President Mandy was not able to attend tonight’s meeting due to the sudden winter storm. Nancy Morris stood in as the acting president for the evening. We opened with O Canada and a pause for a moment of thanks. Sarge Mike Dudar advised that we did not have any guests with us tonight. Marty Marantz was booked to speak but was unable to keep the engagement. President Mandy made a Rotary Quiz that Nancy will take with us later in the evening.

 

 

Ed Thompson advised that he had placed a few documents on each table.

These included:

 

Paul Brault has recently become involved with the organization International Hope. We recently had a presentation from this group that refurbishes used, donated medical equipment and ships it to countries in need. Recent shipments have gone to the Philippines and Nicaragua. The organization is in desperate need of warehouse space (~5,000 + sqft). They are also looking into going into the retail end of used medical equipment by selling used walkers and scooters. This project requires a volunteer student or individual to write up a business plan for the endeavour. A similar retail store in Fargo has annual sales of $200,000. International Hope in Winnipeg operates on a budget of $15,000/yr.  If you have any contacts that would be able to help in either area, please contact Paul.

 

Jack Wilson was speaking with Pat Roberts recently and she is involved with a noon hour knitting club at Westgrove School. They are looking for 5 – 6 mm knitting needles. The school is also looking for someone to volunteer to bake with special needs students for one class per cycle. Please contact Jack, Pat or the school.

 

Nancy Morris was at Westgrove School this week to drop off a food item for the breakfast program. While there she was asked by Cheryl (Principal) if she could read to some students. If you are willing to read to students, or any other activity with the Westgrove students, you will need a background check. The cost is $15 (S.D. will subsidize that cost). Police Station on Smith St. downtown.

Gord Zacharias advised that the police background check is $15 in the city, while a similar RCMP check outside Winnipeg is free.

Glenn Campbell advised that you must be sure of the type of background check that you will need. There is the ‘Police record’, ‘Social Services i. children or ii. adult’. For Westgrove school volunteer work with the students, you would require a ‘child protection check’.

 

Lloyd Talbot reminded everyone present that the Rotary Career Symposium is happening on  Monday, March 16, 2020 : 6pm - 8pm / Tuesday, March 17, 2020 : 9am - 3pm / Wednesday, March 18, 2020 : 9am -3pm. To volunteer please contact info@rotarycareersymposium.ca . The location is the RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg.

 

Dave Morris wanted to make sure everyone was aware that R.I. sent out a Polio update email. The bottom line is that Rotary has set a goal of $50 million to raise this year for a total of $450 million after matching dollars from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.