The campaign for Canadian clubs to donate to Rotary District 7090’s Gift of Life chocolate heart sale has been a huge success.A total of 740 solid Belgian chocolate hearts were sold. Each heart cost $10 Canadian and the total profit realized was $3,115 CAD.
Hearts were handmade be Chocolates Etc.in St. Catharines.
The fundraiser was spearheaded by Cathy Henry with the support of other Canadian Board members Margaret Andrewes, Carol Lipsett, Pam Milroy, Shelly DeSantis and Valerie Phillips.
Please contact Cathy Henry Co-President at dhenry1@cogeco.ca for more information.
U.S. counterparts will begin their club visits to try to obtain financial support from clubs in March and will continue through June. The goal is to obtain at least $100 from every club on the U.S. side.
The more generous a club can be, the more children we can support through life-saving cardiac surgery. Clubs are encouraged to invite speakers to present at club meetings.
Contact Co-President Pat Castiglia at ptcas34@hotmail.com to make arrangements.
Chocolate hearts will continue to be sold at the District Conference!
Over 1.3 million children are born each year with congenital heart defects. Unfortunately, 93% are born in countries where treatment cannot be performed. A major goal of GOL is to enable surgeries to be done in countries where pediatric cardiac surgery centers can be developed. This effort would help to ensure not only easier access to appropriate treatment but also help to ensure sustainability and accountability for the future.
Currently there are 84 affiliated programs in 80 countries across 8 continents. Doctors and nurses are empowered through the provision of the training, funding, and support that they need in order to treat children in their own countries/region.
In 2024, 5,045 children received care through GOL International. District 7090 was able to provide care for one child as well as assisting with the purchase of some necessary equipment.
The focus country for this year will be Egypt where we hope to assist in interventions needed by 43 children.
Please “Have a Heart and Save a Heart” by continuing to support this important District effort.