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

Chair Announcements

President Cathy welcomed everyone back after the break and reminded all that she heard there were a lot of viruses around during the holidays.

On December 13, Jack, Chuck and Cathy went to see the new Welcome to Charleswood sign unveiled. There was a large group out, despite it being a bitterly cold afternoon. In Cathy’s opinion, the sign looks great. Be sure to go by after dark when you get the chance to see it lit up.

There was a bit of a lull in activity over the holidays, but some exciting things are coming up. There will be more details as they are available. Did you know that Rotary was founded on February 23, 1905? That means that February 23, 2025 will be its 110th anniversary. The Winnipeg Presidents’ Council is working on a way to observe that milestone.

And, we haven’t forgotten, Winnipeg Charleswood Rotary will be celebrating its 40th anniversary a couple of months later, and we will be getting back to work on that.

The golf tournament steering committee has started its work for the 2025 tournament before Christmas. This year’s tournament will again be held at Kingswood Golf Course. The date will be Wednesday, September 10th, and the cost has been reduced to $200. The committee is meeting this Saturday, 11th to finalize a few things, then the Save the Date reminders will go out, and registration will go live soon. Fundraising was beneficial in 2024, and can do even better if we increase the number of golfers. Please consider playing, if you can, and bring your friends. Sign up early, to relieve the committee.

President Cathy spent Monday at Fort Whyte Alive hearing a couple of great lectures. She put on her polar bear socks, arrived at Fort Whyte and said hello to the polar bears in the Touch Museum, and then snagged the polar bear coffee cup. Later, the lecture, which was supposed to be about whales, had changed to being about polar bears! And she loves polar bears. She learned that a polar bear mostly fasts when it can get out onto the sea ice to hunt seals. And during the fast loses about 1.5 kg of fat per day. What a great skill, she remarked. We also learned that the bears are aging one year faster for each degree of warming being experienced in their habitat. And also, that just as with humans, females outlast males among polar bears. The presenter shared a post by Elon Musk (from 2021) in which he offered a $100 million prize to the individual with the best solution for carbon capture. And the presenter added: Congratulations to the person who invents…forests! I guess that would also apply to the stewards of the forests. Should Charleswood Rotary be asking Elon for the prize? And speaking of global warming…

Chuck explained how well the socks and mitts collection went. He was pleased to announce that 144 pairs of men’s and ladies socks were donated to Fit Feet for the Street via Canadian Footwear. Also 120 pairs of socks and 31 pairs of mittens to Westgrove School.

Mandy explained how well the effort towards helping Ukrainians find furniture has gone. Furniture drives were continued over the Christmas break by which 10 families were supported bringing the total to 366 families supported. She explained there are openings to volunteer on Saturday 11th. We are coming to a close and the end of February looks like the end of the program. Because we are coming to an end it is time to have a wind-up party by having a social event in a community hall in March. One thing the refugees have said is the need for community is high and getting together as a group would be the perfect way to finish up. Also a thank-you dinner for the volunteers

There will be a board meeting next Tuesday, January 14, at 4:30.

This evening we have a very special program. Two of our newer members will be presenting their vocational talks. This is an opportunity for new members to tell us about themselves.

Iain introduced Caroline. Good evening, everyone. It’s my pleasure to introduce Caroline Wild, an individual whose life has spanned 4 continents and adventures. Hailing from the beautiful county of Dorset, England, Caroline has lived in England, India, Zimbabwe, and Canada, enriching her life with diverse cultures and experiences. A proud mother of three and grandmother to two beautiful grandchildren, Caroline treasures her family deeply. Her rich journey, full of challenges and opportunities, offers us valuable insights and stories. Please join me in giving a warm Rotary welcome to Caroline Wild.

Mandy Introduced Nick. Mandy explained that Nick is from Ukraine and immediately felt a connection when she met him at the furniture drive and he has continued helping the new Ukrainians. He is now bringing his father to help out. Mandy considers Nick a friend of the family. Is there anything else for the good of Rotary?

Happy Bucks

Lloyd mentioned that Canada was mentioned a lot on US news due to political happenings in Canada. More importantly was Jimmy Carter's passing. Lloyd recounted how he and his wife along with the Thompsons were at the Rotary International convention in Atlanta where he sat with one of Jimmy Carter’s cousins. He spoke of how Carter exemplified the value of Rotarians. Carter spoke of how much he loved Canada and Winnipeg. During his last visit to the city in 2017, Carter joined volunteers to build one of 20 Habitat of Humanity Manitoba homes. Whilst here he was taken to St. Boniface and he commented how did not have to pay a cent. Lloyd explained how he espouses the value of Rotarians and we are very proud to have this connection.

Iain wanted to say how wonderful a neighbour he has in Jack DeCorby. Upon showing Iain how he had insulated his garage door, he immediately offered to help Iain do the same. He organised his nephew to pick up supplies and spend hours helping him.

Lyle is enjoying the nice weather because 50 years ago on this day it was -42C in Thompson where he was living and to celebrate his daughter who was born on this day. His son will be 51 in 6 days and this day he took his first step 50 years ago.

Mandy's 12 year old healthy Husky went from not being able to take a step on Friday to Saturday back to her normal self. She is a miracle.

Chuck's grandchildren and friends were cross country skiing at their cabin in Falcon Lake. They went through a cord of wood. Sunny and -25 C.

Ed will be away for 3 weeks in Florida.

Jack visited his family in Calgary and was happy and proud his daughter after working till midnight on the 23rd hosted the family of 12 for the first time for christmas dinner. His wife Mur is also happy to have passed the torch.

Nick has passed his certification as a HPE Aruba Networking Certified Professional.

Sarge Mike held the draw and Nancy Morris won the draw however did not find the dark blue marble.

Next week our guest is Eva Vida, President, The Rotary Foundation Canada