The Rotary Club of Fort Erie put on it’s 3rd annual RotZi event.
The RotZi event began as a community event to get kids out of the house right after the pandemic. It involved Great Fort Erie High School (GFESS) students acting as Zombies in an outdoor Apocalyptic event at the Fort Erie racetrack. Because it was put on in October, we snuck in Polio Eradication education, and voila, it now became a Community Services, Youth Services, and International Services Project.The 2nd year, with the help of GFESS again; the Drama/English teacher designed a Survival Camp event. A hospital tent, camp fire, and strewed cars allowed for students to hide and scare. Food trucks were present too.
-submitted by Vincent Quon
The 3rd year, this year’s, almost did not happen. Too much work. We decided instead to bandwagon with a BIA event. Jarvis Street is closed off every year so that businesses can hand out candy; a way for them to thank customers and invite new customers. We decided to sneak in and try a flash type Zombie rampage. A group of students would go up and down the street as though they were invading the street. GFESS also designed a backdrop of a broken window where zombies would try to grab little kids.
It was used as a photobooth.
Surprisingly; a complete success. Tons of candy was given away. Over 100 Polio Eradication info sheets and RotZi Graphic Comic books were given away. 25 Art students were given volunteer hours for drawing Zombies to contribute to the Anthology. And they all received the 16 page RotZi Graphic book the first week of November after a 2nd reprint. As well, the first week of Nov, we confirmed to GFESS, that one out of the ~12 Drama club students who participated as Zombies will win a $500 Drama Scholarship.
The best part was that the 3 new members came and volunteered and had fun. Thanks to new member Kalynne from St. Catherines for coming down. Our youngest member at under 25 who paid full membership fees is continuing to enjoy our no-ism club; a no racism, no ageism, no nationalism, no sexism hybrid club. Oh, almost forgot, we raised approximately $450 via sponsorship and donations. Another success; although we did NOT plan the BIA Jarvis event, MPP: Wayne Gates’ office asked if they could set up a table next to us. Cool.