President Cathy Skene opened the meeting with the club's land acknowledgement and the singing of O'Canada led by Dave Morris.

President Cathy’s announcement

“Lorraine has decided to take a well-earned retirement from doing meeting registration. Joyce has graciously agreed to take on this important duty. So it’s a good time to review the process. Register or decline by Friday afternoon. It’s important to decline if you’re not going to come, because that saves Joyce the trouble of chasing you down for an answer. And remember to confirm - 3 clicks - your response. If you completed the steps you will get a confirmation email. If that doesn’t arrive, try again. Guests must also be registered. Click on Register Additional Guests. If you’re going to be away for an extended period, and don’t want to have an invitation sent, please let Joyce know.”

Bridge of Hope

Final Furniture Drive and Achievements

On February 22nd, the final Ukrainian furniture drive was completed, marking a significant milestone. Since October 2022, a total of 402 families have received support. In approximately 36 furniture drives, an average of 25 volunteers per event contributed over 8,000 volunteer hours. A special acknowledgment was given to Thea Marin for her dedicated efforts in managing the invitations for Ukrainian families. Her behind-the-scenes work played a crucial role in the project's success.

Upcoming Events

• Ukrainian Social – March 29th

A Ukrainian social event is scheduled for March 29th, with over 180 people already registered. Families supported by the furniture drive were invited, and the response has been very positive. Various organizations will be present to offer information on food assistance, employment, clothing, education, and other essential services. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in these conversations and provide guidance. A separate registration for volunteers will be sent out as a reminder to assist with event setup.

• Volunteer Supper – April 5th

A volunteer appreciation supper will be held on April 5th at Springstein Mennonite Church. This event is open to anyone who has volunteered with Bridge of Hope. Stories from families supported through the drive will be shared, making it an emotional and meaningful evening. Registration details will be sent out soon.

• Cleanup Efforts and Store Closure

A cleanup of the store is planned for this Saturday, as the store is expected to be sold. Volunteers are needed to help clear out the remaining items, which will be donated to various thrift stores. Those available to assist will receive a volunteer registration link.

• Future Plans: Education Bursaries

The next phase of the project will focus on providing bursaries for Ukrainian adults seeking to further their education. More details on this initiative will be shared in the future.

A heartfelt thank you was extended to all volunteers and supporters of the Ukrainian Furniture Drive. Their dedication has made a significant impact on the lives of many families.

Sarge Mike introduced our guests:

• Christina Dolinski
• Soba
• Carter Morris
• Keith Morris
• Thea Marin
• Anya Kwasnica

Assiniboine Forest

Grant Applications and Funding Efforts

Jack provided an update on ongoing efforts to secure funding for Assiniboine Forest. The team, led by Zeke, recently submitted a grant application to the Red River Co-op, a significant step in securing resources for forest improvements. Additionally, another grant application is being prepared for the Winnipeg Foundation. Jack and Lloyd attended a foundation meeting to better understand the application process, and a consultant is currently assisting with the submission.

Trail Connection Project

The primary goal of the Red River Co-op grant is to complete trail connections between the Saginaw Trail and the Preston Trail. Once finished, this will allow visitors to access the entire southern section of the forest seamlessly, extending all the way to the Harte Trail. Ultimately, the trail system would connect to Roblin, providing a continuous pathway down to the park.

Education Area and Washroom Facilities

The Winnipeg Foundation grant is aimed at developing an educational area within the forest. This space would be simple yet functional, utilizing tree stumps for seating rather than constructing buildings. The city has already approved the concept and will provide large tree cuttings for the seating arrangement. If successful, the funding would also allow for the installation of a washroom facility. While details are still being finalized, the facility will not be connected to the sewer system or have power. Instead, it will likely be a chemical or humus-based toilet, designed to be fully accessible to all visitors.

Ongoing Funding Needs and Community Support

Jack emphasized the need for additional grants and financial support from businesses and organizations interested in environmental conservation and community development. Given the city's budget constraints, with a reported $11.4 million shortfall for maintaining green spaces, community-led initiatives like this are essential to prevent the forest from deteriorating further.

Jack encouraged anyone with knowledge of potential funding opportunities to reach out and thanked everyone for their support in preserving Assiniboine Forest.

Lloyd spoke about his role as District Secretary:

"I just wanted to mention a couple of things as your district secretary. First, the district leadership seminar is coming up, and it can be taken either online or at Russell. The cost is $55, which is a great value for learning about what's happening in the district. For club leaders, this is an important event to be part of. Secondly, we’ve improved our district eligibility for a district grant. We need to have that completed by mid-April. We're looking at the possibility of supporting the washroom and accessibility aspects of that construction. It’s important that the washroom is accessible for disabled persons, and Gwen is helping us put the details together. We’re gathering information from our consultants at Public City, and once we have that, we can move forward. We’re also excited to invite our satellite club to participate in this process. As for the overall cost of the classroom facility project, we don’t have an exact figure yet, but it’s in the ballpark of $50,000 or more. However, each component of the project can be supported individually."

