and activities there will be several prominent members of the Moose Jaw community, including Laura Hamilton, a Moose Jaw artist, Lisa Franks, world record holder and gold medal Paralympian, describing their stories of hope through art, and in the face of adversity.  

Maryse Carmichael, Snowbird Commander and Moose Jaw City Manager will also attend the conference and present a keynote address with a focus on hope and wellness in the community. 

The Rotary Ripple Effect will celebrate its 25th year at the conference. The Rotary Ripple effect is a joint effort of over 40 clubs, including five from in the district, which supports efforts development of education in Guatemala by way of building schools and classrooms, and providing computers and supplies to bolster education in communities most in need. 

 While there is plenty to look forward to Glenn Hagel, Conference Chair with The Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow says what he is most excited for at the conference: 

 “I think it’s the chance to rub shoulders with people with whom you share common values and who truly believe in our motto: Service Above Self. It’s a chance to learn some things that you didn’t know about or learn about, the kinds of event you can be involved in as a Rotarian.” 

He says that the theme of the conference, hope and mental wellness, is not only timely as people come out of the experience of the pandemic, but also a great opportunity to focus less on how to do things, and focus more on the positive impact that is made in people’s lives.