The North Bay-Nipissing club received information from their partner Rotary Club in La Fortuna, Costa Rica that the La Fortuna orphanage in this town was in serious need of supplies to help the orphaned children (https://orphanagelafortunacr.com/). Traditionally, much of their operating costs are funded by contributions from their private sector supporters who operate resorts in the region. However, with the drastic decline in tourism, these contributions have all but dried up.
The club held a ‘virtual’ garage sale on Kijiji during March, with items donated by club members, families and friends. A similar sale was also undertaken by the Rotary Club of Kanata.
The initial goal was to raise $1,000 and the sale ended up bring over $3,500.
The club is planning to organize a trip to La Fortuna when it is possible to do so.
Want to learn more about what the club did to set up and run this virtual fundraiser? Please contact project coordinator – Mark Lamontague.