ROTARY CLUB OF SASKATOON
April 17, 2023
MEETING AT THE SASKATOON CLUB with Zoom alternative.
Wendy Cooper was Emcee for the meeting. Members sang ‘O’Canada. Al Morton recited the blessing. Mark Gryba monitored Zoom. Cahier was Donna Gauthier. Kent Smith-Windsor was greeter and introduced the visitors and guests who were Carla Delgado and Claire Ochitwa our guest presenters.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
President Steve announced:
- Our District Conference is approaching, May 11 to 14, and if you still want to register you can do so through rotarynutana.org. Tickets may still be available for the Wanuskewin Dinner or the Saturday night dinner.
- The Board meeting is April 19 at 4:00 pm. Our May Board meeting is on May 17, but we must end early so we will start at 3:30 pm.
HAPPY AND SAD DOLLARS
- $20H Mark had an enjoyable week in Orlando, and he missed the storm.
- $100H Graham spent an enjoyable time in Calgary and mentioned that his son, James, will be moving there.
- $100H Jack followed Graham’s lead.
- $100H Gary Rusu was appreciative of the help at the Friendship Inn on April 10.
- $20H Prems poke to the Nutana club about the Nepal project and had a good response.
- $100H Elaine is happy they met their goal to raise $15,000 - Hope for Malawi- and she will be leaving for there when it can be arranged.
- $20S Paul is sad that he had to leave early.
Presentation by Carla Delgado and Claire Ochitwa from the YWCA.
Will Arscott introduced the presenters:
Carla Delgado joined the YWCA in 2020 after over 10 years with Cameco. She is now Vice-President of Development and Engagement and interacts with all four main areas of focus at the YWCA, Employment and Learning, Fitness on 25th, the Child Development Centre, and the Crisis Shelter and Residence. Her main concern is to help lift-up vulnerable women and their families through crucial donations and funding for the YWCA. When not working she spends time with her husband and three daughters, while training for the world’s major marathons.
Claire Ochitwwa volunteers with the YWCA and is involved with the ‘Hope Lives Here’ Campaign. She graduated from the Edwards School of Business in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. She has been working in digital marketing and is very involved in the community, including being Communications Director of the Saskatoon Women’s Network. She enjoys playing soccer and volleyball. She sings and plays piano.
The YWCA has a fully licensed childcare facility, and an employment and learning centre, targeting women 55 - 64. Fitness on 25th is specific to women. There is a crisis shelter and residence where women and youth can stay up to 30 days. Margaret’s place has four bedrooms where up to 6 girls 16 - 21 years can stay. Turning Point has accommodation for 14 women.
There is a 19 million Dollar Campaign to improve and expand. In 2021 they had 3713 requests, but 1747 individuals had to be turned away, plus dealt with 8615 crisis calls. Of the campaign 12.38 million would be to expand Turning Point. They have documented a 95% success rate so that is key.
Repairs require 4.17 million. The employment and learning centre require 2.45 million.
550 people self identify as homeless in Saskatoon. There are many more who don’t so the number is higher.
Donation of money is needed but also towels, toiletries, blankets, mitts, and toques.
Regarding the $19 million target; the Government has committed $9 million and major donors have committed $2 million, which leaves $7 million to be raised.
Next Meeting - May 1, 2023. Presenter TBA
- reported by Steve Wilson
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