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Local Youth Connecting at Home and Abroad
Local Youth Connecting at Home and Abroad
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
An Interact Club is a Rotary International Service Club for youth between the ages of 12 to18. It fosters leadership skills and promotes service in their school and community as well as internationally.
Interact Club President Kaleigh Kratko and Vice President Claire Pasay said the Interact Club is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Vegreville, which provides two mentors to the club.
The Interact Club currently has about 20 members between 14 and 18 years of age. They hold monthly meetings as well as provide volunteer work in the community. In addition to hosting bingos at Vegreville Manor, members participate in community events and fundraisers. “We do bottle drives, sell chocolates and have an annual spaghetti supper,” noted Kaleigh. This fall, they have a fundraiser in conjunction with Stawnichy’s. “We aim to raise $20,000.”
Every year the Interact Club goes to Belize. Kaleigh said members apply to go. This past spring 10 members and two chaperones went to Belize City to help construct a playground at Holy Redeemer Primary School. They work with an organization Hope Foundation. Claire said it was an exciting project, and extremely valuable experience for her and Kaleigh. She also pointed out that the Interact Club brought donated items such as school supplies and sporting equipment with them.
One of the highlights for Claire and Kaleigh was the grant opening of the playground. They had the opportunity to go into the classrooms and provide Canadian pencils and tattoos for the children. “You could see how much they appreciated the playground,” said Claire. Growing up in Vegreville, Kaleigh said playgrounds were common place, but discovered that is not always the case in other countries. “Personally, it was eye opening,” added Kaleigh.
Overall, both young ladies said it is amazing to help out the community of Vegreville, but to also travel abroad and volunteer to assist others.
New members are always welcome, and can join at any time. They say being a member of the Interact Club is a great way to build connections in the community as well as get to know other youth you might not otherwise. “It’s a really good opportunity for anyone interested in volunteering,” added Claire.
