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Welcome to Minneapolis University Rotary Club

Are you an individual who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Join Rotary’s 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Our small and mighty club meets every second and fourth Wednesday, from noon to 1.00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to visit our meetings. Contact us at mplsunivrotary@gmail.com with questions.

From January to March we only meet via Zoom.

From April on, the first meeting each month will be at Open Book with a Zoom option. Open Book is @ 1011 S Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415.

The second meeting will be via Zoom .

My Very Own Bed where MURC donated 1,800 books for children

The Simpson Food Pantry where MURC supports food supplies

The Lighthouse Haiti where MURC helped found a Maternity Center near Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Laila Abed “Digital Divide: How Social Media Fuel Anti-Refugee Sentiments”

Laila Abed, Rotary Peace Fellow sponsored by Minneapolis University Rotary Club, speaks at the Rotary Convention.
http://youtu.be/RJNSl0ZBAfU?feature=shared

My Very Own Bed Project

Mpls University Rotary Club Grant for My Very Own Bed

By Carol Skulstad and Jean Westberg

Our Club was first introduced to My Very Own Bed when Rich Berkley, one of our members, invited them to speak to our club. As a result, our club became active volunteering in the past year and a half. Founded in 2014 as a non-profit, My Very Own Bed had one goal: to provide new beds to children moving into stable housing. By 2024, we’ve provided more than 8,500 beds and Dream Kits to children ages 2 – 17 in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs.

This non-profit provides beds, a Dream Kit that includes beddingand 2 books for 2 to 17-year-old children who would otherwise be sleeping on the floor, air mattress, or sharing a bed with a parent or sibling. The younger children also receive stuffed animals. Many of the children also have recently experienced homelessness.

My Very Own Bed has committed to support book purchases from 2 local book stores, Strive and Planting People Growing Justice. These stores are Black Women Owned, who provide books that reflect diversity and, in some cases, diverse authors. Up to 80% of the children served are people of color.

MURC at the Simpson Food Pantry

The employees at Simpson Food Pantry are so thankful that the MURC Rotarians continue to volunteer at their location. This time we packed bags of apples and potatoes. We bag them into smaller bags for the families so it is easier for them to carry the food if they are walking to and from the pantry. The individuals are thankful for fresh food. We are scheduled to volunteer again at the end of the month.

MURC Rotarians have continued to support the Simpson Food Pantry throughout the year. Jeff and Cheryl are so appreciative of the support we have given. The people they serve appreciate that they are able to obtain fresh fruits and vegetables. The pantry receives donations from multiple organizations, including the Food Group in New Hope. We provided donations to the Food Group in the past. Members have donated in the past and I have encouraged my friends and family to donate as well.