The Spinner September 30 2021

President Chris welcomed everyone.

He briefly reflected on the meaning behind the new statuary September 30th Truth and Reconciliation Day. 

Condolences from the club were passed on to Noreen and Gerry Murphy on the passing of Noreen’s mother Dorothy Piercey at the age of 101 years.

There had been no further reports received concerning Andre since his second surgery and his airlifted flight to St John’s. The club’s thoughts and prayers are very much with Andre and his family.

 

Donna Luther has been in touch with Linda requesting the Club’s help at the Xavier House Drive-In Bingos to be held on October 17^th and November 7^th at the Corner Brook Plaza. Linda sent a message on ClubRunner, and the response was favourable for our participation.  Linda will send out more information closer to each date. Do let Linda know if you are able to volunteer on either date approximately from about 4pm – 7pm to help with crowd control and the selling of Bingo cards etc.

 

 Chris brought up the Club’s donation to the Western Memorial Foundation Telethon to be held on October 1^st. It was decided that a donation of $500 would be made.

At this time of the year a donation is usually made to Kids Eat Smart Foundation from the money collected at the biweekly meetings. The amount collected and any donation from the Club will be discussed later when exact sums are known.

 

Chris spoke of the District Governor’s event Pints for Polio to raise money to help eradicate polio. This will involve a zoom gathering on October 13 at 7pm. Contact Chris for more details.

 

 Program-chair Paula introduced her guest Major Brian Wheeler, Salvation Army who spoke about the Community and Family Services offered by the local Salvation Army.

Major Wheeler began by relating stories pertinent to the Salvation Army ministry and its work. The Salvation Army is the largest provider of non-governmental funded social services in Canada. The services are supported by two major fund drives namely the Red Shield Campaign and the Christmas Appeal as well as by individual donations. The work done in this area involves Emergency and Disaster Services and later in the month a new mobile truck based in Corner Brook costing over $200,000 will provide hot meals, drinks etc. as needed. This truck will be used when there is a fire, a Search and Rescue operation and in other disasters as well as locally providing hot food and drinks when and where there is a need.

Brian went on to speak about the Christmas Appeal and how 760 were helped by food vouchers last Christmas and 406 toys were donated to families. The toy drive is helped by Club Rotarians buying gift cards for teens and the Fire Fighters toy drive.  He explained that the Salvation Army receive help and donations and connect with those in need. The philosophy in giving has changed and now food vouchers are given so giving the recipient families dignity and choice of foods they need.

The SA Family Services is based in the Thrift Store, Herald Avenue. Its hours of operation will change in the future to allow donations to be made at the weekend. The store receives donations and sells goods at reduced prices with any profit going towards other community services. Another service offered is that of Income Tax returns. This is a great help to many clients. 

Essential services are offered 24 hours every day. A friendship soup kitchen has just re-opened on O’Connell Drive. Last week on Tuesday 55 people attended this and during last year 788 meals were prepared. 

The Salvation Army works in partnership with other agencies especially for the Food Bank when community food drives are often held.

To end his talk, Major Wheeler passed out pamphlets detailing the SA community services offered. He answered several questions before being thanked by Bernd.

The meeting adjourned at 1.35pm.