Honoured for service

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This article was published 25/10/2016 (3517 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In the 67 years since the Rotary Club of Winnipeg West began, the organization has raised over $1 million in funds that have gone towards the support of local groups and organizations.

Current president John Melnick says the group is honoured to be recognized for their efforts with a Manitoba Philanthropy Day award for outstanding service organization.

“I have to say I’m really proud to see that our club is in the company of such esteemed fundraisers from the past,” Melnick said. Throughout the years, that group has included the Asper Foundation, The Winnipeg Foundation and Ace Burpee.

Melnick said the award recognizes the cumulative fundraising that the club has done. Most of the money raised comes from the annual ChickenFest, which takes place every May. That event raises between $40,000 and $50,000 each year.

“We have a main focus right now on children and we also have a focus on mental health,” he said. “Our signature projects for the last year and the upcoming year are the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba and the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation.”

The club aims to support local organizations, with the majority of its 45 members coming in from the immediate community as well, though over time members from all over the city have become interested in and joined the club. Beyond being local, Melnick said the two organizations spoke to the members.

Melnick knows on a personal level what mental health resources can mean to those struggling with illness. He told The Metro that he has attempted suicide several times in the past, but is now in recovery and hopes to help others in the community.

“We believe that children should be looked after as well as possible, and regarding the MDAM, they do so much work in mental health… and I, and many other people in the club, see great needs for resources to go to mental health.”

Melnick has been involved in the club since 1990, and says he has been enjoying the one year term he’s taken on as president.

“It’s a lot of good, hard work but very enjoyable and rewarding,” he said.

The club will continue to host smaller fundraisers leading up to ChickenFest. Melnick says that anyone interested in becoming a member or volunteering on a one-off basis is welcome to contact the club online at http://portal.clubrunner.ca/1004

Next July and August, the club will be involved in volunteering for the Canada Summer Games.