Although difficult to take proper attendance, there were approximately 24 Rotarians present and 4 guests; Dave, Rob, Jen and Dianne. Zoom was not available for this meeting. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment is a 17 piece orchestra accompanied by Dean MartinISH crooners. There will be a live and silent auction and many surprises that committee members are diligently working on.
 

Randy is looking for sponsors and volunteers for the upcoming Golf Tournament this spring.

 

 

 

Members had the opportunity to donate either food or monetary gifts to the Cambridge Food Bank. Funds from the Good News this week went to the Food Bank.

Todd's mother is recovering from her stroke after a long battle in Brockville and a plane ride to Brantford General Hospital where she will remain on the stroke floor for some time. She has a great attitude and a "great recovery" is expected.

 

Paul M's grandson submitted stories to a publisher and after a 2 year wait has learned they will be published.

 

Dr. Tom ran into a recipient of Rotary funds at Kelly Greens Florist.  The recipient received funds for a van (still operational) for her daughter and both are doing well after some additional health concerns, including a kidney transplant for mom.

Rana closed the meeting ahead of Dianne McLeod's presentation to speed up the tour of the food bank. Rena noted how disappointing it is to learn than only 1% - 2% of Canadians are aware that January 11th is National Milk Day. 

 

To learn more about the Cambridge Food Bank or to make a donation, you can click here: http://cambridgefoodbank.org

 

The tagline for the food bank is 'More than a food bank" and you will see this on their vehicles and publications.  It reflects the many programs the food bank offers in addition to offering emergency food hampers.  Each program offered fits into one of their 3 core values; healthy people, connected community, environmental sustainability.

Upcycling food is of primary importance as their business is to "fill tummies and not landfills" and they have multiple programs which support this, including the rescuing over 200,000 pounds food in 2023 to make croutons, preserves, jams, jellies, soups, etc. Many healthy eating educational programs are in place as history has showed that healthy people are better able to support themselves and their families. There are over 300 seniors registered in their health and wellness programs and so many youth participating in their cooking classes that they can only be held over Zoom to accommodate such high attendance.

A Mobile Food Market (MFM) travels to communities in Cambridge and North Dumfries to distribute fresh produce at an affordable cost for all, with the help of subsidies of customers who can afford to pay more.  The MFM is for everyone.  For weekly listings of produce being offered and locations click here: https://cambridgefoodbank.org/mobile-food-market/ 

Mental health is also a focus of their work and they offer yoga classes, social outings. support for grandparents raising grandchildren and a novel Teen Club helping to improve the social and life sills, confidence and resumes of awkward teens is a popular program with many success stories.

In 2023, the food bank saw a 62% overall increase in people accessing emergency food and an 88% increase in working people accessing the same. This illustrates how wages are not inline with inflation and the increasing cost of food.

Other interesting facts:

In the meantime, if you would like to help out the food bank and have fun while doing so, please consider attending an 80's theme music bingo fundraiser at Evo Kitchen on Fri Feb 23. For more information, to get tickets and to see a really groovy photo of me, click here: https://cambridgefoodbank.org/cambridge-food-bank-80s-music-bingo-fundraiser-at-evo/.  

 

The Cambridge Food Bank envisions a compassionate, equitable community where everyone is nourished.