Seeing an RCMP officer at your door can either bring consolation or anxiety or perhaps both.

However, this Thursday, if you see an RCMP officer drive up to your neighbour's home, then proceed to carry bags to their door. Keep watching. Your neighbour will open the door and there will be a friendly exchange. But how can this be? 

Jo-Anne Dalton, President of the South Eastman Rotary Club says they are hosting their annual D.A.R.E. luncheon on Thursday, and for an added twist this year, they are adding a fundraiser involving the Steinbach RCMP.

Jo-Anne Dalton, President of the South Eastman Rotary Club

“We're also raising funds to help build schools in Guatemala through our Rotary District project, called the "Ripple Effect". The luncheon this week is another unique way to get our D.A.R.E. corporate sponsors involved. Anyone can become a classroom sponsor for $300, with that money going to the Ripple Effect project. As well, you will get lunch delivered to your door.” 

Dalton continues, “Lunch is going to be delivered in an RCMP vehicle by our Staff Sergeant Harold Laninga, which is kind of a fun way to do it. It'll be a cultural charcuterie board which we're really excited to do together with the Women Auxiliary at Mennonite Heritage Village.”

While 'Ripple Effect' supporters are enjoying their lunch, they will also have the opportunity to participate in an online event and hear more about D.A.R.E. A program South Eastman Rotary has been funding for the past 20 years. Dalton explains its growth, “We're seeing the program grow or seeing our club grow and we always put on a luncheon for our corporate partners.”

She explains, “D.A.R.E. stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. It’s a program where an RCMP officer goes into schools and meets with grade 6 and grade 8 students to talk about resisting peer pressure, especially when it comes to drug use. The program has been really impactful on the youth in our community, and our Rotary Club is very committed to making sure that keeps going.”

Dalton says there will be special guest presentations in partnership with the Steinbach RCMP and Hanover School Division including, Assistant Superintendent Colin Campbell, Staff Sergeant Harold Laninga and Constable Denis Redikop. As well as special guest speaker, Josh Ward from 1JustCity, who works with struggling youth in Winnipeg.

The Rotary Virtual Fundraising Luncheon takes place on Thursday, October 21st starting at 11:45 am and will be one hour long.

If you would like a visit from Steinbach's Staff Sergeant on Thursday and get the neighbourhood wondering, make your donation to "Ripple Effect" by emailing rotarysoutheast@gmail.com. 

The Ripple Effect project was started by a few Rotary Clubs in District 5550, which covers Northwest Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. 

Celebrating the opening of a school in Guatemala built by 'Ripple Effect' donations.