Rotary’s Cabin Fever gala returns

Transcona

Those attending the Rotary Club of Winnipeg-Transcona’s Cabin Fever 2026: Northern Lights Gala on April 17 will not only get a night of fun, socializing and entertainment. They’ll also support worthwhile causes in Winnipeg and around the world.

Rotarian Steve Lipischak said this is the 23rd edition of the Northern Lights Gala, which returned in 2025 after a five-year layoff. The evening includes a dinner, entertainment and an auction with prizes including Winnipeg Jets tickets and a $1,000 bedroom suite from Kern Hill Furniture. Guests will also see a presentation on the good works the Rotary Club does everywhere from Plessis Road to the Philippines.

“This is our largest fundraiser of the year,” Lipischak said. “We’re hoping to generate $12,000 to $16,000.”

Have you ever driven down Plessis Road and seen the train engine in Rotary Heritage Park? That’s thanks in part to the Rotary Club. Lipischak said CN 2747 was the first steam locomotive to come from the Transcona Shops. Over the years, the club has added parks at personal care homes, too.

Further from Winnipeg, the Rotary Club’s efforts have brought sustainable water pumps to Nigeria. They’ve also provided school tuition for students in the Philippines. That’s plenty of good results for a group with just 18 regular members and 30 overall.

Lipischak’s involvement dates back to 2013. The longtime marketing director for Larry Vickar got an offer he couldn’t refuse.

“Like everybody else in Transcona, I was volun-told,” Lipischak said with a chuckle. “I’d been part of the community for a while and wanted to do more. At different stages of life, Rotary seemed to fit what I liked to do.

“The motto of ‘service above self’ fits for me.”

Cabin Fever 2026: Northern Lights Gala is extra special because it salutes founding members Helene Marsh and Conrad Desender, whose efforts have helped so many over the years.

“Conrad and Helene started the auction,” Lipischak said. “We’re having this one in their honour.”

Cabin Fever 2026 takes place Friday, April 17 at 6 p.m. at Canad Inns Destination Centre Transcona, 826 Regent Ave. W. Tickets are $125 each, with a $50 tax receipt. Contact any Rotarian, visit transconarotary.ca, or email cabinfever@transconarotary.ca for more information.