The Interact Club of H.J. Cody School in Sylvan Lake is looking to make a global impact.
The club, which promotes the volunteer spirit, is currently fundraising and gathering donations that will be hand delivered by a H.J. Cody grade 12 student Taylor Bootsma to a village in Uganda.
The program, according to Interact Club facilitator Allana Routhier is a joint effort by the Rotary Clubs of Innisfail and Sylvan Lake, along with the Interact Club.
Bootsma is excited for the opportunity to help those in need throughout the world.
“I want to go because I want to help people,” she said. “I feel this is a great way to travel and help people at the same time. I love children and I love travelling.”
Bootsma will be carrying with her vital supplies that are currently being prepared by the Interact Club members, who meet every Monday at H.J. Cody School.
Club Co-President Brynne Takhar shared one of the most important donations by the Interact Club.
“We are working on sewing period pads so girls can go to school in Uganda,” she said. “Normally girls are not able to school while they are on their period and this is one of the leading causes of girls dropping out of school around the world. These pads will help them get their education.”
“Currently many girls drop out of school because they are shunned at that time of the month,” Routhier said, adding that the club is looking for flannel material donations as well as anyone willing to help sew this vital donation.
Routhier discussed the logistics of sending a student to Uganda.
“They will work on building a school and help the community as whole with other projects,” she said. “The kids are very, very safe. There are opportunities for community members to go. We supply quite a bit of the funding for the student as well as some of the projects.”
She added the club hasn’t decided all the projects yet but it could involve buying animals or helping with a clean water campaign.
Takhar added that any additional funding that the community could provide would be greatly appreciated. To get involved with this project, you can call the school at (403) 887-2412 and ask for Routhier.
reporter@sylvanlakenews.com