Brantford Sunrise members saw, firsthand, in March, how the funds the Club raises support our community.The Executive Director of Why Not City Missions, Karen Stewart, told Club members Why Not is assisting young people in any way needed, so they are given the tools they require to move onto the next step in their life, and change their future pathway. She said they provide a stabilizing environment, working in a supportive manner with education, mental health support, and food security.
Hygiene is an important component. Karen explained there are many factors that impact upon youth hygiene, which includes more than personal cleanliness. Physical hygiene, such as handwashing, dental maintenance, a healthy diet, environmental hygiene can all have an impact on a person's overall physical health. Mental hygiene, which includes routine building, goal setting and emotional regulation, and sleep hygiene, which focuses on establishing healthy sleep habits, are also critical components. She said changing habits, which are sometimes generational, can be a long process, and requires a lot of grace.
The Executive Director expressed her gratitude to Sunrise Rotarians for their long history of support for Why Not City Missions. Club President-Elect Nominee, Laurie Macintyre, thanked Karen for her presentation. In addition to the March Pod presenting Why Not with a $1,000.00 cheque in support of their programs, Club members donated enough personal care and hygiene products to fill 2 totes.