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Garrison Green Resident Awarded Rotary’s Highest Honour

May 14, 2021
Long time Rotarian Walter Haessel holds one of several awards for his volunteer work
Long time Rotarian Walter Haessel has been honoured several times for his volunteer work

Long-time Rotary Club member Walter Haessel has been given Rotary’s highest award, the Distinguished Service Award.  Walter joined Rotary in 1982 and served in a number of capacities, but he distinguished himself with his leadership and fundraising abilities, which were put to good use in Cambodia, Thailand and Latin America where he worked to better the lives of the poor.

“I was flabbergasted. I wasn’t expecting anything like that at all,” Walter said from his home at United’s Garrison Green.

Recently, he was also honoured with Rotary’s Service Above Self Award for his “exemplary humanitarian service”. And in 2005 he was honoured with Alberta’s Centennial Medal for his contributions to fellow citizens, community and the province.

He has travelled to more than 20 countries. He worked with Calgary’s CAWST (Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology) to bring clean water and basic sanitation to developing countries. But he felt the deepest connection with Cambodia, where he helped rural villages improve thee quality of their lives with new wells, irrigation systems, schools and training. He has travelled there numerous times to work with Sustainable Cambodia.

“We love to travel, and it was exciting to go there. The culture is so interesting and a lot of good can be done for a few dollars. It is very rewarding to see the changes we have made,” said Walter.

Walter and Ann Haessel with children in Thailand
Walter and Ann Haessel in Thailand

“Most recently I have worked with a small non-governmental organization that works with children who have cerebral palsy, especially in Cambodia and Thailand. We brought wheelchairs in from Australia. We’ve raised a considerable amount of money for that project, but when COVID hit, the project was temporarily put on hold.”

Walter is married to Ann Haessel, a professional artist who has donated proceeds from her art sales to schools in Cambodia and the Philippines.

“I would often travel with Walter to Cambodia and it was clear to me that I could also make a difference with my art.”

Photos by Walter and Ann Haessel. Videos by Sherana Productions.

Don’t hesitate to talk with one of our active living advisors about life in a United community. They can arrange for a tour at your convenience. If you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community, send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a future visit. We are happy to help! 

To learn more about life at United’s Fish Creek community, watch this short video.

Or, to find out more about life at United’s Garrison Green, watch this short video.

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Garrison Green (Integrated Living) 3028 Don Ethell Boulevard SW
Calgary, Alberta
T3E 0C9
 
Rentals and Leasing: (403) 917-1389 Concierge: (403) 685-7200 Fax: (403) 240-3772
Fish Creek North (Memory Care + Assisted) 51 Providence Boulevard SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2X 0X2
 
Rentals and Leasing: (587) 841-5134 Concierge: (587) 481 7907 Fax: (403) 873-3961
Fish Creek West (Independent Living) 14720 1 St SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2X 2A3
 
Rentals and Leasing: (587) 609-8167 Concierge: (587) 481 7907 Fax: (403) 873-3961

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Unique Assisted Living at United's Garrison Green - Calgary, AB