Rotary Club of Saskatoon Meeting September 22,2025.
Wendy Cooper was the Chair of our meeting.
Members sang O Canada. Elaine Zakreski gave the blessing.
Greeter was Maureen Torr. Cashier was Wayne Palmer. Technology was handled by Fred Solomon.
Our Guest Speaker was Kendra Mazer, from Hope Restored Canada.
Maureen introduced visiting Rotarians, Brenda and Bruce Stewart from Ontario.
HAPPY AND SAD DOLLARS
- $20H Mark Gryba for Hilltops, big game coming up against first place rivals, Regina.
- $20H Jim Weber for Huskies doing great and in first place.
- $20H Bruce Stewart for enjoyable time with Brenda in Saskatoon for the first time.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Kent Smith-Windsor outlined the Bridge Shield and Star Dinner coming in just a few weeks, October 21. Speaker is Tyler Smith, a survivor of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash.
Linda Petrow announced that the vendor tables are sold out. She needs some volunteers for the Craft Fair on November 1.
Paul Gauthier announced the potluck will be on November 17 during Foundation month. The agenda will include the presentation of two honorary memberships to Peter Whitenect and Stan Hodgins. Check your giving and top up soon if you are close to the next Paul Harris level. This can be done on-line.
GUEST SPEAKER
Avis introduced Kendra Mazer, the director of Hope Restored Canada.
The organization was founded to assist the victims of human trafficking to break away from the bonds they are living in. They seek to empower the individuals to rebuild their lives.
Collaboration with other organizations is important as healing and recovery is needed.
There is a housing program and a day program.
27 people went through the program during the last few months.
There are literacy classes and hands on therapy.
The contributions from Rotary are used to incentivize good learning skills.
There was a fund-raising gala over the last few days, which included a silent auction.
They are linked to a 12-week addiction recovery program which also addresses mental health.
The housing program receives $300,000 from the federal government which mostly covers the salaries. Fortunately, there is a low turnover of the staff.
in Saskatoon donations of clothing, furniture and kitchen items can be given most efficiently through a group called Re-Route.
Finally, the shocking truth is that a handler can earn $280,000 annually from a sexually exploited individual.
NEXT MEETING:
October 6, 2025. Speaker is Gem Munroe about the Amorak Society.
Reported by Steve Wilson