AN OVERVIEW

By: Lana Coates

July brings with it the start of a new Rotary year with a new Rotary International Theme, this year’s being ‘Create Hope in the World’ with particular focus on mental health. Here’s a brief overview of the main projects run and/or managed by Stanford Rotary.

Rotary is an organisation carrying out humanitarian service work all around the world, while in Stanford we make a significant difference in the lives of our underprivileged community.

Soup Kitchens: We support seven soup kitchens which feed the elderly, the sick, the infirm and children from poor and oftentimes destitute homes, currently serving between 1800 and 2000 portions per week. We also provide fruit and vegetables to the Okkie Smuts Koshuis, dry goods and vegetables to two of our small farm schools, as well as vegetables to a centre for the elderly.

Winter Warmth: In May/June each year, we distribute blankets to adults and children as well as jerseys, fleece tops, beanies, etc. to children in need. We also provide warm school clothes and raincoats to children whose parents are unable to afford these items.

Early Childhood Development: We provide assistance in the way of educational aids to two pre-schools, as well as to a group of community workers who focus on family education in the home.

Schools and Sport Support: In January each year, we provide stationery packs to Primary Schools in and around Stanford for their Grade 1 classes. At times we receive appeals from local sports clubs – soccer, netball and canoeing - for assistance with equipment or sponsorship, as well as fuel to be able to play ‘away’ games.

Mother & Child Support: We provide support to new moms by way of ‘New-Mom-&-Baby Starter Packs’ consisting of essentials such as nappies, baby clothing, barrier bum cream, etc.

Fundraising: We host a number of fundraising initiatives throughout the year such as a monthly raffle at the Sunset Market on the last Friday of every month in Stanford (September to May), the Penguin Plunge event that takes place on the Saturday closest to the Winter Solstice each year, and we also send out specific appeals periodically for things like school shoes, blankets and warm clothing, etc.

How to Help: There are many ways to get involved – funding, donations of food items, etc. Should you wish to be of assistance in any way, please contact your local Rotary. Attending a meeting is a great way to learn more about what Rotary does and will give you a better idea of what our projects entail as well as provide an insight into other areas where we are of help to our communities.

Consider Joining Rotary: We welcome new members since it is a way of expanding our talent base and provides us with extra willing hands. New members bring new ideas, new perspectives and help us stay fresh. The Rotary motto ‘Service Above Self’ is an acknowledgement that it’s better to ‘get stuck in’ and obtain a sense of achievement rather than just letting things stay the same.