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

Rotary Moment – earlier today, the Club received an inquiry from a regular visitor to the Assiniboine Forest. She asked about how to volunteer to clean the Forest this Spring. I asked Jack Wilson about a response, and he was already considering a clean-up day in collaboration with the City. The Club would invite Rotarians, friends of the Forest and groups that have helped in the past, such as the Girl Guides. Another example of a Rotarian seeing a need and responding. Thanks Jack!!

Club Business Announcements:

Bridge of Hope Ukraine – Mandy thanked everyone who volunteered on furniture delivery day on April 1. It was a very busy for all. There were several heart-warming stories of grateful Ukrainian families. The demand is so high, that the donations of furniture/ household goods will be limited for the time being. If you haven’t subscribed for the project newsletter, you may subscribe at: https://bridgeofhopeukraine.com

Jim Forestell passed on information about Grace Hospital Day which is celebrated with a Radiothon on 680CJOB. The goal is to raise funds for patient care at The Grace. Volunteers can sign up on at: https://www.gracehospitalfoundation.ca/all-event-list/grace-hospital-day/

Rossbrook House is hosting the No Child Alone Dinner, Thursday, April 27 in support of programs and activities. RBC Convention Centre. Tickets are $175 per person. Please advise Glenn or Cathy Skene if you’re interested in attending.

Charleswood Community Resource Fair – Charleswood Library, Saturday, April 15, 10 am – 2 pm. We are seeking volunteers to take a shift. Contact Jack Wilson. Keep in mind that it is the same day that some of us will be helping with the Bridge of Hope furniture day.

Celebration Dinner – the Rotary Club of Winnipeg Assiniboine is hosting a fundraising dinner on Friday, May 5 in celebration of the club’s 50th anniversary. Tickets are $75. It is being held at the Holiday Inn Airport West. For further information, please e-mail dinner@rcwacf.ca

Golf Tournament - The Rotary Clubs of Winnipeg-Assiniboine and Winnipeg-Charleswood are continuing their proud tradition of support for local community projects with our 'almost annual' golf tournament. Thursday, August 17, 2023. Bel Acres Golf and Country Club, 12 noon – 7 pm. Members are asked to think about who to invite to register a foursome and to consider local businesses that would be a good fit as a sponsor. There is a link for more information on the club website, or touch base with Glenn, Jim, Cathy or Ed. https://portal.clubrunner.ca/1000/SitePage/rotary-green-space-golf-tournament .

Ed Thompson introduced Diana Brown (via Zoom in Guatemala) and Warren Thompson who provided an update about the Ripple Effect program.

The Ripple Effect Program is a Basic Education and Literacy program in Guatemala, which includes building or renewing school infrastructure, including washrooms and kitchens, and providing furniture, supplies, computers and playgrounds, focusing on the primary grades. The Ripple Effect Scholarship Fund, encourages Guatemalan students to attend middle school and high school. A Teachers’ Scholarship program was started in 2015, and four Guatemalan teachers graduated with a degree in 2017. Four scholarships were also awarded in 2018, enabling four young women to enter their first year of university.

 POWERFUL IMPACT: We are often asked what impact the Ripple Effect Program is having on the children and on their communities. It is amazing how quickly positive change has happened. At the start of the program most teachers only had high school level education. However, our liaison with the Guatemalan Dept. of Education has resulted in a commitment to provide qualified teachers in each school we build. Now most teachers are university trained educators. Since 1999, the Canadian Ripple Effect Program has built or refurbished over 85 schools, awarded over 550 middle school and high school scholarships, directly benefitted over 25,000 students and invested over $3,000,000.00 in education in Guatemala. As a result of the enhanced quality of education, the number of students, particularly female students, has risen sharply. The high quality of education has also resulted in academic success as well as enhanced employment opportunities to graduating young people.

WE NEED YOUR HELP: With your help, we are making positive change happen! Education is the right of every child. Join us in making a long-term positive difference in the future success of children and their communities in Guatemala. TO LEARN MORE: Contact Gord LeMaistre, Canadian Ripple Effect Program Chair at glemaistre1@hotmail.com

Sarge – Mike Dudar introduced guest Warren Thompson, Artem and Sharon Jasper. He asked for Happy Bucks:

• Ed Thompson was happy to report that the former St. James Rotary Club has donated $3,000 to the Assiniboine Forest through their trust.
• Jim Forestell was thrilled that the Lobsterfest planning is off and running. The event will be held on Friday, June 16th. 
• Artem was happy that he got his first badminton racquet and he plays badminton!
• Chuck seconded Jim's happy buck that Lobsterfest planning is underway, and he was especially happy (as we all were) that Greg was able to come to the planning meeting.
• Jack had to pay a 'sorry' buck for planning a Forest meeting without checking the date with Mur. Jack has rescheduled the Forest meeting.

Sarge gave himself a fine for missing one of the guests. No other fines. Ed Thompson had the winning raffle ticket, but could not pull the blue marble.

Upcoming meetings – there is no meeting next week, Easter Monday. The notice for meeting on April 17 will be sent in advance.