Iain apologized for the White House meeting on Friday, saying: "I think we all saw the disgraceful display by the president and vice president. We should all stand with Ukraine and apologize for their behavior, as it was planned and intended to demean. No one should be treated that way. I'm glad to see many Americans standing up in protest."

President Cathy introduced the evening’s guest, Christina Dolinsky from Prairie Strides (www.prairiestrides.com). She noted that some may remember Kyla, who previously spoke to the group while serving as the acting executive director. That role has now been officially filled by Christina, who is the permanent executive director. Christina was invited to share more about Prairie Strides and its work.

Christina's Comments on Prairie Strides Inc.

About Prairie Strides

Christina Delinsky, the Executive Director of Prairie Strides, introduced the organization, which provides adaptive horseback riding programs for children with disabilities. Established in 1977, Prairie Strides operates as a charitable nonprofit organization based at West Wind Stables in Oak Bluff, Manitoba. The program serves children aged 5 to 15, offering therapeutic benefits that promote physical, social, and emotional growth through horseback riding.

Therapeutic Benefits

Horses provide a unique form of therapy that helps children in ways that are difficult to explain but incredibly impactful. The presence of the horses has a calming effect, particularly for children with mobility challenges, as the horses naturally respond to their needs. The program fosters trust, confidence, and cognitive skills through interactive riding exercises and barn-based activities. Many participants, for whom this is their only sport, experience significant improvements in mobility, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.

Programs and Growth

Prairie Strides has expanded its offerings over the past two years, now including two levels of adaptive riding programs—basic and advanced. The organization also introduced barn-based activities, where children learn to groom and work with the horses, as well as summer camp programs. Each year, approximately 75 participants engage in Prairie Strides programs, with the riding program itself accommodating a maximum of 24 spots per session.

Volunteer Contributions

Each rider requires three volunteers—two sidewalkers and a horse leader—resulting in the involvement of approximately 150 volunteers contributing around 2,000 hours annually. Volunteers consistently return due to the rewarding experience of building connections with the children. The program strives to maintain continuity by pairing riders with the same volunteers over time.

Funding and Financial Support

Prairie Strides operates on an annual budget of approximately $160,000, with no government funding. The organization relies entirely on public donations, grants, sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives. The need for financial support is ongoing, and innovative fundraising ideas are always welcomed.

Impact Stories

Christina shared stories of participants like Danica, a small but enthusiastic rider with a radiant smile, and Ethan, who recently returned after a temporary break and has formed a strong bond with the sidewalkers. For many children, Prairie Strides is their only opportunity to participate in a sport, making the program invaluable to their development.

How to Help. The public can support Prairie Strides in several ways:

• Volunteering: No prior experience is required.
• Donating: Contributions help sustain and grow the program.
• Participating in Fundraisers: Engaging in events helps raise essential funds.
• Spreading Awareness: Sharing information about Prairie Strides ensures more families can benefit from its programs.

Christina emphasized the increasing challenges nonprofit organizations face and the importance of keeping children engaged in such a unique and life-changing sport.

Questions & Answers: Christina Dolinsky on Prairie Strides Inc.

Horse Ownership & Facility Use

Q: Do you own the horses used in the program?
A: No, we rent the horses and facility space from Westwind Stables.

Q: Have you had trouble maintaining space or had to relocate?
A: No, Prairie Strides has been operating at Westwind Stables for 16 years.

Volunteer Opportunities

Q: How often do you call for volunteers?
A: We have two major volunteer recruitment drives annually—one in the spring and one in the fall, aligning with our main riding programs. Our highest need for volunteers is during these times.

Q: Do you experience high turnover among your volunteers?
A: No, we have a strong retention rate, with at least 40% of volunteers returning each year. Some may take temporary breaks and then return.

Program Costs & Affordability

Q: What do parents pay for their children to participate?
A: Fees range from $250 for the ground program to $500 for the advanced riding program. The riding program costs $400 on average. The organization subsidizes about 88% of program costs to keep it affordable for families.

Q: Other programs are more expensive. How do you keep costs low?
A: Unlike other programs that charge over $2,000, Prairie Strides is committed to affordability, which is why fundraising and volunteer support are so crucial.

Program Accessibility & Participant Experience

Q: Does the program accommodate children with severe autism?
A: We serve children of varying autism levels, adapting where possible. A trainer from Manitoba Autism is working with us to further enhance our instructors’ ability to accommodate different needs.

