Community Svc / 60th Anniversary Committees Mtg

Community Service Committee

 November 5, 2025 Meeting Minutes

Present: Jennifer, Don Polk, Don Taylor, Don Misener, Russ Phin, Trevor Dagilis, Elaine Matthew

Regrets: None

Please note: Jennifer has agreed to stay on as Chair for the 2026/2027 Rotary year.

1. Martha’s Table was provided with additional donation of $2385. This was the amount Don Polk paid for Thanksgiving meal supplies. (There were substantial supplies leftover for the upcoming Christmas meal as well.)

It was noted that this was not included in the original budget. There are extra funds available through Bingo hours, but this overage will have to be clarified at the next board meeting. At that meeting, the allocation of extra Bingo money will be discussed.

2. Don Polk provided a summary of the new Bingo funding model. Scheduling will be allocation-based. (Funds will depend on community needs.) The City of Kingston is giving priority to Food Insecurity, Homelessness and Mental Health. As all of our current budget has been directed towards Food Insecurity, our club is likely to get extra Bingo shifts. Each Bingo shift earns our club $1300! Of note, we can still use Bingo funds as WE see fit.

During COVID, $10,000 was held in the Bingo fund. This is no longer necessary, so our Board will propose dropping this retainer.

3. Sweat Equity projects: There are thousands of opportunities for people to volunteer their time and energy. The club is encouraged to seek these out. Some are with organizations we already support. For instance, Martha’s Table needs volunteers for serving and delivering food. Lionhearts needs volunteers for delivering food boxes, sorting produce, packing boxes, etc.

4. Finding needy recipients: Social Service agencies have lists of individuals with specific needs. However, we need to get a charitable receipt for donations of Bingo funds. Might the Earle Allen Trust be able support individuals? This will be discussed at the next meeting.

NEXT MEETING: Prior to the regular meeting on Dec 3rd at The Loaf N' Ale