January 13, 2026 – Members of the Rotary Club of Brandon visited the John Howard Society Transitional Housing Centre today, a facility our Club has proudly supported through a recent donation toward furnishings for bedrooms and common areas. The tour included viewing key spaces such as the newly furnished bedrooms, meeting rooms, dining facilities, and visiting areas, giving members a firsthand look at how their contributions are making a difference.
Our hosts for the visit were Ross Robinson, Executive Director of the John Howard Society, and Carla McDonald, Director of the Transitional Housing Project. Ross shared the organization’s focus on Restorative Justice, which centers on building and repairing relationships. Through programs in addiction counseling, employment support, housing assistance, and collaboration with external agencies, the John Howard Society helps individuals rebuild their lives and reintegrate into the community.
One of the standout initiatives discussed was the Food Rescue Program, which redirects perishable food, such as shipments delayed by winter road closures, from being destroyed to being sold at affordable prices in Brandon. Any surplus is distributed to those in need, reducing waste and supporting food security.
Another exciting project on the horizon is a new Hydroponics Facility, which will soon provide fresh lettuce to the community while also offering work opportunities for residents of the transitional housing program.
Rotarians in attendance were deeply impressed by the energy, compassion, and commitment demonstrated by the John Howard Society team in serving some of Brandon’s most vulnerable individuals.
Attending Rotarians included:
Chuck LaRoque, Cheryl Winger, Ernie Kempthorne, Peter Kowalchuk, Eric Carlson, Bernie Chrisp, Nonny Cancade, Chick Norman, Marty Snelling, Rick Felstead, Jesse Gordon, Solomon Affun, Ade Adeyemi, John Dryden, and Kara Loy.
Chuck LaRoque, Cheryl Winger, Ernie Kempthorne, Peter Kowalchuk, Eric Carlson, Bernie Chrisp, Nonny Cancade, Chick Norman, Marty Snelling, Rick Felstead, Jesse Gordon, Solomon Affun, Ade Adeyemi, John Dryden, and Kara Loy.
Photos by Cheryl Winger and Nonny Cancade
Below are a few images from today’s visit, including photos of our speakers Ross Robinson and Carla McDonald, as well as scenes from the facility.
Photo 1: Ross Robinson, Executive Director of the John Howard Society addressing members of The Rotary Club of Brandon during thier visit to the Transitional Housing Centre in Brandon
Photo 2: Carla McDonald, Programmes Director of the Transitional Housing Project, listens during a briefing by Executive Director Ross Robinson as the Rotary Club tours the John Howard Society Transitional Housing Centre.
Photo 3: 3D of The John Howard Society Transitional Housing Centre, Brandon, Manitoba
Photo 4: The multipurpose common room, fully furnished thanks to the generous support of the Rotary Club of Brandon, serving as a vital space for meetings and community activities.
Photo 5: Executive Director Ross Robinson speaks with Rotary Club of Brandon members in a resident room during a tour of the John Howard Society Transitional Housing Centre, which features 24 private living spaces.
Photo 6: One of the 24 private bedrooms at the John Howard Society Transitional Housing Centre, furnished by the Rotary Club of Brandon.
Photo 7: The welcoming common parlour, furnished by the Rotary Club of Brandon to provide residents with a comfortable space for relaxation and connection.
Photo 8: The visiting area, furnished by the Rotary Club of Brandon to create a warm and dignified environment for residents and their guests.