Q: Do you have a waitlist?
A: Yes, our riding program currently has a waitlist of eight children. However, we introduced horse activities to provide waitlisted children with early exposure to horses while they wait for a riding spot.

Q: What age range does the program serve?
A: The program is for children ages 5 to 15. There are weight and size limits for safety reasons, especially for children requiring full support.

Comparison to Other Programs & School Division Support

Q: Does Prairie Strides receive support from school divisions like Urban Stables did?
A: No, we operate independently and do not partner with school divisions. Our program runs two evenings per week in the spring and fall.

Q: Urban Stable struggled with transportation challenges. Is that an issue for Prairie Strides?
A: No, we are relatively close to the city, making access easier for families. However, we do not operate in winter due to weather conditions.

Fundraising Efforts

Q: What upcoming fundraisers do you have?
A:

• Gallop & Groove Musical Bingo – April 11th at Assiniboia Downs. Tickets: $40 (includes two bingo cards). Additional cards available for purchase. Grand prize: 65-inch TV.
• St. Mary’s Gift Cards – On sale in April.
• Poop Bingo – A 50/50 raffle in June where participants bet on where a horse will, well, do its business!

For tickets and more information, visit: www.prairiestrides.ca

Volunteer Training & Commitment

Q: Volunteer training is on a Monday. Will that interfere with Rotary meetings?
A: The initial orientation on March 10 is online, but the in-person training is on a Monday. We encourage volunteers to attend in person to practice walking alongside horses and learn safety protocols.

Q: What does volunteer training involve?
A: Volunteers go through:

• Online orientation.
• In-person training to practice walking in sand and supporting riders.
• A dry run night where Westwind Stables students simulate real rider scenarios.
• The program officially starts on April 6.

Volunteering is a rewarding experience, and we always welcome new volunteers to help keep Prairie Strides running smoothly!

For more details, visit www.prairiestrides.com.

Closing Remarks by Cathy

Volunteer Appreciation and Memories

Cathy shared a personal story about her daughter’s experience with horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. When Cathy’s daughter, Valerie, participated in Manitoba Riding for the Disabled, volunteers were asked how they would like to be thanked. Rather than requesting a party or dinner, many simply wished for a moment of rest, highlighting their dedication.

Valerie, now 41, rode when she was around 12 or 13. Cathy recalled that one of the most difficult days for her daughter was when she had to graduate from the program to make space for new participants. It was a significant and emotional moment, emphasizing the deep impact that programs like Prairie Strides have on their riders.

A Potential Visit to Prairie Strides

Christina warmly extended an invitation for the group to visit Prairie Strides, an opportunity that Cathy encouraged everyone to consider. She reminisced about the joy of watching the riders from the viewing area at Westwind Stables and noted how meaningful the program is to those involved.

A Special Achievement

Cathy concluded with a fond memory from her daughter’s time in Girl Guides. Valerie, despite her disabilities, was the only member of her troop to earn a riding badge. This accomplishment stood out because, while she faced many challenges, she was able to do something that her peers could not. Her fellow Girl Guides were envious of her achievement, reinforcing the unique and empowering experiences that programs like Prairie Strides provide to their participants.

Happy Bucks & Birthdays

• Chuck happily contributed two dollars to celebrate the Flyers' 2-1 overtime win last Saturday. He was thrilled to be there in person to witness the game, noting that Fedotov made crucial saves, effectively stopping all three Jets' attempts in overtime. Ivan Dmitrievich Fedotov is a Finnish-born Russian professional ice hockey goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League.
• David M shared that he had the pleasure of hosting his son and grandson, who visited from Anchorage, Alaska. As part of their time together, they attended a Jets game on Saturday night, which he described as a spectacular experience.
• Ed T accomplished two important tasks over the past few days. First, he completed his monthly fund monitoring, a significant responsibility he handles each month. With that task finished, he also finalized the arrangements for a reunion at Clear Lake for the Aggies of '67. With both tasks completed, Ed now feels he has some free time—perhaps even to start curling again.
• Mandy K was happy to be in Toronto with Thea. Thea, who works with her at Manulife, joined her for the trip last week. Her former team from last year won several awards, making the event even more special.
• Rod celebrated a birthday but declined the generous offer by Sarge Mike of having the members sing Happy Birthday.

Sarge Mike – the draw Thea had the winning ticket however did not draw the lucky marble

Next week’s speaker will be Don Ross of the Winnipeg Probus club. President Cathy mentioned Probus is an off-shoot of Rotary with some differences. https://winnipegprobus85.wordpress.com/