Submitted by Will Arscott

 

 

 

We met in the Main Dining Room of the Saskatoon Club. MC was President Will. The meeting began with members singing O Canada led admirably by Gary Rusu. Avis Hardy gave the blessing. The meal was beef kabob.

 

Cashier was Wayne Palmer. Technology was handled by Paul Gauthier. Randy Weekes took care of the banner and greeted our members. As always, a special thanks to Avis Hardy for organizing and communicating the roster.

 

 

Our only guest was Arnel Mendoza our guest speaker who was introduced later in the program.

 

 

No report at this meeting.

 

 

The meeting focused on updates about an upcoming Community Safety & Service Awards Dinner, budget discussions, and a presentation about volunteer opportunities with Meals on Wheels.

 

Kent Smith Windsor announced that Katarina from Broker Canada agreed to be a bronze sponsor for the dinner. He sought 4-6 volunteers for provide backup support during the event. If you are coming to the event and wouldn’t mind doing a little to help, please let Kent know. Possible needs are manning the registration table, managing the raffle draws for first responders and greeting people at the event.

 

President Will provided updates about the Meewasin Lobster Fest which is this weekend. Watch for an email on you ClubRunner in the next day. The sale of grocery cards is suspended until fall. Thanks to all who purchased cards. Will also announced that there wouldn’t be a President's Dinner this year, the passing of ‘the torch’ will take place at the June 22 noon meeting.

 

The club discussed a budget increase where membership fees would rise from $300 to $350 for full active members, and from $200 to $235 for members under 35, and from $25 to $30 for spousal members. These changes are aimed at ensuring fundraising dollars go directly to projects rather than subsidizing administration costs.

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Our new-fangled AI system did not catch the great reasons our members had for contributing their Happy dollars, but the following generous members did contribute:

 

 

Treasurer Wayne presented a budget review explaining that recent years had seen fundraising dollars partially subsidize administrative costs, contrary to the club's philosophy that administrative costs should come from membership fees rather than project funds. In his presentation of the budget details, he explained that the increases in fees were necessary due to rising operational costs such as rising bank charges for software and record-keeping and lower membership fees in recent years. He noted that the board had unanimously approved the new budget. He outlined the anticipated total membership fees and fundraising amounts, emphasizing the conservative nature of the projections.

The billing for fees will be out shortly and the club requests that they be paid by the end of June.

Treasurer Wayne will make the budget available to all members of the club over ClubRunner.

 

 

President Will introduced Arnel Mendoza who presented about volunteer opportunities with Saskatchewan Health Authority's Meals on Wheels program highlighting its mission and impact on the community. He explained the requirements and benefits of volunteering, including the opportunity to deliver meals and provide social connection to vulnerable clients. who presented on the Meals on Wheels program, highlighting its importance in serving isolated clients across Saskatoon through volunteer delivery routes. He explained that while demand for meals-on-wheels services is increasing along with waitlists of clients needing support, limited volunteer availability impacts service expansion and sometimes requires route adjustments or cancellations. Paul outlined the volunteer requirements, including a 6-month commitment with flexible scheduling options, and described the application process which includes criminal record checks and training. The conversation ended with Paul mentioning that the club would discuss potentially doing hands-on volunteer work with Meals on Wheels in the future.

Arnel was thanked by President Will and our regular donation will be made to Bethany Homes.

 

 

Next Meeting is on June 8. Speaker is Candace Odilshaw presenting on the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.