The Spinner December 7 2023

President Jackie chaired the meeting.

The winner this week was fellow Rotarian Linda. Everyone was thrilled at her win. Rotarians, and friends don’t forget to register if you have not already done so. Remember you can give a bill to play in advance whether $10 for 5 weeks of draws or $20 for 10 weeks of draws or more remembering the cost per week is a toonie. Once you register you play using your registration number.

 

Each year the Salvation Army requests Rotary’s help in providing gift cards for older children between the ages of 10 - 14 years) during their Christmas Hamper campaign.

 This year Rotarians are asked to give Elaine a $30 gift card or to e-transfer the money to her and she will purchase gift cards. The gift cards will be given to the Salvation Army on December 15^th.  Rotarians let Elaine have your donated card before the 15^th.

 

 

Parker Salyzyn who was awarded the Rotary High School Scholarship in June, came to the meeting to thank the club for being selected as the recipient of the Rotary Scholarship. 

Parker currently is enrolled at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University working towards a B.Sc. in Physics. He is active in both minor hockey and baseball and has completed the silver level of the Duke of Edinburgh Challenge.

Rotarians were pleased that he came to the meeting to thank Rotarians for his award and they wish Parker well with his studies and with his future endeavours.

 

Gerry introduced the guest speakers Donna Luther and Heather Jennings who spoke about Xavier House, its activities, and its priorities.

Donna began by looking at the history of Xavier House which was built in 1917 as a private home but later became a residence for the Presentation sisters. When the sisters left Corner Brook, they wanted the building to be used for the good of other.  This has been realized as Xavier House is now a residential home for those with mental illness needs. In 1985 it was opened with 20 beds. The home comes under the category of personal care homes. It is a non-profit organisation and receives a subsidy from the government for each resident. The Presentation sisters helped to support Xavier House for many years but no longer do. 

 The number of residents has increased to 28 residents and with remodelling soon it will be able to accommodate 31 residents.   The organisation now needs to fundraise which it has done by holding to give a few examples, auctions, drive-in Bingos, dances, afternoon teas and now the Toonie Quest West 50-50 weekly draw which is done in conjunction with Corner Brook Rotary Club.

Heather continued by speaking of the work done in the home to help the residents.

One example given is the Therapeutic Task Program which employs residents for a couple of shifts a week which besides giving them a regular schedule to do basic chores helps the residents earn money and gives them a sense of purpose.

Fundraising is still necessary for special outings such as the circus to which around 3 -14 residents attended, residents attended the Barbie movie and are able to go to local hockey games which without the fundraising could not be afforded.

Residents feel safe in Xavier House and the fact their personal doors can be locked gives a strong sense of security. Donna gave a few examples as to how residents were living and housed before coming to Xavier House

She complemented the staff who are very involved with the residents and help with the fundraising. Through the work and involvement of the staff, residents feel Xavier House is home.

Donna and Heather answered a few questions. 

One question was asked about the needs of the residents and the answer was donations of personal care products are appreciated by the residents. Examples would be toothbrushes and toothpaste, razors for men, soap, body wash just to give few examples.

Jackie on behalf of the club thanked Donna and Heather for their interesting and informative talk which gave everyone more insight in to the work and financial needs of Xavier House.