On Saturday, November 16, seventeen volunteers from the Leaside Rotary Club and Leaside United Church came together for a meaningful outreach project with global impact.
Responding to a call from the lead Janet Thorsteinson from the Whitby Sunrise Rotary Club, the group worked to address a critical issue identified in small villages in the Dominican Republic. During annual visits, Whitby Sunrise members observed that young girls lacked access to personal hygiene products, leading to missed school days—about one week per month—and facing related stigmas.
In response, the Whitby team developed a sustainable, homemade hygiene solution. They brought eight sewing machines and all the necessary materials to Leaside for an afternoon of crafting and collaboration. Volunteers formed sewing and cutting groups to produce these essential items.
It was a powerful afternoon of fellowship, purpose, and teamwork. Everyone left with a sense of fulfillment, knowing their efforts would make a tangible difference in the lives of these young girls, helping them stay in school and regain confidence.
This is what Rotary is all about—working together to create positive change.
