International Service Committee
Who we are and what we do...
As its name implies, the International Service Committee's focus is on service beyond Canada's borders. After all, Rotary is a worldwide organization with 1.3 million members in more than 160 countries. 'International Service' describes the many programs and activities that Rotarians undertake to advance international understanding, goodwill, and peace.
International Service committees work with clubs and districts to identify resources to develop international projects and design global grants of higher quality and greater scale by leveraging local Rotarian, Rotaractors, and Rotary alumni expertise, establishing connections between clubs in your district and a host or international partner, and creating a network of local experts to help with planning projects and grants.
The Rotary Club of Middleton is pleased to be part of the Multi-Clubs International Services Committee which manages the Clubs' donations to various international projects and participation in various District and Global Grants.
In addition, the Club itself donates to two major international initiatives: Shelterbox disaster relief efforts (as pictured to the right) and the Polio Plus 'End Polio Now' initiative, which you can learn more about by clicking on the link below.
Our 'Magical Project' in 2024-2025 is a partnership with the Rotary Club of Port Elizabeth West in South Africa:
The Rotary Club of Middleton was chartered 70 years ago. This is the Club’s first international project.
Co-Presidents of the Rotary Club of Middleton, Sharon Hutton and Iris Sullivan, searched for a ‘Magical Project’ to bring to the Club in our Planning meetings in May of 2024.
After a discussion with PDG Elva Helge, District 7815 International Project’s Chairperson, we chose to approach our Rotary Club members to discuss the opportunity to partner with the Rotary Club of Port Elizabeth West. They had a project which was to enhance washroom facilities for male and female in the Akhanani Expansion Project. The facility had one toilet for the use of everyone.
PDG Elva introduced us to Rotarian PDG Kevin Dersley of the Rotary Club of Port Elizabeth West South Africa via Zoom.
We had several meetings with PDG Kevin prior to Inviting him to participate each month during our Business meetings to update the entire Club on the progress of our portion of this program.
The Ablution block originally was to be in a building on the property. However, a container was donated which delayed our joint project until a proper foundation, plumbing, and electrical could be installed to enhance the original design expectation. This will create toilets and sinks for males and females, with privacy.
This facility operates daily with
Nursery School - 8 to 14 children
School age - 90 to 120 children
Adult Education - 10 to 20
Food Program - Meals are provided in-house or to go, which adds an additional 50 to 100 individuals daily.
Our cash donation for the Ablution Block is $4,100. CAD.
We are humbled to follow in the footsteps of our Founders of Rotary whose first project in Chicago was to provide toilet facilities.
We believe that children and adults in this community will feel that the water facility would be magical in their lives. We believe that our two Rotary Clubs have created a magical experience as individuals sharing monthly our Rotary Experiences across the world of Rotary!
Respectfully submitted
Co-Presidents
Sharon Hutton and Iris Sullivan
.png)
