President Glenn called the meeting to order with the land acknowledgement and the singing of O’Canada

Rotary Moment – Women make up two-thirds of Pakistan’s polio workforce. It’s a startling statistic for a nation that ranks 145th out of 146 countries for gender parity in economic participation and opportunity, according to a World Economic Forum gender inequality index. The role of female vaccinators is born of necessity. Because of cultural norms, men are not allowed into many people’s homes in Pakistan. Women who provide the health care are the key link. They can build mom-to-mom relationships and provide trusted advice on not only polio but other health issues.

Club Business Announcements

Honorary Membership – we were happy to induct Evan Duncan as an Honorary member in the Club. President Glenn stated that Councillor Evan was approved for membership in the club because we believe he to be a worthy representative of his vocation, interested in the ideals of Rotary, and willing to do his share in translating these ideals into tangible realities. President Glenn presented him with a membership plaque and pin. Club members and guests welcomed Councillor Evan with a round of applause.

Councillor Duncan responded that he was pleased to be an Honorary member of the club. From the outset of his election campaign, he’s learned more about the important role the club plays in the community. He looks forward to attending meetings and helping when he can.

Paul Harris Award – President Glenn recognized Peter Tonge who received a new multiple Paul Harris pin which bears 3 stones. Members joined together in a round of applause for a Paul Harris fellow who continues to put ‘Service Above Self’. Congratulations Peter!

Charleswood Community Resource Fair – Charleswood Library, Saturday, April 15, 10 am – 2 pm. We need a small volunteer committee to coordinate those who take a shift and the information to display.

Bridge of Hope Ukraine – Mandy reported that our next scheduled volunteer opportunity on Saturday April 1st from 9-3pm. CMU office 600 Shaftesbury Blvd. If members or anyone they know is interested, please register to volunteer by completing this form. Len Van Roon Jr. graciously volunteered to pick up and deliver a twin stroller and donated computers. Thanks Len!

Hearing Aid program – if you visit the club website, you’ll see a link to a new hearing aid program offered by the club. Members are asked to spread the word about donating used hearing aids to be refurbished and dispensed to those in need.

Golf Tournament – Our club and the Assiniboine Club are partnering to present a golf tournament on August 17, at Bel Acres Golf and Country Club. The organizing committee is busy planning and reaching out to community businesses and other groups. We’ve already secured a title sponsor and there are lots of other opportunities. Please spread the word to prospective sponsors and golfers. There is a link on the club’s website. Golfers and foursomes may register online by credit card or e-transfer. Or contact one of us on the organizing committee. Jim, Ed,, Cathy and Glenn.

Lobsterfest –Jim Forestell reminded members that Lobsterfest will be held on June 16, 2023. The planning committee will meet next Monday, April 3, at 4:30 pm at Breezy Bend Golf Course.

Dan Sutton – promoted the upcoming Chicken Fest sponsored by Rotary Club of Winnipeg West (72nd Annual). Lots of options for pick up locations and dates. In support of Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation. Visit https://chickenfest.ca

District Conference is being held in Saskatoon, May 11-14. The early bird rate is available until the end of March. More information and a link for registration is on the District website. If you decide to register, let us know.

President Glenn read a letter from Myrna Driedger, MLA for Roblin and Honorary member of the Club. She enclosed a donation to the club in thanks for the time and energy that we devote to make our community better.

Sandra Ross is a Community Coordinator with United for Literacy in Manitoba, looking after managing volunteers and programs. She is credited with bringing literacy programming to Selkirk and the surrounding communities. Sandra has been with the organization for just over 3 years and provides an exciting wealth of experiences and skills, including over a decade in community development with organizations such as The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the Northern Forest Diversification Centre. In her spare time Sandra volunteers with the Petersfield Community Club as secretary and chair of their annual “Breakfast with Santa” fundraiser.

Sandra clarified that Frontier College changed its name to United for Literacy in November, 2022. Frontier College was created in 1899 as the Canadian Reading Camp and the name was changed to Frontier Colle in 1912. Their cause is literacy which touches virtually every aspect of our lives. Bridging the literacy gap is doable and urgent. Their work spreads across the country in urbanized, rural and remote locations. They work with volunteers and community partners. In Manitoba their programs include family literacy workshops, bookworms, reading circles, reading buddies, one to one tutoring, truth and reconciliation and English café. In the summer, they offer reading tents and literacy camps. One way for Rotary to help is to sponsor the Elmwood Summer Camp. For more information. https://www.unitedforliteracy.ca

Len Van Roon Jr. thanked Sandra on behalf of the club.

Mike Dudar asked for Happy Bucks:

Peter tossed in $10 because he hasn't been here for such a long time. He also had two announcements:

1. opportunity to sponsor him in the CP Stationary Bike Race at https://www.supportcerebralpalsy.ca/Events/BikeRace/Default.aspx
2. The next Talking Rotary podcast will feature former Club members Eira and Martin Braun-Labossiere who talk about Satellite and Virtual clubs this week. It will be posted with other archived episodes at: https://talkingrotary.org/media/

Ed Thompson was happy to have completed his taxes and pleased to have made a big contribution to Canada!

Len was $2 happy for the re-naming of Bishop Grandin to Oji-Cree names. He also told us that if you break down the new names they are not difficult to pronounce.

Iain put in $2 because he was so happy that Len had explained how to pronounce Bishop Grandin's new name.

Birthdays

Our special guests Evan and Courtnie Duncan - one of their daughters turned four on Saturday.

Upcoming meetings – next week, Diana Brown, Ripple Effect, report from Guatamala