International Giving

By Irene Fowle

The Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club is one of over 45,000 Rotary Clubs in more than 200 countries.  The Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club mostly focuses on local issues like donations to the CRC Fuel Fund, shopping for the Community Fridge, inviting every Veteran and Active Service Member to a Veterans Day dinner, Saturday mornings at the Big Gray Rotary Barn and so much more. But, lately we've been hearing about the work that Rotary is doing around the world.  

A few weeks ago we heard about a Global Grant started by two Rotary Clubs in southern Maine to provide supplies for a new maternity hospital in Uganda.  

Last Thursday Dr. Ingrid Schultz told us about Congo Education Partners, founded in 2013 to help fund and advocate for a small college in the middle of the Democratic Republic of Congo Rainforest (which happens to be the second largest Rainforest in the world).  The best way to protect this Rainforest is by helping local people have work and the ability to provide for their families. Dojulu Technical College teaches Nursing, Environmental Science and Computer Education, skills that are needed in their home community.  

This Thursday we travel to Guatemala City in South America to hear about an amazing program, Safe Passage.  Safe Passage was started in 1997 by a young woman from Maine, Hanley Denning, to provide education to improve the lives of the families living and working on the huge Guatemala City dump.  For more than two decades Boothbay Harbor Rotary has been a vital partner of Safe Passage with several members visiting and volunteering there.  Executive Director, Erin Mooney and Development Director Rachel Meyn will tell us about the progress, changes and goals of this dynamic community led organization.

Remember, dues for July through December are due.  Send a check for $142.00 to BBH Rotary Club, PO Box 518, Boothbay Harbor, Me 04538.  Or just leave it in the desk for Brian to pick up.

The Big Gray Rotary Barn is open every Saturday from 8: 30 to 11:00.  Thanks to the generosity of this wonderful community we have just about anything you might need.  Furniture, household goods, boats, tools, antiques, collectibles, art and toys too.  Our pick up crews are happy to take your donations.  We are especially wanting small household goods, lamps, dishes, glasses, baking pans,etc along with furniture, boats, tools, etc. We do not take beds or anything just plain too big and heavy to move.  Call or text our Pickup Coordinator at 207-619-1417.

Join us this Thursday, or any Thursday at 6 pm for dinner and a program at our Clubhouse, 66 Montgomery Rd, Boothbay Harbor, Me. 04538. .  We’re a diverse group of people who work and have fun together.  You’ll be glad you did.