OLDS — A very patriotic fundraiser by the Rotary Club of Olds has exceeded members’ expectations.
The club was looking for a fundraiser somewhat different from others they’ve done, so last fall, they decided to do a Fly The Flag fundraiser this year, noting it’s worked for other Rotary Clubs.
For $75 (including set-up and take-down), club members provided participants with a Canada flag to be flown on two occasions: the May long weekend and Canada Day.
"We made a hundred flags and hoped our community would rally around this new idea,” incoming club President Randy Smith said in a news release. "We were not sure how it would go but thought it was worth a try."
Based on the demand so far, "I think we will be looking at having 400 to 600 flags out there within a year or two," he added later.
More than 50 local community members rented flags for the Victoria Day long weekend. Later, more than 40 were rented to celebrate Canada Day.
Local Rotary Club members and friends were out in the community last week installing Canadian flags on the front lawns of customers to help celebrate Canada’s birthday.
After Canada Day, the plan is for volunteers to remove the flags and store them for the season.
The fundraiser has turned out so successful that there are plans to expand the club’s inventory.
“We will make an additional 100 flags this winter and will be back next spring to Fly the Flag again,” Smith said in the news release.
“On behalf of the Rotary Club of Olds, I would like to thank everyone who has rented a flag.
“This helps us to support local community projects like the Rotary Athletic Park, youth programs, like Breakfast for Learners at Deer Meadow School and more.”
This story was submitted by Rotary Club of Olds secretary Mary Turner and edited by the Albertan.
