The Rotary Club of Winnipeg West acknowledges that our meetings, held virtually or in-person, are held on Treaty One lands. We do this to reaffirm our commitment and responsibility in improving relationships between nations and to improving our own understanding of local Inuit, Metis, and First Nations Peoples and their cultures and rights.
We recognize that the clean water we are drinking is sourced from the Shoal Lake 40 First Nation.
New Meeting Venue
Today was our first meeting in our new home. It certainly feels like an upgrade with easier access & parking, a newer facility with a larger, brighter meeting room and improved a/v capabilities.
The staff and serving personnel are very accommodating and we can look forward to a more efficient ordering process. Today, we were provide with three meal choices:
Smitty's Selections for today.
Cost to the club is $22.00 per person. Individual member cost is $25.00 with payments made online in advance or upon arrival using our website RCWW Hot Links https://www.wpgwestrotary.org/page/rcww-hot-links
Today's Guests
We were pleased to welcome two guests today, David Hoogenberg from the Chapala Sunrise Rotary Club and his sister, Celina. David, a former Winnipegger has been residing in Mexico for the past 26 years and is visiting Winnipeg to attend a family wedding in Lockport. While here, he just had to drop in on the RCWW to see the club that makes such an impact in the Chapala & Manzanillo area. David gave us some insight into the impact his Rotary Club is making in Mexico and was a great segue into today's program.
Today's Program - Jack Peterson
Our member, Jack Peterson gave a talk about the orphanage in Manzanillo, Mexico. Jack goes to Manzanillo for a few months every winter and has been involved with both the Manzanillo Rotary Club & the Chapala Sunrise Rotary Club.
The Manzanillo club has a club-to-club arrangement with our club that allows us to accept donations and since 2008 Jack estimated that about $500,000 USD has been sent.
The orphanage, Casa Hagar and the CALA Educational Center have been supporting orphans and abandoned children since 1995. Manzanillo is a port city and a large transient population.
Children are threatened with trafficking, forced labor and exploitation. There are orphans as well as abandoned children, in some cases linked to prostitution. Casa Hagar has developed several programs to educate and integrate the children it serves.
One of the more notable programs is the dance program which is led by a professional dancer. The dance program has a dinner theatre & some of the dancers were hired on Disney cruises.
Casa Hagar has also integrated the dance program with the community and generates income from this.
Jack was instrumental in opening a computer lab at the center. Jack said that they had developed a virtual robotics Lego simulator program and this had led to entry for some students in the world robotics Olympiad.
Casa Hagar serves from 50 to 100 children at any one time. Jack said that what is very gratifying is to see former students become supporters of the center once they have established their careers.
RC of Manzanillo banner
Our new home
Jack presents
Ryback Presents Cheque to 50/50 Winner
Kelly Ryback presented our ChickenFest 50/50 Winner with a cheque for $1,140 on May 25th.
Lucky Winner Marion Grant receives cheque from Kelly Ryback
WWRMW - $500
Next Draw for $500
June 18, 2026
Fines Master
Art Oakes filled the role of Fines Master today and did a masterful job of extracting a few bucks for the club. Thank you Art!
Chase the Ace
Once again Bruce McKenzie demonstrated his great ability to select the wrong card.
Although, Bruce argued that the card he drew should have qualified for something. After all, if you say eight of spades quick enough it sort of sounds like ace of spades.
Homework For The Week - All Rotarians - Government House
In honour of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg West's 75th Anniversary, our club has the opportunity to be recognized by the King's representative in the province of Manitoba with a reception at Government House this fall.
The Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba hosts receptions for worthy recipients. In recognition of our specific club's 75th anniversary, we may qualify.
To qualify, we need to guarantee a group of at least 75 people. With Rotarians (current & past), spouses/partners, friends, associates, family etc. we should be able to meet that threshold.
The event itself is a stand up reception, including refreshments, finger food, a couple of speeches and congratulations from the Lieutenant Governor. Total time 1 to 1 1/2 hrs beginning at 5:00 or 5:30 ish. Details to be confirmed once we're approved.
It's all free.
The most likely date of the event will be sometime in October.
Formal Invitations will be sent to individuals from the Lieutenant Governor herself with a formal rsvp required.
Dress code would be business casual.
Your Assignment:
If you are interested in helping us celebrate this noteworthy, milestone anniversary please advise Jack Peterson as soon as possible. Please email Jack directly at jpeters98@gmail.com
Please indicate in your response to Jack, the name and number of people you would like to receive invitations.
Reminder
Next week is a special Bites N Banter. In honour of Ernie Halligan's love of the Assiniboine Park, we will be gathering for an informal lunch at the Park Cafe at the Qualico Family Centre.
Our next formal meeting is June 18 at Smitty's, St. James. That day we are pleased to welcome a very special speaker: Honourary Rotarian Garry Bolton. Garry will touch on a few signature and unique building projects he has been fortunate to work on; both in the Province and in the high Arctic. With Garry's usual wit & humour this should prove to be quite entertaining. No pressure Garry!
Thought For The Day - Bob's Words of Wisdom
If the earth was flat, cats would have pushed everything off the edge by now.
Our “Friends of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg West"
Terry Cooper
John Forrest
Recognizing individuals in the community who choose to be associated with the Rotary Club of Winnipeg West for the purpose of making a difference without a full time rigid commitment. Can be individuals, businesses, friends, family, spouses.
“Friends of Rotary” are welcome at any of our Rotary events, lunch meetings, projects, & committee meetings.
Know anyone who fits the bill? Please send your nomination to any Board member for consideration.
