Community Svc Cmte Meeting
Contact:
Jennifer Patelli
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02 Dec. 2026 |
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 Kingston-Frontenac
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COMMUNITY SERVICES MEETING – OCTOBER 7, 2026
In Attendance: Don Polk, Don Taylor, Russ Phin, Elaine Matthew, Jennifer Patelli
Regrets: Don Misener, Sylvain Bouffard
1. At the last board meeting, the Community Services Committee requested a budget increase of $10K. It was approved, bringing our budget to $35K. To date, we have spent approximately $18K (not including the pig purchased at the Kingston Fair auction for the Southern Frontenac Foodbank in Sydenham.)
2. The above-mentioned pig was butchered, packaged and delivered to the food bank on October 6th. Of the $2K for the auction (½ from the Kingston club, ½ from our club), about $400 dollars remained, which will be spent on food for the unhoused. (Darlene Clement will be taking care of that.)
3. Re: Funding of power wheelchair for individual. The group agreed to provide $1000 to “Motion” to help cover the cost of the chair, which costs approximately $3K total. The MS Society is providing $1K and the client’s Occupational Therapist will approach the Kingston Rotary Club for the balance. Jennifer has completed a cheque requisition and will be delivering the cheque to the OT next week.
4. We have budgeted $8K total to Almost Home this Rotary year. To date, $6K have been provided, leaving $2K to be given over the next part of the year. (There was no further discussion of a legacy project, such as a kitchen renovation, at this meeting.)
5. Tina Bailey, Executive Director of Kingston4Paws made a written request for a pledge of $10K over the next two years to enable them to continue to raise, train, and place the 14 puppies currently in their program. Our committee had previously agreed to support K4Paws with $5K, in 2 installments (one in November, the second in May 2027). After some discussion, it was agreed that we would remain committed to this original plan. Jennifer has written to Tina, advising her of this decision and she is thrilled that we are donating $5K.
6. Kelly Witley, Principal of Molly Brant Elementary School, had sent a letter, requesting funding to repair playground equipment. The committee agreed on a donation of $800. Jennifer phoned Kelly to confirm the details, only to learn that the Facilities Department of the Board of Education had just offered to cover the cost. Jennifer has told Kelly that if other funding is needed for something else, she can make a written request. (Some ideas include contributing to the food pantry or supporting the math or reading programs.)
7. Food Sharing Project Volunteer Opportunities – This charity serves 88 schools in the 2 local school boards (public and Catholic). With kitchens at Regiopolis and the Liuna Union Hall, 3-4 cooks are needed weekdays from 8-11am. (Helpers at Regi would need a Vulnerable Sector Check.) Food packing is done from 8:30-10:30 at Rigney Avenue. Volunteers are also needed at Regi weekdays from 10:30-12:30 to set up and supervise the salad bar. Jennifer will contact Noor Ul-Huda, Program Supervisor of the Food Sharing Project, to get more details on specific numbers and locations of volunteer needs.
8. Don Polk provided a verbal run-down of where our budget has been spent to date. In order to ensure clear communication, Don will receive copies of the cheque requisitions and he will send Jennifer a copy of his spread sheet.
Next Meeting: Unless otherwise requested, I would suggest we have our next meeting on December 2 at 5:15, prior to the regular meeting at Loaf N Ale.