The Rotary Club of Edmonton has always had a strong concern about community service. In the early days it included driving disabled veterans, raising a Victory Garden, handling the Salvation Army's annual canvas, and especially the efforts to help needy boys. The Club helped establish the Boy's Club, and built a summer camp at Edmonton Beach on land given to the club.  Dedicated members were John Imrie of the Journal, H. H. Cooper (Wholesale Groceries) and not long after John Michaels and Oliver McIntyre. Other prominent citizens who gave strong support to these community activities were James Ramsey, James McKinnon, H.M.E. Evans, John McDougall and C.M. Duggan (twice elected Mayor). Two other notable activities of the club were providing Christmas hampers to the needy, the funds being donated by the members (as they are now) and the Spokes Club. Both of these activities were established in 1917.