President Mandy introduced our honoured guests for the evening;

 

M.L.A. Myrna Driedger & Hal Driedger, M.P. Doug Eyolfson & Sowmya Dakshinamurti, A.D.G. Dan Sutton & Peggy, D.G. Elaine Thompson & Ed Thompson.

 

S.A.A.

 

Sarge Mike Dudar was present to work the room selling 50/50 tickets as well as watch for any infractions. His first call to action was to introduce the guests that were present. The most efficient way to accomplish that, with such a large crowd was to ask an individual at each table to intro their own guests. Sarge Mike made sure that this went around the room in an efficient manner.

 

 

President Mandy gave thanks to Dave Morris and John Inglis for their sponsoring the fellowship musical entertainment, surely enjoyed by all.

President Mandy gave the young children something to think about during the early part of the Christmas dinner. She said that a visit from a very special individual “MAY” happen. Only if the children behave during dinner! The jolly fellow in the red suit perhaps?

 

 

President Mandy started her presentation by asking “what is Rotary?”.  Rotarians are people that love and care for others all around the world. There are 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide in 35 thousand clubs. They are busy fighting disease, eradicating polio, promoting peace, providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene, supporting education by building schools and growing local economies. They are “people of action”.

 

Mandy joined Rotary two years ago because she wanted to make a difference. The best way to accomplish this would be in a network of like-minded people. The Rotary Club of Winnipeg- Charleswood has been busy with many various projects over the years. Mandy had produced a classy video presentation for each main project that the Charleswood Rotary Club is involved with:

Assiniboine Forest – Charleswood Rotary Club is the caretaker of the forest. We work with local government to maintain its natural beauty. The forest is a place of peace. Get inspired by nature in the forest. The club is proud of the work that has been done over the years. A major project that was undertaken was the building of the boardwalk in the wetlands area.

Community Gardens at Westgrove School – It was exactly one year ago that President Mandy was sitting with the Principle of Westgrove School during last year’s Christmas dinner. They discussed options for the club to be more involved with the school. The raised garden plots were suggested. The raised gardens were built by volunteer labour of Rotarians and friends. Businesses were approached to help with donations of materials. The following businesses are recognized for their assistance;

 

 

The students can learn about nature and science as they grow food. This was a June,   2018 Charleswood Rotary Production!

 

Fundraising – 

 

 

There are 41 members in the Charleswood Rotary Club. If you are interested in receiving more information about becoming a member of our club, please contact any of our club members for more information as well as an invite to a regular dinner meeting as our guest.

 

The video productions were a fantastic addition to the evening.  Obvious computer skills as well as time went into the short vignettes. 

 

 

A short game played by table groups, organized and presented by Rotarian Janet Spence. Basically, a mixed-up set of words to make you think of a real Christmas Carol. Definitely a fun distraction at this point of the evening. Thanks Janet.
 

 

President Mandy stated that Nancy Hansen has been a true inspiration to her since joining the club. She thanked all the club members and guests that brought donations to support the Westgrove School Breakfast Program. President Mandy also thanked Jack Wilson for his work organizing the Fit for the Street donations. 

 

President Mandy received the following from Jack Wilson on Dec. 18, 2018;

“Hi Mandy as we discussed I delivered all the food and socks etc. This morning the breakfast food to Westgrove School, and the socks for the Fit for the Street to Canadian Footwear. Prior to delivering items I took a count of the merchandise and attempted to place a value on the donations.
 
Socks – 273 pairs
Under ware 11 pair
Estimated retain value $850.00
 
Breakfast food for Westgrove School
 
Snack bar packs - broken down to individual bars – 84
Juice Boxes – individual servings - 96
Juice drink in one litre cartons – 4
Individual Fruit cups – 14
Peanut Butter jars – 9
Large peanut butter jar – 1
Jars of Jam – 5
Jars of Apple sauce – 1
Pudding snack packs individual servings – 68
Boxes of Cereal based on individual count – 66
Based on some research at the local food store this morning, I estimate a food value of $624.00
In addition I received a cheque made out to the school for the breakfast program for $50.00
 
Add this all together I estimate the donation value of these products to be $1524.00
 
I think that is a very good donation. I completed a similar calculation process a couple of years ago & I believe I came up with a value approx. $1350.00.
 
As I mentioned on the phone when I delivered the socks to Canadian Footwear, I ran into the owner Brian Scharfstein who was holding the door open. We stopped and chatted for a bit and he indicated the timing could not be better as the socks would be going out this afternoon as he was delivering them to a location on Main street. We then discussed the Westgrove School shoe project. As a result of our discussions and sock donation, I was able to pick up 20 pairs of new runners for the school at a very reasonable price. These have been delivered. You can see from the picture below Troy is pleased. I will be following up with Hayley Gillis at Canadian Footwear on further footwear requirements after Christmas. 
 
As well Brian asked staff to provide us with some winter head wear for the children. In addition to the shoes I delivered approx 60 individual head wear for the children. Also included in the package was approx 12 hats for men and women, as I had mentioned in earlier conversations with staff the Rotary club was working with the Westgrove Learning Centre. I have dropped the box of hats with Paul to deliver. 
 
In summary last night was very good and today was a very rewarding day as well. Great Christmas spirit abounds. 

The serving staff and Cory were thanked as well. They have graciously hosted us every Monday night through the year for our regular meetings. A gift in appreciation of their service was presented to the staff.

 

President Mandy read a note from Principal Troy Calder of Westgrove School. He could not attend the dinner tonight due to the school having its own Christmas Concert this evening. The funds that were donated to the school from Charleswood Rotary have been used to set up a library section in each classroom. Books have been purchased for these mini libraries. Jogging pants and school T-shirts have been purchased as well. The students are showing great pride in the school. Troy gives his best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
 

Sarge Mike Dudar had a busy time walking the floor to recognize all the Happy Bucks tonight.

 

 

Jim and Lorraine Forestell are celebrating 54 years of marriage this week. They don’t usually get to announce this at Rotary due to their customary winter travel schedule. They will be leaving shortly for a warmer climate.

 

 

Sarge Mike asked our recent Paul Harris recipient Skylar Ferguson to pull the winning ticket. No marbles to pull tonight, just straight to the win. Number 384 was pulled and Darvin Jasper will be taking the cash tonight ($48.50).

 

Fines
 
Sarge Mike did not find the need to go there tonight.