President Iain Scott called the meeting to order with the land acknowledgement and the singing of O’Canada

Rotary Moment: President Iain said that each of us will have a different memory of Sept. 11, 2001. Iain was at home and remembers following the devastating events on television. Let's honour the lives lost and remember.

Sarge: Mike Dudar - Guests David Soper, Carell Jakimin and Anya. Four from Rotaract UW: Mohammed Sheheryar President, Mohammad Ayan - Secretary,Farwa Awan- Social Media, Ronly Raymend- Internal Affairs.

Chair announcements:

Christmas Dinner - Lorraine has confirmed with Breezy Bend our annual event on December 18. Details to follow. Mark your calendars.

District Membership Session - this Wednesday, Sept. 13 on Zoom. Contact Iain for the link.

Forest - thanks to Ed and Cathy who joined Iain in the Assiniboine Forest to promote our club's role as stewards of the Forest and to sell Forest reusable shopping bags. They used the Square unit to collect payments for the first time.

Club guests - all members reminded to consider individuals who could be introduced to Rotary membership. Invite them to a meeting as a guest. Who do you know?

Jack Wilson, Chair, Forest Committee - the committee met last week. It plans to install wayfinding signs and the Forest map this Fall. Rising costs will be a challenge moving forward. Effective fundraising is critical. Please help to promote the Forest and to sell the shopping bags.

Ukraine Project - Mandy was happy to have new volunteers. If we don't, there aren't enough currently to hold a furniture drive in September. Visit www.bridgeofhopeukraine.com to register.

President Iain introduced the Executive (and founders) of the Rotaract Club, University of Winnipeg. We look forward to hearing about how they've grown with 20 active members and 50 volunteers. What is the potential of collaboration with our club?

Two are majoring in neuroscience at UW. Farwa came to Winnipeg at age 2 from Pakistan and is studying human rights. Another is studying biochemistry. President Mohammed became active in Rotaract when he was living in Saudi Arabia. He learned that there was a club at the UM, but not at UW. Nancy Cosway, Rotary Club of Winnipeg, encouraged him to establish another Rotaract Club at UW, which he did in January, 2023. He profiled some activities including an inaugural open house which focused on Polio Plus, resulting in interest from 16 students to join the club. Shortly after, they held their first meeting. Following the earthquake in Turkey, the club organized some fundraising and to connect people in Turkey and Winnipeg.

They expanded their recruitment program, explaining their role and creating awareness with other campus groups and new students. They also met with Rotarians and other Rotaract Clubs including Brandon. They would like to collaborate more with Charleswood, looking for opportunities to fundraise/volunteer (Assiniboine Forest/ Bridge of Hope Ukraine), and to increase connections for UW students. Please contact Rotaract UW directly or via Facebook or Instagram.

President Iain thanked Rotaract for attending. Rotaract is our future.

Happy Bucks:

• Peter Tonge was happy to be back at a meeting with his home club, and to have his friend David join him.
• Lloyd was happy that his daughter is back safe and sound from Burning Man.
• Jim was sad/happy to have closed up his camp for the season. Sad the season's over but happy that closing up went well.
• Cathy made a stop at No Frills after selling bags/soliciting donations in the Forest on Thursday. At the store she bought a coupon card in support of Wounded Veterans Canada. Then she told the representative about what she had been up to in the morning, and he gave $10 for the Forest!
• Ed Thompson was happy to have received cash for the Forest.
• Rod is proud to have completed his cycle challenge. He rode 700 km and raised over $1,400.
• Chuck is happy to have Grey Cup tickets to sell to us. They are a fundraiser for the Charleswood Historical Society.
• Ed Toews was delighted with the 'best Bomber game in a long time.'
• Jagdish shared that it was his birthday.
• Len was happy for Canada's bronze medal win in basketball. The team has now qualified for the Olympics.
• Al Roberts was happy to have had his anniversary in August.
• Lyle was pleased to report that he has enjoyed 18,627 days of marriage.
• Al Roberts shared that his daughter is giving birth to his second grandchild. Right now!

50/50

Guest Carell drew the ticket and the blue marble was not drawn in the 50/50 draw.

Sarge

Those who have not donated beer bottles/cans for Polio Plus were fined $1 each.

Next week - Emily Cupo, StoveTeam International