Our Golf for Kids’ Sake Online Auction is back and better than ever! 📣
This is your chance to bid on exclusive packages, local experiences, and unique prizes!* Our online auction is open to everyone; no golf experience is required! Each item up for bid has been generously donated by members of our community, with all proceeds directly supporting life-changing mentorship programs for children and youth across Niagara.
Start bidding today and help us create brighter futures for Niagara’s youth!
For more information on our Golf for Kids' Sake Tournament, please click here.
AUCTION CLOSES ON JUNE 19 ~ Thank you for your support. 💙
*Must be 18 and over to bid. Winners must be able to pick up prizes at 428 Niagara Street, St. Catharines.
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July 7 Rock of 80s (Classic Rock) July 14 Barbara Mantini Quintet (Jazz) July 21 Stone House Road (Rock / Pop) July 28 Kim Kay and Stop 19 (Country)
Concerts start at 7:00 pm & finish at 8:30 pm.
Food vendors on site by 5:30pm - August Restaurant Smoke & Moonshine Food Truck & Chef Hotdog
Club President John Kralt called the meeting to order 19 Lincoln Rotarians in attendance along with guest speaker, Ben Murray and two prospective new Rotarians, Antonella and Don Berantchez.
Rob Foster opened with the Land Acknowledgment. Sue Foster followed with her Point of Pride, which highlighted the recent completion of two projects in Beamsville - Rotary Peace Pole now installed at Rotary Park and planting of a native garden in St Volodomyr Park adjacent to Konkle Creek.
Inspired by a quote from Les Brown, a motivational spaker, Sue also shared her Thought for the Day…
"Each day brings 1,440 minutes, 1,440 opportunities to create meaningful change, extend compassion and live through Service Above Self. Through every act of kindness and every effort to uplift others, we Rotarians have the power to make a lasting positive impact in our community and around d the world."
50/50
Rich Barich had the winning ticket but missed pulling the winning card and so the pot grows.
SPECIAL MESSAGE for ROTARIAN PHIL GOODWIN
HAPPY BUCKS
Maria enjoyed Wind in the Willows at the Shaw.
Lindsay has her planters done.
Barb was mowing for 3 hours.
Terry happy to see sunshine.
Sue welcomed Guests Antonella and Don.
Gerry had a visit to the new hospital - nice to see it completed.
David enjoyed golfing with Rob.
Bob happy about the weather.
Teresa loves seeing spring gardens everywhere.
Rich says you can't teach an old dog new tricks since he got into poison ivy.
Justin is out of chaos now that tax season is over.
Rob thanked David for playing golf at Lookout Point a beautiful place.
Don had a recent trip to Japan.
Antonella hopes to join Rotary.
Ben was at his brother's wedding, must have been fun, a bit of a rough voice!
Bill welcomed guests and Phil comes home June 1.
Dale announced Valerie will get a new hip June 9.
PROGRAM
Report by Lindsay Dressel & Photos by Sue Foster
SPEAKER: Ben Murray, Communications Advisor, Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers' Association
TOPIC: Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
Ben explained that SAWP was established in 1966 and helps farms address labour shortages by bringing in seasonal workers, primarily from Jamaica, Mexico, and other Caribbean countries. These workers are essential to planting, maintaining, and harvesting crops, especially in labour-intensive sectors such as fruit and vegetable production. We learned that many farms struggle to find enough local workers due to the seasonal nature and physical demands of agricultural work.
We also learned about the role of the Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers' Association, which advocates for farmers through policy development, government relations, labour initiatives, and crop protection programs.
A significant part of the presentation focused on the More Than a Migrant Worker communications campaign. This initiative was created to share the positive stories of seasonal agricultural workers and highlight their contributions to Canadian agriculture. Through interviews, articles, videos, and social media content, the campaign helps the public better understand the workers' experiences and the important role they play in food production.
The presentation also featured the Jamaica Project, a video initiative that followed Jamaican workers both on Ontario farms and in their home communities. The project showed how the wages earned through SAWP help workers support their families, pay for their children's education, improve housing, and invest in their communities. The video also highlighted the sacrifices workers make by spending months away from their families while creating opportunities for a better future.
Overall, Ben Murray's presentation provided valuable insight into the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program and helped us better understand the people behind Canada's food supply and the positive impact of their work on both Canadian agriculture and their home communities.
