President Amin Kawar opened the meeting at 6:30 pm.

Frank Morewood led the singing of O Canada.

President Amin proposed the toast to the King and Canada.

Richard Roberts gave the invocation.

Dinner was served.

 

Announcements were made following dinner.

 

1. Mike Henry reported from the Membership Committee that new members participated in a District presentation "Chairing an Effective Meeting". The response was favourable and the suggestion was made that all Committee Chairs would benefit from this presentation. There will be future presentations.

 

2. Mike Henry announced that the Golf Tournament shared with Oakville West will be September 18 at Pipers Heath. Prices have been raised. The Committee is looking for an additional member to handle the financing.

 

3. George Vincent announced that the Electric Vehicle Lottery website will open March 22 and the draw will be June 28. Michael Conway is challenging the club to reach $400,000 this year!

 

4. Frank Morewood reestablished the "Rotary Moment" in our meetings. He encouraged all members to attend the District Conference on May 6 at The Royal Botanical Gardens. The cost is $155.

 

5. Sundeep Khosla reminded members of the work session at Global Medic this coming Saturday, March25.

 

Guests were invited to introduce themselves.

We welcomed potential new members Dan McCartney, David Hoyle, Peter Chaba who said he and his wife would join; James Montague and Norma Gamble from Oakville West.

James invited everyone to attend their event at Amica (Bronte Road and Lakeshore) on March 28 from 6 to 9 pm.

 

Mike Henry introduced Judy Ising from Indwell who was standing in for Trish DeSimone.

Judy shared slides showing the various housing projects in several communities.

Indwell is a Christian charity which provides permanent affordable housing for vulnerable people, often those with mental health or addiction issues.

The motto is Dignity..Love..Hope.

Currently there are 1000 tenants with 300 more to come in the next year.

In addition to the housing component Indwell provides programs and services for the residents.

Programs include social workers, recreation programs, life skills training, addictions support, food security, and a knowable community by keeping the residences small enough so that residents get to know their neighbours.

The buildings are energy efficient and property management is included.

Rents are geared to income and utility costs are low. Long term stability is the goal. Buildings are located near public transportation, often in downtown areas where there are pharmacies, food banks, coffee shops, and sometimes indoor parking for bicycles and scooters.

A question and answer period followed the presentation with many questions and much interest on the part of the audience.George Vincent thanked Judy for her presentation.

 

Ralf Soeder collected fines and happy bucks.

 

President Amin closed the meeting with a toast to Friends and Rotarians around the world.