The Rotary Club of Ankeny has partnered with Blessman International in four Global Grants since 2017. These projects have included Farming Skills, Feminine Hygiene, Early Childhood Sanitation, and Phase II - Early Childhood Sanitation and have represented the majority of the Club’s International service projects. The Club now has the opportunity to be the US lead for an additional Global Grant with Blessman International. The previous feminine hygiene kit project purchased sewing machines and trained local women in the making of the kits, empowering them through training and job creation. This project will provide funding to purchase materials, pay women in South Africa to sew menstrual health kits, and distribute the kits. They hope to be able to obtain sufficient funding to make and distribute 10,000 kits to impoverished young woman. Young women in South Africa often miss work or school due to a lack of supplies during their menstrual cycle. During the distribution of the kits, the women are trained in their use. The kits are washable, reusable and should last for about three years.
At their June meeting, the Rotary Club of Ankeny’s Board committed to provide $5,000 for this project and to also match any contributions from members up to an additional $2,500. Upon approval, by Rotary International, funds contributed towards this grant, will receive a match from District 6000 and also from Rotary International. The amount of the match will depend on the total amount contributed. Let Nate Burnham, nfburnham@gmail.com, know if you would like to make a contribution to this project. No payment is necessary until the grant is approved and ready to be funded.
Please keep in mind every dollar you contribute will be matched by the Club and will become $2.00. With the match from District 6000 and Rotary International, your contribution could become more than $5.00 for each dollar contributed. Plus, your contribution is tax deductible, and you will receive Paul Harris Fellowship credit and recognition points.
