SPRING FLING 2026 EVENT - RC OF REGINA EASTVIEW (Apr. 30, 2026)

SPRING FLING 2026 - RC OF REGINA EASTVIEW!

Many individuals will recall the Valentine Galas prior to 2020, featuring dining, silent and live auctions, as well as musical performances and dancing. In the COVID years we worked to convince our supporters those GALA times could be replaced by picking up a fantastic dinner at a wonderful take-out place (and it was); then hurry home where a few friends or family might have gathered; and there in one's small group we collectively recalled the good old days. A supporter outside Regina asked whether the GALA still offered the online silent auction. This was popular during COVID. Sadly, it was another 'back in the day' event.

Thursday's Spring Fling featured several notable past GALA highlights. Rotary gatherings are about the three "F's" - food, fellowship, and fun, and at a minimum of one or more "L's" - Learning's. Charlotte's Catering in Moose Jaw served as inspiration, making the F's emerge effortlessly. It would be tough to find more tender beef. The creamy potatoes with the gravy is a farm boy special no matter how old he gets. So, by my assessment Food gets the nod. The facility was spacious and the hosts were exceedingly kind and flexible. When a successfully recruited team of 'get-in-there' Rotaractors, supported by current and former Rotarians, things get done. The site was set and fellowship was a natural outcome. When the site is right and the food is Class A+, fun is a natural outcome.

There was an earlier reference to the "L's - Learning's", and, one supposes that not unlike the "F's", these would also vary. From Pastor Tim Fraser we learned the Salvation Army's Backpack program was initiated to provide Regina youth with backpacks stuffed with needed supplies for the new school year. Partnering with businesses like Staples the cost of a packed backpack is reduced from $120.00 to $60.00. Last August the Salvation Army provided direction to a room of volunteers, including Rotarians, direction what needed to be done as we set about packing 1200 backpacks. Unfortunately, there were 600 children who desired a backpack but there were no more available. Tonight's event is intended to address this deficiency, and hopefully each child on the list gets a treasured backpack

Past District Governor (PDG) Peter Neufeldt, with the use of slides, provided and update on Regina Eastview's involvement with the Ripple Effect Program which began in 2006. He touched on the impact of building of over 100 schools since 1999, involving 27 Rotary Clubs in Canada and 19 Clubs in Guatemala. Guatemalan communities have become partners in the expansion of the ripple as they appreciate our 'hand up' partnership approach. The ripple is not limited to classrooms but includes kitchens, gardens, washrooms where water, sanitation and hygiene are key components of improved school facilities. As Motor Bikers, PDGs Doug Mortin and Peter Neufeldt expanded their Biker enthusiasm and influence by fund raising for the Ripple Effect Program. Over the past 15 years, they with bikers across the District from Saskatoon in the west, to Sioux Lookout, Ontario in the east, have raised over $161,000.00 for the children of Guatemala. An appreciated learning.

On to even more learning. As a silent Rough Rider fan, I thought the panel members, Greg Baca, Doug Mortin and Al Hoeft were inquisitive and kind to our guest in the hot seat. However, knowing our guest has been interviewed by tricky sport journalists, so our fan interviewers were great for this audience. The guest received the kind of hospitality typical within a supportive Rotary community. The interviewers performed admirably, and it was heartening to witness how these knowledgeable and experienced individuals, welcomed young Mikala Baca into the discussion. The young lady, a season ticket holder, stole the show. Following her first invitation, Mikala was invited back to the stage to ask another question. To the audience this was a prized Rotary nugget of learning. After just learning that tonight's efforts will support children in Regina and Guatemala, a timeless prophetic phrase comes to mind, "and a little child shall lead them." And so, it was!

Thank you, Steve Mazurak, for you your contribution to this evening's celebration

of doing good in the world.

THE ROTOR

SPRING FLING 2026 - RC OF REGINA EASTVIEW!

Philosopher's Corner

special guests

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