President Mandy asked P.D.G. Jim Forestell and P.D.G. Ed Thompson to come forward to make Paul Harris Fellowship presentations. Jim advised that the Rotary Foundation was founded over 100 years ago and has raised $4 billion over that time. Through the Foundation, $1 can immunize a child against polio, $50 can help provide clean water, $500 will help provide an anti-bullying program. Support for the Rotary Foundation is partially provided by Paul Harris Fellowships that are awarded after a US$1000.00 donation by, or on behalf of, the recipient.
Jack Wilson, an individual that truly lives by the motto, “service above self”, in order to improve the community. A voice of community service. He has made connections with many organizations including Urban Stable, STARS, IRCOM and Westgrove School. At Westgrove School, Jack arranged to have 75 pairs of athletic shoes donated to the students. Jack is always there when things need to get done. The word ‘NO’ seems to not be in his vocabulary. Jim Forestell presented a Second Level Paul Harris Fellowship to Jack Wilson (Rotarian).
Jim Forestell advised that when asked what he might like for a Christmas present, Jack stated that he needed nothing. Please make a donation to Rotary Foundation instead of giving him anything. Jim has recently received a note from Kris Wilson with a donation directed to the Rotary Foundation.
Myrna Driedger, MLA / Speaker, has been an MLA in Manitoba for 25 years. She has been an Honorary Member of the Charleswood Rotary Club for 20 years. If you should ever attend one of her Charleswood Legion luncheons, you will hear her mention support of the Charleswood Rotary Club. Myrna Driedger has always supported the annual LobsterFest with a tableful of guests. Jim Forestell stated that he was proud to present a Paul Harris Fellowship to Myrna Driedger MLA / Speaker.
P.D.G. Ed Thompson then took over the lectern and stated that Rotary started in 1905 when a group of businessmen began meeting in their offices on a rotating basis. That is where the name ‘Rotary’ came from. The first Rotary project was to provide public urinals in downtown Chicago. Ed Thompson then called Mr. James Favel to come forward.
James Favel lives in the north end of Winnipeg. His chosen vocation was driving trucks, and actually owns his own truck. He saw illegal activities increasing in the community. The final incident that made him feel that he must act was the finding of Tina Fontaine’s body in 2014. At the time he said, “something more needs to be done”. In 2015 the Bear Clan returned. There are 1,500 volunteers in Winnipeg. They patrol various neighborhoods around Winnipeg depending on the day and time. James describes the Bear Clan as Goodwill Ambassadors. There are now 48 communities across Canada that have Bear Clan groups patrolling. Ed Thompson presented a Paul Harris Fellowship to James Favel. Ed Thompson also announced that the Rotary Club of Charleswood had a donation cheque to present to Mr. Favel for the Bear Clan.