Literacy: Literacy is a key initiative of Rotary. We have been recognized by Rotary as the top literacy program in the Eastern District of South Carolina. We have purchased books and other materials for local libraries and schools, and sponsored local students in a summer entrepreneurial program, YesCarolina. We volunteer at after school programs and we give all third grade students in Daniel Island and Cainhoy schools their own dictionary each year.
Educational Scholarships: Annually we present scholarships to area high school students to be used for their freshman year of college. In the spring of 2010, we awarded seven scholarships totaling $10,500.
Rotary Exchange Student: Over the past 6 years, we have hosted 5 inbound youth exchanges—one from the following countries: India, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and Netherlands. In addition, we are working on our first outbound student for 2010 – 2011.
Group Study Exchange: In 2010, one of our members was selected from the district to lead a 4 week cultural and professional exchange to Parana, Brazil. The team consisted of the leader and four young professionals from across the district. They participated in 25 Rotary meetings, speaking about the United States, South Carolina and our Rotary District.
Ambassadorial Scholarship: For 2010-2011, our club sponsored two candidates for the Rotary International Ambassadorial scholarship. These $25,000 scholarships are for study in the areas of health and wellness, literacy, and/or world peace.
Community Food Drive: Assisted by the generosity of Publix Supermarkets, the Club purchases and distributes hundreds of nutritious meals to assist many of the area’s most needy. These food drives are generally conducted around major holidays, and are done with the additional help of the people of the Cainhoy Community Center.
Clean Water: The Club supports clean water projects in needy areas around the world through volunteer work and financial donations to Water Missions International. In April, 2010, the Club led a project in the Amazon River Basin to purchase and install water treatment systems which are now providing safe, potable water to 8,000 people, freeing them from the perils of water-borne disease. A second similar project is planned for spring, 2011.
Polio Eradication: The club has made donations in support of Rotary International’s effort to eradicate polio worldwide. This effort is benefitted by a $355 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Learn more.
Duck Race Day: Each spring the Club presents the Rotary Charity Duck Race, an event which has quickly become one of the Low Country’s premier fundraisers. In the past four years the event has raised and donated more than $400,000 for local charities and Rotary projects worldwide. Current information about the Duck Race can be found at: www.CharlestonDuckRace.com.
Please Note: Our club is always open to supporting, with a hand and/or finances, projects that improve the community of Daniel Island and Cainhoy. We welcome any suggestions for our consideration. They may be sent to Bob Wood, President or Pat Richards, Community Service Chairperson.
