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Arlene Schroh seeks to enhance young lives
By Dan Schellenberg
Our second Cranbrook Sunrise Rotary Club member profile features Arlene Schroh, owner of Ciao Tours located in Cranbrook with offices in Calgary and Siena, Italy. Her company specializes in tours to Italy.
Arlene plays a major role in participating in the Sunrise Rotary float preparation each year for the Sam Steele parade. Also, Arlene is active in volunteering at many other Rotary events throughout the year. The youth programs are definitely her biggest interest in Rotary. Arlene is the chair of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program, aimed to enhance the lives of young adults between the ages of 18-25 years. Following is a series of questions and answers that pertain to Arlene’s involvement in Rotary on both a local and international level.
What brought you to Rotary?
There were two major things that brought me to the Sunrise Rotary Club.
First was my father, Don Roberts, who has been a Rotarian for over 40 years. I have always been surrounded by the values and ethics of Rotary. He truly lived by the rules of the four-way test:
1. Is it the Truth; 2. Is it Fair for everyone; 3. Will it build good will and friendship; 4. Will it be beneficial for all concerned?
The second thing that brought me to Rotary was the International Exchange Program for Youth. My daughter, Serianna, wanted to be a part of this program. She raised half of the money on her own and travelled to Australia for one year. Experience of a lifetime.
What are your interests in Rotary?
The youth programs are definitely my biggest interest. I am the chair of the RYLA program aimed to enhance the lives of young adults between the ages of 18-25 years.
Also, the annual Gran Fondo has become such a big part of my life. I thought that I could never ride in such an event that took you over 60kms on the Rails-to-Trails. It has converted me into a cyclist! Now, I am part of the executive team of the Gran Fondo.
What keeps you in Rotary?
Friendships without question and the values and volunteer opportunities that Rotary represents. There are so many different committees you can work on depending on your personal interests. You are able to learn from people who work in so many industries such as education, tourism, criminology, technology and civil that you would not necessarily meet in your daily life. The Sunshine Rotary Club has such a vast array of people in our little club, all coming together for the same reason. To make a difference in the world.
