President Glenn opened the meeting with a land acknowledgment. David Morris and Anya led the group in the singing of O Canada.

Rotary Moment - March is Water and Sanitation Month. Access to clean water and sanitation is a human right. When people, especially children, have access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, they lead healthier and more successful lives. Rotary members are committed to projects likeÊbuilding wells, installing rainwater harvesting systems, and teaching community members how to maintain new infrastructure. President Glenn encouraged everyone to consider ways to help a water or sanitation project this month and to help spread the word.

Sarge Lyle Miller welcomed guests Pamela Kolochuk (guest speaker) and Taylor Fenn from Peak of the Market. Caroline was a guest of Iain.

Announcements

Mandy was happy for another incredible day on Saturday when 13 Ukrainian families were invited to shop for furniture and household goods. She acknowledged the volunteers and put out the call for 2 shifts Saturday, 18 March (9 am- 12 noon/ 12 noon - 3 pm). Contact Mandy and spread the word!!

The families expressed their gratitude and in some cases were reluctant to take too much. Nancy Morris commented about how much she enjoyed interacting with the families.

District Conference - is being held in Saskatoon, May 11-14. The early bird rate is available until the end of March. All members are encouraged to attend. More information and a link for registration is on the District website. Cathy Skene is attending and visiting friends during the trip.

Leadership Sessions - President Elect Iain Scott and President Glenn will attend the District Leadership session as virtual registrants this weekend. The session is being held in Russell, MB.

Youth Update - The club has chosen a participant for Adventure in Citizenship to be held in Ottawa in May. We'll announce more after the paperwork is completed. The Club's Board of Directors will be asked to consider requests to sponsor 3 delegations for MUNA. The sponsorship cost is $500 per delegation.

Following dinner, Iain Scott introduced Pamela Kolochuk, CEO of Peak of the Market. A CPA, MBA and Certified Change Leader with over fifteen years of experience in senior financial leadership, Pamela is renowned for her innovative growth strategies and for creating engaged, productive employee teams. Born and raised on a dairy farm south of St. Claude, Manitoba, Pam is grateful for her grower and industry connections that have served her well throughout her education and work-life. Pam is steadfast in her belief that agriculture is the foundation of the economy emphasized by the daily commitment to excellence shown by Peak of the Market's grower-partners and her team of 70 employees in Winnipeg and Calgary. A life-long learner herself, Pam has been a school trustee in Winnipeg's Louis Riel School Division since 2018, where she dedicates much of her time to ensuring that children have access to quality, inclusive and accessible education.

Peak of the Market registered with the provincial government in 1942. The following year, the Vegetable Growers Association of MB was formed. Currently, Peak of the Market partners with 12 large growers in the province that supply produce to take to market. Peak of the Market constructed their King Edward facility in 1960 and completed a major expansion in 2018. They also have a 40-acre irrigated research site in Winkler, MB. Peak of the Market is connected to the community including monthly packing parties with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, various corporate sponsors and donations, Farm to School program and donations to Harvest MB, other community service organizations and food banks across Canada. Pamela encouraged Rotary to visit their facility and to help with packing. There were several questions from those in attendance. Jim Forestell (on Zoom) thanked Pamela for the Peak of the Market bags used in last year's Lobsterfest. Bob Eilers thanked Pamala on behalf of the club. He suggested that the club visit Peak of the Market for a tour and help pack vegetables.

Happy Bucks

• Ed Gramiuk was happy to be home after 5 months.
• Ed Thompson was happy to have had a party for his mother's 99th birthday. And happy that she enjoyed herself.
• Iain was happy that his daughter Hannah will be a chief resident at Mayo Clinic. (Wow!)
• Al Roberts was happy because he learned this morning that he will be a grandfather again. For the 4th time!
• Anya was happy for the people that helped with the Ukraine furniture project on Saturday.
• Jagdish was happy for the beautiful and sunny weather. It perks him up.

There were no birthdays or anniversaries.

50/50

President Glenn had the raffle ticket drawn, but he was unable to find the blue marble.

Next Week - March 13, Erna Buffie, TreesPlease Winnipeg.