Local members of an organization for young community leaders recently marked World Rotaract Week by making outreach kits for Cloverdale’s homeless.
The Cloverdale Rotaract Club – part of District 5050 – joined their counterparts across the globe by planning events to raise the profile of the international organization, a program of Rotary International that encourages youth to serve their communities and which celebrates its 45th anniversary this year.
The Cloverdale chapter recently assembled 50 kits for Cloverdale Hyland House, a local shelter. The kits each contain a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, instant coffee, socks, hand warmer, and granola bar.
“Earlier this year our local projects committee (Manprit Chutai and Manny Chutai) contacted the Cloverdale shelter to ask if there was anything that we could do to help out their operation through fundraising or projects,” said Jennifer Petrichenko of the Rotaract Club of Cloverdale.
“ The director there advised our members that one of the biggest things we could do to help was create kits that they could give to individuals that frequent the facility. They give out the bags seasonally so we hope to continue this project as the seasons turn.”
Locally, members are involved in community events such as the Cloverdale Blueberry Festival.
Joining the club has helped open a world of opportunity for Petrichenko, district Rotaract representative for District 5050, who says she’s been able to travel around the world and network with like-minded community leaders she would otherwise have never come into contact with.
“I am so proud of what this organization stands for and the work that we do to positively impact the community and its surrounding areas that I call home,” she says.
There are currently 9,700 clubs worldwide with more than 223,000 members.
In May, Vancouver plays host to the iRotary District conference, expected to attract as many as 400 members.
For more, visit www.rotaract5050.org.