Rotarians,
September is here as we return to our desks from a long and (hopefully) relaxing three-day Labor Day weekend. I trust you are as excited as I to jump into our Rotary programs and activities for the month.
The Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program on September 6th will open our month of programming Chaired by Margaret Wimborne. The month focuses on Basic Education and Literacy and the weeks of programs lined up for our Club will inspire and remind us all that we are People of Action. There are many good things, good people, and good kids acting in our community focused on hope and peace. When we nurture peace, opportunities, and one another, we help heal the world and create lasting change.
In the latest issue of The Rotary Magazine, please take a few extra minutes to read pages 16 – 17. If there’s any question of how peace is being spread around the world, the handful of stories on the pages will provide you details of the hopeful work around the global.
What’s more is 333 million dollars were awarded in global service grants and initiatives in 2020 – 2021. Connecting 1.4 million Rotarians worldwide. Serving our communities with 47 million hours last year.
Here in Idaho Falls, we hope to connect people, support the transformation of our greenspaces and fund sustainable projects.
This month as we align our actions with our focus on Basic Education and Literacy, we will launch our partnership with the United Way Idaho Falls & Bonneville County and District 91’s Backpack Project. Our Club’s District 5400 Grant application was successful for a total funded project of approximately $2500. Members will be invited to participate by helping pack backpacks and make deliveries to the schools. The backpacks will be full of necessities for school aged children who need help the most. Focusing and learning in school has been proven to be difficult for children who are hungry. This project will help support the efforts currently underway by the United Way Idaho Falls & Bonneville County. We are grateful to help.
The beauty of Rotary is you, the Rotarian, can decide what projects and service you want to be part of. In The Rotary Magazine, the global perspective of opportunities are at your fingertips. In Idaho Falls, our Community Service committee co-chaired by Jeremy Crook and Emily Fitzpatrick Harris, sit with you each week and are accessible for ideas and collaboration. Just ask and engage!
We will round out a full month of inspiring programs, service and fun with an ice-cream social and french fry gathering at Kevin & Kelly Call’s car barn just off Sunnyside Road on September 21st at 6 pm. I can’t wait to see you and your families there.
Yours in Rotary,
Catherine