The meeting was attended by 26 Rotarians and our guest speaker, Brian Hart of Kate’s Rest.
Brian reminded us that Kate’s Rest was a source of wellness and healing in the community and inclusive of people who are homeless. The purpose of his talk today was to describe:
- The feasibility of the aquaponics.
- The opportunity for the community to be a partner, to solve the homeless situation.
- How the residents could become community leaders.
- How the project could become sustainable financially.
The aquaponics is being installed in a building that is the size of a two-car garage. Training of the residents is complete and the equipment is on hand to be being installed by December 30. Volunteers are requested to partner with the residents during this installation, to be there with them and encourage them. Phyo said that he would organize a volunteer day to introduce Rotary members to the tasks to be done. Their Volunteer Coordinator would provide an orientation and get them started, after the OPP does a background check.
Three weeks after the installation is complete the first harvest could be made. An international aquaponics installation company, water farmers.ca, is providing guidance and there is interest from Queens University in studying the installation.
The scope of the project is:
- Establish a market for produce grown, within two hours, that can take a large quantity.
- Develop a social procurement model to guarantee a market by identifying social supporters.
- Learn the logistics to bring the produce to market.
- Itemize the costs.
- Determine the income per person to see if it is a worthwhile venture.
The initial crop is stinging nettle which is very high in protein. The plant is harvested before the stinging character develops and can be used making nettle wine. A second crop is the herb, basil. The aquaponic growing tanks use koi fish to provide nutrients for the plants and the fish are harvested when they grow too big for the tanks.
The measurable outcomes are:
- Hours of learning.
- Number of community members.
- The costs and profits.
- The number of markets.
- The number of plants.
- The social development dollars committed.
- The Community Foundation grants.
Brian’s request of Rotary - our time and energy:
- Volunteers to partner with the residents.
- Canvassers of wineries to make nettle wine.
- Canvassers of restaurants to buy the produce.
- Constructive critiques of the system.
On a separate topic, two tiny homes are to be built on the property on existing foundations.
Other Rotary Business
Barry showed a Rotary toque that is available for purchase for $26. He will consolidate orders from those who want one. Let him know.
Our Christmas breakfast will be held on December 13 with the gift exchange of gifts under $10 to be brought.
Dave MacKinnon reported on the work of his committee addressing the needs of those orphaned without a medical practitioner. They now have an increased understanding of the needs of the people. Within the next year, there could be 8,000 people needing a practitioner, a number that is 1/3 of the County’s population.
They have talked to:
- The Family Health Team - the County’s hired person who is trying to convince new doctors to practise in the County is not going to solve this problem in time.
- A local physician who has volunteered to assist the Comittee
- The nurse practitioner in Belleville who is still interested in establishing a satellite operation in the County.
A possible model has been found in Sudbury using nurse practitioners and satellite clinics. A decision is to be made in two weeks if this is our answer. It is hoped to get the government to consider this model for the County. Chris said that three or four nurses would be needed for the County, of which two for Wellington. When asked about availability, David said he had a call this week from a nurse that would apply.
Trudy reported on a Board motion conducted online that authorized $500 to provide Christmas stockings for the families at Kate’s Rest, 16 adults and 10 children. Margo and Lyn are buying and assembling them.
Liz asked all members to see if they had any unused board games to donate to an indigenous shelter in Kingston. If so, please bring them next week.
The 50:50 draw was unsuccessful for Lana this week.
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