Response from Vic - M & G

Lanette sent me an email late yesterday.  It reads:

"The VGH classrooms are available next Wednesday if you want to bring the Support Group in for a trial... See if it is big enough, private enough, etc.

The cost to rent the room is $100. I have cc'd Barb Fouquette who can assist you with the arrangements. If all works out okay, she would be happy to organize on an ongoing basis."

so I replied:

"Thank you very much Lanette, sorry for the time crunch. We will definitely take the room for a trial, I am sure we will be able to come up with the funds for the room but I will need to know who to give this to and where exactly the room is, how to get there, etc. Seeing that it is a classroom, are there desks or tables and chairs? I guess these questions are directed more toward Barb and I think it would be best is she could call me at 204-623-9208 so we can finalize the details.

Lanette, I know it is after hours but you would be more than welcome to drop by and see exactly how this program is affecting lives and possibly get some tips from the patients on how to strengthen the program from their prospective"

So now I am waiting to hear from a lady named Barb who has the particulars. It looks like we can use one of these rooms (although I was hoping for free, but I am sure we can scrape this together and I am willing to pay for the balance if we are short)

Has anyone been in these classrooms?  if so, do you think they would be suitable sizewise?  It sounds like about 15 of us but maybe we could do a little "RSVP" online here to get a more acurate count.
 

Isn't it silly that they are charging us for this? Oh well. I'd be happy to donate something on Wednesday.

Tanya

what time on wednesday? If i can make it I'll donate to the "fund".

I am making arrangements to be there at 6:30, to set up, maybe put up some directional signs,etc.   I know when groups use our conference room for health related purposes, it is free so I am a little taken aback by the $100.  Not so much that there is a fee, but by how much it is (but I am a country mouse so maybe this is normal for the big city....??)

I thought we would keep the room until 10ish if they will let us, but since they are charging us maybe I'll give up my hotel room and bring a sleeping bag and really get value out of the deal  lol

Well I'm a country mouse too but it does sound steep to me as well. I have no problems donating but it may become an issue if we are trying to do this monthly but maybe quarterly would work for most folks?  Monthly we may not get enough out to cover the cost reasonably per person each month.  Does it include anything refreshment wise or do we need to bring cups, plates, napkins etc? 

I am willing to chip in money too. My daughter is having a social this weekend and there will be left over plates cups etc. I can donate - I also have 30 cup coffee perculator I never use the group can have. Possibly they will let us use a storage cabinet or something for that kinda money.

Yep , it's steep.... very surprised at the amount....  Anyway , am willing to kick in as well.

So Barb has emailed me back and I confirmed with her that we would use it for this month and see how it goes.  I'm going to see if we were to affiliate with the Bariatric and Metabolic Clinic, that the cost would be waved.  Obviously it is not going to happen this month so I guess we will just go ahead and pay this time ( unless the concensus is to try somewhere else....... any ideas?)   If there are enough of us, and it's looking good, it shouldn't be that much...... maybe $5 each - and I am just going to put a basket at the door and whatever we get, we get and I will pay the difference ....... maybe we could have a rummage sale with the leftover clothes and raise some $$...... just sayin'

Barb is emailing me directions and which is the best door to go in, etc. and I shall pass this on asap.

that is all for now.....

Community centers can be cheap

I agree that that is a bit steep - remember we have to pay for parking as well.  If we are going to be paying anyway I wonder if we might find another venue where at least the parking is free.  Not for this time but in the future.