President Glenn opened the meeting with a land acknowledgment. David Morris and Anya led the group in the singing of O Canada.

President Glenn commented on the recent renovations at Breezy Bend. It was a big project that improves the appearance, functionality and acoustics for meetings. This is our first experience in the new space.

Guests - Sarge Lyle Miller noted that there were no guests in attendance. The guest speaker, Gloria Dovoh was on Zoom and was introduced later.

Mandy was happy for another incredible day Saturday the 18th when 11 Ukrainian families were able to ‘shop’ for furniture and household goods. She acknowledged the volunteers and put out the call for 2 shifts this coming Saturday (9 am- 12 noon/ 12 noon – 3 pm). Contact Mandy!! The families expressed their gratitude and in some cases were reluctant to ‘take too much’. Nancy Morris commented on how well it went (Mandy’s organization!!) and how much she enjoyed interacting with the families.

Jack Wilson announced that a new sign has been posted in the Chalfont parking lot at Assiniboine Forest displaying a QR code for more information and to make donations. The Forest Committee meeting is being held on Wednesday at 7 pm. A Zoom link will be circulated. Members who are not on the committee are welcome to participate. Contact Jack. Fundraising is the priority.

President Glenn advised that the club will participate in a Charleswood Resource Fair at the Charleswood Library on Saturday, April 15 from 10 am- 2 pm. We are seeking volunteers to take a shift and to help organize the display. Contact Glenn or Jack.

Following dinner, President Glenn introduced the guest speaker. Gloria Dovoh is the Community Relations Coordinator at Volunteer Manitoba. In her role, she coordinates volunteer, career, and community resource fairs as well as promoting the work of Volunteer Manitoba through presentations. She also runs the youth programming that Volunteer Manitoba offers. Gloria has worked in the non-profit sector for over 7 years and is an alumnus of the University of Winnipeg’s Masters in Development Practice program.

Gloria spoke about the role of Volunteer Manitoba, soon to be celebrating its 40th year. They link NGOs that require volunteers with those wishing to serve the community. Volunteer Manitoba offers training to help these groups establish best practices, including Board Governance. Gloria highlighted some resources available. She also spoke about a training calendar for our reference. If our Club wishes to have volunteer positions promoted on their website, there is a link on their website and there is a weekly listing in the Winnipeg Free Press. Here is; how to submit a volunteer opportunity!

There were several questions/answers. President Glenn thanked Gloria for the presentation and for the good work of Volunteer Manitoba. It is important to have an effective non-profit sector.

Happy Bucks

• Chuck was happy that it is nearly the end of February because that means the end of DRY February!
• Lloyd enjoyed the record warm temperatures in Florida, and a trip to the Dominican Republic. In the Dominican Republic he saw a baseball field that was flying a Canadian flag, and was pleased when told that the reason for that was that the Canadian government had paid for the diamond.
• Dave continues to be happy about the empty beer cans that keep arriving at his office.
• Rod enjoyed X-country skiing in the Whiteshell on the weekend.
• Jagdish was sad for a Hindu Priest passing away, but was happy for the Priest's wonderful life of service and giving.
• Cathy was happy that it was her husband's birthday, and Raman (from Winnipeg West Rotary) took him out for dinner so that Cathy could attend the Rotary meeting guilt-free.
• Glenn enjoyed his family trip to Curacao. Yesterday morning he ran a half marathon in the morning, and in the afternoon his curling team won a game (doesn’t happen often).

Birthdays: Rod is celebrating a mystery birthday. He admitted to reaching 50 a number of years ago, and says he is now heading back down.

50/50 – President Glenn happened to have the raffle ticket drawn, but he was unable to find the blue marble. Sarge then fined everyone who did not have Rotary displayed with a pin or on their clothing. Name tags did not count!

Next Week – March 6, Pamela Kolochuk, CEO of Peak of the Market.