Brooks Interact recently voted on a number of local projects to receive proceeds from its fundraising activities this school year.
Each member was given three votes to choose among the donation ideas they had brainstormed the previous week. Once the voting determined the three top groups, Interactors determined how much money they would receive of a total of $1,000.
Recipient organizations are BC SPCA-Powell River, which is in desperate need of pet food, Patricia Theatre for renovations, and grocery cards for a Ukrainian family which recently moved to the community.
“Part of Rotary International, Interact is a school-based service club for young leaders aged 12 to 18,” explained Rotarian and Interact liaison Lisa Gunn. “It exists in 120 countries with 250,000 members in 10,000 clubs.”
Brooks Interact, which has been in existence for 29 years, undertakes at least two international and two community service projects every year. Its motto is: LEAD. CONNECT. SERVE.
“During the school year, we have also donated money to Ukraine through Rotary Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund and most recently purchased a bicycle for a person in Cameroon, Africa, that will change a life,” added Gunn.
“Our first donation was to Family Place, which has needed a certified baby change table for 20 years. Young moms who attend there have been changing their babies on the floor. We also adopted a family at Christmas, buying food and gifts.”
Funds have been raised through a Powell River Kings’ tailgate party, Max Cameron Theatre concessions, a bake sale for students and staff, and a drinks concession at Banff Mountain Film Festival.
“I would ask parents to encourage their Brooks students to consider participating in Brooks Interact,” said Gunn. “We are in a rebuilding process following COVID and welcome new members who are interested in service.”
Interactors meet at lunch on Thursdays in the Foods Room at Brooks Secondary School.
A former teacher and administrator, Gunn knows that participating in a group such as Interact reflects positively on students’ scholarship and bursary applications for post-secondary institutions as well as employment resumes.
