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

President Iain began by welcoming Ed Gramiuk, who attended to thank members for their support while he’s dealing with health issues. President Iain circulated a card of thanks from Ed & Dianne.

Rotary Moment - Rotary International launched in 1962, Interact brings young people ages 12-18 together. They learn leadership skills that they can bring to the community. President Iain gave examples of Interact projects supporting the Rotary Foundation and Polio eradication.

Sarge Mike Dudar introduced guests Janet McLoud and Brent Fowler (St. John Ambulance) Paul Chapman, and Candy (guest of Len).

Club Business/ Announcements (from President Iain’s notes):

Thank you to Jim who sent the minutes from the recent Board meeting.

Bob Eilers circulated the latest update from Ripple Effect and confirmation that our club purchased 3 cook stoves.

President Iain met with Haylee Edwards from Urban Stable. She showed Iain an article from the Winnipeg Foundation magazine with excellent coverage for Urban Stable. It was a wonderful gesture on part of the Foundation.

Our club and the Assiniboine Rotary Club are hosting a golf tournament on August 17. We need 16 more golfers to register. Please, please, help if you can.

Assiniboine Forest - Jack Wilson reported that the Forest committee has been working on signage, planting and soil. The Green Team has been working on adding wood chips to trails. Jack has been in touch with to inform our city councillor and a major donor who responded positively.

Guest Speakers - Janet McLeod and Brent Fowler, St. John Ambulance. Brent spoke first about his role and the agency’s Capital Campaign. He profiled the new building across from Polo Park. It’s the oldest charitable organisation in the world. 1,000 years old with a Royal Charter. Before COVID, they trained 22,000 individuals in first aid each year.

St. John Ambulance raised $6.6 million towards its $8.5 million goal and is in Phase 2 with $1.9 million left to complete the campaign. This is for the expansion of its parking lot for students, addition of green space, and a digital sign along Portage Ave.

Right now, all donations will be matched dollar for dollar. If the Rotary Club of Winnipeg Charleswood could make a small donation, it would have double the impact. $500 becomes $1,000, $1000 becomes $2,000, $2500 turns into $5,000, etc.

They can also accept pledges, with payments to follow later on. Multi-year gifts are also accepted. "In recognition of your support, we would also be pleased to put your name on our Wall of Honour in the front foyer of our Regional Training Centre". This is a one-time ask for this capital campaign.

President Iain thanked Brent and Janet and said the Club’s Board would consider the request at its next meeting.

Happy Bucks:

• Ed Gramiuk was happy to be back among his fellow Rotarians, who were delighted to have him back.
• Rod was happy that he went to the Manitoba Stampede and had fun.
• Paul Chapman is happy to be settling into Charleswood Rotary Club. He was also happy about a recent trip to St Malo.
• Len was happy about all the many flowers growing in his labyrinth. He mentioned that his dad has been on this property since 1929.
• Mandy enjoyed being at their cabin for a week, and doing some work on it with the kids.
• Al was happy about having had dinner with his son and family.
• Candy was happy to have been kayaking with her daughter and grandchildren for a few weeks, and even happier that it was over. She also expressed gratitude for Len and his always being willing to help when needed.

Birthdays

Cathy's granddaughter turned 4 yesterday. Cathy attended the party but was totally ignored. Apparently the friends are much more interesting.

Next Week - Paul Bernardin, Winnipeg Street Run 5000K in support of St Boniface Hospital