Submitted by Will Arscott 

 

 

The meeting was held in the dining room at the Saskatoon Club. Our MC for the meeting was Incoming President Wendy Cooper. Greeter was Meg Schmieder. Cashier was Wayne Palmer.

 

The meeting began with members singing ‘O’ Canada. Maureen Torr provided a very appropriate blessing.

 

 

Meg Schmieder introduced Don Lepp, a perspective new member, and guest presenter Karen Pidskalny of the UCC who was introduced more fully later in the program.

 

 

No report.

 

 

As you will see below Elaine Zakreski made a special appeal on behalf of the Hope For Malawi project. The project area was hit by Cyclone Freddie. Many homes in the villages were destroyed or become uninhabitable. The schools themselves provided refuge and undoubtedly saved many lives. The damage was much more serious than originally reported. HThere was a GoFundMe page established but the cost of using this method is very high particularly with a donation of any size.   Please read Elaine’s message below and see if you can help.

 

The District Conference is in Saskatoon May 11 to 14. The events are centered at the Travelodge as well as the gala dinner. There will also be a dinner on Friday at Wanuskewin with a maximum attendance of 150 people. Those people who purchase the full package will be confirmed to attend this dinner. This conference will also feature an opportunity for hands-on community service. Gary is encouraging our members to be involved particularly when there will not be any hotel costs. Registration is now open at Rotarynutana.org. Please consider attending at least part of this year’s event.

 

We need a volunteer from the club to be our Public Image Volunteer. This position requires creativity and perseverance. Please talk to President Steve if you are interested.

 

Donna Gauthier has grocery cards available. This is an important club fundraiser so please order your cards from Donna and she can bring them to the meetings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am sad to report that Cyclone Freddie hit Malawi causing widespread damage. Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed including personal possessions. This included clothing, bedding, and cooking utensils. Emerging crops were also destroyed. We are very thankful that in the area we work, which is still very sad, only one life was lost. The area beside us lost hundreds.

It seems to be our many learning Centers became safe shelters. This is in no small way is due to the generosity of many fellow Rotarians who helped us to build fifteen so far.

 

On behalf of our villagers, I invite you to consider assisting in whatever way you can.

It you go on our website donor page you will be directed to two options, pay pal or cheque.  There is also a GOFUND me option which has a higher user fee than the others.

 

I am planning on visiting in May along with my son and look forward to reconnecting with everyone and reporting to you on my return. Thank you for your past generosity, kind consideration, and your prayers.                                                                     

 

 

 

Karen was introduced by Avis Hardy. Karen grew up as a second generation Ukrainian-Canadian in the Prud’Homme area. She studied Slavic studies at the University of Saskatchewan. Karen serves on the executive board of the Ukrainian Council of Canada Saskatoon Chapter.

 

Karen provided a wonderful talk about the activities of the UCC in Saskatoon and the work they have undertaken since the Russian Invasion of the Ukraine. Rather than make any attempt to reproduce her talk here, your scribe is delighted to pass on the talk and accompanying slides.

 

 

Karen was thanked by Wendy Cooper and the regular donation will be made to Bethany Homes.    

 

Next meeting, a Club Assembly, is on April 3.

 

 

Adjournment