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

Rotary Moment – Bob Eilers reminded members that March 21 is International Day of Forests. The day was established by resolution of the United Nations General Assembly in 2013. Each year, various events celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests, and trees outside forests, for the benefit of current and future generations. Bob thanked Iain Scott for preparing a sign that will be placed in the Assiniboine Forest.

Sarge Mike Dudar – welcomed guest speakers Patty Mainville and Sheila Chipestance, Rossbrook House. He also acknowledged Anya.  

Announcements 

Charleswood Councillor Evan Duncan will be inducted as an Honorary Member on March 27. 

District Conference is being held in Saskatoon, May 11-14. The early bird rate is available until the end of March. President Glenn will attend, with personal travel following the Conference. Visit the District website for further information.  

Bomber Packing Party on Tuesday, April 18 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Peak of the Market distribution centre at 1200 King Edward St. Those who volunteered: Iain Scott, Cathy Skene, Bob Eilers, Ed Toews, Jim Forestell and Glenn Campbell. 

Jack Wilson spoke about new bylaws for the Club’s Foundation. He thanked the Foundation Board for the work involved in updating the document and to other members who have provided feedback. The Board will finalize the bylaws and seek approval of club members. 

Bridge of Hope Ukraine - On Saturday, 13 Ukrainian families ‘shopped’ for furniture and household goods. There were 2 shifts (9 am- 12 noon/ 12 noon – 3 pm). The next shopping event is Saturday, March 24.  There will be a call for volunteers. Mandy advised that clothing is not part of what we collect. Members are asked to check their list of items for donation. The word is spreading and shows the extent of the need. Mandy was completely surprised by news that we are going to be receiving 25 Intel Gen 4+ TFF desktops complete with monitors, peripherals, and all necessary cables. Windows 10 and LibreOffice are pre-installed.  This large donation is coming from Computers for Schools Manitoba, an organization that reached out to us recently with this very generous offer! Visit the Bridge of Hope Ukraine website for other updates. https://bridgeofhopeukraine.com

RYLA - will be held 'in person' at the Anglican Memorial Camp in Riding Mountain National Park. Jr. RYLA is July 31-Aug. 5, for youth aged 12-14. Senior RYLA is Aug. 7-12, for youth aged 15-17. An application form is available on the District website at https://rotary5550.org

CBC news ran a story on the history of Assiniboine Forest. See it here.

Following dinner, Nancy Morris introduced our guest speakers Patty Mainville and Sheila Chippestance, Rossbrook House. Patty is the Executive Director, Rossbrook House and she told the story about Sister Geraldine MacNamara and a group of neighbourhood youth establishing a safe haven in the community with a simple vision: No child who does not want to be alone, should ever have to be. Today, the doors are open every day, and 24 hours on weekends and all school holidays. She showed a video profiling a variety of programs. Sheila told her story about being one of the 'kids', dropping out of school early, and then finding her way. She is now employed by Rossbrook House, responsible for two major programs. There were several questions and expressions of support. Cathy Skene thanked Patty and Sheila on behalf of the club. 

Happy Bucks 

• Jim was happy to be back from Yuma (even though it's too darn cold here.) He was also glad to have chatted with Sharon Jasper.
• Jack was $5 worth of happy because his and Mur's former exchange student, Isadora, and her husband have gotten their citizenship, and bought a home on The Bridle Path.
• Len was happy for the work of Sister McNamara.
• Jagdish was happy for the sunny day.
• Elaine is glad to be practicing her Ukrainian language skills on Saturday mornings.
• Chuck is happy to be back after COVID.
• Ed Gramiak is happy that a RYLA sponsoree is now married and expecting a baby.
• Lyle is happy that according to the Shared Health website the average wait for a knee replacement is only 6-8 weeks. Lyle has been on the wait list since November 25, 2021! He is planning to go out of province for his soon.
• Mandy and Anya were both happy about another successful furniture drive day, and Mandy was happy to have had the chance to speak to the Assiniboine Club about the project.
• Mike is happy to be back, from traveling and COVID.

50/50

Jagdish had his raffle ticket drawn and he pulled the blue marble!! After the meeting, Jagdish offered to donate his winnings plus a top up to Operation Eyesight, based in Calgary. There was only one fine. 

Next Week – March 27.

Sandra Ross, Frontier College, MB Branch, who will speak about the College’s literacy programs for children, youth and adults.