President-elect LeeAnn opened the meeting with our land acknowledgement, and the singing of O Canada.

Chair Announcements:

Jack Wilson reported that the new wayfinding signs in the Forest will be up soon.

The HIP Y2Y walk was cancelled due to extremely icy paths on the way from CMU to the Forest. The committee will be meeting this evening to reschedule it.

The washroom for the Forest has been ordered. It will be a one-seater, wheelchair accessible and seasonal. They are hoping to have it ready in June.

Jim reminded us to get on the business of selling Lobsterfest tickets.

LeeAnn has Lobsterfest posters available.

Our speaker this evening was Anshu Chandra.

Thank you for the opportunity to share this important work.

Our eye care services in Fond-des-Blancs, Haiti are at a critical turning point. The space we currently operate in will soon no longer be available, putting the only source of eye care for over 500,000 people at risk of shutting down.

We are now working to build a permanent eye care facility, one that will ensure long-term, sustainable access to vision care for this entire region. In 2026, we will also launch the first-ever school-based vision screening program in the area, providing children with early intervention so they can succeed in school and in life.

Local News Feature
https://www.news10.com/news/local-news/meet-the-capital-region-optometrist-bringing-eye-care-to-those-in-need/

Video Links
Clinic Overview (4 min): https://youtu.be/3pticjDS2EE
1-Minute Inside Our Clinic: https://youtu.be/vcwVGbJZ6rMP
Patient Story: https://youtu.be/dP3opzJ84d4
Dr. Kaw’s Endorsement: https://youtu.be/bsOLJbqLqV8

Your club has the opportunity to help sustain and grow the only eye care services available in this region of rural Haiti.

Ways Your Club Can Help:
• Adopt the Haiti Eye Clinic as a club or multi-club project
• Lead a local fundraiser or community initiative
• Introduce this project to other clubs for broader collaboration
• Secure a district grant
• Connect us with corporate or foundation partners

Programs Your Club Could Support:
• One month of comprehensive eye care services
• School-based vision screening (entire schools or individual classes)
• Pediatric eye care from birth through age 19
• Premature infant screening to prevent lifelong blindness
• Construction of the new clinic or essential infrastructure (solar power, generators, water systems)

This can become a shared Rotary initiative, one that multiple clubs take pride in, bringing life-changing eye care to underserved communities in Haiti.

I would be happy to arrange a live virtual visit of the clinic and would welcome the opportunity to return and share updates with your club.

Ways to Give (please include your email for a donation receipt):
• Zelle: globaleyeproject@gmail.com
• Venmo: @Anshu-EyeClinic
• Online: www.globaleyeproject.org
• Mail: Global Eye Project, 25 Garling Drive, Latham, NY 12110
• Donor-Advised Funds, Stock donations, Cryptocurrency (converted to USD)

Thank you for your generosity, your service, and your commitment to making a difference. Together, we can restore sight and transform lives.

Warm regards,

Anshu Chandra
Rotarian, Niskayuna Rotary
Doctor of Optometry | Director, Haiti Eye Clinic
Global Eye Project (EIN: 85-0610716)
www.globaleyeproject.org

Happy Bucks:

• Jim was happy to report that our new member, Dawn, has already sold all of her lobster tickets.
• Iain was happy that Caroline has returned from Vernon, and that LeeAnn is doing well in the chair position.
• Lloyd had a good weekend in Halifax and enjoyed seeing all the great buildings.
• Ed Thompson was glad to have worked in the garden today. 
• Chuck was delighted to notice the green grass today.