For Rotarians and Rotaractors alike, one of the greatest forms of service is to provide long-term solutions to community challenges. So, when the Rotary Foundation Canada approached Rotaract Canada with an opportunity to raise $150,000 for an area of focus of our choosing, it was an easy to see the great opportunities this would bring for our Rotaractors across the region. This partnership allows an opportunity for Rotaractors to learn more about The Rotary Foundation and Global Grants ahead the new Rotary International changes that will see Rotaractors allowed to apply for Global Grants beginning in July 2022.

 

As we have all been learning to navigate yet another wave of this pandemic, one thing that has stayed consistent has been the reminder of the importance that hand washing plays in staying healthy. Access to clean water, sanitation, and good hygiene goes hand-in-hand with efforts to improve health and nutrition. Often when we think of WASH global grant projects, we think of communities in third-world countries, but what about the communities in our own backyard? How can families and members of our own communities wash their hands when their only access to clean water isn’t accessible at all? This is what sparked members of Rotaract Canada to select Rotary’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Fund as our area of focus for our fundraiser.

 

So how will Rotaractors be raising $150,000? On January 29, 2022, Rotaractors in districts across the country will all come together to jump into ice cold water at the same time, making one big splash! In addition to this main fundraiser, districts are encouraged to host supplementary events to meet their fundraising goal.

 

This pandemic has been a stark reminder of the challenges that communities are facing both around the world, and in our own backyard. Rotaractors across the region are taking the plunge to raise money and awareness for the need to universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water, and we hope that you will join us.

 

To learn more about Making Waves: The Rotaract Canada Polar Plunge and learn how you can participate, I encourage you to visit our website, rotaractcanada.org/waves.