The Chemainus Rotary Club is sending a team to San Antonio Palopo in Guatemala for the fifth year in a row.
The team that includes Susan Martin, Tom Andrews, Derek Hardacker and David McCormick left Wednesday and will spend two weeks volunteering and helping Mayan families that are in need of assistance, as identified by a local women’s group.
Soccer balls and jerseys have been donated by the Cowichan Valley Soccer Association. The Rotarians are also taking dental supplies donated by Dr. Brian Megus and many other items for Mayan families such as books, toys and building supplies donated by various club members.
Plans are to build a new home for a needy family as selected by the mayor, provide supplies for the children’s nutrition program and support a gas stove program for families that have been trained in their use. Wood is becoming scarce and expensive, and is a serious health hazard due to the smoke.
Anyone interested in following the progress of the group can do so on a blog at chemainusrotaryteam.wordpress.com.