Rotary Wheel June 24, 2014
Last week’s OJ stand- made about $900. Also- please note, there is no need to bring ALL of the OJ stuff up- old juicers can stay downstairs!
Carolyn Gibson will run this years WDSM human services school supply drive. More information forthcoming, but note- all supplies must be received by August 8!
Chris Nelson discussed our outbound and incoming exchange students:
The outbound student is having a great time, he is in Brazil listening to the city watch the World Cup and traveling and speaking to promote rotary and dental health.
Inbound student is Augustina from Paraguay. We are still looking for two host families!
Join in the WDSM 4th of July Parade! Meet at 5:15 (no later than 6) for a 6:30 parade start. Call Amy Fetters 515-240-8629 if you have questions.
Sgt at Arms: Tom George
Tom is a lifelong West Des Moines resident. He graduated from Iowa and Drake, and practiced law for 49 years. He and his wife Karen Erikson have a blended family. He coached baseball and his hobbies include reading civil war/US history books and building furniture. (He built all the wood furniture in his house!) Tom became a Rotarian in mid 1980’s because he wanted to be more involved globally.
Today's Program
Floyd Hammer came to speak on the Outreach program. The Outreach program began when he went to Tanzania a decade ago to help with a construction project and became inspired to do something about the starving children. The first trip he and his wife bartered corn for baskets. Since that time, they have purchased 50,000 baskets since 2004. The mission of outreach is to provide safe water, food, medical care and education for children.
In 2004 they packaged 2,000 meals, now they package 80 million a year. Outreach has worked with companies all over US and Canada. They package both international and local meals. As of January 1, Outreach has packaged 250,000,000.
With the four areas of Outreach's mission they have several areas they focus on;
Medical: his group has made 19 trips to Tanzania with doctors (over 1,200 volunteers) and they see 900-1400 people and perform 65-90 surgeries per trip.
Education: in 2005 they built their 1st school, now the school has 740 students in 7 classrooms
Feeding Centers: Outreach built the school, that ensures if a child goes to school they get a meal, 2nd feeding center opens in July
Water: Outreach has fixed 59 wells (all for just $3,000)
Currently, Outreach is working on a creating a demonstration farm
Please volunteer to help pack 100,000 meals with Rotarians on July 16 at either 1 or 3 pm. Families welcome!