Posted by Lezlie Murch

20,000LBS ON ITS WAY

The Rotary Club of St. Catharines reports that its 40 foot container left the Warehouse of Hope on November 2, 2017 and is expected to be received by fellow Rotarians in St. Maarten on November 15, 2017.  The club sends a shout out to all who contributed to assist in the club's endeavour to help in the rebuilding of St. Maarten, due to the devastation of Hurricane Irma.
 
Together $18,000 was raised and 20,000 pounds of goods were sent, which comprised of: 132 boxes of medical supplies - donated by Not Just Tourists, 18 wheelchairs, canes, walkers, commodes, 300 pairs of eyeglasses, 7 pallets of linens and layettes – donated by Warehouse of Hope, 2 pallets of brand new sandals – donated by VDC Canada, 5 barrels of soup mix and 5 barrels of dried fruit snacks – donated by Ontario Christian Gleaners, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash – donated by Harbourside Dental, Zammit Orthodontics, and Portside Dental, school supplies, binders, clothing, shoes – donated by Durward Jones Barkwell and Company,  Investors Group, and The Forty Public House, Grimsby, sports equipment, clothing, food – donated by Niagara Academy of Tennis, ACE Tennis, Burlington, Niagara Conservatory of Music, Wild Play Niagara Falls, Niagara Casino, and Jean Sauve School,  assistance with purchases such as: school supplies, microwaves, hot plates, bins, coolers, and books, from local businesses: Staples, Chapters, and Canadian Tire 4th Avenue, and many donations of food, clothing, shoes, toiletries, school supplies from hundreds of individuals!  
 
Local Rotary clubs – Grimsby, St. Catharines Lakeshore, Niagara Falls, SOWNY E-Club and St. Catharines all contributed by assisting with the sorting and packing, as well as with cash donations. A special shout out to: Kent and Diane Chisolm, June Mergl, Jim VanRoon, Wade Dempsey, Ted Usick, Jeff Wallace, Miriam Laundry, Rob DePetris, Laura Hills, Vicky Rudachuk, Jack Amico for the generator and the many Rotarians that rallied the troops!
 
This endeavor could not have been accomplished without the assistance of: Martindale Physiotherapy Team, Tom, Vonya, and Sharon who allowed us to gather and sort the items in their offices, and JVK Ltd. whose warehouse staff picked up the many bins, boxes and bags, stored the items in their warehouse and trucked it to Warehouse of Hope, and Warehouse of Hope for their many hours of guidance, emails, donations, and loading of the container!
 
This has truly been a heartwarming experience and an example of how together your one contribution can change the lives of many. The Rotarians in St. Maarten will receive the container and follow up with many pictures that can be seen on our facebook page: Rotary St. Catharines – hope you will like and follow us!
 
A sincere THANK YOU for your contribution.
 
Yours in Rotary Service,
 
Lezlie Murch
Director, Rotary Club of St. Catharines