Past President Paul McM chaired today's meeting - he started with an announcement that President Keith has made a very difficult decision, for personal reasons, to resign from our Club; he has also requested privacy at this time. He has done a great job guiding us through our 100th year and we wish him nothing but the very best. Paul McM will be stepping into the President's Chair until July 1st when President Elect Russ will take the reigns.
President Paul opened the meeting with a Land Acknowledgement, followed by Kristen with the 4-Way Test, and Braydon with the Invocation, all followed by a toast to Rotarians far and wide.
Jimmy J provided our S@A's report with 19 members present; we also welcomed past member Penny Price, and our guest speaker Wioletta.
Rena announced our 3rd annual Community Services Big Give Day will be Thursday June 18 - a survey was circulated. She also read out a beautiful card from our most regular server Leslie, congratulating our club on 100 years - thank you Leslie!
Mike H - reminded all of Euchre - it was last night, and a great time was had by all - thank you Mike!
Andrew L - requested everyone please consider who they know who may wish to golf in our Veterans Golf Tournament coming up on Monday May 25
Kristen W - reminded all of the upcoming Human Trafficking Awareness evening at Tapestry Hall - and offered a big thank you to those stepping up - Brian, Lina, Russ, Paul McM - and we'll need a few volunteers night of, Wednesday June 17, to assist.
Brian W - announced that this week we have moved over to the updated version of Club Runner, looks great, check it out!
Todd L - bragged about our awesome Bingo Champions - 15 of us responsible for raising $36,023.44 in 2025!!!! In the first quarter of 2026, Paul McM is our leader, already responsible for $2,000 of the $9,000 we've earned. We can ALWAYS use some more members to help out - many hands make light work!
Todd L - also advised we've sold 138 duck tickets, totaling $2,350 in sales - ALL members and their families are eligible to win prizes (except for Brian W and Todd L…)
Good News
So… sometimes when I'm writing the bulletin, I forget that I'm writing the bulletin… and miss some details……..
Jim McP - I'm sorry Jimmy, I know you stood up… probably something positive about the kids :)
Kristen W - is really looking forward to mom's day this weekend, and also told us about a free event put on by Victim Services, on this coming Tuesday - Pathways to Support - if interested, please see more details HERE
Paul TC - he didn't win the Hospital lottery, he didn't win today's 50/50, but he did win $2 in 649, AND a blue tooth speaker from the GCC
Jimmy J - praised the 100th committee on a GREAT event last week - not only super fellowship, but the club did not overburden itself with massive commitments as some have in the past - good job!
Paul McM - had the BEST trip to Florida with buddies - great golf, and a couple great stops along the way in Nashville and New Orleans!
Mike H - tax season is OVER!! and Euchre is before sundown, come on out! (it was great!)
Today's speaker was the grand prize winner from last fall's Wilf Rieck Pitch Day, Wioletta Wiercinska
Wioletta Wiercinska, founder of New Journey Daycare, presented her vision for addressing the severe childcare shortage in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. Inspired by her own struggles finding reliable childcare for her daughter, she turned personal frustration into a mission to create accessible, high-quality daycare services for families.
New Journey Daycare plans to open two locations in downtown Kitchener and central Waterloo with capacity for 162 children. The centres will feature Montessori-inspired, play-based learning, six activity rooms, natural wood playgrounds, bright open spaces, and Mediterranean-inspired meals. Services will include full-time daycare, PA day coverage, extended care, and seasonal camps.
Wiercinska highlighted the growing childcare crisis in Ontario, noting that over 9,200 children remain on waiting lists in the region while only about 5,875 licensed spaces currently exist. She explained that delays in construction pushed the opening date to July 13, but the redesign ultimately created a larger and safer single-floor facility.
The business has already secured financing, incorporated the company, hired architects, and completed branding. New Journey Daycare also won first place at the sixth annual Wilf Rieck Business Pitch Day, receiving a $5,000 grant for books and learning materials. Wiercinska closed by emphasizing her commitment to creating a nurturing environment where children and families can thrive.
