Holmes Shares Information about Rotary District 6000 South Africa Service Trip
Posted by Brian Buethe
on Nov 16, 2015
Rotarian Lee Holmes was in attendance at the regular meeting of the West Polk County Rotarians on November 16th, 2015. Lee was invited by Sergeant of Arms Chris Morrill to share information about his past experience in leading a Rotary Service Trip to South Africa.
The primary mission of the trip was to explore a new well project at a local school that did not have access to clean water. This effort was conducted under the direction of Blessman Ministries. Blessman Ministries is a Christian ministry organization known for volunteer work and short-term mission trips to Africa. Jim Blessman, President and co-founder of Blessman Industries was also in attendance at the meeting.
Rotarians are very active in South Africa, a country that has tremendous need as it tries to evolve as it continues to deal with industrial strife in the years after becoming a full democracy. While things continue to improve, the country still deals with large pockets of extreme poverty and a lack of everyday amenities often taken for granted in the western world (i.e. potable water, toilet facilities, etc.).
Holmes has led one group of Rotarians on a service mission to South Africa, and plans to return in January 2016. In addition to well projects, Rotarians have also helped to construct greenhouses that allow for year around production of vegetables, they have conducted eye clinics, shoe fittings, and have their eye on additional projects in the future.
A few of these planned projects include the construction of new toilet facilities at schools and orphanages. It costs approximately $15,000 to build a block of four toilet facilities, which are both sanitary and sustainable.
The members of the Rotary Club of West Polk County would like to publicly thank Lee Holmes and his friends (Jim Blessman & Sarah Akin) from the Waukee Rotary Club for attending and presenting at this meeting. To learn more about Blessman Ministries and your opportunity to attend a service trip to South Africa please visit http://www.blessmanministries.org.