High River Rotary Club unites community through Canadian flag display

With Canada Day just around the corner, a southern Alberta community is finding a unique way to show its patriotism.

In a powerful show of patriotism and community spirit, front lawns across High River are flying the Canadian flag as part of a unique initiative organized by the local Rotary Club—and it’s all for a good cause.

The program, which sees residents “rent” a Canadian flag for $50 a year, has quietly grown into a town-wide tradition.

Volunteers install dozens upon dozens of flags at homes three times a year—over the May long weekend, on Canada Day and again for Labour Day—each time transforming neighbourhoods into seas of red and white.

“We kind of set a very small goal when this first started in 2019 of selling 50 flags, and back then, we actually sold 100 flags in the first year,” said Damian Boyle, chairman of the Canadian Flag Program.

“And then this year—believe it or not—we’ve got 607 flags out right now.”

While the program raises money for local and international charitable projects, its deeper impact is more personal.

“It’s a massive expression of Canadian nationalism or patriotism within a small town in Alberta,” said Boyle.

“Canadians aren’t always known to be overtly patriotic, but we give them the chance to display their patriotism. That’s what it’s all about.”

James Young, a newer resident of High River, was one of many drawn to the initiative for its unifying power.

“Last year, I think there were maybe 12 or 14 flags here on my street. Today, there’s 40 all lined up in a row,” he said.

“Our national pride is catching on big.”

The response, organizers say, is almost entirely organic.

“We don’t advertise. It’s all word of mouth,” said Boyle.

“A lot of it has to do with neighbours—you’ll see some streets in this town where every house has got a flag on the front lawn.”

And behind every flag is a small army of volunteers—nearly 45 people helped power the project this year, from longtime Rotarians to locals who just want to contribute.

Jerry Coackwell, a Rotary member for 35 years, called it one of the most memorable initiatives he’s ever worked on.

“It builds our club, brings us all together as members and gives us a sense of purpose,” he said.

“When you pound that flag into the ground and you see the result of it, it makes you very proud to be a Rotarian and a Canadian.”

Dianne Fedosa, a newer Rotary member, echoed that sentiment.

“When you stand back or you’re driving away, you just feel a great sense of accomplishment and being very patriotic to our Canada,” she said.

Even those not directly affiliated with the club, like Lana Ottewell, a friend of the Rotary Club of High River, say they feel a strong connection.

“As a proud Canadian, it’s just amazing to have a flag in front of my home and to be able to help the Rotary Club and all that they do within High River and within the world, actually,” she said.

The $50 donations fund a wide array of charitable efforts, with about $26,000 net this year going to local charitable initiatives.

“That money will go towards supporting a bus in town for seniors and disabled residents, food bank donations, youth scholarships,” said Boyle.

“It also helps fund international projects—from an ophthalmology clinic in Burundi to sanitation projects in Central America.”

Knowing it’s for a good cause means so much more for people like Young, who told CTV News that it all comes back to values.

“I think that we need to always celebrate our heritage,” he said.

“The people that made this land free don’t get forgotten about, and we don’t quit on them.”

With more flags flying than ever before ahead of Canada Day celebrations next week, the message is clear:

“In High River, patriotism is alive, well and proudly on display,” said Boyle.

For more information or to sign up, visit the Rotary Club of High River’s website.